2027 Education Offerings
CMHA is thrilled to offer several education opportunities featuring the latest developments and business strategies from industry experts at The Precast Show. Attendees can look forward to practical training in plant operations, safety compliance, quality control, and leadership. These sessions help to equip producers and managers with the expertise needed to optimize facilities, protect workforce safety, and drive business growth.
CMHA In-Person Plant Tours – Oldcastle Masonry & Hardscapes
6:30 AM – 10:00 AM (3 tour options)
Location: Oldcastle Masonry & Hardscapes facility
Description: Join CMHA for an in-person tour of the Oldcastle Masonry & Hardscapes production facilities. Breakfast, bus transportation and all required PPE is provided and included in the registration fee. Bus will depart 30 min prior to tour start.
CMHA Masonry & Hardscapes Production Bootcamp: Mastering the Fundamentals of Efficient, Effective & Safe Operations
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Convention Center Room TBD
Description: Whether you’re new to plant operations or looking to sharpen your skills, this in-depth bootcamp is designed to give you a solid foundation in running a concrete hardscape or masonry production facility. Learn the core principles of efficient workflow, production best practices, equipment maintenance, material handling, safety protocols, and team coordination.
Led by industry experts, this session will walk through the day-to-day essentials of keeping a plant running smoothly — with a focus on maximizing uptime, reducing waste, improving safety, and producing consistent, high-quality products.
Perfect for plant managers, supervisors, and operations staff seeking practical, real-world training that can be applied immediately.
Speakers:
Dean Jurik and Ben Kaiser, P.E., ACM Chemistries
Duane Rondeau, Besser Company
Masonry & Hardscapes Plant Production Showcase
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Convention Center Room TBD
Description: Step into the forefront of manufacturing innovation at the Masonry & Hardscapes Plant Production Showcase! Created for plant personnel, managers, and owners, this event delivers practical insights into boosting efficiency, quality, and overall performance across masonry and hardscape operations. Connect with top suppliers, explore cutting-edge tools and equipment, and discover game-changing strategies to optimize your facility. Attend the Showcase to gain a competitive edge and hit The Precast Show floor with a clear, high-impact plan for your business investments.
Speakers: Multiple
Building a Stronger Company Culture: Strategies for Employee Retention
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Convention Center Room TBD
Description: A strong company culture starts with leadership. Join two longtime industry experts for a practical discussion on building a workplace where employees feel valued and want to stay. This session will explore strategies for improving employee engagement and retention, with real-world insights and an open Q&A.
Speakers:
Candie Dombrowski, Besser Company
Dean Jurik, ACM Chemistries
The Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards in the Concrete Products Industry and How to Mitigate Risk
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Convention Center Room TBD
Description: Is your operation prepared to meet OSHA requirements and avoid common safety pitfalls? This course takes a closer look at OSHA’s 10 most frequently cited standards for SIC 3272 (Concrete Products, Except Block and Brick) and SIC 3271 (Concrete Block and Brick). Participants will explore where compliance challenges arise, identify potential risks in their operations and take away practical strategies to strengthen workplace safety, reduce exposure and keep employees safe.
Speaker: Duane Rondeau, Besser Company
Quality and Testing of Concrete Masonry and Hardscape Products
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Convention Center Room TBD
Description: Consistent product quality starts with understanding the materials, processes, and testing methods that make a difference. Join industry experts for a practical discussion on quality control and testing of concrete masonry and hardscape products. Designed for industry professionals, this session will explore best practices, common challenges, and ways to improve product consistency and performance, with time for questions and answers.
Speaker: Ben Kaiser, P.E., ACM Chemistries
Join CMHA Today
The benefits privileged to members? Bountiful. Attend industry-defining events and network and get a place at the table at meetings, tradeshows, conventions and more. Get access to CMHA’s vast libraries that host technical and promotional information as well as to the laboratory where products, materials and techniques are optimized.