Millersville, Md. -- A four-day conference and expo entitled, The State of the Art, will examine the issues affecting the insurance, restoration and environmental industries on September 20-23, 2001, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, Illinois.

Sponsored by the Water Loss Institute (WLI) and National Institute of Disaster Restoration (NIDR) of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration (ASCR), the conference will target insurance professionals, restorers and damage repair contractors. An exhibition of vendors featuring the latest products and services available for these specialties will also be held during the conference.

The educational programs will be presented as three simultaneous tracks: an insurance track, a restoration track and an environmental track, with each seminar offered twice over the three-day period to permit crossover attendance, providing in-depth information for each specialty. Some of the topics will include: saving money on contents claims, personal property appraisals, Internet resources for adjusters, locating an environmental consultant, working with allergy-prone clients, basic mold remediation, EPA recommendations for working around lead, when to replace drywall, refinishing pre-finished floors, construction defects and water damage, and hidden smoke odors.

Cost for the four-day seminar is $595 for ASCR members and $895 for non- members prior to August 17,2001. Prices for individuals registering after August 17 will be $675 for ASCR members and $995 for non-members. For more information or to register, contact ASCR at 410-729-9900 or visit their website at http://www.ascr.org

The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration is a professional association comprised of more than 1,000 members specializing in the cleaning, treatment, repair and restoration industries.