EPIC2023

March 16 – 17, 2023

Caesars Palace

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EPIC2023, the most highly anticipated event of the year for the home services industry, will take place March 16-17 at Caesars Palace on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. EPIC2023 will feature celebrity keynote presenters, breakout sessions delivered by legendary industry experts, access to best-in-class product and service providers, dynamic networking opportunities and an unforgettable evening party.

This is the can’t-miss event of the year for contractors.
Register now before the event sells out!

Keynote Presenters

Agenda

Optional Pre-Events

Thursday – Conference Day 1

Friday – Conference Day 2

Wednesday, March 15

9:00AM – 5:15PM

Business Planning Bootcamp

What if you could have the time, money, and freedom that you’ve always wanted? Join us for an exclusive opportunity to dissect your unique business and create a roadmap to a higher quality of life. As a business owner, you deserve that!

In the first half of this one-day workshop, you will create a detailed review of your company’s capabilities, financial position, and the markets that you serve. After lunch we will answer these questions:

How much revenue do I need per day to not lose money?
How much revenue do I need to average per day to generate 15% net profit?
How do I get my employees to get on the same page? Or get them to think like I think?
When to hire the next tech, installation crew, salesperson?
Call backs are killing me… If I hold techs accountable, will we have anyone left to run service calls?
If I punish installers for not doing their job correctly, will we run the risk of having no installers?
How do I determine who should be a manager in the company?
How do I afford the overhead when a manager comes into the company?
How can I control the parking lot meetings?
How can I change my role from problem solving 24/7, to leading a company where most issues are resolved before they get to me? Is that possible?
How can I take my family on an uninterrupted vacation and have confidence that all will be well when I get home?

Many contractors have the answers to the above questions and are having a great low pressure professional life. They all started with a workshop and/or mentor that answered these questions.

You could leave this class with an established plan and a detailed process to facilitate success so you can have the time, money, and freedom you deserve! Register today! Don’t miss your chance to attend this dynamic workshop!

Who Should Attend: Business Owners and Principals

$299 REGISTRATION

REGISTER FOR Business Planning Bootcamp

Wednesday, March 15

9:00AM – 5:00PM

1ST ANNUAL TEE OFF FOR THE TRADES GOLF TOURNAMENT

Join us for the 1st Annual Tee Off For The Trades Golf Tournament, co-hosted by Women in HVACR, to raise awareness and contributions in support of our two nonprofit organizations. The tournament is an 18-hole, 4-person best ball competition, taking place in Las Vegas in conjunction with Contractor University’s EPIC2023 Event.

Philanthropy
Women in HVACR and the EGIA Foundation share a common mission: uplifting the home services trades and creating a better future for our industry, our community, our customers and our world. Tee Off for the Trades is the preeminent HVAC golf tournament, supporting both organizations and their goals — raising funds to improve the industry workforce and the lives of its workers, as well as connecting more people to rewarding career paths in the trades. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, so every dollar donated is tax-deductible and funds a better future.

Networking
As the official HVAC golf tournament of EPIC2023, the year’s most anticipated in-person educational event for home services contractors, Tee Off for the Trades is one of the premier destinations for contractors, distributors, manufacturers and businesses serving the industry to come together in an informal environment. Over the course of 18 holes, you’ll get opportunities to create new relationships, find that partner you’ve been looking for, or trade blueprints and secrets with likeminded people who have been in your shoes before.

Fun
Despite earning its four-letter-word status, golf is all about the experience! Angel Park is a top tier, destination Las Vegas golf course for players of all skill-levels. A variety of contests and side-games – from putting and long-drive contests to skins games and a hole-in-one-challenge – ensure there’s something for everyone at Tee Off for the Trades.

Learn More & REGISTER FOR TEE OFF FOR THE TRADES

Wednesday, March 15

12:30PM – 4:30PM

AMPLIFY: Turn Up Your Business Growth

Becoming the #1 home service provider in your market doesn’t happen overnight. It takes continuous planning and innovation to sustain and grow a business. Developing your brand reputation goes beyond what you do with your marketing – it means creating a culture and building business processes that allow you to scale efficiently while providing best in class customer service. Participants will learn how to:

Gain traction with business processes and planning roadmaps
Align marketing strategies with your unique business goals
Build a winning company culture that simplifies recruitment and embodies your brand
Grow the business without sacrificing customer experience

FREE REGISTRATION

Limit 5 attendees per company. Each participant must complete a registration form. Space is limited – register today!

