Gathering of Masonry Minds
The 2009 MCAA Convention is around the corner
By Masonry
The convention will be held at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-6, 2009, and is designed specifically for the mason contractor and allied organizations.
You'll have the chance to meet fellow mason contractors, suppliers and allied industry representatives from across the United States who share the same goals, frustrations and experiences that you face in running your own business.
Register for the MCAA Convention and book your hotel room at The Venetian today!
Here's some of what you can expect at the 2009 MCAA Convention:
Opening Session
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.LVCC, South Hall, Level 2, Room S231
American audiences will most likely remember Alan Thicke best for portraying psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver on ABC's Growing Pains, which is now syndicated in over 65 countries. In addition to a long list of acting and producing credentials, he is a prolific composer, having written more than 45 television theme songs. As a headliner and speaker, Thicke's distinctive charm and humor have established him as one of America's all-purpose entertainers. He has played the main Las Vegas showrooms of the Hilton, Desert Inn and Sands, as well as Atlantic City's Resorts International, numerous cruise ships, and corporate events for many of the world's biggest companies and associations.
Thicke is proud to have been named "Father of the Year" by organizations including The Father's Day Council of Los Angeles, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, and The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Two of the most important elements of his life have been his sons, Brennan and Robin, who is a platinum-selling recording artist.
MAC PAC Reception
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 5 - 6 p.m.Venetian Hotel
Federal laws and regulations have a direct impact on you and your business. Because it is illegal for corporations or state chapter PACs to directly contribute to federal candidates or to political parties, MAC PAC allows you the opportunity to have a national impact on federal elections. Contributions raised at this event go exclusively to the MAC PAC.
Funds will be used to support pro-masonry candidates in the next election cycle.
Expert's Pairing Advice
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1 - 3 p.m.Venetian Hotel
Pinot Brasserie offers the warm, bustling ambiance of an urban Parisian brasserie. Joachim Splichal a James Beard award-winning chef, traveled to France to find accessories and antiques that provide the perfect backdrop for his signature California-French cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list.
The sommelier will guide you through your wine pairing with the flavors of the wine to compliment your menu.
Contractor Appreciation Party
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7 - 10 p.m.Venetian Hotel
All mason contractors attending the World of Concrete are invited to join us for a night of food, drinks, and fun at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. You'll have an opportunity to win one of several door prizes that will be given away thoughout the night including casino chips, cash, education seminar vouchers, industry equipment and more!
Last year's event was a huge success and this year's party promises to be even bigger and better. Don't miss out on your chance to "hit the jackpot" while networking with the industry! All mason contractors are invited to attend.
Closing Reception
Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30 - 11 p.m.Palazzo Hotel
Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2006, takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Warning: Jersey Boys contains strong authentic Jersey language and is not appropriate for all ages.
International Masonry Skills Challenge
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Las Vegas Convention Center, Gold Lot, front of North Hall
Contestants are divided by experience levels: first-year are just entering the trade, through third-year, who are just about to enter the workforce as journeymen. Participants in each level are given a surprise project to build appropriate to their know-how. Contestants must build their projects without ever having seen the drawings. They haven't been able to practice, and they are not allowed to consult their instructors, employers or anyone else during the competition. They have three hours to complete their projects with the given materials. Awards are presented to the top three apprentices in each skill level.
Fastest Trowel on the Block
Thursday, Feb. 5, 12 - 1:30 p.m.Las Vegas Convention Center, Gold Lot, front of North Hall
The competition will pit 16 journeyman masons, accompanied by their two favorite tenders, against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal is to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible, using 8-inch X 8-inch X 16-inch CMU and the provided mortar in a 20-minute heat. Contestants must have a high degree of workmanship using normal masonry practices and hand tools. The contest promotes quality training and pride in workmanship among journeymen and contractors, as well as promotes the craftsmanship, speed and versatility of masonry systems and the masonry workforce.
Masonry Foreman Development
Monday, Feb. 2; Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7 a.m. — 5 p.m.Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, Room S233
Masonry field supervisors need to manage both people and resources in order to have a successful and profitable project. The Masonry Foreman Development Course has been designed to provide your key employees with the skills necessary to become an effective job foreman and profit center for your company. This two-day course will teach the key areas of responsibility for foremen, such as communication, leadership, problem solving, accident prevention, cost awareness, planning and production control.
Discipline: Ethics & Business Practices
Credits: 20
Masonry Quality Institute
Monday, Feb. 2; Tuesday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, Room S230
Discipline: Masonry Quality Institute
Credits: 16
Understanding Codes & Standards
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, Room S232
The Understanding Masonry Codes & Standards seminar will explain the major changes that have been made to the 2005 Masonry Specification, along with some important changes in the 2006 IBC, why they were made, and what the changes may mean to you as a contractor. You will work through real-life examples that are encountered daily. The course will cover basic masonry design and construction examples that contractors need to know, using both the Code and the Specification. By the end of this seminar, you will be able to put the new Masonry Code into practice.
Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 6
Basic Masonry Estimating
Thursday, Feb. 5, 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall,Level 2, Room S230
Learn the basics of masonry estimating, or refresh your memory with the Basic Masonry Estimating seminar. The course will teach the key concepts such as estimate types, estimating mathematics, bid forms, computer solutions, and more. This session includes a step-by-step approach to the estimating procedure including direct and indirect costs, materials, labor, equipment, project and office overhead and profit. Enroll your employees today and watch your profits grow.
Discipline: Bidding Practices
Credits: 8
Register NOW for the MCAA Convention!
About the Author
Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.
The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino photo courtesy of The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino.
Alan Thicke photo courtesy of Greater Talent Network, Inc.
Jersey Boys photo courtesy of Jersey Boys - Las Vegas Production.
All other photos by Jenkins Custom Photography, Ltd.