The 2026 Fall EduCon and Tradeshow is a way for IDA to continue engaging with members and industry representatives across the country.
Door dealers should attend to earn IDEA-approved CEUs, network with colleagues, and get updated on the latest products and services available to business owners in the industry.
HOTEL BOOKING
All reservations must be received by Friday, September 4, 2026.
LOCATION
Hyatt Regency Columbus
350 N High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
REFUND POLICY
No refunds will be issued after August 28. IDA reserves the right to cancel any programs and assumes no responsibility for personal expenses. Refund requests will be processed 30 days after the meeting concludes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Continental breakfast w/ exhibits on Friday
- Lunch w/ exhibits on Friday
- Lots of networking opportunities throughout
PRICING
+$25/individual for full conference including the Opening Party on Thursday.
EXHIBITS & SPONSORSHIP
Interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities? Contact the IDA Sales Team for more details.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Note: IDEA certifications must be applied for and paid through IDEA. You can find the IDEA website via the link below.
AGENDA
Schedule at a Glance
Workshop Description
EduCon: Educational workshop Fire Marshall Training
Attendance and training from this course will qualify you to become an instructor, allowing you access to the materials developed to present this training class in your local area. The session will provide you with the knowledge and format to educate fire inspectors, state fire marshals, building inspectors, AHJ’s and other building inspection officials with the key fundamentals and critical knowledge necessary to fairly evaluate a rolling steel fire door assembly in the field. The presentation will dive into the world of rolling door fire protectives, integrated and stand-alone options, building owner responsibilities, retrofit targets, critical standards interpretation, code updates and records inspection requirements. This is a 2-hour CEU interactive class that summarizes the main presentation scheduled for the National Fire Marshall’s Association convention.
Ed Hermanns
Ed Hermanns is a door industry professional with almost 50 years of experience with his family’s business and is President of Merchantville Overhead Door Company in Camden, NJ. He has served both IDA & IDEA as a board member and Past President. Ed has supported industry association efforts for decades in many roles within IDA and IDEA. Ed’s work on behalf of IDEA includes authorship of several technician certification programs. Ed has also been an active volunteer in the fire service in the Camden and Cherry Hill area, filling roles ranging from firefighter to Captain and training instructor and is currently a Licensed New Jersey State Fire Inspector.
David Mount
David Mount has 33 years of experience. He and his wife Julie have owned Mount Garage Doors for 26 years, and Mount Onsite Training for 3 years. David is a past recipient of the Dan R. Apple Award from IDEA. Mount Garage Doors has been IDEA Accredited since 2002. David is proud to be an IDEA Master Technician and has served the industry as an IDEA Director.
Mike Whitacre
Mike Whitacre has been a practitioner in the overhead door industry for over 50 years. He served on the Wayne-Dalton dealer board of directors from 1985 to 1987. He also served as a director for the Institute of Door Education and Accreditation from 2008 to 2014 and has been an expert witness for several overhead door-related trials. Prior to that was a DODA member. With his sister, Chris Miller, Mr. Whitacre was the co-owner of Carl’s Door Service in Baldwin, MD and has served as president since 1983. His three children are now the owners of Carl’s Doors. His oldest daughter, Melissa, is an IDA board member. His son Adam just won the tech of the year award from the IDA.
Workshop Description
Commercial Rolling / Rolling Steel Fire Door
Although attendees are not required to be enrolled in IDEA certification programs, these schools are ideal as pre-examination classes, and testing for related IDEA certification designations will be offered at the conclusion of the second day. IDEA Certifications must be applied for and paid through the IDEA. You can find the IDEA website here.
Schedule
Day 1:
8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Introduction
- Types of Doors Codes
- Standards and Organizations
- Rolling Door Materials and Finishes Components
9:45 am to 11:45 am
- Types of Jambs
- Methods of Operation
- Fire Door Automatic Closing Devices
Break/Lunch 11:45 am to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
- Obtaining and Installing the Correct Rolling Door
2:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Electric Operator Installation
- Service and Operation of Rolling Doors
- The Importance of Safety
Day 2:
8:00 am to 10:00 am
- Review
10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Exam
Workshop Description
Introduction to Residential Sectional Garage Doors and Operators
Whether you’re new to the garage door industry or looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge, IDEA’s Introduction to Residential Sectional Garage Doors and Operators course gives you the essential information to work confidently with these products. This class walks you through everything from types of doors to the critical hardware that makes them function and delivers basic understanding of residential garage door operators. You’ll learn how operator components work together – motors, rails, trolleys, entrapment protection, and remote control technology – and step through the installation process for both doors and operators. With a strong technical foundation, you’ll leave this class ready to serve customers, have informed conversations, and take the next step in your career with the door and access systems industry.
