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The concrete countertop industry is full of opportunities for contractors to learn how to create beautiful work. Books, DVDs, seminars and industry events are great places for contractors to learn basic skills or new techniques.

Where to go
One of the great resources for learning more about concrete countertops is the Concrete Countertop Industry Conference (CCIC), sponsored by the Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Lane Mangum, organizer of the CCIC, says, "This event is different from any other event in the concrete industry. It is highly specific, and it's all-inclusive. Everything to do with concrete countertops is right there in one place: exhibits of everything from concrete countertop mixes to specialized equipment, seminars about highly specific, in-depth concrete countertop topics like concrete countertop mix design and how to market concrete countertops, and demos of concrete countertop products such as mixes, tooling, forming systems and more."

The first CCIC in 2006 drew 250 attendees, and the 2007 event had 400 attendees, proof of growing interest in the industry. CCIC 2008 will be Aug. 21-23 in Sacramento, Calif.

If you can't wait until August, or want year-round options for learning, explore training sessions and seminars offered by manufacturers of concrete countertop mixes and other products. Some manufacturers offer training events at their headquarters, while others travel around the country setting up training opportunities.

Another resource for concrete countertop training is the Decorative Concrete Institute (DCI). Lead by concrete expert and Concrete Contractor columnist Bob Harris, DCI offers specific classes on concrete countertop making along with personal training and consulting.