PCA Articles
A Closer Look at the PCA EXPO 2022
With over 130 years of legacy, the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) is dedicated to creating growth opportunities through networking and education. PCA EXPO is the most distinctive representation of how this association nurtures a culture of excellence in the trade by encouraging like-minded individuals to keep building each other up and achieving more together.
Hosted in a different destination each year, PCA EXPO is one of the most important national conventions for all professionals in the architectural coatings industry. After two years, PCA EXPO 2022 is back and better than ever before. This year, EXPO will take place at the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando, FL. From March 2nd to March 4th, attendees will be able to enjoy breakout sessions, daily brain meld sessions, industry-relevant panel discussions, a tradeshow, an awards ceremony, and social networking events hosted by industry partners PPG, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams.
PaintED Talks
The PaintED Talks are motivational and inspirational presentations delivered by industry thought leaders. They are a key highlight of the convention, because of their ability to provide precise, easy-to-understand information geared to empower professionals in the field. Each speaker has around 20 minutes to enthrall and captivate EXPO attendees with stories, guidance, and compelling ideas that will ultimately revolutionize the industry.
This year’s speakers include:
Alice Martin from Martin Painting and Coating Co, a commercial and industrial painting company. Alice earned a Communications and Business degree from The Ohio State University in 2018. She forms part of the third generation at Martin Painting and oversees hiring, business development, outreach, and training initiatives. With five and a half years in the business, she supports the leadership team and helps them achieve remarkable success.
Educational Sessions
Aside from the enhanced networking opportunities provided by EXPO, one of the most remarkable aspects of attending this world-class convention is the invaluable educational sessions and first-hand access to industry forecasts and trending information. EXPO educational sessions feature everything to support industry professionals in reaching new heights. Craftsmanship, financial growth, technology, and recruiting insights, are just a few of the hot topics covered.
In 2022, there will be a total of 20 breakout sessions. Each session lasts 75 minutes and includes interactive elements. Attendees can expect to engage with peers, ask questions to presenters, and gain insights into key aspects of their painting business.
Brain Meld Sessions
Brain melds have returned to EXPO due to popular demand. Contractors frequently feel isolated in their hardships. Brain melds can help with this by giving people the space they need to gain the kind of direct insight they require from other contractors. Brain melds are small table conversations (6-8 contractors) in which each individual can be honest about their business fears, frustrations, and failures while determining the best strategies for overcoming these difficulties. In these conversations, participants share ideas and methods that have improved their business trajectory while also engaging with possible mentors and lifetime friends.
Panel Discussions
The panel discussions at EXPO are one of the most insightful components that attendees love. At EXPO 2022, there will be six-panel discussions addressing subjects that have been trending in our sector and continue to be important for success. The goal of these panel discussions is to create discussion among a group of industry professionals and thought leaders so that the audience can benefit from their dialogue and interaction.
This year’s panel discussion topics include:
- Tech Stack. This panel examines how advanced technologies have transformed the painting industry. Panelists will provide their perspectives on technological solutions for improving product quality, increasing revenue, and enabling specialists in the painting sector to work in safer surroundings.
- Social Media. This panel explores how social media has evolved into a crucial component of developing a professional business image and brand. Panelists will share their strategies for using social media to promote their brand, generate trust, build an online community, and boost sales.
- Limiting Beliefs. This panel discusses the best practices for painting contractors. Panelists will address how internal beliefs have prevented them from reaching their full potential and the techniques they have used to overcome them.
- Residential Forum: Failing Forward, Learning Fast. This panel focuses on residential painting experts. Panelists will discuss some of their biggest business failures, as well as how those failures taught them a crucial lesson that lead to their eventual success.
- Commercial Painting. This panel focuses on industry standards and key techniques for commercial professionals. Panelists will share their commercial painting knowledge and expertise, as well as discuss worksite safety regulations and critical success factors on commercial projects.
- Craftsmanship. This panel will be led by members of the PCA Craftsmanship Forum. Panelists will establish and analyze Master Painter skill standards, as well as explore the need of developing standard operating procedures for efficiency. Other themes covered in this panel include craftspeople’s problems, best craft techniques, and how to inspire the future generation of craftspeople.
