Convention Schedule
Continuing Education Units
SSIA's convention has been approved for 10.5 continuing education credits by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics. It was approved for 1.5 business credits and 9.0 scientific credits toward the CO, COA, Cped, CPO, CPOA, CTO and CTPO credentials.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
7 a.m. – Exhibitor Set-Up
In order to give exhibitors the proper time needed to set up, wholesalers, repairers, and retailers will not be permitted in the exposition hall during set-up. The SSIA thanks you in advance for your cooperation.
Room: Roman III-IV
7 a.m. – Registration Desk Opens
8 a.m. - Seminar - How to Identify and Price Repairs to Boost Profits
Ronald Nijdam, Quick Cobbler
Learn how to spot repair opportunities and price your work effectively to maximize profits. 2019 Grand Silver Cup winner Ronald Nijdam will share insights on charging for the job, not just the time, and how proper pricing can grow your business. This is one of the most requested SSIA seminars, packed with valuable takeaways for both new and experienced cobblers. Don’t miss it!
Room: Pompeian III-IV
9 a.m. - Seminar - Cup Sole Repair & Vacuum Press
Dan Frappier, Heel & Soles
Back by popular demand! Dan Frappier is following up on last year’s highly attended seminar, diving deeper into using the vacuum press and installing cupped soles. Learn how these techniques can help you repair modern footwear like Blundstones, expand your service offerings, and boost your profits. Perfect for those looking to stay ahead in today’s evolving shoe repair market.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - SSIA Annual Business Meeting
SSIA members only. If you are not an SSIA member, click here to join.
Room: Pompeian I-II
11:30 p.m. - Seminar - Introduction to Coblr
Emily Watts, CEO and Founder, Coblr
Emily Watts is the co-founder and CEO of Coblr, the first business management and point-of-sale system built specifically for repair shops. Coblr helps shoe repair businesses run more efficiently, offer a better customer experience, and grow their sales with modern, easy-to-use tools. Before founding Coblr, Emily led strategy, product, and operations at Xfinity Mobile, Sling, and Toast, where she helped build technology that powered thousands of small businesses.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
12 p.m. - Seminar - It's More than Shoes and Socks
April Wilson, CMPTA, BS, National Clinical Educator, Footcare and Orthopedics
It’s More Than Shoes and Socks” explores how shoe repair businesses can expand their services to meet growing footcare needs and diversify revenue streams. This course highlights the benefits of incorporating footcare assessments, proper shoe fitting, and accessory sales to add value beyond traditional repairs. Participants will learn practical strategies to position their business as a trusted resource for overall foot health. By broadening service offerings, businesses can strengthen customer loyalty and drive sustainable growth.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
12 p.m. - Seminar - Repairing Running Soles with Vibram Lite Base: A Niche Opportunity
Running shoe repairs are a growing niche that can set your shop apart and attract new customers. In this live demo, see how Vibram’s innovative Lite Base compound provides a lightweight, high-performance solution for running soles. Learn how specializing in services like this can give you an edge over other repair shops and open up new business opportunities.
12 p.m. – Wholesaler Exhibit Preview
In order to give manufacturers/suppliers the proper time needed to spend with your wholesalers, repairers will not be permitted in the exposition hall until 1 PM.
Room: Roman III-IV
1 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Opens to All
Room: Roman III-IV
3 p.m. - SSIA Shine Off
The three finalists in SSIA's 2025 Shine Off will compete live on the show floor to see who takes home the top prize.
Room: Roman III-IV
4 p.m. - Boot Black® Masterclass
Join us for a special presentation of Boot Black®, Japan’s premier luxury shoe care brand. Discover unique, high-quality products made with rare ingredients and designed to offer the best care for specifically for leather and high end footwear.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
5 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Closes
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Reception and Awards Presentation
Meet the winners of SSIA's Shine Off and the Silver Cup and Western Boot competitions.
Room: Roman I
Sunday, July 13, 2025
8 a.m. - Seminar - Bonding & Material Identification
Jim McFarland, McFarland's Shoe Repair
Join Jim McFarland for a live demo on bonding techniques and material identification. Learn how to choose the right adhesives for different materials to ensure strong, lasting repairs. This session is perfect for those looking to improve their craftsmanship and get better results with every repair.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
9 a.m. - Seminar - Master Shoe Care & Community Events
Jason Dorn, Team Shine Force
Learn hands-on shoe care techniques and how to use community events to bring in more customers. Jason Dorn will cover live demos, tips for hosting your own events, and ways to get involved locally to boost brand awareness and grow your business. Whether you're looking to expand your reach or build stronger community connections, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can put to use right away.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
10 a.m. - Exhibit hall opens to all.
Room: Roman III-IV
2 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Closes
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. - Exhibitor Break Down
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Materials Identification Class
Rick Sevier
Rick Sevier breaks down material identification, covering EVA, Plastazote, cork, PPT, and other common materials used in orthotics and shoe repair. Learn how to properly identify and work with these materials to improve your repairs and custom work. This session also qualifies for CEU credits.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Pedorthic Shoe Technician Primer
Rick Sevier
Back for a second year! Earn CEUs for your C.Ped. certification with this certificate course. The objective of this course is to provide the learner with a foundational overview of the “why’s and how’s” of shoe modifications to address medical conditions.
1. Introduction
2. Basic Anatomy
3. Basics of gait
4. Common Pathologies
5. Role of the Pedorthic Shoe Technician
6. Copying vs Functional Mods
7. Pathology / Shoe Mod Solution
8. Referral sources
9. Next steps
Course is free for SSIA members and $75 for nonmembers. If you are not a member, you can click here to join.
Room: Pompeian III-IV
The SSIA reserves the right to change or cancel any seminar, presenter, or re schedule any other events without notice at the discretion of the SSIA board of directors.