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Sunny Cancun, Mexico provided the beautiful setting for another successful CTDA Management Conference. Attendance levels were better than ever, as members from California to Turkey visited the J.W. Marriott Cancun to attend educational/motivational sessions, as well as fun networking events. The event was capped off by a Mexican fiesta that included a live Mariachi band as well as casino and carnival games.

Education Sessions

Once again, attendees were able to come away with valuable information to take home for their businesses as well as personal life. Jonathan Trivers talked about the single biggest change in U.S. consumer behavior - trading up to much better products. People are spending more money on higher quality items. Al Bates talked about the new challenges of the industry in regards to rising costs and the Euro affect, as well as his annual company performance report. Jack Daly's session covered Relationship Selling and Building a World Class Selling Organization.

Keynote speaker, Captain Charlie Plumb, former Vietnam prisoner of war, captivated the audience with his vivid accounts of surviving six years in an eight by eight foot jail cell. Mr. Plumb drew parallels between his experiences in captivity and the challenges of everyday life. It was truly a session to remember!

CTDA Hall of Fame

Congratulations once again to this year's CTDA Hall of Fame inductees, S.M. Van Kirk, former Executive Director of CTDA, and Sam Widener of Winco Tile. Both individuals have demonstrated a tremendous contribution to CTDA as well as the entire industry. Thank you again for your invaluable efforts!

Online Education

CTDA's new online education program was unveiled at the conference. Donato Pompo, President of the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone, was on hand to demonstrate the new online course called "Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile". CTDA members can register at a discounted price of $55 (over 40% off regular price). The course is accessible from any computer connected to the internet and is available for 14 days from sign-up. The new program is a great step toward the future of CTDA education!

For more information or to register, click here.

Tours

Attendees had an opportunity to relax and enjoy the local Mexican culture. The ancient Mayan cities of Tulum and Chichen Itza transported our members back over a thousand years and provided an up-close experience of the beautiful ruins. The fish were definitely nibbling during the Deep Sea Fishing trip, and attendees were able to snorkel and drive their own personal motor boats along a Mexican jungle river.

Click here to view photos of the conference! >>

For those of you who attended the conference, thank you for making it a successful event. We hope to see you again at next year's conference Nov. 10-13, 2005 in Rancho Mirage, California!