The Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association recently held its 2016 Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Attendees were treated to speaker presentations focused on business, a wide selection of products, and outings and networking opportunities during the three-day event in late October.

The opening Keynote Address, “Mother Goose was Right: How to Tell Compelling Stories that Earn the Trust of Your Clientele,” presented by Donald Miller, founder of Storybrand. Other presentations included “Friends, Romans and Clients: Lend Me an Ear – Listen More, Sell More,” presented by Jill Schiefelbein from The Dynamic Communicator, and “Delivering Exceptional Customer Service (Even on Mondays),” presented by Kerry Singh, corporate trainer and organizational development consultant.

The exhibit floor included 72 booths showcasing some of the newest products in the decorative hardware and plumbing industry. Top 2016 DPHA Product of the Year Awards were presented to:

• Alape’s 2step Sink – Plumbing
• Axor’s ShowerSelect SoftCube Thermostatic Trim – Water Delivery
• Mr. Steam’s Linear Steamhead – Accessory
• The Galley’s Dresser – Furniture
• Hamilton Sinkler’s DP14OZ Triangular Door Pull – Hardware

DPHA also established a new product of the year award category for 2016 called the People’s Choice Award. All DPHA members have the opportunity to vote for the product they believe is most innovative, design forward, functional and technologically superior among the more than 160 products entered into the DPHA Product of the Year competition. Voting will run through Dec. 15, 2016, and the winner will be announced at the opening of the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference.

Awards were also presented to DPHA members for outstanding service to the organization and the decorative plumbing and hardware industry as a whole. DPHA Professionals of the Year included:

• Associated Sales – Representative Agency of the Year
• Infinity Drain – Customer Service Department of the Year
• Pierce Hardware – Showroom of the Year
• Cary Hergenrother of LIXIL Brands – Manufacturer Professional of the Year
• John Matlack, Level 5 Sales & Marketing – Representative Professional of the Year
• Kymberly Weiner, Best Plumbing Tile & Stone – Showroom Professional of the Year.

The three-day event, which began with its annual Fun Run/Walk and included a golf outing and distillery tour, ended with a festive closing banquet with a Halloween theme.