NIA’s Virtual Fall Summit 2020

November 3-6, 2020

Educational Sessions

Keynote Presentations

Leadership Lessons Learned in an Evolving Environment—Panel Presentation, Part 1
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 (3:15-4:15 p.m. ET)

Before we say farewell to 2020 and the challenges it has brought, join our panel of industry leaders—representing all facets of the mechanical insulation industry, including contractors, distributors, fabricators, and manufacturers—who will share their leadership strategies, industry insights, and important lessons learned in this truly unique time. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to participate in this high-level insider look at how these industry leaders are tackling this evolving environment. Questions from registered audience members are welcome (please submit by Friday, October 23rd to training@insulation.org). Additional questions may be addressed in Part 2: Planning for Uncertain Times in 2021.

Industry Leader Panelists:

Sponsored by:

Return of the Economist: COVID-19 Economic Update with Anirban Basu
Thursday, November 5, 2020 (3:15-4:15 p.m. ET)

COVID-19 has rocked what had appeared to be a nearly invincible economy—one associated with substantial job growth, multidecade lows in unemployment, sturdy compensation increases, robust retail sales, low inflation, and strong financial market performance. Underneath that strong performance, however, was a set of fragilities that have been exposed by the pandemic. This presentation speaks to our current economic circumstances, how difficult things are likely to become in the foreseeable future, and the contours of the brisk recovery to come thereafter.

Speaker: Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic and policy consulting firm in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as the Chief Economist to Associated Builders and Contractors and as Chief Economic Adviser to the Construction Financial Management Association. In 2007 and then again in 2016, Mr. Basu was selected by the Daily Record newspaper as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. The Baltimore Business Journal named him one of the region’s 20 most powerful business leaders in 2010.

Planning for Uncertain Times in 2021—Panel Presentation, Part 2
December 8, 2020 (2:00-3:00 p.m. ET)

In Part 2, the same panelists return to focus on their insights for 2021. (Part 2 of the panel presentation will be made available as a value-added session for Fall Summit registrants.) Our esteemed panel of industry leaders will pick up where they left off at Fall Summit and look ahead to next year and beyond. Plus, the panel will answer audience questions. Hear their view on what is ahead for our industry—the challenges and the opportunities. Join us for this exclusive industry conversation.

Industry Leader Panelists:

Sponsored by:

Industry Sessions

Union Contractors Subcommittee (open only to signatory contractors of the International)
Wednesday, November 4, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Understanding Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plans

Learn the latest about multiemployer defined benefit plans, including withdrawal liability, general statistics on the state of multiemployer plans, understanding a plans status, and advice and insight on actuarial assumptions used in measuring the financial condition of a plan.

Speaker:
Judy Goodstein, Vice President and Actuary, Segal


Associates Session
Wednesday, November 4, 10:00- 11:30 a.m. ET
Next Era:  Epidemic, Election, Emission

This presentation will discuss the important forces that will impact construction in the coming era.   Starting with the current epidemic and introduction to the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, to the potential election outcome and forces in DOE to impact the construction industry, and finally to Carbon Emission and how that can shape the world.

Speaker:
Luke Leung, Director of the Sustainability Engineering Studio, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP.

Distributors/Fabricators Session
Wednesday, November 4, 10:00- 11:30 a.m. ET
The Benefits of Fulfillment Systems in 2020

This session will provide you with an introduction to fulfillment systems for the insulation industry and will focus on distribution and manufacturing. We will explore the continuing advancement of fulfillment technologies, including: each, case and full pallet systems; automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS); results driven by software that focuses on orders, inventory, material handling equipment and labor. Then we will outline achievable fulfillment benefits and how to reduce the dependency on labor hours to fulfill orders; drive world class customer satisfaction with accurate on-time shipments; and provide real-time visibility in your day-to-day operations.

Speakers:
Rich Hayden, Sr. Software Consultant, Dematic
Tom Steininger, Global Market Development Director, Dematic

Health and Safety Session
Thursday, November 5, 10:00- 11:30 a.m. ET
Fraud Prevention Strategies for Your Business

During this session, Mr. Robison will alert employers to potential red flags, and share tools and techniques that you can leverage to prevent fraud in your workplace. In addition, examples of successful surveillance projects, liability issues, and newer surveillance strategies will also be discussed. Please join this open and interactive discussion and note that attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session.

Speaker:
Ryan Robison, President & Founder, The Robison Group

Young Professional Advisory Committee
Friday, November 6, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Leading and Managing Teams

Join us for the launch of YPAC’s Mentoring Program, which will delve into the universal topic of leading and managing teams. From developing your management style, to expanding critical leadership skills, to tackling tough business topics, NIA Past President David Dzina and YPAC Facilitator John Freeman will engage in a conversation that will help you build and improve the skills and the mindset that will set you apart as an emerging leader.

Note to participants: To encourage interaction and discussion, we invite you to share a book title, a TED Talk, or a podcast, etc. that has helped you along your leadership path. For the Zoom session, if possible, bring a visual to share with your YPAC colleagues, such as a book jacket or printed screenshot, etc.


Presenters:

John Freeman, Construction Manager, Petrin LLC
David Dzina, NIA Past President