REGISTER FOR AMPLIFY: Turn Up Your Business Growth

8:00AM – 9:00AM

Check-in & Breakfast

Opportunity to network, visit with exhibitors and enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet.

9:00AM – 10:00AM

Opening Keynote – From Fitness to Fortune: Going From Entrepreneur to Empire

Presenter: Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels is the biggest brand in fitness and wellness worldwide. But Jillian hasn’t built her $100 million empire merely on fitness. She has also expanded her business as a partner, investor, and/or owner in dozens of other successful brands like Pop Chips, Thrive Market, Lucky Jack Coffee, Flywheel, So Delicious, Krave Jerky, and many more, and she’s played integral roles in establishing and growing the success of those businesses worldwide.

In this unforgettable keynote session, Jillian will discuss the strategies that she’s used to evolve in business and maximize every single opportunity. She’ll share proven concepts for increasing your following and effectively communicating through both modern and traditional platforms in order to build your brand, increase sales and amplify your overall business. You’ll walk away feeling not only empowered and educated, but motivated to keep pushing your business forward.

10:00AM – 10:30AM

Break

Opportunity to network and visit with exhibitors.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Breakout Sessions

Attendees choose to attend one of the following breakout session options:

• Tricks of the Trade to Success • Communication Skills and the Art of Persuasion for Techs • The Secrets of Sales Success • Understanding Near Prime and Subprime Lending

Expand to read full details

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Breakout Option 1: Leadership Track Tricks of the Trade to Success Presenter: Paul Kelly Watch Preview Video

Paul Kelly reveals the magic behind what drove his company from $7 million in revenue, to over $200 million today. Whether you are a $1 million contractor, $5 million or $20 million, you’ll love learning the secrets no one else seems to talk about. This session will include 15 minutes of “Stump the Magician” where you can ask Paul any question.

All attendees will receive a signed copy of Paul’s book Tricks of the Trade to Success: The Magic of Creating Your Ta-Daaah! in Business and Life. So grab some popcorn, take a seat in the audience, and don’t hesitate to raise your hand when the magician asks for a volunteer. It could change your life.

Plus, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade for:

Selling more HVAC systems
Making more money — and more profit
Effective marketing and advertising
Hiring and retaining the best
And so much more!

Breakout Option 2: Technician Track Communication Skills and the Art of Persuasion for Techs Presenter: James Leichter Watch Preview Video

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to get ahead even though they don’t appear to be any more intelligent or any harder working that you are? For many of those people, communication and presentation skills are their secret weapon. Excellent communication and presentation skills are the most effective tool in the technician’s toolbox. With that tool, a technician can deal with any situation with confidence and effectiveness.

This breakout session will help participants become far more effective presenters and communicators. These skills will give them their best chance to succeed at almost anything. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively and confidently with practical and proven techniques that are essential for all technicians. Participants will learn how to instill trust and confidence in others, and you’ll walk away able to communicate with customers effectively and confidently on any topic, even under the most difficult circumstances.

You’ll also learn:

The psychology of persuasion and how to influence customers to take positive action.
How to be seen as a trustworthy professional whose recommendations are always in the customer’s best interest
How to communicate more effectively during service calls
Control any conversation with verbal judo. Learn how to deal with difficult people, even in the most stressful situations
How to get the customer to understand technical concepts when they are not tech savvy.
Great communicators use examples and metaphors to explain technical or complex things. You will learn how the experts do this with ease
How to offer recommendations in a low-pressure manner that the customer can easily understand
Never be put on the spot again! You’ll learn how to think on your feet when challenged with a difficult or negative questions
Learn the secret to quickly establishing rapport and conversing easily with customers.
The power in words – which ones to use and which ones you must avoid
Methods to overcome objections and persuade customers without using silly outdated word gimmicks.
The 6 major components of personal charisma—and what you can do to further develop these qualities in yourself

Breakout Option 3: Comfort Advisors/Sales Professional Track The Secrets of Sales Success Presenter: Mark Matteson Watch Preview Video

Why do some people have a 75% close ratio and others struggle to close 25%? Just what are the causes of success? Sales people are not born, they are made. Using personal stories from 53 years in sales, his most successful contractor clients, self-effacing humor, high levels of interaction, critical success factors of peak performing sales professionals, Mark will give you the tools you need to raise your own bar and maximize your sales potential.

