8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please Note: Participants in this track are required to attend both days of class and pass the exam to obtain a certificate of course completion. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.

• PQS: I Production and Quality School Level 1 Day 1
  Speaker/s: Mel C. Marshall, P.Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.; Kayla Hanson, NPCA; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Production and Quality School (PQS I) is NPCA’s flagship course and is the perfect starting point to provide plant personnel with the fundamentals of quality precast concrete manufacturing. Designed especially for all production personnel and QC inspectors, this course covers all aspects of manufactured concrete production, from raw materials to post-pour inspection, with special emphasis on maintaining high quality throughout the entire manufacturing process. This course satisfies the plant certification requirement of the current edition of the NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants.

• PQS II: Production Day 1
  Speaker/s David Jablonsky, P.E., FPCI, ALP Supply; Todd Jones, ALP Supply; Barry Fleck, ALP Supply; Todd Spindler, Sika Corp.; Ashley Smith, Smith-Midland Corp.; Alan Pritchard, Smith-Midland Corp.; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: PQS Level II - Production is designed for plant personnel who will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of precast-specific production practices in four key areas: lifting and handling, issues related to production practices, lean manufacturing, and patching and repair. This course goes beyond the fundamentals explored in PQS Level I to prepare students to think critically about the links between these four areas and common plant production and safety issues. Course participants will go in-depth in exploring these topics, discussing best practices and learning to address production challenges in their plants. Shift supervisors, team leaders, production managers, batch plant operators, engineering and drafting personnel and those who aspire to these positions should attend.

• PQS III: Leadership Day 1
  Speaker/s: Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants Inc.
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Attendees of this workshop will learn what it means to be a leader – learning to lead themselves and influence others. The discussions, skits, and activities presented will enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to become a person of influence. Attendees will learn key attributes required to build teams, select employees, and motivate others to accomplish the goals of the organization. Anyone who wishes to be a person of influence in their company, their community, or in any organization is encouraged to attend this course.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please Note: Participants in this track are required to attend both days of class and pass the exam to obtain a certificate of course completion. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.

• PQS: I Production and Quality School Level 1 Day 2
  Speaker/s: Mel C. Marshall, P.Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.; Kayla Hanson, NPCA; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Production and Quality School (PQS I) is NPCA’s flagship course and is the perfect starting point to provide plant personnel with the fundamentals of quality precast concrete manufacturing. Designed especially for all production personnel and QC inspectors, this course covers all aspects of manufactured concrete production, from raw materials to post-pour inspection, with special emphasis on maintaining high quality throughout the entire manufacturing process. This course satisfies the plant certification requirement of the current edition of the NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants.

• PQS II: Production Day 2
  Speaker/s David Jablonsky, P.E., FPCI, ALP Supply; Todd Jones, ALP Supply; Barry Fleck, ALP Supply; Todd Spindler, Sika Corp.; Ashley Smith, Smith-Midland Corp.; Alan Pritchard, Smith-Midland Corp.; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: PQS Level II - Production is designed for plant personnel who will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of precast-specific production practices in four key areas: lifting and handling, issues related to production practices, lean manufacturing, and patching and repair. This course goes beyond the fundamentals explored in PQS Level I to prepare students to think critically about the links between these four areas and common plant production and safety issues. Course participants will go in-depth in exploring these topics, discussing best practices and learning to address production challenges in their plants. Shift supervisors, team leaders, production managers, batch plant operators, engineering and drafting personnel and those who aspire to these positions should attend.

• PQS III: Leadership Day 2
  Speaker/s: Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants Inc.
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Attendees of this workshop will learn what it means to be a leader – learning to lead themselves and influence others. The discussions, skits, and activities presented will enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to become a person of influence. Attendees will learn key attributes required to build teams, select employees, and motivate others to accomplish the goals of the organization. Anyone who wishes to be a person of influence in their company, their community, or in any organization is encouraged to attend this course.

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• TITAN: Titan II Power User
  Description: Created for the sales representative, estimator, engineer, production scheduler, dispatcher, QC inspector/ manager, inventory manager and all accounting personnel, this course will have something for everyone who works with the Titan II Precast Management System. All new modules and enhancements added to Titan within the last year will be reviewed and demonstrated. Additionally, we will discuss helpful tools and features that are classic time savers. Attendees are sure to come away with ideas and methods to immediately improve the processes within their precast company. Attendees receive 1 Credit towards TGC.

  • Contractor Hub Service
    • Review of New Mobile Apps
    • Review of Contractor Hub Enhancements 
  • System Audit Manager (SAM)
    • SAM Overview
    • Benefits of SAM
    • Review of SAM Types
    • Available SAM Reports 
  • Quality Control Module (QCTitan)
    • Mobile App Features
    • Reporting Features 
  • Accounting Features
    • Using Credit Reasons
    • Finance Charge Enhancements
    • Other New Features/Reports 
  • VT3000 Enhancements 
  • Sales Dashboard Enhancements 
  • Reviewing Booked Jobs using the Quote Manager 
  • Production Entry Enhancements 
  • Visual Estimator Enhancements 
  • Visual Bay Enhancements 
  • Custom Report Writer Enhancements 
  • Classic Time Saving Features 
  • Other New Features

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• OPER1: Contract Battles
  Moderator: Esser Hayes Insurance Group
  Description: A case study using an actual contract will be presented, and panelists will discuss how to negotiate the best terms from a financial and risk management standpoint.

• TECH1 - PCI Standards Development and IBC Updates
  Moderator: Edith Smith
  Description: This session will provide an overview of code updates incorporated in the 2021 IBC for, and summarize PCI’s ongoing efforts to develop standards for precast concrete design and construction.

• TECH2 - Commercial Precast Concrete Construction in Japan
  Description: Presenters will update attendees on current precast concrete technologies in Japanese building construction.

8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• TECH6 - Materials for Precast/Prestressed Concrete Construction
  Moderator: Venkatesh Iyer

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

• LM8 - Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Panel
  Moderator: Trice Turner
  Description:  This session will focus on the importance and personal, professional, and industry benefits of workplace diversity. Personal stories will be shared, and panelists will participate in a roundtable Q&A.

• MS4 – Future of Technology for Precast Concrete
  Moderators: Becky King and Tom Bagsarian
  Description: How can technology improve your company’s identity in the digital world? This session will cover the evolution of technology tools available for producers. Attendees will learn the basics of virtual reality, drone usage, 3D printing, and other new technologies that may provide advantages and opportunities for your business.

• MS5 – Earning Local, State, and National Media Coverage for Your Projects and Business
  Moderators: Tom Bagsarian and Becky King
  Description: What is media relations, and how can it help grow your business? This session will help attendees understand the basics of working with the media, including their local media, trade media, and even national media outlets. Participants will learn the basics of news release writing and distribution, media relationship building, and how to deal with the media during a crisis. Most importantly, attendees will walk away with another tool in their toolkit for communicating the benefits of precast concrete solutions through credible, third-party channels.

• QC8 – Responding to the Needs of the Building Market: The New PCI Architectural Precast Certification Requirements
  Speaker/s: Scott Robinson, Midwest Sales Manager, Gate Precast; Mike Kesselmayer, PE, Managing Director, Quality Programs, PCI
  Description:  In response to feedback from top US architects, PCI has improved the PCI Architectural Certification Program to make products from PCI-certified producers the best fit for today’s aesthetic and performance demands. If you are a PCI-certified architectural precast concrete producer, you will want to attend this session to understand the necessary steps to obtain initial certification in one of the new program categories. Attendees will:

  • learn about the four newly created categories for architectural certification;
  • find out how these program changes affect the PCI plant audit process for all PCI-certified architectural plants;
  • learn about educational and promotional tools producers can use to help designers choose the best architectural certification category to meet their specific project requirements; and
  • understand the initial certification process and associated requirements to meet the critical April 1, 2020, deadline.

