The Marble Institute of America (MIA) will provide education and host several networking events at The International Surface Event (TISE) East to be held Nov. 3 through Nov. 5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.  
 
MIA events will be held as follows:
 
Tuesday, Nov. 3:
9:00am-5:00pm: MIA Accreditation Immersion Class
This course will explain the MIA Accreditation program and give attendees the resources needed to fill out the accreditation application and, most importantly, take the accreditation exam, which attendees will have the opportunity to do in the afternoon. Note: Registration is required. Visit marble-institute.com/orlando to register.
 
2:00pm-3:00pm: Beer at the MIA booth 
Celebrate the first day of TISE East with a drink at the MIA booth. Network with industry leaders and learn about the MIA+BSI joint venture at this free event.
 
Wednesday, Nov. 4:
2:00pm-3:00pm: Ice Cream Break at the MIA booth
Stop by the MIA booth for ice cream and informal networking provided by MIA. 
 
4:00pm-5:00pm: MIA Happy Hour 
This event (open to current MIA and BSI members only) is a great chance to socialize and network with fellow members and MIA staff.
 
Thursday, Nov. 5:
8:00am-9:15am: Residential Fabricator Forum
This open forum for residential countertop fabricators is an excellent opportunity to discuss challenges and strategies in the residential market. All attendees are encouraged to participate. Come prepared to share ideas and discuss your daily challenges and opportunities. 
 
8:00am-9:15am: Attracting More Designers to Your Showroom—How to Deliver CEU Courses
This session will showcase how the CEU program works and how to position your company as the leading expert on natural stone in your marketplace. This “how-to” course will help you get started on the CEU provider path. 
 
8:00am-9:15am: Sustainable and Green Design—Understanding Trends for the Future
Learn more about the NSC 373 Standard in this informative session. What sustainable business practices could your business implement? Learn how to connect with clients who are looking to do business with “sustainable-thinking” companies.
 
9:30am-11:00am: Women in Stone: Building for the Future
This roundtable discussion will introduce attendees to MIA’s Women in Stone program. Topics will include the reciprocal relationship between the program and its members, scholarships and awards, mentorship, and webinars. 
 
9:45am-11:00am: Silica in Your Shop—New Regulations Impacting Your Employees
During this session, a panel of fabricators will answer questions about how the stone industry is addressing proposed OSHA silica rule changes. Attendees will learn about the proposed change and how to make sure you are doing all you can to address silica safety in your facility.
 
11:00am-12:00pm: Candy Break at the MIA booth
Stop by the MIA booth for candy and a final chance to network and learn more about membership. 
 
To register for TISE East, please visit tiseeast.com/Attendee/regform.
 
For more information, visit marble-institute.com.