This 90-minute breakout will change your sales life and put you in the top 4% of performers. In this session, you’ll learn:

The strangest secret in the world
The Hour of Power
The 3 Things Formula
The #1 skill to master in sales
“The questions are the answers”
Three simple closes that work
How objections are your friends – and four words to find the REAL objection
The “Fries With That?” secret
How to create endless referrals
And much more!

Breakout Option 4: Business Growth/Payment Solutions Track Understanding Near Prime and Subprime Lending Watch Preview Video

Eric Gude

Erin Fuchs

Kelsi Cooper

54% of Americans have what is considered a prime credit score or higher, meaning they’ll secure the highest approval odds and best rates when applying for a lending solution. But your homeowners are more than just a credit score, and plenty who fall short of qualifying for prime approvals still want financing. And there are options for them. How could contractors benefit from tapping into available options for this underserved 46%?

In this breakout session, our financing experts will discuss how waterfall lending is an excellent tool for helping contractors broaden their customer base. We’ll provide a breakdown of how lenders assess risk, as well as debunk some common misconceptions about second- and third-look lending. Those who attend this session will leave armed with practical information that helps them better field homeowner questions.

In this session, you’ll learn:

The power of a “yes” for virtually every customer
The underwriting criteria to approve these customers
The appropriate pricing and setting of consumer expectations
The subprime market vertical in multiple industries across North America

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12:00PM – 1:00PM

Lunch

Opportunity to network, visit exhibitors and enjoy a complimentary lunch buffet.

1:00PM – 2:30PM

Breakout Sessions

Attendees choose to attend one of the following breakout session options:

• Leading to Win! • How To Deliver Information and Observations with Impact, not Pressure! • The HVAC Product Demonstration – The Key to Creating Higher Gross Margins and Adding Value on HVAC Residential Sales • Using Non-Traditional Financing Tools in A Challenging Credit Market

Expand to read full details

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Breakout Option 1: Leadership Track Leading to Win! Presenter: Scott Deming Watch Preview Video

In this dynamic session, each attendee will be given the tools and gain the skills to become an effective leader who inspires, impassions, and empowers those around him or her. Great leaders create an environment where healthy debate, sharing of ideas and inclusion are all part of the company culture – where employees feel they are part of something special.

In this session you learn how to:

Inspire and convince others to work tirelessly for the mission
Overcome workplace negativity
Understand the difference between leadership and supervision
Coach and mentor to develop great employee skills
Manage your team with clear expectations, proper delegation, and employee empowerment
Manage change with purpose, positivity, and collaboration
Recognize employee issues through verbal and non-verbal communication
And much more!

Breakout Option 2: Technician Track How To Deliver Information and Observations with Impact, not Pressure! Presenter: Russ Horrocks Watch Preview Video

It’s a common challenge: How can technicians effectively deliver information to the customer without applying pressure? Do you want to quote and hope? Or do you want to compel your customers to invest in your products and solutions while providing an amazing customer experience? Too often technicians make recommendations that fall on deaf ears.

In this breakout, Russ Horrocks will break down why this happens and how to overcome it. In addition, Russ will walk the attendees through a simple formula for creating value and interest in your products and services. Most importantly, all this will be done without the technician or the homeowner feeling an ounce of pressure.

In this session, you’ll learn:

How to serve your customers while establishing yourself as the best company in the market
How to grow your reputation and brand
Strategies for communicating value (not pressure) to your customers
Proven best practices for improving in-home relationships
And much more!