• TECH3 - Precast Concrete Construction in Korea
  Speaker/s: Sangsup Lee, PhD, and Kyuwoong Bae, PhD, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology; Kangcheol Lee, Sampyo P&C; Sungheop Hong, Camus E&C; Hyounggyo Lee, SK E&C Co. Ltd.
  Description: Applications of precast concrete in Korea include various products in various types of construction. Portal frame, double wall, and core construction in residential and industrial applications will be presented.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• TRANS1 - Presentation on AASHTO T-10 Research and Related T-10 Ballot Topics
  Description: Ongoing National Cooperative Highway Research Program projects will be presented to AASHTO Committee T-10 (Concrete Design) by the research teams.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• CP1 – Internally Cured Concrete: A Look Inside a New Technology
  Speaker/s: Jason Weiss, Ph.D., Oregon State University
  Description: Conventionally cured precast concrete involves maintaining a moist environment. This is sometimes done by applying water to the concrete surface by several means including misting, spraying or wet burlap. Internally Cured (IC) concrete actually uses water supplied from porous inclusions inside the fresh concrete to provide for hydration and replace lost moisture. This technology has been studied in laboratories for many years but has since transitioned to field trials and implementation in many infrastructure projects. Studies have shown that IC will reduce shrinkage and associated cracking and reduce permeability which enhances durability. Dr. Jason Weiss, the Head of the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University and author of 400 publications relating to concrete materials, has been a key participant in studying the implementation of IC. He will share his thoughts on how this technology could be used in precast concrete manufacturing. Dr. Weiss will explain the concept of IC, along with mixture proportioning, manufacturing considerations and potential applications. This is a course for those who like to stay on top of developing technologies that help keep concrete a cutting-edge building material.

• MS1 – Marketing Communication: The Power to Drive Results
  Speaker/s: Brian Miller, P.E., MBA, LEED AP, GCP Applied Technologies
  Description: Marketing is a broad, strategic part of any business. However, once the research and strategies are built, a strong communication plan is needed to drive results. Marketing communication and promotion are often used to raise awareness as well as generate demand and action. This session will define and discuss how these can be used to execute your overall business plan. We will discuss the various approaches that can be used and some metrics to gauge success. Some key tactics include lunch and learns, advertising, webinars, and building and leveraging industry relationships. We will discuss these in textbook terms, but more importantly how they can be put to work in the precast industry to get the results you are looking for.

• RD1 – PCI Research Update
  Description:  Progress reports on several PCI research projects will be presented.

• TECH4 - Precast Concrete Transportation Construction in Japan
  Description: Presenters will update attendees on current precast concrete technologies in Japanese transportation construction.

• TRANS2 - Update on PCI Bridge-Related Research
  Description: During this session, speakers will share progress made on PCI-funded bridge research under the Dennis R. Mertz Bridge Research Fellowship, the Daniel P. Jenny Fellowship, and PCI’s major research investment programs.

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• CP2 – Precast 101
  Speaker/s: Kayla Hanson, NPCA
  Description: With the precast concrete industry constantly growing, companies are continually hiring new employees. Ensuring those employees get up to speed quickly can improve teamwork, reduce mistakes and help new hires quickly become productive employees. This course is intended for those who are new to precasting and includes an introduction to basic concepts including terminology, different types of concrete in the precast industry and their uses, raw materials, different types and applications of reinforcement, typical production practices, common curing procedures, fresh and hardened concrete tests, and the importance of quality control and quality assurance.

• LM1 - Developing a Culture of Operational Excellence
  Speaker/s: Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants Inc.
  Description:  For our businesses to be successful, we must strive for operational excellence by shortening the time from when we take an order to when we are paid. Shigeo Shingo, one of the original pioneers in the development of the Toyota Production System, believed there are four purposes of continuous improvement: make the work easier, better, faster and cheaper. Implementing lean principles, lean systems and the use of lean tools will drive continuous improvement and provide a roadmap to operational excellence. You will learn that operational excellence has everything to do with leadership at every level of the organization, as lean principles and systems are incorporated into the culture. Join us for an in-depth discussion on lean leadership, continuous improvement and driving out waste.

• QC1 – Mix Design: Controlling Your Mix
  Speaker/s: Marcus Barnett, Hamilton Kent LLC
  Description:  This course will begin with mix design development by way of the volume method of designing a conventional concrete mix. During the session, we will review the basic understanding of volume-based concrete mix designs that can be sensitive to adjustments made for slump, flow, air and strength. Good control of your mix is crucial to producing quality precast concrete. We will explore the math and chemistry behind determining the mix proportions and how the proper raw materials, added in the right order and properly mixed, can yield highquality concrete every time. We will discuss the specific gravity of each batching material, why it is important and the impact it has on mix designs. When you replace cement with a supplementary cementitious material such as fly ash, do you take into account the difference in the specific gravities of the materials replaced? We will review why you must do so and learn to design a self-consolidating concrete mix to limit variation. We will conclude with a segment on proportioning and performance evaluation of selfconsolidating concrete.

• QC2 – Microbially Induced Corrosion in Wastewater Treatment and Conveyance Structures: An Update on NPCA’s Research
  Speaker/s: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Description: In 2008, the NPCA MIC Task Force started down a path to learn as much as they could about microbially induced corrosion. After twelve years of meetings, three research projects, numerous site visits and talking to experts from around the globe, the knowledge gained enables our members to design for the conditions that could lead to microbially induced corrosion. During this session, we will share what we’ve learned about this phenomenon. MIC is created by specific environmental conditions. Its presence is regional, but its awareness is vast, often resulting in misperception about its magnitude, its diagnosis and its causes. We will discuss the results of Purdue University and University of Wisconsin studies on the effects of septic tank design modifications to eliminate MIC. We will also discuss work done by the ASTM C13.03 Subcommittee on Determining the Effects of Biogenic Sulfuric Acid on Concrete Pipe and Structures which has resulted in an ASTM MIC Guidance Document and some benchtop test methods. Finally, we will discuss what the NPCA MIC Task Force is doing to help members who may be dealing with this condition in their areas. This session will provide valuable information for QC personnel, plant management and sales staff to preserve precast concrete’s durability.

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

• LM2 – Good to Excelente Embracing Cultural Differences to Enhance Your Team
  Speaker/s: Bradley Hartmann, Red Angle Inc.
  Description: Digging deeper on the themes introduced in his keynote presentation, Bradley Hartmann will help attendees understand how cultures and generations have different baseline levels of trust – and how harnessing this knowledge is the key to enable teams to reach their full potential without the daily brain damage that frustrates many in our industry. Practical tools will be introduced to improve your ability to persuade and influence your team while improving communication through clarity of intent and planned followup. Entertaining, engaging, and immediately applicable, you will not want to miss this breakout!

• LM3 – Leadership in a Demanding World: Being There, Here and Everywhere
  Speaker/s: Dr. Mike Renquist, The Patnaude Group
  Description: The level of uncertainty has ratcheted up. Is it the situation of the world today that is unraveling or distracting? Or is it you? Certainly, the world as we know it has increasing demands at work, regardless of our situation or role, due instantaneous communication, globalization, technological advance, flattening organization, and customer expectations. It seems like every phone call and every email matters. The importance of “showing up” couldn’t be greater, but leadership can be difficult in a multi-tasking, seemingly unpredictable world with digital and other distractions that stretch and pull us. In this three-hour session, we’ll use emotional intelligence as a starting point to address personal focus, how to bounce back when change happens and how to influence others with behavioral approaches of leadership.

8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• OPER2: Innovations in Precast Concrete
  Moderator: Trice Turner
  Description: Join us in advancing the industry as we present unique solutions that move us beyond “the way things have always been done.” The session will highlight current best practices and emerging technologies being developed for and with the precast concrete industry.

