Agenda

This interactive session marks SWACCA Innovation Committee’s 4th consecutive year hosting its impactful innovation summit. Bringing together local and national signatory employers, associations, regional and national labor leaders, tech startups, and prominent technology builders, the summit explores industry trends, technology adoption, and business perspectives. With a proven track record of fostering collaboration and innovation, this year’s session promises to continue shaping the future of the wall and ceiling industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and drive progress in our trades.

In this insightful keynote, Nora Burns, known as The Undercover Employee™ shares a firsthand account of workplace realities from the front lines. Nora invested 15 months behind the scenes at prominent organizations. She traded her HR executive role for a polyester uniform to stock shelves, ring up orders, and clean bathrooms. More importantly, she listened closely to employees as they discussed the unfiltered truths about their work environment, leadership, and organizational culture. Through data from her proprietary research, Nora reveals the candid insights often exchanged in breakrooms but rarely brought to management’s attention.

Key Objectives:
1. Gain Frontline Insights: Understand what employees genuinely think about leadership, working conditions, and the overall company culture—insights often shared only among themselves.
2. Identify Key Cultural Gaps: Recognize areas where leadership’s vision may differ from the actual employee experience, allowing for a more authentic alignment of values and practices.
3. Implement Practical Action Steps: Discover actionable strategies that management can use to bridge the gap between employee perceptions and organizational goals, ultimately enhancing culture and performance.

Nora’s experiences bring invaluable lessons that go beyond traditional surveys, offering a powerful, reality-based perspective on cultivating a thriving workplace culture.

RSVP required. Space is limited.
To RSVP, please log into the Attendee Service Center and select "Edit Registration". 

In today''s fast-paced construction environment, Estimators face the tough challenge of submitting bids under increasingly tight timelines, all while striving for perfection. Leonard will address these struggles head-on, offering insights into how new technology can alleviate pressure and enhance efficiency. Leonard will showcase BuzzBID’s innovative ClickONCE™ Computer Vision Takeoff automation and integrated assembly-based estimating software designed specifically for drywall and acoustical ceiling estimators to streamline their bidding process and increase productivity.

Small and Medium businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks. This presentation is designed to equip business owners and managers with the essential knowledge and tools to protect their companies from cyber threats.

We will begin by exploring the current landscape of cybersecurity, highlighting the most common threats faced by small businesses, such as phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches. We will also review the potential impact of these threats on their operations, finances, and reputation.

Next, we will delve into practical strategies for enhancing cybersecurity. Topics will include implementing strong password policies, using multi-factor authentication, the importance of utilizing enterprise-grade Network Hardware, and regularly updating software and systems. We will also discuss the importance of employee training and creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the organization.

Lastly, we will cover the basics of developing a cybersecurity plan, including risk assessment, incident response, and data backup procedures.

This interactive workshop dives into the insights and strategies needed to successfully recruit and retain younger talent in today’s competitive job market. Led by Nora Burns, founder of The Undercover Project™, this program leverages proprietary research conducted as both The Undercover Candidate™ and The Undercover Employee™. Backed by authentic, on-the-ground experiences, as well as survey data from young employees, the workshop explores what our youngest workers truly value in their workplaces and leadership.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of:
1. The key motivators and decision drivers for young job seekers when choosing employers
2. Missteps companies often make in recruitment that turn away young talent
3. How to cultivate a workplace culture that attracts and retains younger employees
4. Practical, tested strategies for creating roles and work environments that align with young professionals' values, priorities, and career aspirations

Through discussions and case studies, participants will leave equipped with actionable tools for refining their recruitment and retention practices, creating a workplace that not only appeals to younger workers but empowers them to thrive.

RSVP required. Space is limited. 

What if the data you’re already collecting could revolutionize your company? The construction industry generates a wealth of data, yet much of it remains untapped, buried in a mix of spreadsheets, software platforms, notepads, sticky notes, or other physical documents and is undermined by costly inefficiencies. 

In this interactive session, we’ll address the key challenges construction companies face when it comes to harnessing the data they already collect and will give you practical strategies to see the story your data is telling so you can maximize your company's success. We’ll show how good data practices and better data visibility will improve your projects’ performance from bid to punch list, help you to identify and stop profit bleed before it impacts your projects, and increase overall operational efficiency. Understanding the story your data is telling will help you spot trends and make better informed decisions, giving you the tools you need to get more from the data you already collect and drive your company’s performance.

Join us to explore the architectural marvel of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts’ façade. This presentation takes you on a journey from the initial concept to the final construction of the museum’s unique exterior, showcasing the integration of art with urban green space across an entire city block. Discover the innovative strategies behind designing and producing over one million individual parts that form the backbone of the museum’s continuous outer shell. These parts not only support the structure physically but also transform it into a visionary masterpiece. We''ll reveal the cutting-edge digital techniques and manufacturing processes that turned complex ideas into tangible realities, enabling the extraordinary construction of this facade. This session will uncover the fascinating blend of art, technology, and architecture that defines the museum.

Retainage is unique to the construction industry, allowing up to 5 percent of a progress payment to be withheld pending final completion of the project. There are new laws that affect owner/lender relationships and will require changes to existing construction contracts to be implemented effectively. This presentation will provide an update on new statutes, how to address all alternatives to cash retainage, and what terms you may need to modify in your construction contracts and loan agreements. 

Washington’s new Change Order statute provides another avenue for prompt payment to contractors that follow the new rules. Additionally, Washington and Oregon now allow contractors and subcontractors to avoid retainage on both public and private/commercial construction projects. The new bond option is in addition to other options now available to avoid some of the negative effects of cash retainage.

Join us to learn practical ways to comply with these new laws, protect your business, and maximize existing contracts and existing relationships.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) have evolved to meet the demands of modern construction, and stone wool insulation is at the forefront of this innovation. This session is designed to provide general contractors and applicators with a comprehensive understanding of EIFS with Drainage systems that utilize non-combustible, high-performance stone wool insulation.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these systems meet and exceed today’s stringent building codes, including fire safety, moisture management, and energy efficiency requirements. The session will also explore the technical advantages of stone wool insulation, such as its fire resistance, durability, and acoustics properties.

A live demonstration will highlight critical installation techniques, detailing best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid. From substrate preparation to lamina and finish coat application, participants will leave equipped with the knowledge to execute successful installations that deliver long-term performance and compliance.

Join us to explore how EIFS with Drainage using stone wool insulation is transforming the industry, offering a robust solution for modern building envelopes that prioritize safety, sustainability, and efficiency.