Breakout Option 3: Comfort Advisors/Sales Professional Track The HVAC Product Demonstration – The Key to Creating Higher Gross Margins and Adding Value on HVAC Residential Sales Presenter: Weldon Long Watch Preview Video

Maintaining healthy gross margins on new systems is critical to your business success. But maintaining healthy gross margins is more difficult than ever, given the abundance of cheap competitors. The key to maintaining those margins is demonstrating to your homeowners WHY your company is worth paying a higher price.

Join residential HVAC sales expert and New York Times bestselling author Weldon Long as he explains the value-building exercise of a product demonstration to show your homeowners how a proper installation is done and WHY your company is worth more than the competition.

In this sessions, you’ll learn:

How to use this powerful strategy to drive higher gross margins
How to deliver overwhelming value to your homeowners
A proven strategy to create a product demonstration for your business
How to set yourself apart from endless competitors in the eyes of your customers
And much more!

Breakout Option 4: Business Growth/Payment Solutions Track Using Non-Traditional Financing Tools in A Challenging Credit Market Watch Preview Video

Zenon Olbrys

How can you utilize financing during today’s current economic environment? You need full solution like OPTIMUS and need to consider alternative finance solutions including Lease-To-Own (LTO). LTO is a great solution for sub-prime and deep sub-prime customers. These are applicants who typically will not qualify for prime or even second look financing.

As the economy slows down and the credit environment changes, the slice ofthe pie that sub-prime and deep sub-prime solutions serve will be bigger and a LTO can get you that incremental growth you need.

In this session, you’ll learn:

What is a LTO, what is its legal structure, how to properly market it and dispel the myths about it
Why you should have it as a tool in you finance tool box. The product is a bit more complicated from a compliance and process point of view, but well worth the time and effort to close that sale
An overview of the product suite
How to manage customer inquiries and objections

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2:30PM – 3:00PM

Break

Opportunity to network and visit with exhibitors.

3:00PM – 4:00PM

Keynote Presentation – TURNING PASSION INTO PURPOSE

Presenter: David Garibaldi

Ten minutes. That’s how long it takes for David Garibaldi to transform a blank canvas into a work of art. Artists transform an empty canvas into a work of art through their skill, experience, inspiration and senses. David Garibaldi’s life and transition into a world-renowned performance painter is no different. Garibaldi has built himself and his brand from a graffiti artist on the streets, to a world-famous creator starring on America’s Got Talent, opening up for KISS’s farewell tour, and appearing at NBA All-Star Weekend and in sports arenas around the country.

In this session, paint, sound, and entertainment collide for an entertaining show that has brought people around the world to their feet. While going through his transformative process of bringing art to life in front of your very eyes, he’ll also touch on poignant lessons for you as a person and an entrepreneur. You’ll walk away with Garibaldi’s powerful message echoing in your ears: “Your dream is not waiting for you to find it. It’s waiting for you to create it.”

4:00PM – 5:30PM

Product & Services Showcase

Discover new products and services that are designed to help you overcome your business challenges by visiting the various exhibitor tables inside the main ballroom. Beer, wine and light appetizers will be served.

6:00PM – 9:00PM

Evening Party-Drai’s Nightclub

Join us at Drai’s Nightclub for an EPIC March Madness party. Enjoy the March Madness games, food, open bar and more, while experiencing the industry’s best networking. You don’t want to miss this – the party people will be talking about all year!

8:00AM – 9:00AM

Breakfast

Opportunity to network, visit with exhibitors and enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet.

9:00AM – 10:00AM

Keynote Presentation – Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently

Presenter: John C. Maxwell

The most effective individuals know how to connect with people. It’s not about power or popularity, but about making the people around you feel heard, comfortable, and understood. While it may seem like some folks are born with a commanding presence that draws people in, the fact is anyone can learn to communicate in ways that consistently build powerful connections. Your ability to achieve results in any organization is directly tied to the skills in your toolbox. Connecting is an easy-to-learn skill you can apply today in your personal, professional, and family relationships to start living your best life.

10:00AM – 10:30AM

Break

Opportunity to network and visit with exhibitors.