• OPER3: Work Place Violence Prevention
  Moderator: Esser Hayes Insurance Group
  Speaker: Ray McGury, RJM Strategy Group
  Work Place Violence Prevention, Session 1 (90 minutes): This session explores the typical behavioral evolution of an active shooter and identifies behaviors in the work place (or with clientele) that can be predictors of violence. Participants will learn to recognize potential cues that may indicate an individual is in distress or needs help, and how to respond to an employee exhibiting behaviors that could potentially threaten the safety of others. The session also explores the next steps to address this behavior before it morphs into an active threat/shooter event.
  Active Threat/ Shooter Survival, Session 2 (90 minutes): Training includes a one-hour classroom session followed by practical, hands-on exercises. Case studies are used to briefly review the history of active shooter events, and current, best practices and tactics for immediate action during an event are covered and discussed. Multiple interactive scenarios integrate the first hour’s lessons, helping to create a muscle-memory response for violent encounters. A vital aspect of the training is situational awareness, an important life skill. The session encourages participants to ask, “What can I do in my daily life to become more aware of my surroundings and potential threats?” The objective is to foster an "in the present" mentality and mindset.

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• LM4 – Managing the Production Process: Part II
  Speaker/s: Aaron Ausen, Rosetta Hardscapes
  Description: Managing the production process is difficult. It is a struggle of people and processes that can be chaotic, cumbersome and just plain unbearable. There are many aspects that must be thought of all the time, and having a clear vision is more important now than ever. In this course, we will dive deep into managing the process of production. We will build on what we talked about in the previous class and discuss what works and what does not. We’ll discuss different layouts, changing shifts and working with your people. Lastly, we will dive into leadership and talk about leadership in you, your team, and instilling servant leader principles to create a team that cares for each other. This course is intended for anyone in production management or anyone aspiring to take the next step at their company.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• TECH5 - Precast Concrete Construction in Italy
  Description: Innovations in precast concrete in Italy will be described in three presentations.

• TRANS3 - Concrete Anchorage Implementation Post Pilot
  Description: PCI was selected to develop a one-day workshop to facilitate the Implementation of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 639: Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Under Sustained Loading Conditions and NCHRP Report 757: Long-Term Performance of Epoxy Adhesive Anchor Systems. As part of this contract, the team will be piloting two workshops in February 2020, with the goal of receiving input from state highway agencies. The host agency for Pilot 1 is the Idaho Transportation Department, and the host agency for Pilot 2 is the Texas Department of Transportation. The 8th edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications includes a direct reference to ACI 318-14 Chapter 17, and this 90-minute executive summary of the full-day workshop will inform attendees why this specification was changed and how an owner may wish to implement this latest revision to the LRFD code.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• QC3 – New Technologies in Precast Manufacturing: A Look Ahead
  Speaker/s: Tyler Ley, Ph.D., P.E., Oklahoma State University
  Description: There’s no question that concrete has been around a very long time, but researchers are continually developing new ways to manufacture and use this amazing construction material. One of those researchers is Dr. Tyler Ley, Oklahoma State University Structural Engineering Professor. Dr. Ley is a recent addition to the list of Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry by Concrete Construction Magazine, and avid YouTuber on everything concrete. During this session, Dr. Ley will pull back the curtain on what is new in concrete manufacturing and how it can be applied in precast to enhance your product’s durability. Topics will include new ways to measure air content, permeability, watercementitious ratio, and new methods of curing. Also included will be a look at an emerging trend in concrete manufacturing – 3D printing. Come and listen to an award-winning educator whose passion for concrete has led him and his students to find new ways to make this durable material even better.

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• CP3 – Troubleshooting Your SCC
  Speaker/s: G. Terry Harris, FACI, GCP Applied Technologies
  Description: The precast industry has embraced Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) technology. However, producers can still find themselves struggling with this finicky concrete mix. Struggle no more and come learn from an expert on SCC. Terry Harris will tackle common issues producers face while batching and placing SCC. He will identify causes and solutions for such problems as segregation of aggregates, low strength, low slump flow, and bug holes. Attendees will learn how to adjust combined aggregate gradations, modify other mix proportions and manufacturing processes to overcome these challenges. This course is a must for anyone working with SCC or considering adopting its use.

• LM5 – Vocational Schools for Workforce Development
  Speakers: Nick Graff, Dallas County Community College District; Tim Samuels, Dallas County Community College District
  Description: Precasters all over the country agree that it’s getting more and more difficult to find plant employees. The community college and vocational school network has honed in on the workforce development issue, and this session will explain why workforce development efforts are important to academia as well as the industry.

• MS2 – Back to School: Expand Your Outreach to College Students and Faculty
  Speaker/s: Jason Weiss, Ph.D., Oregon State University
  Description: Chances are your facility is near a community college or a university. Students at these higher learning institutions are potential specifiers or designers of your products. They are also potential employees of your company. For these reasons, it is a good idea to reach out to these institutions to explore outreach opportunities. Faculty and staff are usually very receptive to these efforts as they are often looking to add industry perspectives and experiences to their curriculums, as well as offer career opportunities for their graduates. The first step toward achieving this educational partnership can be daunting so we are offering this session to provide some guidance. Dr. Jason Weiss has been a civil engineering faculty member for over 20 years and has been involved extensively in both the educational side and the precast concrete industry side. Dr. Weiss has been involved in NPCA studies and has also developed and taught courses in the PQS program. He will share his advice on how you can develop a plan to get in front of future specifiers and employees to develop relationships that will enhance student learning at local colleges and universities.

• QC4 – 5 Things You Can Do to Enhance Your Concrete Durability
  Speaker/s: Fred Aguayo, Ph.D., Texas State University
  Description: Concrete once in service can be a victim to bullies. These bullies can come in the form of different deterioration mechanisms depending on material properties and chemistry, concrete quality and uniformity, and exposure conditions. Some of these issues include chloride attack, sulfate attack, alkali-aggregate reactions and freeze-thaw. The good news is precast concrete products can stand up to these threats provided it is manufactured and designed for their intended use and performance. Dr. Fred Aguayo, professor at Texas State University, has focused his studies and research on infrastructure materials engineering. His research includes projects related to durability of concrete, and he will share what he has learned in order to bully-proof your products. He will discuss the conditions that lead to these durability threats and the ensuing mechanisms that can lead to deterioration. He will then share five practices that attendees can apply to achieve and exceed durability expectations. Come learn from a great instructor and an expert in the field.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• CP4 – Formliners: Best Practices and Endless Possibilities
  Speaker/s: Ray Clark, US Formliner Inc.
  Description: As the construction industry continues to recognize the freedom of design that comes with precast concrete, more and more unique and intricate finishes are requested. From lettering, stone textures and thin brick applications to photo engraving and wood grain patterns, formliner technology has evolved to enable any designer’s vision. This course will focus on the different types and applications of formliners in the precast concrete industry. Attendees will also learn best practices to obtain the desired finish while extending the life of the formliner. Attendees will even get to make their own sample of a formliner during a hands-on demonstration. Emerging technologies in formliners and other precast concrete finish products will be discussed. If you make panels, beams, sound walls, retaining walls, or other exposed concrete products, this course will provide you with valuable resources to offer unique designs to your customers.

• CP5 – What You Need to Know to Perform Precast Concrete Repairs in the Field
  Speaker/s: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Description: Precast concrete producers are diligent in their efforts to streamline their manufacturing to ensure safety, consistency, quality and efficiency. The intent is to avoid errors that result in necessary repairs. Inevitably, a situation arises where a repair is necessary in the yard or in the field, and it could be the contractor’s fault, the owner’s fault, or even the manufacturer’s fault. Either way, a repair is necessary. An effective, thorough repair process can avoid coming back to “repair the repair.” During this session, we will examine a variety of repair scenarios that may necessitate a field repair. We will look at handling issues such as chips, spalls and cracks. We will look at production -related issues such as honeycombing and bug holes. We will also look at in-service issues such as concrete degradation due to environmental exposure, and at stress-induced cracking. Each of these potential issues requires a careful evaluation to determine the best materials and method for the conditions. We will discuss common repair materials and practices along with new technologies available for concrete repair. Whether you make septic tanks, wall panels or bridge beams, the material presented in this course will help provide repair personnel and supervisors some guidance.

