RESTORATION
Strength in numbers Restoration leaders reunited for the first time in almost three years at the 2022 RIA Inc. Conference and Trade Show.
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ore than 250 restoration professionals came together in support of the industry at the 2022 RIA Inc. Conference and Trade Show. The two-day conference event marked the first time the industry has come together in almost three years after the RIA Inc.’s previously scheduled conferences were cancelled due to the pandemic. “It’s fantastic to see so many familiar faces once again after three years of being separated by distance and government regulations,” Owen Boak, RIA Inc. Australasian president told delegates in his opening address. “I would like to thank all the members of our executive and administrative teams for the work they have put in not once, but on three occasions. I would also like to thank the vendors for their continued support,” he said. 50 INCLEAN July / August 2022
LEADERSHIP LESSONS
The conference, which saw attendance numbers increase since its 2019 event, provided highly technical sessions, business and leadership seminars, case studies of major restoration projects, networking events and an exhibition trade show, with more than 20 vendors showcasing the latest restoration technology and equipment. The conference’s keynote speaker Olympian Lisa Curry gave an inspiring address on how to motivate team members and the importance of putting passion, pride and purpose into work. The two-day education program explored a myriad of restoration topics, including the principles of decontamination, understanding HVAC systems, the why’s and how’s of containment, mould risks and biological hazards. Recruitment, retention and creating a positive