Mark Your Calendar to Attend FRSA’s 98th Annual Convention & Expo Cheryl Sulock, CMP, CSEP, FRSA Director of Convention & Trade Show With record-breaking attendance numbers at FRSA’s annual event in July 2019, excitement has been building for an even larger event in 2020. Now is the perfect time to mark your calendars, make your travel plans and determine how to make the most of your time at FRSA’s 98th Annual Convention and the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Expo. FRSA is excited to be returning to the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla. for its 98th event which will take place July 15-17. “The Gaylord Palms is a great venue for our event,” says Lisa Pate, FRSA Executive Director. “Attendees and exhibitors love having everything under one roof and the Gaylord Palms team has been a great partner. As our Expo was continuing to expand at a steady pace, they worked with us to relocate to a larger exhibit hall in 2020 and beyond.” The expanded exhibit hall didn’t last long though. Exhibit space for the largest regional expo in the industry was sold out prior to the end of 2019. “We are so appreciative of our long-term exhibitors that continue to expand their exhibit space and increase event sponsorships in support of FRSA. We couldn’t do it without them,” said Pate. “We’re also excited to welcome several new exhibitors to our line-up this year. With over 230 exhibiting companies, contractors will have a chance to see the latest and greatest in the industry.” The two-day Expo will be open on Thursday, July 16 from 11 am – 5 pm and on Friday, July 17 from 10 am – 3 pm. The Expo will offer plenty of networking opportunities, cash prizes, the FRSA 25 Square Challenge, a Silent Auction and daily beer busts. Prior to the Expo kicking off, attendees can enjoy a full line up of educational and networking opportunities. Seminars begin on Wednesday, July 15 and continue each morning prior to the Expo opening. FRSA’s Educational and Research Foundation is offering 22 seminars with a total of 27 hours of education available for contractors to meet the continuing education requirements of their license. New for 2020, contractors will want to attend the Advanced Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) seminar taught by FRSA Director of Technical Services Mike Silvers, CPRC. This class will provide attendees with updates to the 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) Seventh Edition Building, Residential and Existing Building requirements for roof coverings, noting changes from the 2017 Florida Building Code Sixth Edition. Seminars will also include changes to the FBC brought about by the inclusion of ASCE 7-16. FRSA’s carefully planned seminar schedule still leaves plenty of opportunities for great networking 12
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events. On Wednesday, bring your crew and treat them to one of our exciting sports tournaments. Enjoy golfing at Celebration Golf Club, fishing in Port Canaveral or clay and pistol shooting at Tenoroc Shooting Range. On Wednesday evening, Wreckers Sports Bar at the Gaylord Palms Resort is the place to be for FRSA’s Welcome Reception. This two-story sports bar features a 37-foot sports screen, over 50 HDTVs and the coldest beer in town. Stop by for delicious food stations, an open bar and the perfect opportunity to network with industry peers. On Thursday evening, attendees will gather for the FRSA Officer Installation and S.T.A.R. Awards Dinner. The evening will highlight the best of the best in the roofing industry in four categories, with one project winning FRSA’s Shining Star and taking home bragging rights for the best roofing project of the year. FRSA’s most prestigious award, the Campanella Award, will also be presented during a unique display of artistry. Following the awards presentation, the S.T.A.R. Awards After-Party will wrap up the night with a DJ, drinks and plenty of dancing! Applications for the 2020 S.T.A.R. Awards are currently being accepted and must be submitted by April 10, 2020. Visit FRSA’s website, www.floridaroof.com, to apply. Project videos will be accepted and reviewed by the judges to help get a complete understanding of the project. Several high-resolution still photographs showing the project before, in-progress and after are still required. As you finalize your plans for FRSA’s Convention and Expo, keep in mind that your family will want to join you for a complete line-up of spouse and kid’s programs. The Ladies of FRSA will gather for a Cake Decorating Workshop led by the Gaylord Palms Pastry Team. On Friday, the group will head off-site to the Board & Brush Studio to design and paint custom wall displays. The Kids Program will offer Creativity Night where the kids get to be the chefs, a pool party that takes full advantage of the water slides at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Extreme Video Game Night. Ready to book? Registration and hotel booking instructions will be available this month. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest FRSA news by visiting www.floridaroof.com, liking FRSA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/flroof) and following the FRSA Expo on Twitter (@FRSAExpo).
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For more information on FRSA’s Convention & Expo or to learn about sponsorship or advertising opportunities, please contact Cheryl Sulock at 800-767-3772 ext. 177 or cheryl@floridaroof.com.