Workshop Description
Setting Clear Expectations: The First Step to Accountabiliy and Performance
Clear expectations are the foundation of accountability and consistent team performance. When expectations aren’t fully defined, even motivated employees can produce inconsistent results simply because they’re working from different assumptions. In this session, leaders will learn how to create clarity around roles, processes, and performance so their team understands exactly what success looks like. Participants will walk away with practical tools to define expectations, improve consistency, and build a stronger foundation for accountability.
Amanda Powell
Amanda Powell is the founder of ProMastery Training, where she helps trades businesses develop stronger managers. Over the past decade, she has worked with and visited more than 100 shops across North America, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges managers face every day.
Amanda specializes in management training for supervisors, office managers, service managers, and other leaders who are responsible for turning company goals into everyday results. She works with businesses to clarify roles, improve communication, strengthen accountability, and give managers practical tools they can use with their teams right away.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Organization Development and Change. By combining her background in education with years of experience in the trades, Amanda delivers training that is engaging, practical, and built for the realities of running a growing business.
Workshop Description
Freedom in the Journey: Building a Business and a Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From
No one follows the exact same path into the garage door industry. Some were born into the business, some were recruited, and others simply answered an ad and discovered a career they never expected. Regardless of how you got here, you’re helping shape an industry that’s growing, evolving, and full of opportunity.
In this engaging session, Alisa Lindsey will share practical strategies, mindset shifts, and proven resources that help owners and leaders build stronger businesses while creating more freedom in their lives. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to grow with intention, avoid common pitfalls, and enjoy the journey instead of simply surviving it.
Alisa Imperial Lindsey
Alisa Imperial Lindsey is the Vice President of Business Development for Garage Door Freedom, where she helps independent garage door companies accelerate growth through leadership, training, and strategic development. After joining A1 Garage Door Service over six years ago as Corporate Training Director, she advanced through integrations before stepping into her current leadership role.
With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, operations, brand development, and executive leadership, Alisa has built high-performing teams, created career development programs, and led large-scale training initiatives across luxury hospitality, Tribal Gaming, and nationally recognized restaurant brands. A Six Sigma Green Belt, she is passionate about helping businesses and people unlock their full potential through proven systems, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
Workshop Description
Dealers Asking Dealers
Join this interactive panel session where experienced dealers discuss today’s biggest industry challenges, share proven strategies, and answer questions from fellow dealers. Questions will be collected in advance and combined with moderator-led discussion to provide practical takeaways you can apply to your own business.
Moderator:
Jacob Schneider
Canadoor Door Systems
Founder
Panelist:
Byron Burland
Besser Garage Doors
CEO
Panelist:
Cody Johnson
Garage Door Doctor
General Manager
Panelist:
Josh Jaeger
BDK Door Co Inc
Owner
Workshop Description
Commercial Rolling / Rolling Steel Fire Door
Although attendees are not required to be enrolled in IDEA certification programs, these schools are ideal as pre-examination classes, and testing for related IDEA certification designations will be offered at the conclusion of the second day. IDEA Certifications must be applied for and paid through the IDEA. You can find the IDEA website here.
Schedule
Day 1:
8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Introduction
- Types of Doors Codes
- Standards and Organizations
- Rolling Door Materials and Finishes Components
9:45 am to 11:45 am
- Types of Jambs
- Methods of Operation
- Fire Door Automatic Closing Devices
Break/Lunch 11:45 am to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
- Obtaining and Installing the Correct Rolling Door
2:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Electric Operator Installation
- Service and Operation of Rolling Doors
- The Importance of Safety
Day 2:
8:00 am to 10:00 am
- Review
10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Exam