A guy connected with Brand Ex picking out one word of hype?

Mikey, you might find you'd fit in just fine with IICRCA. We're not nearly as slick and professional as you think.
I agree it is sad to see the division in the industry. That's why IICRCA was formed. It's a Council of Associations intended to put member's best interests ahead of individual's personal profit. Three former ICRA associations just agreed to sign up, so the IICRCA now represents 23 industry organizations, well on the way to bringing everyone back together. Those that want to go their own way can, but they can't honestly point at anyone else as the reason for industry divisiveness.
Hope you guys going to the Experience have a great time. Mikey's obviously made a difference there.
BTW: The IICRCA is supporting the RIA show by enlarging the tradeshow area and bringing in Certified Firms and trade associations.
RIA registration numbers are ahead of where they were last year when they had 852. At last check IICRCA has 200+ paid registrants and I'd guess we'll get more, so we'll do OK at this show too. We're giving Certified Firms half of their registration fee back to spend with exhibitors, so the exhibitors will also do OK.
The RIA conference is the main education, with a discount being offered to
IICRC Certified Firms. Go to the restorationindustry.org website to learn more.
The trade show is a joint event. $99 to get into both tradeshows, which includes lunch each day. There will also be CEC seminars being put on in the tradeshow area, so a pretty good program for the money. Follow the link Mikey posted or go to IICRCA.org to learn more.