10:30AM – 12:00PM

Breakout Sessions

Attendees choose to attend one of the following breakout session options:

• Developing Your Management Team to Scale for Growth • The High Performance Technician: Five Things ANY Tech Can Do To Get High-Performance Results! • The Triple T’s of Gaining an Edge and Generating More Revenue • Changes: Economic Trends and Consumer Demands

Expand to read full details

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Breakout Option 1: Leadership Track Developing Your Management Team to Scale for Growth Presenter: Gary Elekes Watch Preview Video

In this 90-minute session you will be exposed to best practices for driving growth and developing a management team capable of executing at the highest levels.

A company is only as good as its client experience long term, and managers are generally responsible for the strategy, the techniques and processes, and the metrics. We will review the focus of leadership to develop a management team that has an aligned vision, a clear purpose, a plan, and the actual tactical systems to scale the business across all facets.

In this session, you’ll learn:

How to maximize your management team’s performance
Management strategies for grooming better salespeople
Management strategies for grooming future leaders
Processes for scaling your business
And much more!

Breakout Option 2: Technician Track The High Performance Technician: Five Things ANY Tech Can Do To Get High-Performance Results! Presenter: Steven Shallenberger Watch Preview Video

As Technicians you are on the front lines. You interact directly with the customer and are expected to deliver best in class service. Being at your best as a technician takes skills and the right mindset.

In this power-packed session you will discover five things any technician can do to immediately gain high performance results! You will learn what the BEST technicians do and how they stay on top year after year. These five things will also lead to better health, improved relationships, and more money.

Special bonus for leaders and managers: Receive a turn-key set of slides that you can share with technicians for immediate results.

In this session, you’ll learn:

Five things ANY technician can do that lead to HIGH PERFORMANCE year after year
How to lead your life with your own technician personal vision and goals
Management strategies for your life with a weekly plan that will boost your revenue and income
How to start off every day right — good preparation that will save you time and money
How to fill your schedule every day and how to multiply your business and income
Techniques to treat your customers like gold!
How to keep yourself happy, healthy and at peace through the power of positive motivation

Breakout Option 3: Comfort Advisors/Sales Professional Track The Triple T’s of Gaining an Edge and Generating More Revenue Presenter: Drew Cameron Watch Preview Video

Right now, customers are facing unprecedented circumstances when buying a new comfort system. The economy is spinning out of control, inflation is soaring to new heights, prices are continuing to rise, and operating costs are surging. Add to that the uncertainty of the supply chain, uncertainty of employment or work stoppages in all sectors, trade labor shortages, unpredictable weather patterns, and the volatile political climate and polices (natural gas pipeline shutdown, electrification programs, and push for The Green New Deal or some “infrastructure bill”) that are sending shockwaves through our industry and disrupting the marketplace.

Contractors are faced with unrelenting pressure to offer something different, better, and more – or be rendered irrelevant! In a sea of big box retailers, low-priced leaders, venture capital consolidation behemoths, online retailers, lead aggregators and overwhelming misinformation, what can a contractor do to not only survive, but thrive?

Embrace the Triple T’s that sales professionals use as lethal weapons to gain edge in the market. Drew Cameron will share with you how to leverage the Triple T’s to make you stand out and not fit in with the competition.

In this session, you’ll learn:

T #1: Tools – How to separate yourself with competency and credibility to ethically eliminate the competition
T #2: Technology – How to differentiate your offering with cutting-edge equipment that provides a better experience
T #3: Technique – How to be a category of ONE. Start a conversation others ignore and finish a conversation no one else can have
How comparison selling causes comparison shopping, and how to end it
How to execute within the Elevated Consumer Buying Experience to offer customers better solutions
How to make positive life impacts, provide exceptional experiences, and shatter expectations
How to be compelling in the customer’s mind – and eliminate comparison
And much more!

Breakout Option 4: Business Growth/Payment Solutions Track Changes: Economic Trends and Consumer Demands Watch Preview Video

Matthew Bratsis

Jesse Davis

Talbot H. Gee

Matthew Bratsis will facilitate a discussion covering the current economic environment and recent trends, in order to help contractors understand how to navigate these challenging times.

