Columbia, MD – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA), formerly the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, will hold its Annual Fall Conference and Exhibition at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore in Baltimore, Md., from November 18-22. Comprising the event are several education sessions: a mold refresher course, a one-day Environmental Conference, a two-day Restoration Conference, and two optional one-day courses, one on drying out concrete and hardwood, and a second on the ideal system for restoration companies.

“The Fall Conference takes a more in-depth look at key industry issues,” said Cynthia Mullaly, RIA’s Director of Education and Certification. “Our sessions are created around a specific topic or theme, and then each session builds on the preceding one.”

“Environmental Risk Management: What They Don’t Teach You at Restoration & Remediation School” is the theme for the Environmental Conference where speakers will address when to walk away from a job, the psychology of indoor air quality, and the legal aspects of risk management.

  The Restoration Conference will feature the third round of the End User Marketeer or Vendor Program Loyalist donnybrook, a panel of international restoration professionals who will debate issues impacting the industry worldwide, and a follow-up to the pricing and drying discussions held at previous RIA conventions and conferences. On day two the conference addresses the “Ins and Outs of Commercial Crime.” Led by a former prosecutor, conferees will consider restoration industry practices with a view towards understanding what constitutes suspect business behaviors. The program will also include information on how to perform an internal legal compliance audit.

  “The property repair industry’s reputation for integrity was recently threatened by an allegation of fraud,” said RIA Executive Director Don Manger. “One of the most important services that an association can offer in such times is to reassure the public and its members through information and education. Every restoration contractor who values his company’s reputation and that of the industry should attend this conference.”

A new component of both conferences will be the introduction of the “un-conference format,” an exciting new concept that allows attendees to identify the compelling topics they want to learn about and discuss with their peers. “This is the opportunity to create sessions you are passionate about,” explained unconference facilitator Tom Leahy. “It allows people to create what they need and recognizes the value that everyone in that room brings to the conference.”

Full details and registration information for the Fall Conference events are available on RIA’s website, www.restorationindustry.org or by phoning 443-878-1000.