108th ABMA Annual Convention Report – Lost Pines Resort, Austin, Texas

The 108th convention of the American Brush Manufacturers Association opened on 25th March 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Lost Pines, Austin, Texas. A great convention itinerary was set to offer fun, education and, above all, networking.

Opening day

The morning was filled with the various ABMA committees that were open for all to attend, followed by a fun afternoon of team building action with the theme “a minute to win it’, whereby delegates were organized into randomly assigned teams and competed in short but difficult challenges, testing the wit and resolve of those involved. This was a great way to kickstart the networking aspect of the convention and to build relationships with fellow competitors.

An early evening reception welcoming New Attendees and Emerging Leaders preceded the annual Paul M. Miller Welcome Reception, where guests enjoyed a very nice buffet meal and bar in the hotel’s LBJ Pavilion.

General Assembly

Chris Monahan, the outgoing President led the Opening Business Session, welcoming all 149 delegates from 61 companies. He started by sharing summaries of the meetings of the ABMA’s Paint Applicator, Industrial & Maintenance, Broom & Mop, and Suppliers Divisions.

He then announced the latest recipients of the Kathy K. Parr Memorial Scholarship, a charitable fund that annually offers two $2,500 scholarship grants to deserving industry employees or their families for furthering education. This year’s scholarships were Joey Ciullo and Bryce Pence. Bryce is a Sophomore at Howard Payne studying Finance and Joey is a Freshman at the University of Illinois studying Business / Data Science.

“Since its inception in 2014, the Kathy K. Parr Scholarship has provided scholarship funds for 26 students. As the broom, brush, mop and roller industry’s premier philanthropic and charitable organization, the ABMA Foundation is a catalyst for uniting people and organizations to make a difference through better education and opportunity. We secure contributions and provide grants for sustainable programs in research, education, and assistance for our industry associates and their families in need. Our strategic ties with the American Brush Manufacturers Association, coupled with our strong volunteer leadership and our generous donors, give us a powerful yet flexible infrastructure to anticipate and quickly respond to the needs affecting our industry and the welfare of its associates,” explained Donna Frendt, ABMA Executive Director.

FEIBP (European Brushware Federation) update

Alessandro Acquaderni, President of the FEIBP, was introduced to inform the delegates about the FEIBP’s Annual Congress that will this year be held from 08 to 11 October at the Continental Hotel in Ischia, a beautiful island located in the northern end of the Gulf of Naples.

Remarking upon what a privilege it was to be able to join the convention representing both the FEIBP and his own company, SITBRUSH, Alessandro said, “even in a world that often stresses autonomy, we are reminded that true progress flourishes through global connections. As a next step, we’ll keep these collaborative sparks alive at the FEIBP Congress in Ischia; another chance to shape our industry’s future.”

He went on to say, “thank you to everyone who made this event a success. Let’s keep working together to “re-brush the world!”

Alessandro extended the invitation to all ABMA members to attend the FEIBP Congress to cement the strong relationship between the two associations, suggesting that “we should not just trade in brushes, but in trust. Not just in fibres, but in friendship. Not just in tools to clean the world, but in ideas to shape it.”

Further information about the FEIBP Annual Congress can be found via this link.

World Brush Expo

Delegates witnessed to the official signing of the contract between Alessandro Acquaderni (FEIBP President) and Chris Monahan (ABMA President) for the next edition of World Brush Expo that will be held in Ghent, Belgium from May 16–18, 2028. It will be organised by Flanders Expo who, in its short video presentation, pledged to honour the WBE rules and deliver a strong showing for this, the most important exhibition for suppliers and machinery manufacturers around the world.

One major update came from the new Managing Director of Zahoransky AG, Dr. Heinrich Sielemann, who informed delegates that Zahoransky will be exhibiting at WBE28 after its absence in 2024. His announcement was received with loud applause.

William A. Cordes Innovation Excellence Award

There were two entries for this year’s Innovation Excellence Award: Borghi’s ECO-FILL Concept machine and the Wooster Brush Flex & Fit™ line of decorating brushes.

Having circulated the details to all delegates previously for pre-convention votes, Chris was able to declare the winner as decided on Tuesday to be Wooster Brush’s Flex & Fit range.

Changes to the Board

This year, Board Members Terry Hogan of Perlon/Hahl Inc and Greg Miller of The Mill-Rose Company were standing down having completed their terms. Chris thanked them all on behalf of all members and each was awarded a plaque in recognition of valuable work and commitment to the ABMA.

In addition, RJ Lindstom of Zephyr Mfg becomes President for the new term, with Todd Leventhal of Nexstep Commercial Products becoming Vice President, and Lance Cheney of Braun Brush becoming the new Treasurer. Chris thanked them along with the new board members ahead of their service.

Next on the agenda were the reports from the Committee Chairs: Chris Monahan (Public Relations), Terry Hogan (Membership), Todd Leventhal (Finance), RJ Lindstrom (Convention), Gary Enchelmaier (Statistical) and Imre Karetka (Safety & Standards).

First-time attendees were introduced and asked to stand for recognition, followed by the one new member in attendance, Mauricio Perez of Cepillos Regios, who was given the opportunity to share details of the company and its activities with the delegates.

ABMA Education Institute

Following the break, Chris introduced the speaker, Gene Marks, whose seminar “Tactics and Strategies to Navigate and Grow in 2025” shared “real-world, practical strategies and tactics that smart leaders are using to navigate an uncertain economy, a shifting and often divisive political climate, and the complexities of technological and workplace decisions to position their companies for sustained growth and success in the face of change.”

Gene has written six books on business management, and his presentation covered a vast number of topics concerning political and economic policies that will impact upon companies’ decision-making and practices, stressing finally to “plan a meeting with your accountant mid-year!”

After lunch, the traditional annual Golf Scramble took place at the Lost Pines Golf Club. Once again, this was a well-attended event and enjoyed by all participants.

An early evening cocktail reception for all attendees was followed by an optional ABMA networking dinner which took place in the hotel’s restaurant. Dinner guests were assigned to tables, each with a mix of suppliers, manufacturers and machine makers who were able to enjoy each other’s company in a sociable and convivial atmosphere.

Face 2 Face Meetings

The final day of the Convention started with the Face 2 Face event in which suppliers hosted pre-arranged meetings with interested parties, each of whom was given a 10-minute slot to discuss opportunities with their visitors.

As ever, this was a busy event, popular with delegates, and for many this was the Convention’s highlight.

Unfortunately, due to rain, all outdoor sporting activities were cancelled, though a “Meet the Texas Animals” event was held and thoroughly enjoyed.

Suppliers Reception

This year’s Suppliers’ Reception/Closing Dinner Event with the theme “Trail’s End Chuckwagon Dinner & Party” was a big hit. Dressed in their best country-western attire, attendees assembled ready for a fun evening.

With country music playing, delicious food and open bars, guests were treated to an evening with a “Western” flavour, with attractions such as a “shoot-out" competition, a mechanical Bucking Bronco and an Armadillo race to add to the atmosphere and a good night was had by all.

The 2026 ABMA Convention will be held in Puerto Rico at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve and the 2027 will be at Coconut Point in Boynton Springs, Florida. You will find the all the information you need to plan your trip as it becomes available via this link.

We hope to see you all there!

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