SPFA Conference: A Good Time Was Had by All
Tom Harris, a guest speaker at the SPFA Conference.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” Charles Dickens wrote in A Tale of Two Cities”. The return of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) yearly conference and tradeshow felt a lot like that to me.
On one hand the Professional Certification Program (PCP) was great. Lots of students being tested, lots of effort by the SPFA to deliver it in an organized fashion but it lacked manufacturer support. The usual contributors, but we could have evaluated another 20 students if we had the equipment and manpower to deliver it.
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) offered its SPF Air Barrier Installer Certification Training, but only the classroom side of the training. It would have been nice to be able to deliver the practical side (hands-on testing) as well. That would have taken a few more people, time, space, and materials to be able to do that.
The SFWW event on Tuesday was a blockbuster party with enough music, food, drink, events. and vendor displays to keep everyone happy. This was their biggest and best show yet. But Bill and his team need to figure out a way to introduce the audience to the primary contributors to the site. I wanted to meet a few of the characters, but in a sea of 1,500+ people, it just wasn’t possible.
As the SPFA Conference opened, there was a noticeable lack of SFWW attendees. The two groups need to find a way to deliver the training and presentations to the masses – who need to get back to work after a few days off. It’s difficult (impossible) to ask an owner/operator to step away from their business for a whole week. San Antonio is nice – buts it’s not a vacation spot….
The tradeshow floor was busy – very busy and the vendors I spoke with all thought the time was well spent. It was interesting to note, which foam manufacturers and channel players spent the time, money, and effort to show up and be there for you – and which ones were not. We’re all in this together. Support those who support you.
The breakout sessions were well attended and gave everyone an opportunity to ask questions and hear the latest thinking on a number of issues. The presenters truly spent their own time and money to be there for you – we all hope it was worth the effort and the attendees got something from them.
It was great to see so many attendees from far-away lands and to hear from them “we do it just like this”. The industry should be proud of the reach it has and the exposure our shows and media platforms are getting around the world. People are listening….
To the SPFA, I can’t say enough about your efforts, determination and the perseverance it took to get us back into the swing of things – it’s starting to feel “normal”. Thank you!
To the contractors: this is your show and your industry, we’re here to help you succeed. Participate (it’s actually fun) and contribute, comment and suggest – anything, just keep communicating.
Our first year back after Covid-19 was a success. We got a lot right, and we learned a lot. Look for opportunities to participate and contribute and we’ll have a better 2023 show.
Let’s Talk,
Tom Harris
