2013 Total Solutions Plus: A HUGE Success!

“Everything was great!  This was without a doubt the best conference I have ever attended.  I can't wait to go back and try the new things I have learned and engage in business with my new contacts. Thank you! ” - Total Solutions Plus Attendee

The 2013 Total Solutions Plus was the highest attended event in four years! If you attended the 2013 Total Solutions Plus, you had the opportunity to network and learn with over 500 tile industry leaders!

Attendees had access to the latest industry education on Membranes and Large Format Tile, Mudwork and Showers, Barrier Free Design/Techniques, and the Specification Smack Down; and information on how to better your business with Planning for Healthcare Reform and the Affordable Care Act, Search Engine Optimization and Social Media. In addition to the many educational sessions, attendees had the opportunity to network with industry leaders in distribution, union and non-union contracting and manufacturing.

Presentations from the breakout sessions are available below:

• Search Engine Optimization with Mark O'Brien
• Social Media with Shannon Vogel
• Affordable Care Act with Pat O'Connor
• Barrier Free Design/Techniques with Art Mintie
• Specification Smack Down

Once again CTDA, NTCA, TCNA and TCAA assembled the best resources to help you build your best business! Click here to view the full registration list.

Five awards were also presented at the 2013 Total Solutions Plus; Bill Griese with TCNA was awarded the ASTM International President's Leadership Award, Dave Milanowycz with Florida Tile received the 2013 CTDA Hall of Fame Award, Scott Carothers with CTEF was awarded the 2013 NTCA Ring of Honor Award, Earl Trostrud Jr. with Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Co. received the 2013 TCAA Carl V. Cesery Award and Les Lippert with Lippert Tile Company, Inc. was awarded the 2012 TCAA Carl V. Cesery Award.

There were also two fundraisers done during the 2013 Total Solutions Plus to support the CTEF and the TCAA's Scholarship Fund. Raffle tickets were sold throughout the conference to enter to win an $800 Apple Gift Card and LATICRETE hosted a silent auction for 12 mosaic art pieces by World-Class tile artists. Over $7,500 was raised for the CTEF and TCAA's Scholarship Fund with these efforts!

Total Solutions Plus attendees participated in a full schedule of educational break-out sessions throughout the conference and networking during the tabletop exhibits Monday evening, sponsored by Ceramics of Italy, featuring seventy-five (75) manufacturers, distributors and industry allies.

"Thank you for a great meeting! I was able to make some great connections at the table top event. " - Total Solutions Plus Attendee

The conference began with a memorable presentation by Jon Petz, an engagement expert, on It's Showtime...and Life isn't a Dress Rehearsal! View a special message from Jon by clicking here!

"This was the first meeting I have attended since all four organizations combined. I feel it allowed for more networking, more exchange of ideas, and a better overall conference. I enjoyed the options of breakout sessions to attend, and that I had minimal down time - there was always something entertaining and educational to attend." - Total Solutions Plus Attendee

The conference was capped by a compelling presentation from Mark Sharenbroich on how to build strong connections in the workplace that result in improved performance.

"Great topics and great presenters! Best conference yet! " - Total Solutions Plus Attendee

Over 100 attendees participated in the golf tournament on Sunday, sponsored by DalTile. And over 60 people enjoyed the Everglades and Segway Tours!

Finally, the Margarita and Daiquiri Drink Stations, sponsored by Louisville Tile and Tile Magazine, Reception and Beach Party Dinner ended the conference Tuesday night! Total Solutions Plus attendees enjoyed dancing and networking while listening to the Caribbean Chillers and enjoying games like Crab Racing, Surfing and Boat Racing!

Thank you to the 2013 Total Solutions Plus Sponsors, without whom this conference would not be possible! To view a list of our sponsors, click here.

"Everything was great. Great total attendance, great quality count and great quality meeting. Very glad all associations have come together as one voice." - Total Solutions Plus Attendee

To view and download photos from the 2013 Total Solutions Plus click here!

Please plan to join us at the 2014 Total Solutions Plus, October 25-28, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, TX!