• QC5 – Tips from an Expert on Preparing for an ACI Certification
  Speaker/s: Luke Snell, P.E., FAC, Concrete Consultant
  Description: The NPCA Quality Control Certification Program and many federal, state and other jurisdictions require that plant QC personnel hold current certificates for American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I. ACI offers many other certifications that may be applicable for QC personnel. The process of getting certified includes taking a written exam and a performance examination. In the case of ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I, the exams cover seven ASTM test methods and practices. This can make the experience daunting for those who are new to the industry, or those more than a few years removed from taking written exams. Luke Snell, Emeritus Professor of Construction at Southern Illinois University and concrete consultant, was named one of Ten Most Influential People of the Year in the Concrete Industry by Concrete Construction and Concrete Producer magazines in 2007 and has done extensive work in concrete certifications throughout the world. He will share is wisdom with attendees on how best to prepare for their ACI certification with emphasis on Field Testing Technician Grade 1, but much of the information shared could be applied to obtaining other certifications. He will discuss what to expect with the written exams and will also explain where most applicants fail during performance exams. This information will be valuable to future ACI certified individuals.

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• MS3 – Take Marketing and Sales Strategies to the Next Level: Expanding Your Influence with Boots on the Ground and Social Media Air Cover
  Speakers: Hugh C. Scott, IV, P.E., Shea Concrete Products
  Description: Building and sustaining a loyal customer base requires consistently providing quality products, exceptional service and competitive pricing. These pillars are the basics and are required to keep you where you are today. What strategies are you deploying to elevate your business to the next level? Today’s expanding construction industry is looking for solution providers who add value above and beyond the required basics. You may be that solution provider, but how are you showing up?
  This session will focus on developing sustainable marketing and sales strategies to expand outreach to customers and increase sales opportunities. We’ll discuss leveraging lunch and learns, on-site educational seminars with plant tours, industry group involvement, website optimization, deploying social media outreach, and other valuable media tools that resonate with today’s contractors, developers, specifiers and regulators. Being an essential resource to your customers has never been more important. This session will be interactive. Knowledge shared will include “what not to do” based on lessons learned. The material will benefit sales and marketing personnel as well as management and owners. The tools at your fingertips today allow you to market and reach your audience like never before.

• MS6 – PCI Foundation Program Overview
  Speakers: Philip Horton, Arizona State University; Carlos Barrios, Clemson University; Mohammed S. Hashem M. Mehany, Colorado State University; Mustafa Mashal, Idaho State University; Dana Gulling, North Carolina State University; Tristan Al-Haddad, Georgia Institute of Technology; Eric Matsumoto, California State University Sacramento; Kentaro Tsubaki, Tulane University; Robert B. Fleischman, University of Arizona; Matt Shea, University of Colorado, Denver; Glenn Wilcox, University of Michigan; Ben Dymond, University of Minnesota Duluth; Alex Timmer, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
  Description: Professors teaching current PCI Foundation–funded courses will share their work during this session. Presenters will include educators from architecture, engineering, and construction management schools that have developed new curriculum focusing on precast concrete—sometimes through a new course, and sometimes through changes to courses taught in a series. Professors will share student outcomes, information about partnerships with precasters, and their recent successes.

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• CP6 – Troubleshooting Precast Production: Problems and Solutions
  Speaker/s: Mel C. Marshall, P. Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.
  Description: There are many components to producing quality precast concrete products. Raw materials, mix design, reinforcing, consolidation and curing all play a part in achieving the final product. In this interactive class, attendees will learn from an expert and from each other. Mel will lead a discussion of best practices and solutions to production issues that precasters deal with every day. Bring your questions to this session where we’ll address your production issues and discuss how to resolve them.

• LM6 – Crucial Conversations: Effective Tactics for Setting Expectations and Holding Employees Accountable
  Speaker/s: G. Terry Harris, FACI, GCP Applied Technologies
  Description: Sometimes managers will let employees and coworkers avoid accountability because they dislike confrontation. However, a lack of individual accountability creates an unhealthy workplace atmosphere. A lack of accountability sends a message to the rest of the staff that lower standards are acceptable. The team may begin to resent low-performing employees and managers because they may shoulder more work to make up for their teammate’s deficiencies. If you don’t address issues as they arise, the team may perceive it as favoritism or weakness, which can be demotivating for everyone. This interactive session includes tactics on how to have difficult conversations with employees, address poor performance, consider the employee’s feelings, and follow through and follow up to ensure the employee is performing as expected.

• LM7 – The Power of Coaching: How to Evolve Your Leadership Skills
  Speaker/s: Mike Bensi, Bensi & Company
  Description: As a leader, the idea of coaching can feel daunting. Most of us don’t feel we truly know what coaching is or how to make it work. And we’re all very busy. The idea of coaching can feel like just another thing to do within an ever-growing list of tasks. We also know that in this tough job market, it is hard to recruit and keep good people. This presentation will explore various methods – and their benefits – of how to evolve our management and leadership skills. As a consultant, Mike Bensi helps organizations build strategies that transform their culture and employee experience, as well as the leaders who support both. By heightening your awareness to your specific behaviors as a leader, you will be able to take action and be better equipped to connect the dots on linking employee success to business success.

9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• CP7 – Production Challenges in the Precast Plant: A Panel Discussion
  Panel Discussion
  Description: Precast concrete production involves many materials, machines and employees and, inevitably, challenges can pop up on any given day. Wouldn’t it be great to have a group of people in the room who do what you do and have some advice to offer? This session provides that opportunity. Join the discussion with a panel of experienced precast concrete managers and supervisors from all over the U.S. representing a variety or precast products. These panelists will be asked to share some of their most challenging situations and how they handled them. This will be an interactive session where attendees can share their own experiences and ask for advice from others who have been there. This sharing of experiences and knowledge can provide valuable ideas to take back and use when that next challenge falls in your lap.

• QC6 – Concrete Testing: Experience and Advice from a World Traveling Concrete Consultant
  Speaker/s: Luke Snell, P.E., FAC, Concrete Consultant
  Description: Doing a slump test in Taiwan. Performing an air test in Mongolia. Making cylinders in Saudi Arabia. Luke Snell, civil engineer and concrete consultant, has been there and done that. He has traveled the world to train and guide concrete manufacturers through many processes, including testing. During this course, he will share his experiences and describe the differences in concrete manufacturing and quality control throughout the world. He will also share what he has seen over many years to spotlight common mistakes when testing fresh or hardened concrete. These errors and missteps may seem minimal, but they could lead to compromised test results. Mr. Snell will give his tips on how to avoid inconsistencies in testing to minimize variability and enhance quality.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• QC7 – Preventative Maintenance of Your Precast Plant Equipment
  Speaker/s: Andrew Hayward, P.E., Panhandle Concrete Products Inc.
  Description: The key to producing quality precast concrete products is having the right equipment for the job. Going hand in hand with the right equipment are proper inspection and maintenance to ensure the quality of the finished product is not compromised. This session will discuss the importance of checking equipment such as pouring buckets, air compressors, molds, batch plants and lifting hardware. It’s important to have a preventative maintenance plan in place to lengthen the life of your plant’s equipment and to identify equipment needing repair before breakdowns interrupt the batching process.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• CP1 – Internally Cured Concrete: A Look Inside a New Technology
  Speaker/s: Jason Weiss, Ph.D., Oregon State University
  Description: Conventionally cured precast concrete involves maintaining a moist environment. This is sometimes done by applying water to the concrete surface by several means including misting, spraying or wet burlap. Internally Cured (IC) concrete actually uses water supplied from porous inclusions inside the fresh concrete to provide for hydration and replace lost moisture. This technology has been studied in laboratories for many years but has since transitioned to field trials and implementation in many infrastructure projects. Studies have shown that IC will reduce shrinkage and associated cracking and reduce permeability which enhances durability. Dr. Jason Weiss, the Head of the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University and author of 400 publications relating to concrete materials, has been a key participant in studying the implementation of IC. He will share his thoughts on how this technology could be used in precast concrete manufacturing. Dr. Weiss will explain the concept of IC, along with mixture proportioning, manufacturing considerations and potential applications. This is a course for those who like to stay on top of developing technologies that help keep concrete a cutting-edge building material.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• CP2 – Precast 101
  Speaker/s: Kayla Hanson, NPCA
  Description: With the precast concrete industry constantly growing, companies are continually hiring new employees. Ensuring those employees get up to speed quickly can improve teamwork, reduce mistakes and help new hires quickly become productive employees. This course is intended for those who are new to precasting and includes an introduction to basic concepts including terminology, different types of concrete in the precast industry and their uses, raw materials, different types and applications of reinforcement, typical production practices, common curing procedures, fresh and hardened concrete tests, and the importance of quality control and quality assurance.

