The 2025 Restoration Convention and Industry Expo, held in West Palm Beach, Florida, from April 28-30, was another record-breaking event bringing together more than 1,400 restoration professionals from around the world to network, learn, and support the industry. With attendance surpassing last year’s sold-out event, this year’s convention was a testament to the restoration industry’s growth and strong community spirit. The energy and engagement over the three-day convention were electric!
The Town Hall: Opening with Impact and Advocacy Updates
Kicking off the 2025 Convention was the IICRC-sponsored Town Hall. RIA leaders set the tone with key initiatives for the year ahead. The Town Hall also marked the leadership transition, where Jeff Moore was installed as the new RIA President.
He was joined by newly elected Board Members Dan Tarantin, Stephanie Suchocki, Norris Gearhart, Jason Cain, and Marcie Richardson (elected for her second term).
RIA’s Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee shared several impactful updates, reinforcing their commitment to contractors’ rights. More than 361 bills have been reviewed in 2025 and the RIA successfully lobbied to stop and/or amend several bills including New Jersey Bill A1457 (General Contractor Licensing Act), New Jersey Bill A551 (Right to Cancel Contracts), Delaware HB57 (Right to Cancel Contracts), Connecticut HB 6965 (Fire and Catastrophe Business License), Connecticut HB 6967 (Right to Cancel Contracts), Georgia SB 201 (Right to Cancel Contracts Following Natural Disasters) and Texas HB 4169 (Fire Remediation Contracts).
Additionally, Canadian restorers have been successfully using RIA’s latest position statement, “Prompt Pay Position Paper”, to get paid faster. The paper helps restorers in Canada navigate and understand the impact of Prompt Pay legislation enacted in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and by the Federal government in Canada. RIA’s Carrier Relations Advocate, Mark Springer, CR, unveiled a new strategy to help restorers make inroads on carrier relations by focusing on industry ethics.
The RIA also launched the 2025 Cost of Doing Business survey, a way for restorers to provide data to give RIA the resources to effectively advocate on issues related to getting paid and the cost of doing business in restoration. The Cost of Doing Business Report provides key financial benchmarks to help restorers assess their financial standing and gain actionable insights for higher profitability and efficiency.
In addition to launching the Cost of Doing Business Survey, the AGA announced the release of the 2025 Third Party Administrators (TPA) Scorecard Report, available for download (free for RIA members, $49.99 for non-members). This resource equips members with insights into navigating TPA relationships and strengthens RIA’s ongoing mission to level the playing field for restorers.
Inspiring Keynotes and Actionable Education
The educational program began with Scott K. Edinger delivering the keynote session “The Growth Leader: Strategies to Drive the Top and Bottom Lines.” His message inspired attendees to focus on intentional leadership and growth-focused strategies to elevate both their companies and careers.
Throughout the convention, expert-led panels tackled some of the industry’s most pressing topics. General Session: Enhancing the Restoration & Insurance Claims Ecosystem (Sponsored by KnowHow) with speakers Aaron Brunko, Jesse Herrera, Jackie Jones, Jonathan Miko, and Jeff Moore, touched on strategies for improving collaboration, streamlining claims, enhancing customer experience, and leveraging technology and data analytics. While General Session: Mergers & Acquisitions – The Good, the Bad, the Ugly with speakers Mark Davis, Greg Driver, Mitchell Martin, and Josh Reynolds, highlighted the realities of mergers and acquisitions, specifically covering potential benefits (the good), pitfalls (the bad), and worst-case scenarios (the ugly).
Attendees also participated in sessions discussing operational efficiency, leadership, and much more. Each session was designed to empower restorers to thrive in the complex restoration industry. During the Concurrent Breakout: The Tech Advantage: Elevating Restoration with AI Tools, the speaker touched on the latest technologies and provided a Tech Toolbox, which lists AI-powered resources in one place. CLICK HERE to download the toolbox!
The Concurrent Breakout Session: Maximizing RIA Resources for Success featured updates from the Membership Committee, AGA Academy, Independent Pricing Task Force, Education Committee, and the Legislative Task Force. Highlights included member benefits such as access to the convention, advanced training and online education, regional networking, a labor calculator, discounts through affinity partners, and translated position papers. The Independent Pricing Task Force shared negotiation tactics and role-play exercises. The Legislative Task Force urged members to report legislative issues, join grassroots efforts, and support lobbying in their states.
Connecting and Collaborating: Networking Highlights
The Exhibit Hall at the convention was a hub of innovation and opportunity, featuring over 150 vendors showcasing their latest tools, technologies, and services. During breakfast, members visited the RIA Affinity Partner tables to sign up for exclusive RIA member discounts and learn how to get the most out of their RIA membership.
Attendees socialized at a poolside industry party sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals, enjoying the Florida setting. Sunbelt Rentals demonstrated their support for RIA members through their Affinity Partnership by presenting a check representing over $300,000 in savings and rebates.
Honoring Excellence: 2025 RIA Industry Awards and Pinning Ceremony
This year’s awards ceremony recognized the innovation, leadership, and passion that drive the restoration industry forward. Congratulations to the following winners:
- RIA Volunteer of the Year: Luis Suarez
- Contractor’s Choice – Product of the Year: DocuSketch – 360° Documentation
- Contractor’s Choice – Service of the Year: AnswerForce – 24/7 Answering Service
- Patricia L. Harman Golden Quill Award: Jeff Jones
- Emerging Leaders in Restoration (Inaugural Class): Taylor Carmichael, Brent Adamczyk, Nate Judy, Alexus Neidert, Roman Renderfrance
- Phoenix Award–Reconstruction: ATI Restoration, Reserve at Lake Point
- Phoenix Award – Restoration: ATI Restoration, Sunwest Milling, Biggs, CA
- Martin L. King Lifetime Achievement Award: Norris Gearhart, CR
In addition, RIA proudly honored 20 professionals at the annual Pinning Ceremony for achieving advanced designations, including Fire Loss Specialist (FLS), Content Loss Specialist (CLS), Water Loss Specialist (WLS), and Environmental Risk Specialist (ERS). Their accomplishment stands as a testament to excellence and dedication in restoration.
Looking Ahead to Savannah, Georgia
As the RIA closes another successful convention, it looks to the future with enthusiasm and ambition. Mark your calendar for April 27–29, 2026, as the RIA heads to Savannah, Georgia for the next International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo.
Whether you’re a restoration veteran or an industry newcomer, there’s never been a better time to engage with the RIA community. Scan the QR code or CLICK HERE to secure your spot and be part of shaping the industry’s future.
Don’t miss out on all of the benefits you can receive and become a member of the RIA today at restorationindustry.org
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