Education Sessions

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Bending & Rolling: The Process and the Focus on Helical Stair Stringers

Presenter: Ken Pecho - This session will look at the 3 Roll Section Bending Method, which is by and large the most common bending machine and method used in today’s metal forming industry. We will talk about the 3 Roll Pyramid Style Bending Machines, the tooling associated with these machines and the limitations that come along with this bending process. 3 Roll Section Bending is a cold bending method which means it is done at room temperature and thus, this form of bending has effects on a material’s mechanical properties. We will touch on the curving mechanics, which covers the changes of the material’s mechanical properties and the onset of cross sectional distortion and will provide some tips on how to avoid or reduce the onset of distortion and how this natural consequence of cold bending can negatively affect your fabrications. The session will also look at the bending geometries that bender rollers are tasked with achieving, which takes a look at the different planes of bending or bending orientations and the combination of those bending planes within the same member and the complex geometries they produce, which is often associated with ornamental metal fabrications. This leads into helical rolled members, with how to specify and assess these helical geometries and what to expect when ordering helical members.

Inspire Your Team to Their Fullest Potential

Presenter: Ezgi Smith - Times are changing fast, and the demand for adept leadership has never been greater. Learn how to motivate and uplift your team, fostering a culture of empowerment and high performance. Gain practical insights on effective communication, fostering collaboration, and nurturing individual growth. Attending this presentation will equip you with the tools to create a highly engaged and motivated team, driving exceptional results and achieving organizational success.

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

The Basics of Powder Coating & Liquid Coatings

Presenter: Jamie White & Grayson Miller Description: Painting can be the step in the Metal Fabrication process that brings the whole piece to life. So, it is important that you know what type of coating would be best for your project. In this presentation we will introduce you to the most popular chemistries of Powder and Liquid Coatings. We will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and cover the best application methods for these coatings.

“The Times They Are A-Changin”: Putting Together Change Orders That Will Get Paid

Presenter: Denise Motta Description: Unpaid change orders continue to be one of the primary issues resulting in disputes on construction projects for our clients. The presenter will reiterate our best practice recommendations for how to prepare change orders so that you receive payment, including the proper documentation that is necessary if a claim arises. We will focus on the NEDD rule: Notice, Entitlement, Damages, and Don’t Waive Your Claims so that your change orders are supported and paid in timely manner.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Management Efficiencies Using Evernote and Rocketbook

Presenter: Lory Wells Description: Overview of using Evernote and Rocketbook for managing todo lists, project management, long term goals, etc. Everyone is pressed to do more with less and being efficient and the ability to manage people, projects, and client interface is key to success as well as for sanity. This class will share one owner's methods, tips and tricks, what not to do, other electronic methods.

All About Adhesives

Presenter: Josh Dunn Description: This session will explore pros and cons of adhesive choices, such as wood to metal, metal to metal, and wood to plastic adhesives. This session will also discuss how to prep and use VHB Tapes. The first half of the session will feature a pre-recorded video reviewing the design process,

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Employee Benefits Packages: Attracting and retaining staff takes more than salary

Presenter: Coming Soon Description: Attracting and retaining staff continues to be a top priority for member companies. Adding value to your employee benefits package is a key way to give your company a competitive advantage. Employee Savings Programs (ESA) are one key tool to assist your staff feel more secure about their finances and their ability to meet life's unexpected events. This session with cover the details of ESA's from your Member Savings Programs' newest service provider - SecureCare. We will cover the benefits to your company, your staff and the return on investment of adding an ESA to your employee benefits package.

Overview of Heavy Glass Handrail and Guardrail Systems

Presenter: Doug DeRusha, CSI, CDT & Paul Daniels Description: This session will cover all aspects of working with glass railings and balustrades. Attendees will learn the most up to date IBC Building & Railing Codes, review railing systems, glass infill options, mounting options, dry glaze systems, glass alignment, and specific handrails and top caps ideal for this type of project.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

What Is and Isn't Covered in Your Insurance Policy

Presenter: Andrew Stergiou Description: This session will provide a general overview of what is covered in insurance policies for ornamental and miscellaneous metal businesses as well as what may have changed over the last year. Attendees will also learn how Contractor Certificate Insurance Policies and Owner Certificate Insurance Policies work with their insurance coverage.

Brass Fabrication: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Project

Presenter: Joe Sawicki Description: This presentation will cover topics like welding, finishing, choosing the correct alloy, and some tips and tricks on working with brass. It will be a high-level presentation gear towards enabling more fabricators to take on brass fabrication-based projects. The presenter will also discuss popular VE options for customers looking for that same brass look for a fraction of the price.

4:15 PM - 5:45 PM

The Dos and Don'ts of Traditional Plating Over Metals

Presenter: Philippe Fiers Description: The plating of metal items is usually the last step before it is brought to the client and it is unfortunately often during that finishing process that issues emerge, mainly due to a poor understanding of what it involves on the plater side and what it requires from the fabricator, starting at the conception of the item. This class will explain in detail the many phases of the conventional plating processes, their possibilities and limits and what the fabricator should consider before and during the fabrication, as well as during and after installation.

Leveraging Technology in Your Business

Presenter: Peter Zadrozinski Description: The instructor will go through an in-depth explanation of how to use QuickBooks-Manufacturing & Wholesale version & Google Sheets to be the backbone of the business. Quickbooks is a powerful tool, and the presenter will go over how it is used throughout the course of business from customer management, estimating, purchasing, invoicing, job costing and payroll as well as financial reporting. The session will also review how to use Google Sheets to manage the shop floor. The instructor will explain how to use this tool so everyone in the company is up to date on all pertinent job tracking information. From field measuring, shop drawings, outside buys, purchasing, fabricator scheduling, finishing operations & install scheduling. An ERP system isn't for everyone, and this course is focused on smaller shops that need technology without the large price tag.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

What You Need to Know About Handrail Extensions

Presenter: Tom Zuzik, Jr. Description: This course will begin with a brief history of ADA/ABA/UFAS and how they are written; and then explain how the LAWs apply to the product, that fabricators build and install every day; and then cover the differences between ADA, ABA & UFAS. Next, we will dive into how ADA affects the accessibility sections of the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction's Adopted Building Code and cover the sections of the ADA/ABA requirements that mainly affect today's fabricator and the downfalls of non-compliance.

The Other Way to Join Metal: Brazing and Soldering in the Modern Shop

Presenter: Jacques Gallant Description: This presentation will focus on the usual and unusual applications for joining dissimilar metals and how these techniques can be indispensable in a modern ornamental metals shop. The presenter will also give give an overview of material and tools and several interesting case studies from the presenter's practice.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Workshop: Addressing Your CAD Questions

Presenters: Brad Adsit & Dave Filippi Description: During this session attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops and real-life scenarios of issues they are encountering with their CAD drawings. The session presenters will help to troubleshoot issues and answer questions presented.

Mastering Local Marketing: Strategies and Tools for Success

Presenters: Kym Nosbisch & Elton Mayfield Description: This session will focus on three learning objectives. Attendees will get an introduction to local marketing basics including establishing a strong local online presence and the crucial role of Google My Business, effective website design, and SEO. You will also gain advanced tips and effective platforms for local marketing and leveraging manufacturer support for enhancing local marketing. If you are looking for ways to enhance your marketing in your local market, this is the education session for you.