Friday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• CP3 – Troubleshooting Your SCC
  Speaker/s: G. Terry Harris, FACI, GCP Applied Technologies
  Description: The precast industry has embraced Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) technology. However, producers can still find themselves struggling with this finicky concrete mix. Struggle no more and come learn from an expert on SCC. Terry Harris will tackle common issues producers face while batching and placing SCC. He will identify causes and solutions for such problems as segregation of aggregates, low strength, low slump flow, and bug holes. Attendees will learn how to adjust combined aggregate gradations, modify other mix proportions and manufacturing processes to overcome these challenges. This course is a must for anyone working with SCC or considering adopting its use.

Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• CP4 – Formliners: Best Practices and Endless Possibilities
  Speaker/s: Ray Clark, US Formliner Inc.
  Description: As the construction industry continues to recognize the freedom of design that comes with precast concrete, more and more unique and intricate finishes are requested. From lettering, stone textures and thin brick applications to photo engraving and wood grain patterns, formliner technology has evolved to enable any designer’s vision. This course will focus on the different types and applications of formliners in the precast concrete industry. Attendees will also learn best practices to obtain the desired finish while extending the life of the formliner. Attendees will even get to make their own sample of a formliner during a hands-on demonstration. Emerging technologies in formliners and other precast concrete finish products will be discussed. If you make panels, beams, sound walls, retaining walls, or other exposed concrete products, this course will provide you with valuable resources to offer unique designs to your customers.

• CP5 – What You Need to Know to Perform Precast Concrete Repairs in the Field
  Speaker/s: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Description: Precast concrete producers are diligent in their efforts to streamline their manufacturing to ensure safety, consistency, quality and efficiency. The intent is to avoid errors that result in necessary repairs. Inevitably, a situation arises where a repair is necessary in the yard or in the field, and it could be the contractor’s fault, the owner’s fault, or even the manufacturer’s fault. Either way, a repair is necessary. An effective, thorough repair process can avoid coming back to “repair the repair.” During this session, we will examine a variety of repair scenarios that may necessitate a field repair. We will look at handling issues such as chips, spalls and cracks. We will look at production -related issues such as honeycombing and bug holes. We will also look at in-service issues such as concrete degradation due to environmental exposure, and at stress-induced cracking. Each of these potential issues requires a careful evaluation to determine the best materials and method for the conditions. We will discuss common repair materials and practices along with new technologies available for concrete repair. Whether you make septic tanks, wall panels or bridge beams, the material presented in this course will help provide repair personnel and supervisors some guidance.

Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• CP6 – Troubleshooting Precast Production: Problems and Solutions
  Speaker/s: Mel C. Marshall, P. Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.
  Description: There are many components to producing quality precast concrete products. Raw materials, mix design, reinforcing, consolidation and curing all play a part in achieving the final product. In this interactive class, attendees will learn from an expert and from each other. Mel will lead a discussion of best practices and solutions to production issues that precasters deal with every day. Bring your questions to this session where we’ll address your production issues and discuss how to resolve them.

Saturday, March 7, 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• CP7 – Production Challenges in the Precast Plant: A Panel Discussion
  Panel Discussion
  Description: Precast concrete production involves many materials, machines and employees and, inevitably, challenges can pop up on any given day. Wouldn’t it be great to have a group of people in the room who do what you do and have some advice to offer? This session provides that opportunity. Join the discussion with a panel of experienced precast concrete managers and supervisors from all over the U.S. representing a variety or precast products. These panelists will be asked to share some of their most challenging situations and how they handled them. This will be an interactive session where attendees can share their own experiences and ask for advice from others who have been there. This sharing of experiences and knowledge can provide valuable ideas to take back and use when that next challenge falls in your lap.

Thursday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

• LM8 - Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Panel
  Moderator: Trice Turner
  Description:  This session will focus on the importance and personal, professional, and industry benefits of workplace diversity. Personal stories will be shared, and panelists will participate in a roundtable Q&A.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• LM1 - Developing a Culture of Operational Excellence
  Speaker/s: Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants Inc.
  Description:  For our businesses to be successful, we must strive for operational excellence by shortening the time from when we take an order to when we are paid. Shigeo Shingo, one of the original pioneers in the development of the Toyota Production System, believed there are four purposes of continuous improvement: make the work easier, better, faster and cheaper. Implementing lean principles, lean systems and the use of lean tools will drive continuous improvement and provide a roadmap to operational excellence. You will learn that operational excellence has everything to do with leadership at every level of the organization, as lean principles and systems are incorporated into the culture. Join us for an in-depth discussion on lean leadership, continuous improvement and driving out waste.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

• LM2 – Good to Excelente Embracing Cultural Differences to Enhance Your Team
  Speaker/s: Bradley Hartmann, Red Angle Inc.
  Description: Digging deeper on the themes introduced in his keynote presentation, Bradley Hartmann will help attendees understand how cultures and generations have different baseline levels of trust – and how harnessing this knowledge is the key to enable teams to reach their full potential without the daily brain damage that frustrates many in our industry. Practical tools will be introduced to improve your ability to persuade and influence your team while improving communication through clarity of intent and planned followup. Entertaining, engaging, and immediately applicable, you will not want to miss this breakout!

• LM3 – Leadership in a Demanding World: Being There, Here and Everywhere
  Speaker/s: Dr. Mike Renquist, The Patnaude Group
  Description: The level of uncertainty has ratcheted up. Is it the situation of the world today that is unraveling or distracting? Or is it you? Certainly, the world as we know it has increasing demands at work, regardless of our situation or role, due instantaneous communication, globalization, technological advance, flattening organization, and customer expectations. It seems like every phone call and every email matters. The importance of “showing up” couldn’t be greater, but leadership can be difficult in a multi-tasking, seemingly unpredictable world with digital and other distractions that stretch and pull us. In this three-hour session, we’ll use emotional intelligence as a starting point to address personal focus, how to bounce back when change happens and how to influence others with behavioral approaches of leadership.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• LM4 – Managing the Production Process: Part II
  Speaker/s: Aaron Ausen, Rosetta Hardscapes
  Description: Managing the production process is difficult. It is a struggle of people and processes that can be chaotic, cumbersome and just plain unbearable. There are many aspects that must be thought of all the time, and having a clear vision is more important now than ever. In this course, we will dive deep into managing the process of production. We will build on what we talked about in the previous class and discuss what works and what does not. We’ll discuss different layouts, changing shifts and working with your people. Lastly, we will dive into leadership and talk about leadership in you, your team, and instilling servant leader principles to create a team that cares for each other. This course is intended for anyone in production management or anyone aspiring to take the next step at their company.

