Our 2024 Topic Proposal Submission process is now open. All Topic Proposals must be submitted by April 7, 2023. If there are any questions about submitting a topic proposal, email to [email protected].
Non-commercial Education Policy: To ensure the educational integrity of the WOC Education Program, only un-biased, non-proprietary presentations will be considered. Using the education program as a platform for promotion of products and services is not allowed. All courses selected will be submitted for continuing education and will require syllabus handouts for attendees.
Honoraria and Travel Expenses: It is the general policy of WOC that all speakers receive an honorarium based upon nature and level of participation. Roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodation will be provided for speakers who would otherwise not attend WOC—travel expenses are not provided for speakers who should already be planning to attend due to affiliation with exhibiting company, cosponsor or industry associations.
Selection Process: Submissions will be reviewed by an ad hoc Education Advisory Committee consisting of concrete/masonry industry leaders representing each of the targeted audience groups. In addition to submitting presentation details, speakers are required to submit a short bio and past speaking engagement references. Please note that speakers employed by industry vendors must be exhibitors in the show to be considered for a presentation.
Selection Criteria: Presentations must be tailored for the concrete/masonry professional, showing evidence of material that will make a significant contribution to the development of attendees’ professional capabilities and knowledge of the field.
Session Formats: 3-hour seminars typically target field personnel seeking more in-depth and comprehensive information; 90-minute seminars are fast-paced and geared toward more experienced attendees i.e. owners and senior management.
*Please Note: World of Concrete does not have general sessions; we do not accept Keynote Presentation proposals.
Learning Level Identified: Attendees interested in education/training have been in the industry for varying lengths of time. Presenters need to stipulate the level of proposed content by indicating one of the learning levels below:
(based on target audience)
Concrete Fundamentals – application techniques, mixture proportions, materials, placing/finishing, curing
Concrete Production – aggregates, admixtures, evaluation, testing, quality control, SCC, RCC
Concrete Repair – cracks, joints, treatments, surface prep, reinforcement, waterproofing, corrosion
Decorative Concrete – staining, stamping, overlays, polishing, countertops, integral color
Engineering – codes, specifications, design theory & analysis, mix designs, industry updates, trends
Floors & Slabs – floor flatness, reinforcement, moisture problems, shrinkage, industrial floors, toppings
Masonry – efflorescence, cracks, repair/restoration, mortar, grout, bracing walls, reinforcement
Pavements – highways, airfield, local roads, slab repair, pervious, RCC, overlays
Residential – foundations, ICFs, walls, RCFs, waterproofing, concrete homes
Safety & Risk Management – safety procedures, fall protection, crisis management, insurance, OSHA, investigations
Sustainability – durability of concrete, recycled materials, green building, LEED
Technology for Construction – project management, software applications, BIM
(targeting business owners and senior management)
Business Management – business “best practices”, business plan, succession planning, valuation, LEAN systems.
Estimating & Finance Management – job costing, accounting, estimating strategies, financial reports, markup & profit, cash flow management
Leadership – field management, productivity, job leadership, team problem solving, communication skills
Legal/Human Resources – hiring/firing, contracts, liabilities, cross-cultural management, taxes·
Project Management – scheduling, job site productivity, strategic planning, BIM, change orders, software applications
Sales/Marketing – understanding the competition, customer relations, negotiating, selling skills, web systems
Questions about your proposal, submission process or educational offerings should be directed to: [email protected]