2022 Annual Conference Highlights
The SMA Annual Conference in Memphis, Tennessee was a memorable event for all who attended. As is tradition, the conference kicked off with with the traditional Golf Tournament where our golfers enjoyed 18-holes with putting and driving competitions using specialized stair part golf clubs; a baluster putter and a newel driver. Our non-golfers enjoyed a Memphis City Tour and a trip to Graceland. New attendees joined seasoned attendees at our fantastic Speed Networking event, which continues to be a conference hit year after year as it allows attendees one-on-one time to meet their peers. The Welcome Reception with Exhibitors was a great opportunity to connect with fellow stair industry partners. Then, we headed downtown where we enjoyed the sights and dine on delicious food. The music on Beale Street did not disappoint!
Friday’s learning sessions kicked off with Zondra Cawein, FedEx Vice President of Engineering & Operational Excellence. Zondra shared her leadership strategies, discussed practical ways to recruit talent, and encouraged attendees to build effective teams by focusing on each members strengths. Then, we boarded the buses for our Shop Tours. Attendees chose from Central Woodwork or the National Hardwood Lumber Association. The day concluded with the Annual Auction where we raised a record breaking $21,025 for the SMA’s Testing and Research Initiative.
Saturday kicked off with the 2021 StairCraft Award winners presenting their “How We Did It” presentations where they shared how they built their award winning stairs and some challenges they encountered along the way. We also debuted the Stairbuilders Hall of Shame award where poor craftsmanship was on full display. Of course, these were not works of any SMA members, but were works that have been seen by conference attendees. Finally, we had three breakout session that filled the afternoon. Attendees got to choose from Design Trends, The Women of Stairs, and Dueling Designs.
The event came to a close with the annual Awards Banquet where we said “Thank You” to our past board members; Rusty Parks and Jonathan Webster. We also recognized the Annual Golf Event standouts, honored one of our own with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and presented awards to the 2022 StairCraft Award winners.
A special thank you to all of our Sponsors and Exhibitors. Your support makes this event possible and we could not do it without you. THANK YOU!
The SMA Annual Conference is an industry highlight. Whether you were able to join us or not, we would like your candid feedback as we strive to provide this unique future opportunities. Please complete our short survey!