Columbia, MD – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA), formerly the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, will hold its 63rd Annual Convention & Exhibition from March 11-15, 2008, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Sessions by RIA’s National Institute of Rug and Carpet Cleaning (NIRC) will reveal the secrets of rug identification, demonstrate effective ways to identify the heritage of a variety of rugs, explain how to use actual strategies and robotic systems to generate new business, perform magic in their “Vanish Impossible Stains” seminar, plus teach the history of American Indian weaving.

The Environmental Services Division will present the “Environmental Standards & Legislation Update,” with an overview on new standards affecting restoration and IAQ, as well as individual operations. “The ABCs of SOPs,” which will teach business owners the importance of implementing Standard Operating Procedures and their positive impact on profits. Additional sessions will focus on asbestos, lead abatement, the greening of HVAC, finding qualified employees, and dealing with unusual pests and rodents.

The Disaster Restoration Division will offer “Scoping and Pricing Drying Services: Period 3, The Conclusion!” Starting with a controversial presentation in Denver at the 2006 Fall Conference, the final round will unfold as the debate reaches a much awaited conclusion. Also on the schedule, “How to Understand GSA Schedules to obtain Government Work,” “Large Loss Invoices: Getting Paid Quickly & in Full,” and “50 New Ideas for Marketing a Restoration Company.”

Full details and registration forms for the 63rd Annual Convention &Exhibition are available on RIA's Web site