Friday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• LM5 – Vocational Schools for Workforce Development
  Speakers: Nick Graff, Dallas County Community College District; Tim Samuels, Dallas County Community College District
  Description: Precasters all over the country agree that it’s getting more and more difficult to find plant employees. The community college and vocational school network has honed in on the workforce development issue, and this session will explain why workforce development efforts are important to academia as well as the industry.

Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• LM6 – Crucial Conversations: Effective Tactics for Setting Expectations and Holding Employees Accountable
  Speaker/s: G. Terry Harris, FACI, GCP Applied Technologies
  Description: Sometimes managers will let employees and coworkers avoid accountability because they dislike confrontation. However, a lack of individual accountability creates an unhealthy workplace atmosphere. A lack of accountability sends a message to the rest of the staff that lower standards are acceptable. The team may begin to resent low-performing employees and managers because they may shoulder more work to make up for their teammate’s deficiencies. If you don’t address issues as they arise, the team may perceive it as favoritism or weakness, which can be demotivating for everyone. This interactive session includes tactics on how to have difficult conversations with employees, address poor performance, consider the employee’s feelings, and follow through and follow up to ensure the employee is performing as expected.

• LM7 – The Power of Coaching: How to Evolve Your Leadership Skills
  Speaker/s: Mike Bensi, Bensi & Company
  Description: As a leader, the idea of coaching can feel daunting. Most of us don’t feel we truly know what coaching is or how to make it work. And we’re all very busy. The idea of coaching can feel like just another thing to do within an ever-growing list of tasks. We also know that in this tough job market, it is hard to recruit and keep good people. This presentation will explore various methods – and their benefits – of how to evolve our management and leadership skills. As a consultant, Mike Bensi helps organizations build strategies that transform their culture and employee experience, as well as the leaders who support both. By heightening your awareness to your specific behaviors as a leader, you will be able to take action and be better equipped to connect the dots on linking employee success to business success.

Thursday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• MS4 – Future of Technology for Precast Concrete
  Moderators: Becky King and Tom Bagsarian
  Description: How can technology improve your company’s identity in the digital world? This session will cover the evolution of technology tools available for producers. Attendees will learn the basics of virtual reality, drone usage, 3D printing, and other new technologies that may provide advantages and opportunities for your business.

• MS5 – Earning Local, State, and National Media Coverage for Your Projects and Business
  Moderators: Tom Bagsarian and Becky King
  Description: What is media relations, and how can it help grow your business? This session will help attendees understand the basics of working with the media, including their local media, trade media, and even national media outlets. Participants will learn the basics of news release writing and distribution, media relationship building, and how to deal with the media during a crisis. Most importantly, attendees will walk away with another tool in their toolkit for communicating the benefits of precast concrete solutions through credible, third-party channels.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• MS1 – Marketing Communication: The Power to Drive Results
  Speaker/s: Brian Miller, P.E., MBA, LEED AP, GCP Applied Technologies
  Description: Marketing is a broad, strategic part of any business. However, once the research and strategies are built, a strong communication plan is needed to drive results. Marketing communication and promotion are often used to raise awareness as well as generate demand and action. This session will define and discuss how these can be used to execute your overall business plan. We will discuss the various approaches that can be used and some metrics to gauge success. Some key tactics include lunch and learns, advertising, webinars, and building and leveraging industry relationships. We will discuss these in textbook terms, but more importantly how they can be put to work in the precast industry to get the results you are looking for.

Friday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

• MS2 – Back to School: Expand Your Outreach to College Students and Faculty
  Speaker/s: Jason Weiss, Ph.D., Oregon State University
  Description: Chances are your facility is near a community college or a university. Students at these higher learning institutions are potential specifiers or designers of your products. They are also potential employees of your company. For these reasons, it is a good idea to reach out to these institutions to explore outreach opportunities. Faculty and staff are usually very receptive to these efforts as they are often looking to add industry perspectives and experiences to their curriculums, as well as offer career opportunities for their graduates. The first step toward achieving this educational partnership can be daunting so we are offering this session to provide some guidance. Dr. Jason Weiss has been a civil engineering faculty member for over 20 years and has been involved extensively in both the educational side and the precast concrete industry side. Dr. Weiss has been involved in NPCA studies and has also developed and taught courses in the PQS program. He will share his advice on how you can develop a plan to get in front of future specifiers and employees to develop relationships that will enhance student learning at local colleges and universities.

Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• MS3 – Take Marketing and Sales Strategies to the Next Level: Expanding Your Influence with Boots on the Ground and Social Media Air Cover
  Speakers: Hugh C. Scott, IV, P.E., Shea Concrete Products
  Description: Building and sustaining a loyal customer base requires consistently providing quality products, exceptional service and competitive pricing. These pillars are the basics and are required to keep you where you are today. What strategies are you deploying to elevate your business to the next level? Today’s expanding construction industry is looking for solution providers who add value above and beyond the required basics. You may be that solution provider, but how are you showing up?
  This session will focus on developing sustainable marketing and sales strategies to expand outreach to customers and increase sales opportunities. We’ll discuss leveraging lunch and learns, on-site educational seminars with plant tours, industry group involvement, website optimization, deploying social media outreach, and other valuable media tools that resonate with today’s contractors, developers, specifiers and regulators. Being an essential resource to your customers has never been more important. This session will be interactive. Knowledge shared will include “what not to do” based on lessons learned. The material will benefit sales and marketing personnel as well as management and owners. The tools at your fingertips today allow you to market and reach your audience like never before.

• MS6 – PCI Foundation Program Overview
  Speakers: Philip Horton, Arizona State University; Carlos Barrios, Clemson University; Mohammed S. Hashem M. Mehany, Colorado State University; Mustafa Mashal, Idaho State University; Dana Gulling, North Carolina State University; Tristan Al-Haddad, Georgia Institute of Technology; Eric Matsumoto, California State University Sacramento; Kentaro Tsubaki, Tulane University; Robert B. Fleischman, University of Arizona; Matt Shea, University of Colorado, Denver; Glenn Wilcox, University of Michigan; Ben Dymond, University of Minnesota Duluth; Alex Timmer, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
  Description: Professors teaching current PCI Foundation–funded courses will share their work during this session. Presenters will include educators from architecture, engineering, and construction management schools that have developed new curriculum focusing on precast concrete—sometimes through a new course, and sometimes through changes to courses taught in a series. Professors will share student outcomes, information about partnerships with precasters, and their recent successes.

Thursday, March 5, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• OPER1: Contract Battles
  Moderator: Esser Hayes Insurance Group
  Description: A case study using an actual contract will be presented, and panelists will discuss how to negotiate the best terms from a financial and risk management standpoint.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• OPER2: Innovations in Precast Concrete
  Moderator: Trice Turner
  Description: Join us in advancing the industry as we present unique solutions that move us beyond “the way things have always been done.” The session will highlight current best practices and emerging technologies being developed for and with the precast concrete industry.

• OPER3: Work Place Violence Prevention
  Moderator: Esser Hayes Insurance Group
  Speaker: Ray McGury, RJM Strategy Group
  Work Place Violence Prevention, Session 1 (90 minutes): This session explores the typical behavioral evolution of an active shooter and identifies behaviors in the work place (or with clientele) that can be predictors of violence. Participants will learn to recognize potential cues that may indicate an individual is in distress or needs help, and how to respond to an employee exhibiting behaviors that could potentially threaten the safety of others. The session also explores the next steps to address this behavior before it morphs into an active threat/shooter event.
  Active Threat/ Shooter Survival, Session 2 (90 minutes): Training includes a one-hour classroom session followed by practical, hands-on exercises. Case studies are used to briefly review the history of active shooter events, and current, best practices and tactics for immediate action during an event are covered and discussed. Multiple interactive scenarios integrate the first hour’s lessons, helping to create a muscle-memory response for violent encounters. A vital aspect of the training is situational awareness, an important life skill. The session encourages participants to ask, “What can I do in my daily life to become more aware of my surroundings and potential threats?” The objective is to foster an "in the present" mentality and mindset.

