Educational Sessions
Education Sessions: Wednesday, October 29
Keynote Presentation: Economic Outlook: What's Next?
Economic forecasts are constantly changing, and Chris Kuehl knows which trends to watch so that you know what to expect for 2026. Chris will share his expertise and provide a comprehensive overview of the latest data, along with his expectations for the various segments of the U.S. economy. He will focus on domestic construction industry spending for manufacturing, transportation, and the insulation sector. Chris will also share his perspective on the U.S. dollar, interest rates, real estate trends, tariffs, and more.
Speaker:
Chris Kuehl, Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Keynote Presentation: Design-Build, Decarbonization, and the Future of Mechanical Insulation
Join Melanie Goerke for a deep dive into the design-build industry. This session outlines how mechanical insulation professionals can develop strategic partnerships with engineering and architectural firms to advance shared sustainability objectives. Melanie will detail key trends impacting design-build projects and data centers, examining the newest regulations and decarbonization guidelines that are reshaping demand and creating opportunities for our industry.
Speaker:
Melanie Goerke, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, Senior Sustainability Specialist, Stantec (formerly Page)
Distributor/Fabricators Session
Mastering Tariffs, Trade, and Next-Gen Supply Chain
Navigate current and future trade challenges with practical strategies for managing tariffs, cost volatility, and customer communications. Eric Johnson will explore next generation AI-driven supply chain technology for optimizing logistics and mitigating risk.
Speaker:
Eric Johnson, Senior Editor, Technology, Journal of Commerce
Health and Safety Session
Learning from Near Misses: A Proactive Approach to Construction Safety
This session will delve into the critical importance of identifying, reporting, and analyzing near misses on construction project sites. Join us to learn how a proactive approach to near misses can significantly enhance safety performance, reduce risks, and cultivate a stronger safety culture on your construction sites. This session will feature a presentation, then open the discussion for attendees to share their own experiences and insights.
Speaker:
Jerelle Santana, Occupational Safety and Health Professional, Lancaster Safety Consulting Inc.
Merit Contractors Committee
Regional Roundup
Join the Merit Contractors Committee members for a wide-ranging regional discussion led by Committee Chair Michael McCowan of L.C. Insulations, Inc., focusing on market conditions and updates from across the United States.
Speaker:
Mike McCowan, Committee Chair, L.C. Insulation, Inc.
Associates (Manufacturer) Session
Deep Dive Economic Outlook for Manufacturers
Take a deeper dive into the most important economic topics for manufacturers, including manufacturing production and capacity utilization rates, purchasing manager index, unemployment, and much more. Plus, Chris Kuehl will also share his insights and predictions on potential growth rates, sector challenges, and potential risks.
Speaker:
Chris Kuehl, Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Union Contractors Subcommittee*
Roundtable Discussion
We invite you to participate in a special roundtable discussion led by the Union Contractors Subcommittee leadership. This session is designed to be collaborative and is your opportunity to lend your voice and expertise on critical issues. Updates from Board members of NUICA and Trustees from the LMCT will be provided. Attendees will be surveyed prior to the meeting for additional topic suggestions. Come ready to engage, bring your questions, and contribute your perspective!
This session will conclude with the Union Contractors committee meeting.
*The Union Contractors Subcommittee is open to signatory contractors of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers.
Young Professional Advisory Committee (YPAC)
The Power of Building Your Network
Join your peers to build a stronger network, gain new perspectives, and find a community of like-minded young professionals dedicated to growth and success. Moderated by YPAC leadership, this informal session will help you connect with your peers in a relaxed setting. We'll dive into the questions that help us discover what drives us, what we're passionate about, and what we can learn from each other.