Jesse Davis will talk about new developments across the industry and the impact financing will have on the future. We will look at buyer habits and product and technology challenges, including shipping and manufacturing, as well as trends in the distribution network. As the economic changes continue to roll out across the industry, the financing programs you offer must be comprehensive and competitive. The HVAC industry is experiencing changes comparable to the solar industry, including longer-term loans and the need for competitive interest rates.

Talbot Gee will provide highlights from HARDI’s recently released State of the Channel report focusing on the keys for the HVAC channel to succeed in a slowing market in 2023. Determining how to navigate slowing growth with continued inflation, supply chain issues and regulatory changes presents significant challenges, but the most informed companies will continue to thrive. Margin for error will be smaller in 2023, but that can be a huge opportunity for prepared contractors.

In this session, you’ll learn:

Why dealer fees exist and how they impact you and your customer
How other home improvement verticals embrace dealer fees and turn them into a profit center
How all the rate changes impact your business
Challenges throughout the distribution network
The importance of utilizing buy-downs

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12:00PM – 1:00PM

Lunch

Opportunity to network, visit exhibitors and
enjoy a complimentary lunch buffet.

1:00PM – 2:00PM

Closing Keynote Presentation – Believe In Yourself and Your Team Will Believe In You

Presenter: Steve Young

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young shares his own personal experiences and the life lessons he’s learned over the years through his experiences – including overcoming physical injury and emotional disappointment and taking pride in all achievements regardless of the reactions of others.

In this and powerful yet heartfelt keynote, the backup quarterback turned Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion shares with audiences how to persevere through the rough times and realize that it takes a team effort to be successful. You’ll learn from Steve’s experiences on how to lead a team by example – and how leadership means trusting others to execute their role, not doing it all yourself.

Top of Agenda

Presenters

John C. Maxwell

New York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, Coach, and Leader

Steve Young

Hall of Fame Quarterback, Co-founder and Managing Director of HGGC

Jillian Michaels

Fitness Expert | Entrepreneur | Best-selling Author

David Garibaldi

World-Renowned Performance Painter, Graffiti Artist and America’s Got Talent Finalist

Paul Kelly

CEO of The Wrench Group, Southwest Region and Parker & Sons.

James Leichter

President & CEO, Aptora Corporation, Mr. HVAC LLC, RA Tax and Accounting Inc.

Mark Matteson

International Speaker and Bestselling Author of 15 Books

Eric Gude

National Sales Director, EGIA

Erin Fuchs

Vice President of Operations, FTL

Kelsi Cooper

Inside Sales Manager, FTL

Scott Deming

President, RCI, llc and Scott Deming Speaking, Training & Consulting

Russ Horrocks

Vice President, Flow Odyssey

Weldon Long

New York Times Bestselling Author & Contracting Business Expert

Zenon Olbrys

Chief Executive Officer, Microf

Gary Elekes

President, EPC Equity and iMarket Solutions

Steve Shallenberger

Best Selling Author and President of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership, LLC

Drew Cameron

President, Flow Odyssey and Energy Design Systems, LLC

Matthew Bratsis

Vice President of Contractor Services, EGIA

Jesse Davis

President, Home Improvement GreenSky, A Goldman Sachs Company

Talbot H. Gee

CEO, Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)

Exhibitors

Interested in Exhibiting at EPIC2023? Contact Lucas Ehrbar at 503-780-6045 or lehrbar@egia.org.

Where to Stay

Our room block at Caesars Palace is now sold out. Please see the best available nearby options below.

Best available nearby options:

Flamingo Las Vegas

Rio Hotel & Casino

Palms Casino Resort

Virgin Hotel Las Vegas

EPIC2023 Sneak Peek

Thinking about attending EPIC2023? We’ve compiled a free package of educational videos from several of the experts who will be presenting live at EPIC2023! Get a feel for some of the trainers and topics you’ll experience at EPIC2023 by accessing this free sneak peek package full of valuable information for your business.

Free Sneak Peek

View Testimonials

Contact Us

Questions? Call us at 866-502-2021

or email us at memberservices@egia.org