On July 11, 2019, the Quality Assessments Division of Smithers hosted its 7th annual Customer Appreciation Day and Quality Conference for its clients and partners. The event was held at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio, and focuses on business and quality management leaders coming together to network and train with other professionals in their fields. Below we recap some of the highlights from the event and recognize some of the individuals who made this year's conference so great!

From the General Manager of the Quality Assessments Division

Smithers remains committed to the annual Customer Appreciation Day event which allows us to interface with our clients directly while providing them with valuable technical, industry updates for their various certification programs. This year's agenda includes a range of diversified topics in Automotive, Aerospace, Quality, Occupational Health & Safety certification programs and even kicks off with a preview into the Information Security world under the requirements of ISO 27001. Smithers looks forward to this event every year as we continue to support our clients through customer service excellence," said Aaron Troschinetz, General Manager, The Quality Assessments Division of Smithers.

Keynote Speaker: Alex Hamerstone, TrustedSec

The event kicked-off with a keynote address titled "Information Security Standards" by Alex Hamerstone, Practice Lead for Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance at TrustedSec. Alex has advised and performed security assessments for companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations. Alex is also a constant presence in the national media, with many appearances on Fox News, CNN, CBS News, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, Morning Dose, Cheddar, and Huffington Post TV. He was a crowd favorite with his unique, sometimes funny, and always informative presentation style, setting a record for the number of audience questions asked for any keynote spearker in the conference's history.

Networking and Training Opportunities

Training sessions were held covering a range of topics relating to management systems and the supporting standards. Dale Issacs (Quality Consultant) addressed common customers’ questions in his presentation on ISO 9001 and Risk, while others took a closer look at what the future might hold for specific standards. Smithers was honored to have both Tim Lee, Manager, Supplier Quality for Boeing and James Bruin IAOB Executive Director both delivered important talks on what may lie ahead for AS9100 and IATF 16949, respectively. After each session, clients were able to participate in interactive Q and A sessions and spent the break times in between presentations talking, networking, and comparing notes.

Auditor Training Event (Including Bowling and Dinner)

On July 12, 2019, the day after our Annual Customer Appreciation Day and Quality Conference, Smithers held its yearly Auditor Training Event, where over 40 of our auditors came together for in-depth, technical training sessions. The night before included a special catered bowling event where the Quality Assessments Division of Smithers office team and auditors divided into teams to compete in a few friendly games before the real work starts the next day.

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Customer Appreciation Day and Quality Management Conference, scheduled for Thursday July 9^th and Friday July 10^th, 2020.