There have been round table events in our industry for many years now, but over the last few years they have increased in both frequency and popularity. Most of the time, the events are held on weekends and do not have schedule conflicts with other events. From time to time schedule conflicts will arise which make it difficult for contractors, because they are forced to choose between two events when both of these events might have been beneficial and attended. That's a shame.

Both veterans and newbies attend these events, and walk away from them with information, literature, new contacts to network with, new equipment that might have been on sale, and sometimes prizes as well. Topics range from those covering the basic business services like house washing, to more advanced ones like building restoration. Both residential and commercial services are often covered. Additionally, business topic such as sales, marketing, advertising to name a few are covered at these events. The events tend to have a nominal fee, much lower in cost than a typical convention.

So check the forums for upcoming events this year, and mark your calendars. These events are worth the time and money to attend them, and here's hoping the rest of the season runs smoothly and without scheduling conflicts.

Beth