Please Note: Participants in this track are required to attend both days of class and pass the exam to obtain a certificate of course completion. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.

Tuesday, March 3, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• PQS: I Production and Quality School Level 1 Day 1
  Speaker/s: Mel C. Marshall, P.Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.; Kayla Hanson, NPCA; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Production and Quality School (PQS I) is NPCA’s flagship course and is the perfect starting point to provide plant personnel with the fundamentals of quality precast concrete manufacturing. Designed especially for all production personnel and QC inspectors, this course covers all aspects of manufactured concrete production, from raw materials to post-pour inspection, with special emphasis on maintaining high quality throughout the entire manufacturing process. This course satisfies the plant certification requirement of the current edition of the NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants.

• PQS II: Production Day 1
  Speaker/s David Jablonsky, P.E., FPCI, ALP Supply; Todd Jones, ALP Supply; Barry Fleck, ALP Supply; Todd Spindler, Sika Corp.; Ashley Smith, Smith-Midland Corp.; Alan Pritchard, Smith-Midland Corp.; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: PQS Level II - Production is designed for plant personnel who will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of precast-specific production practices in four key areas: lifting and handling, issues related to production practices, lean manufacturing, and patching and repair. This course goes beyond the fundamentals explored in PQS Level I to prepare students to think critically about the links between these four areas and common plant production and safety issues. Course participants will go in-depth in exploring these topics, discussing best practices and learning to address production challenges in their plants. Shift supervisors, team leaders, production managers, batch plant operators, engineering and drafting personnel and those who aspire to these positions should attend.

• PQS III: Leadership Day 1
  Speaker/s: Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants Inc.
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Attendees of this workshop will learn what it means to be a leader – learning to lead themselves and influence others. The discussions, skits, and activities presented will enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to become a person of influence. Attendees will learn key attributes required to build teams, select employees, and motivate others to accomplish the goals of the organization. Anyone who wishes to be a person of influence in their company, their community, or in any organization is encouraged to attend this course.

Wednesday, March 4, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• PQS: I Production and Quality School Level 1 Day 2
  Speaker/s: Mel C. Marshall, P.Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.; Kayla Hanson, NPCA; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Production and Quality School (PQS I) is NPCA’s flagship course and is the perfect starting point to provide plant personnel with the fundamentals of quality precast concrete manufacturing. Designed especially for all production personnel and QC inspectors, this course covers all aspects of manufactured concrete production, from raw materials to post-pour inspection, with special emphasis on maintaining high quality throughout the entire manufacturing process. This course satisfies the plant certification requirement of the current edition of the NPCA Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants.

• PQS II: Production Day 2
  Speaker/s David Jablonsky, P.E., FPCI, ALP Supply; Todd Jones, ALP Supply; Barry Fleck, ALP Supply; Todd Spindler, Sika Corp.; Ashley Smith, Smith-Midland Corp.; Alan Pritchard, Smith-Midland Corp.; Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: PQS Level II - Production is designed for plant personnel who will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of precast-specific production practices in four key areas: lifting and handling, issues related to production practices, lean manufacturing, and patching and repair. This course goes beyond the fundamentals explored in PQS Level I to prepare students to think critically about the links between these four areas and common plant production and safety issues. Course participants will go in-depth in exploring these topics, discussing best practices and learning to address production challenges in their plants. Shift supervisors, team leaders, production managers, batch plant operators, engineering and drafting personnel and those who aspire to these positions should attend.

• PQS III: Leadership Day 2
  Speaker/s: Sam Lines, MBA, Concrete Sealants Inc.
  Track: Production and Quality School
  Description: Attendees of this workshop will learn what it means to be a leader – learning to lead themselves and influence others. The discussions, skits, and activities presented will enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to become a person of influence. Attendees will learn key attributes required to build teams, select employees, and motivate others to accomplish the goals of the organization. Anyone who wishes to be a person of influence in their company, their community, or in any organization is encouraged to attend this course.

Thursday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• QC8 – Responding to the Needs of the Building Market: The New PCI Architectural Precast Certification Requirements
  Speaker/s: Scott Robinson, Midwest Sales Manager, Gate Precast; Mike Kesselmayer, PE, Managing Director, Quality Programs, PCI
  Description:  In response to feedback from top US architects, PCI has improved the PCI Architectural Certification Program to make products from PCI-certified producers the best fit for today’s aesthetic and performance demands. If you are a PCI-certified architectural precast concrete producer, you will want to attend this session to understand the necessary steps to obtain initial certification in one of the new program categories. Attendees will:

  • learn about the four newly created categories for architectural certification;
  • find out how these program changes affect the PCI plant audit process for all PCI-certified architectural plants;
  • learn about educational and promotional tools producers can use to help designers choose the best architectural certification category to meet their specific project requirements; and
  • understand the initial certification process and associated requirements to meet the critical April 1, 2020, deadline.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• QC1 – Mix Design: Controlling Your Mix
  Speaker/s: Marcus Barnett, Hamilton Kent LLC
  Description:  This course will begin with mix design development by way of the volume method of designing a conventional concrete mix. During the session, we will review the basic understanding of volume-based concrete mix designs that can be sensitive to adjustments made for slump, flow, air and strength. Good control of your mix is crucial to producing quality precast concrete. We will explore the math and chemistry behind determining the mix proportions and how the proper raw materials, added in the right order and properly mixed, can yield highquality concrete every time. We will discuss the specific gravity of each batching material, why it is important and the impact it has on mix designs. When you replace cement with a supplementary cementitious material such as fly ash, do you take into account the difference in the specific gravities of the materials replaced? We will review why you must do so and learn to design a self-consolidating concrete mix to limit variation. We will conclude with a segment on proportioning and performance evaluation of selfconsolidating concrete.

• QC2 – Microbially Induced Corrosion in Wastewater Treatment and Conveyance Structures: An Update on NPCA’s Research
  Speaker/s: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA
  Description: In 2008, the NPCA MIC Task Force started down a path to learn as much as they could about microbially induced corrosion. After twelve years of meetings, three research projects, numerous site visits and talking to experts from around the globe, the knowledge gained enables our members to design for the conditions that could lead to microbially induced corrosion. During this session, we will share what we’ve learned about this phenomenon. MIC is created by specific environmental conditions. Its presence is regional, but its awareness is vast, often resulting in misperception about its magnitude, its diagnosis and its causes. We will discuss the results of Purdue University and University of Wisconsin studies on the effects of septic tank design modifications to eliminate MIC. We will also discuss work done by the ASTM C13.03 Subcommittee on Determining the Effects of Biogenic Sulfuric Acid on Concrete Pipe and Structures which has resulted in an ASTM MIC Guidance Document and some benchtop test methods. Finally, we will discuss what the NPCA MIC Task Force is doing to help members who may be dealing with this condition in their areas. This session will provide valuable information for QC personnel, plant management and sales staff to preserve precast concrete’s durability.

Friday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• QC3 – New Technologies in Precast Manufacturing: A Look Ahead
  Speaker/s: Tyler Ley, Ph.D., P.E., Oklahoma State University
  Description: There’s no question that concrete has been around a very long time, but researchers are continually developing new ways to manufacture and use this amazing construction material. One of those researchers is Dr. Tyler Ley, Oklahoma State University Structural Engineering Professor. Dr. Ley is a recent addition to the list of Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry by Concrete Construction Magazine, and avid YouTuber on everything concrete. During this session, Dr. Ley will pull back the curtain on what is new in concrete manufacturing and how it can be applied in precast to enhance your product’s durability. Topics will include new ways to measure air content, permeability, watercementitious ratio, and new methods of curing. Also included will be a look at an emerging trend in concrete manufacturing – 3D printing. Come and listen to an award-winning educator whose passion for concrete has led him and his students to find new ways to make this durable material even better.

