Educational Sessions

The Mechanical Insulation Industry―A Contractor’s Perspective Panel

During NIA's 62nd Annual Convention, contractors representing a variety of companies and job roles and responsibilities will share their collective expertise on topics that impact day-to-day operations and larger industry challenges. Suggested topics include: the changing supply chain, material handling on job sites, labor, spec changes, scheduling, and contractor’s needs. Attendee questions are encouraged during this session. If you have specific questions for the panelists, please email events@insulation.org.

Panelists include:

The Psychology of Illusion

Keynote Speaker: Vinh Giang, Entrepreneur, Magician and Coach

A businessman and entrepreneur, Vinh Giang, created the online platform Encyclopedia of Magic, which now teaches magic to almost 50,000 students around the world. During his presentation, Vinh will share his insights into human psychology, business, and the wonderful art of magic. Through interactive demonstrations, Vinh will share the psychology of illusion and perspective, and emphasize how new solutions can be created through collaboration.

Rethinking Business and Personal Success

Speaker: Peter Nielsen, Leadership and Organizational Development Consultant

Using principles originating in psychology and tested in business, Peter Nielsen will guide participants through experiential activities and engaging discussions to address challenges that confront all of us, regardless of our role in an organization. Thought-provoking topics include: business culture and results, thought processes and results, personal biases, growth and development, and increasing performance and engagement of others.

Technical Presentations

The technical presentations will give attendees an in-depth global analysis of cutting-edge industry developments. The Technical Information Committee selected 5 technical presentations for Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1:

Pre-Insulated Pipe Supports

David Baker, General Manager of Piping Technology and Products, Inc., presenting on the theory of pre-insulated pipe support design
Barry Schmitt, CEO of Value Engineered Products, presenting on pre-insulated pipe supports for the commercial side
Kerry Esmond, Senior Vice President of Sales of Rilco, presenting on pre-insulated pipe supports for industrial applications

Jacketing Standards

Jim Young, Technical Director of ITW, presenting ASTM standards for Metal Jacketing
Jim Meier, President of JTM Consulting, presenting ASTM standards UV Cured Glass Reinforced Plastic Jackets

2017 Convention