ESICA Members Reunite at an Awesome Spring Conference!

The 2021 Spring Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC was truly an event to remember.  After months and months of relative isolation, zoom meetings, teleconferencing, and home confinement, attendees joyfully greeted each other with warm greetings, hugs and shared experiences.

“The spring conference went beyond our expectations, emphasized John DeLillo Jr., ESICA Deputy Director. “When we began planning the event, we expected a small group of maybe 30 or 40 members. How surprised we were when the responses came pouring in.  We had close to 70 attendees who were delighted to reunite once again!”

We recently spoke with our conference newcomers as well as our regular attendees, who all were eager to share their experiences:

“This conference was on track … timely … and extremely well organized.  I was pleased to see that ESICA focused the conference on what is going on NOW!” Chris Bullock, Duna USA

“This was my first experience at an ESICA Conference, and I felt no awkwardness. The group as a whole was extremely inviting and comforting and made me feel welcome.

“It was so good to get away after being in my home office for over a year! We discussed current hardships we are facing right now, like employment issues, new policies, problems associated with stimulus money and trying to get back to normal.

“I met many new people and made some great connections. I felt an incredible sense of comradery in seeing industry people face-to-face – it was all so worth the time and money. I definitely would have missed something by not being there.” 

“As a newcomer to ESICA, I really appreciated the openness and friendliness of everyone I met. The Board Members made it a point to personally come over and introduce themselves. They made me feel so welcome.” Ken Eakin, Insu-W-Rapid Americas (IWR)

“What a great venue … the outdoor meeting areas, nearby beach and resort. I loved it!

“The conference was excellent– very impressive all around. As a salesman, and a new member, I got to speak with a lot of people I wanted to meet. I so appreciated the warm welcome I received, and I am truly looking forward to the fall conference.”

“I think, above all, the panel discussion with manufacturers, distributors and contractors gave me real knowledge and information I can use: What’s happening out there, what works, and what doesn’t. It’s nice to hear about these things without prying for information.”

“This was my first ESICA conference, and I truly felt comfortable. There was industry conversation and great dialogue, which helped me understand what contractors and other manufacturers are facing. All in all, I left feeling very encouraged and was glad to meet new people.” Joe Mlachak, Fit Tight Covers

“The conference provideda platform formuch needed discussionon new business challenges and how the industry was responding to COVID.  

“The venue encouraged everyoneto relaxand conversemore openlyoutside the work environment.  I met a lot of these people for the first time, and they were the best! For me,the value in attending is really there.

“I discovered that all these businesses have unique challenges,but everyone attending wants and needs the industry to be successful.  I was so impressed with the comradery even among competitors. Companies in our industry have found ways toovercome extreme challenges, stay open, and perform on a high level.

“During the conference, I attended my first face-to-face board meeting since joining the board. I loved the open and honest forum that existed and how everyone was there to contribute – not just fill a seat.”  Marc Napolitano, Insulation Materials Corporation (IMC)

“I absolutely loved seeing all my friends. Most of us have been working through all this, but we don’t get a chance to play together, to talk and to let our hair down.  It was a great feeling.

“I also enjoyed being a part of the panel discussion with Brad Power, Jerry McCaffrey and Tim Hartnett.  Topics emphasized the hurdles we are all facing in getting back to normal.  I believe attendees got good information from the session.

For me, it was all about unwinding, learning a little something and driving the business forward.  Just being a part of the bigger picture was extremely rewarding.”

“You don’t realize how much you miss everyone until you see your friends and associates again. I felt like we were back to normalcy.” Owen Sommers, Rockwool Technical Insulation

“That first evening at the cocktail reception was one of the most memorable parts of the event for me.  Greeting old friends, meeting new people – it’s really a moment of excitement when you see each other again after so long. 

“Personally, I feel this was the best conference yet. The reason is simply because I’ve been a part of ESICA for over 5 years, and I’ve grown fond of the people who are part of this organization.  This time, I felt I really belonged. I actually got hugs!

“One thing I can vouch for is the freedom we all felt just to be there.  People were genuinely happy to be free and socialize and roam around.” Louis Walton, Proto Corp.

“I believe it’s all about reconnecting face-to-face with people.  Zoom gets old after a while. Seeing customers in person is so important.

“I didn’t’ travel for 14 months.  During those meetings on zoom we took care of business.  Initially we slowed down a little bit, but we were always busy.  Fast forward a few months, it was clear the overall commercial construction would remain strong across North America. We are blessed to be part of this industry.

“The conference had a lot of good sharing and during discussions everyone spoke from their heart.  There was a lot of valuable information reinforcing the shared struggles we are all facing.”

The conference timing was exceptional, and the overall feeling was really positive.  It was so nice to see everyone enjoy the comradery that existed. It was great to see hugs, handshakes, and high fives after being away from associates over the last year.” Tiffany Gonzalez, Distribution International

“As we get busier, more and more issues arise. Just discussing the challenges we are all facing as suppliers, vendors, and contractors – talking about the industry as whole and getting different perspectives – helps us to plan better for what is to come.

“It’s important to talk about the real issues in the industry and everyone was eager to do just that and certainly offer their perspectives.

“This is definitely a candid group!  Everyone was chiming in to give their input.”

From the opening cocktail reception onward, everyone who attended the Spring Conference felt the warmth and comradery among ESICA members and associates.  We were so excited to be together once again.

We eagerly anticipate our upcoming Fall Conference at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, FL, September 9-11. The ESICA team has planned an amazing event you will not want to miss! Register today.