Friday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• QC4 – 5 Things You Can Do to Enhance Your Concrete Durability
  Speaker/s: Fred Aguayo, Ph.D., Texas State University
  Description: Concrete once in service can be a victim to bullies. These bullies can come in the form of different deterioration mechanisms depending on material properties and chemistry, concrete quality and uniformity, and exposure conditions. Some of these issues include chloride attack, sulfate attack, alkali-aggregate reactions and freeze-thaw. The good news is precast concrete products can stand up to these threats provided it is manufactured and designed for their intended use and performance. Dr. Fred Aguayo, professor at Texas State University, has focused his studies and research on infrastructure materials engineering. His research includes projects related to durability of concrete, and he will share what he has learned in order to bully-proof your products. He will discuss the conditions that lead to these durability threats and the ensuing mechanisms that can lead to deterioration. He will then share five practices that attendees can apply to achieve and exceed durability expectations. Come learn from a great instructor and an expert in the field.

Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• QC5 – Tips from an Expert on Preparing for an ACI Certification
  Speaker/s: Luke Snell, P.E., FAC, Concrete Consultant
  Description: The NPCA Quality Control Certification Program and many federal, state and other jurisdictions require that plant QC personnel hold current certificates for American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I. ACI offers many other certifications that may be applicable for QC personnel. The process of getting certified includes taking a written exam and a performance examination. In the case of ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I, the exams cover seven ASTM test methods and practices. This can make the experience daunting for those who are new to the industry, or those more than a few years removed from taking written exams. Luke Snell, Emeritus Professor of Construction at Southern Illinois University and concrete consultant, was named one of Ten Most Influential People of the Year in the Concrete Industry by Concrete Construction and Concrete Producer magazines in 2007 and has done extensive work in concrete certifications throughout the world. He will share is wisdom with attendees on how best to prepare for their ACI certification with emphasis on Field Testing Technician Grade 1, but much of the information shared could be applied to obtaining other certifications. He will discuss what to expect with the written exams and will also explain where most applicants fail during performance exams. This information will be valuable to future ACI certified individuals.

Saturday, March 7, 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• QC6 – Concrete Testing: Experience and Advice from a World Traveling Concrete Consultant
  Speaker/s: Luke Snell, P.E., FAC, Concrete Consultant
  Description: Doing a slump test in Taiwan. Performing an air test in Mongolia. Making cylinders in Saudi Arabia. Luke Snell, civil engineer and concrete consultant, has been there and done that. He has traveled the world to train and guide concrete manufacturers through many processes, including testing. During this course, he will share his experiences and describe the differences in concrete manufacturing and quality control throughout the world. He will also share what he has seen over many years to spotlight common mistakes when testing fresh or hardened concrete. These errors and missteps may seem minimal, but they could lead to compromised test results. Mr. Snell will give his tips on how to avoid inconsistencies in testing to minimize variability and enhance quality.

Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• QC7 – Preventative Maintenance of Your Precast Plant Equipment
  Speaker/s: Andrew Hayward, P.E., Panhandle Concrete Products Inc.
  Description: The key to producing quality precast concrete products is having the right equipment for the job. Going hand in hand with the right equipment are proper inspection and maintenance to ensure the quality of the finished product is not compromised. This session will discuss the importance of checking equipment such as pouring buckets, air compressors, molds, batch plants and lifting hardware. It’s important to have a preventative maintenance plan in place to lengthen the life of your plant’s equipment and to identify equipment needing repair before breakdowns interrupt the batching process.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• RD1 – PCI Research Update
  Description:  Progress reports on several PCI research projects will be presented.

Thursday, March 5, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• TECH1 - PCI Standards Development and IBC Updates
  Moderator: Edith Smith
  Description: This session will provide an overview of code updates incorporated in the 2021 IBC for, and summarize PCI’s ongoing efforts to develop standards for precast concrete design and construction.

• TECH2 - Commercial Precast Concrete Construction in Japan
  Description: Presenters will update attendees on current precast concrete technologies in Japanese building construction.

Thursday, March 5, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• TECH6 - Materials for Precast/Prestressed Concrete Construction
  Moderator: Venkatesh Iyer

Thursday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• TECH3 - Precast Concrete Construction in Korea
  Speaker/s: Sangsup Lee, PhD, and Kyuwoong Bae, PhD, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology; Kangcheol Lee, Sampyo P&C; Sungheop Hong, Camus E&C; Hyounggyo Lee, SK E&C Co. Ltd.
  Description: Applications of precast concrete in Korea include various products in various types of construction. Portal frame, double wall, and core construction in residential and industrial applications will be presented.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• TECH4 - Precast Concrete Transportation Construction in Japan
  Description: Presenters will update attendees on current precast concrete technologies in Japanese transportation construction.

Friday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• TECH5 - Precast Concrete Construction in Italy
  Description: Innovations in precast concrete in Italy will be described in three presentations.

Wednesday, March 4, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• TITAN: Titan II Power User
  Description: Created for the sales representative, estimator, engineer, production scheduler, dispatcher, QC inspector/ manager, inventory manager and all accounting personnel, this course will have something for everyone who works with the Titan II Precast Management System. All new modules and enhancements added to Titan within the last year will be reviewed and demonstrated. Additionally, we will discuss helpful tools and features that are classic time savers. Attendees are sure to come away with ideas and methods to immediately improve the processes within their precast company. Attendees receive 1 Credit towards TGC.

  • Contractor Hub Service
    • Review of New Mobile Apps
    • Review of Contractor Hub Enhancements 
  • System Audit Manager (SAM)
    • SAM Overview
    • Benefits of SAM
    • Review of SAM Types
    • Available SAM Reports 
  • Quality Control Module (QCTitan)
    • Mobile App Features
    • Reporting Features 
  • Accounting Features
    • Using Credit Reasons
    • Finance Charge Enhancements
    • Other New Features/Reports 
  • VT3000 Enhancements 
  • Sales Dashboard Enhancements 
  • Reviewing Booked Jobs using the Quote Manager 
  • Production Entry Enhancements 
  • Visual Estimator Enhancements 
  • Visual Bay Enhancements 
  • Custom Report Writer Enhancements 
  • Classic Time Saving Features 
  • Other New Features

Thursday, March 5, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• TRANS1 - Presentation on AASHTO T-10 Research and Related T-10 Ballot Topics
  Description: Ongoing National Cooperative Highway Research Program projects will be presented to AASHTO Committee T-10 (Concrete Design) by the research teams.

Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

• TRANS2 - Update on PCI Bridge-Related Research
  Description: During this session, speakers will share progress made on PCI-funded bridge research under the Dennis R. Mertz Bridge Research Fellowship, the Daniel P. Jenny Fellowship, and PCI’s major research investment programs.

Friday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• TRANS3 - Concrete Anchorage Implementation Post Pilot
  Description: PCI was selected to develop a one-day workshop to facilitate the Implementation of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 639: Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Under Sustained Loading Conditions and NCHRP Report 757: Long-Term Performance of Epoxy Adhesive Anchor Systems. As part of this contract, the team will be piloting two workshops in February 2020, with the goal of receiving input from state highway agencies. The host agency for Pilot 1 is the Idaho Transportation Department, and the host agency for Pilot 2 is the Texas Department of Transportation. The 8th edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications includes a direct reference to ACI 318-14 Chapter 17, and this 90-minute executive summary of the full-day workshop will inform attendees why this specification was changed and how an owner may wish to implement this latest revision to the LRFD code.