Tradeshow
The EXPO Trade Show will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest painting products and tools, find new technological trends to incorporate into your business, obtain business management and marketing insights, and network with leading manufacturers and business experts. EXPO Trade Show 2022 will feature around 60 exhibitors who will not only discuss painting products and business services but will also be eager to build long-term business relationships with all attendees.
Awards Ceremony
Every year during EXPO, PCA recognizes individuals and businesses that have excelled in their workplaces, communities, and markets. The PCA EXPO Awards Ceremony 2022 will honor 15 award recipients who have contributed, added value, and helped professionalize our industry with their expertise and love for the trade. The two categories for this year’s awards will be based on Leadership and Picture It Painted Professionally (PIPP). The winners in the Leadership category will be professionals and companies who have demonstrated leadership skills to provide clarity of purpose, motivate, and guide their businesses and the industry to greatness and success. In the same way, projects that have proven remarkable use of color, inventiveness, special finishing techniques, safety compliance, technical skill(s), originality, and superior execution will be the winners in the PIPP criteria.
Social Networking Events
PCA EXPO 2022 promises to be the ideal place to network and connect with national and perhaps even international colleagues and manufacturers. Therefore, the evening events at EXPO can’t be missed. Throughout the week, PCA’s industry partners will be hosting special, nightly events to extend the fun and networking opportunities for attendees. These events provide the space for individuals in the painting industry to connect in a more relaxed environment and are exclusive to EXPO attendees.
To kick off the convention and welcome you to the start of a wonderful week ahead, PPG will host their Mix and Mingle event. This event will take place on the hotel grounds and will provide attendees with the opportunity to reconnect with old friends or meet new industry partners over food and drinks.
The Benjamin Moore event will take place in the hotel’s Windsong Fountain/Lawn area and will be an informational and social networking event. It will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on March 2nd, giving attendees plenty of time to mingle, eat, and network!
Sherwin-Williams will be hosting a 1920’s inspired Speakeasy party at The Edison at Disney Springs. This event will take place on March 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and will include prohibition era cocktails, food and live entertainment! From the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel, Sherwin-Williams will provide round-trip transportation.
Note: Due to venue capacity constraints, the Sherwin-Williams event is limited to Full EXPO Contractor Registrations, Guest Registrations, and Thursday Daily Registrations Only.
EXPO APP
All the information regarding the PCA National Convention is available on the EXPO App. With real-time reminders and notifications, this app is a simple and effective way to stay on top of what’s going on at EXPO. To receive EXPO communications, news, and announcements, attendees can download this app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play. Furthermore, this app enables users to participate in activities and contests during the EXPO week in order to have fun and win prizes.
About the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel
PCA’s national convention will take place in the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel, which is 2 miles from Disney and 10 miles from Universal Studios. The Hyatt Regency is set on 1,500 acres of land and includes a lagoon-style pool with underwater caves as well as a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Spend a day at one of the nearby amusement parks with your family or team, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery during your week at the PCA EXPO 2022.
Visit Orlando Badge Program
EXPO seeks to provide attendees with the opportunity to attend all business conferences and learn something new while also guaranteeing a relaxed and enjoyable environment. With the “Visit Orlando” badge program, PCA EXPO guests can show their EXPO badge at various local attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers to receive a discount and save money. Whether you’re searching for a quick break between sessions or an all-day adventure with your family or friends, “Visit Orlando” has something to suit every schedule and interest.
An Unforgettable and Enlightening Experience
The annual PCA EXPO provides all the resources you need to build your brand, enhance your skills, hire and train new employees, network with peers, and keep up with industry trends while participating in an unforgettable and enlightening experience. Let EXPO 2022 be your reward for your professionalism, dedication, and perseverance in keeping the industry afloat throughout challenging times, and use this conference to expand your business, advance your career, broaden your horizons, and proudly contribute to the professionalization and development of the industry.
Attend PCA EXPO 2022 to gain valuable market insight, learn about industry trends, and form long-term partnerships. To have a fuller overview of the complete EXPO experience, take a look at this fascinating and educational material about PCA EXPO on PCA Overdrive.
About The Author
Katie Jacome is PCA’s Marketing Manager, focusing on the logistics of producing high-quality material, developing messages, and establishing a consistent voice and tone for the organization. She concentrates her efforts on creating informative content for both PCA members and the painting industry as a whole in order to professionalize the trade.