Click here to view a video of NIA's Spring Summit Speaker Line Up! 

Keynote Presentations

Anirban Basu and the Chamber of Data
March 16, 2021 (1:00-2:15 p.m. ET)

At last, 2021 is here. Economist Anirban Basu will supply attendees with the latest economic data and analysis of the pre-pandemic and pandemic world, and most importantly,  a forecast for the post-pandemic one. This presentation will focus on key factors for the industry, including labor markets, financial markets, real estate, construction, consumer spending, business investment, international trade, and government finances.

Speaker: Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., is 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, he 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.

Sponsored by: 

The Business Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccine
March 17, 2021 (3:30-4:45 p.m. ET)

Join Martha Roherty of ADvancing States for an in-depth look at the business side of the COVID-19 vaccine. While this massive public health effort brings hope to putting this pandemic behind us, it presents enormous delivery, access, and timing challenges for businesses, especially with the distribution being handled differently by each state. Ms. Roherty will help attendees learn about the risks, the regulations, and the rewards associated with a vaccinated workforce in 2021.

Speaker:
Martha Roherty, Executive Director, ADvancing States

What’s Up in Washington? An Insider’s Legislative Outlook
March 18, 2021 (3:30-4:45 p.m. ET)

With a new Biden Administration and a new Congress governing, get a Washington-insider look at what new political realities mean for your business sector amid current economic and safety challenges. Jade West, Chief Government Relations Officer for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), will guide participants through the latest actions, priorities, and attitudes from the first few months of the new Administration and what it means for business leaders and our industry.

Speaker:
Jade C. West, Chief Government Relations Officer, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors

Industry Presentations

Associates (Manufacturers) Session
Wednesday, March 17 (10:00-11:30 a.m. ET)
Thriving in New Business Environments

The workplace is the intersection of people, culture, and business. When the three are aligned, people thrive and businesses grow. Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM’s) Nicole Belyna will help attendees navigate an evolving workplace—especially in the realm of virtual customer and workforce experiences—and offer fresh insights into how we conduct business and create success.

Speaker:
Nicole Belyna, Field Services Director, SHRM

Distributors/Fabricators Session
Wednesday, March 17 (10:00-11:30 a.m. ET)
Construction Outlook and Developing Strategy Amid Uncertainty

What will customer expectations and services look like in the post-COVID environment? Join FMI’s Paul Giovannoni for his perspective and an updated construction industry outlook, focusing on the ways in which preferences and practices of buyers are changing, how services are being delivered, and recommendations to position your organization for success.

Speaker:
Paul Giovannoni, Managing Director—Building Products, FMI Corporation

Health & Safety Session
Thursday, March 18 (10:00-11:30 a.m. ET)
OSHA Update

During this session, learn more about OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, which is OSHA’s principal source for standards, regulations, policy, programs, and assistance to OSHA, other federal agencies, the construction industry, and the general public with respect to occupational safety and health. Erin Gilmore will provide attendees with the latest updates on COVID-19 workplace guidance, enforcement guidance and statics, rulemaking, national emphasis programs, national compliance assistance projects, and Women in Construction initiatives.

Speaker:
Erin P. Gilmore, Office Director of Construction Services, OSHA

Merit Contractors Session
Wednesday, March 17 (10:00-11:00 a.m. ET)
Regional Updates Committee Discussion

Committee Chair Rudy Nigl will lead a committee roundtable discussion of current market conditions and COVID-19 impacts by region.

Union Contractors Subcommittee
Wednesday, March 17 (9:30–11:00 a.m. ET)
Labor Law Developments: What to Expect in 2021

With a new Presidential Administration and a new legislative agenda, businesses are wondering what is next for labor law. Employment Law Attorney Bob Dunlevey will provide insights and practical advice to stay informed and in compliance on topics ranging from the proposed PRO Act, which will drastically change many traditional labor laws, to the proposed national paid leave program to new OSHA COVID-19 standards to anticipated multi-employer pension plan reform.

Speaker:
Bob Dunlevey, Senior Counsel, Taft Law

Young Professional Advisory Committee
Tuesday, March 16 (3:00–4:30 p.m. ET)
Building Your Career and Personal Brand

Distribution International’s Dana Vlk and Johns Manville’s Dayna Martin paired up for YPAC’s Mentoring Program to explore building your career and standing out in the insulation business. The strategies and tactics they share will help you create professional value and staying power within your company, industry, and professional networks. To encourage discussion, attendees are encouraged to share during the session:

• What is something you find to be underrated in building your career?
• What brand would you use to explain your professional brand?
• What is your favorite business-related podcast?

Speakers: 
Dayna Martin, Associate Marketing Manager, Johns Manville
NIA Past President Dana Vlk, Senior Advisor, Distribution International