Education Sessions

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Pros and Cons of Drawing Software from Industry Peers

Presenters: Brad Adsit, Maciej Jankowski, and Mark Whalen- This panel discussion will focus on the different drawing software that a diverse group of members use. The panel will share how they use the software in their business, the pros, and the challenges. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and figure out what drawing software might work best for their shop.

Creating Your Digital Marketing Plan

Presenter: Elton Mayfield - Success can be defined in its simplest form as making life better for someone else. The key to success in any business lies not only in the development of great products and services, but in the development of great people. In this interactive, humorous and powerful presentation, Dave shares three essential ingredients for developing a purpose-driven mentality to achieve a fulfilling career and balanced life. You will be challenged to make the most of every moment in order to develop yourself personally and professionally while creating value and making a difference in the lives of others.

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM

What is Inventor for 3D CAD?

Presenter: Brad Adsit - Brad Adsit will give a demo on Inventor software. He will walk attendees through how he used Inventor in conjunction with Autodesk to produce renderings.

What You Need to Know About Contract Negotiation

Presenters: Greg Brockman Mark Koenke, and Grant York - Contracts for commercial projects can be daunting. If you are seeking more commercial projects and would like information from your peers on what to look out for or avoid, make sure to attend this session. Panelists will share their experience and key items to look out for in a commercial contract.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Different Approaches to Estimating

Presenters: Christian DiFrancesco, Rob Rolves, and Will Keeler - Organizations use many different methods for estimating. This session will gather a diverse group of industry peers to share how they approach and manage their estimating process. Attendees can gain insight and ask questions to determine if there are ways to improve their estimating process.

Cable Railing: Stainless Steel Wire Rope as an Infill for Guards

Presenter: Alejandra Zeledon - When it comes to railing infill, most people immediately think of vertical pickets, horizontal rails, or glass panels. However, today's cable railing infill options offer many benefits. Stainless steel cable infill is strong, durable, versatile, and offers long-lasting beauty. This course provides an overview of horizontal cable infill and its advantages. We will discuss frame design, prefabricated and custom assembly kits, installation specifications, and special safety requirements.

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Correcting Project Flaws with Code Compliance Before It's a Problem

Presenter: Tom Zuzik, Jr. - This class will discuss and cover the many overlooked code violations that Architects, Designers, Contractors and Homeowners commonly miss and build into their projects when preparing drawings for the construction of stairs, ramps, balconies, guards, handrails and pool fencing for code compliance and how to understand a simplified approach to correcting the issue before fabrication and saving lost profits.

Finishing Ornamental Metals

Presenter: Doug Bracken - Finishing ornamental metals covers in detail the various types of finishes and problems that ornamental metal fabricators encounter.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Scheduling Tips for Success

Presenters: Christian DiFrancesco, Kara Jerden, and Rob Rolves - Scheduling is a critical piece of your business. A variety of panelists representing different sizes and will share their method for managing scheduling, including software. Get your questions answered and pick up new ideas that can help in your business.

Are You Being an Ostrich About Cybersecurity?

Presenter: Brian Best - About 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months after a cyberattack. And while only 8% of small businesses have a formal, dedicated budget to ward off cyberattacks, small businesses are targeted more than ever because gaining entry into small businesses' systems is often a breeze. As a result, they're the No. 1 target for cybercriminals, representing 43% of all data breaches The good news: Protecting your business doesn't have to be expensive. and it doesn't have to be hard. We'll show you five easy things you can do today that will make you a harder target for the bad guys.

4:15 PM - 5:45 PM

Common Fabricator Mistakes for Ramps, Stairs, Handrails, and Guards in the Field

Presenter: Tom Zuzik, Jr. - This class will cover many of the common field conditions that fabricators encounter and lead to compromises on projects and create disputes over code compliance and who's responsibility attaches. We take a broad look and discuss in depth these everyday field conditions which come back to haunt fabricators and breakdown what's wrong with what you thought was right.

Intro to 3D Modeling in Autocad

Presenter: Maciej Jankowski - Maciej will give an introduction into 3D modeling using Autocad software. He will provide more detail on how the software works and how it is adapted for the metal industry. Attendees will get to experience the software and get their questions answered.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Showcasing the Features of the Leica 3D Disto & ETemplate Measure Manager Software

Presenters: Ted Allen and Terry Barrett - This session will review 3D digital measuring of complex shapes and take a deeper dive into the functionality of the Leica 3D Disco and ETemplate System's Measure Manager Software to further enhance system capability and functionality.

Generations of Success

Presenter: Daryl Tegtmeier - Business can be the lifeblood that inspires, gives purpose to, and sustains a family or it can become a cancer that erodes resources and fractures relationships; the outcome is often our choice. Deliverate thought, action and engagement can make all the difference. In this breakout discussion, we will learn from families that have walked each path; some to generational thriving, some to ruin, and your influence that can make all the difference.