Built to Thrive: Women Shaping Their Future in the Concrete Industry [TUWFB]

[TUWFB] Tuesday, January 19 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026

Success in the concrete industry doesn't come from fitting a predetermined mold. It comes from discovering where your strengths, ambitions, expertise, and opportunities align, then intentionally shaping a career path that works for you.

Join a dynamic community of women leaders, innovators, researchers, and industry professionals for an inspiring educational and networking session focused on one essential question:

How can you better tailor your fit in the concrete industry?

Just as properly fitted safety equipment is critical to performance and protection in the field, career success depends on finding the right fit for your unique skills, goals, leadership style, and professional aspirations. Through candid conversations and real-world experiences, attendees will hear from accomplished women who have navigated diverse paths across construction, engineering, research, safety, and industry leadership.

Explore four powerful perspectives on what it means to create a career that fits:

• Tailored for Growth: Discover how mentorship can accelerate career development, build technical credibility, and help women successfully navigate both field and technical career paths.
• Tailored for Leadership: Gain insights from accomplished industry leaders who have built influence, visibility, and impact by leading professional organizations and embracing leadership styles that reflect their authentic strengths.
• Tailored for Impact: Hear from researchers and innovators advancing the future of concrete through groundbreaking work in academia, industry, and applied research, proving there are many paths to making a lasting contribution.

More than a panel discussion, this session is an opportunity to connect with peers, expand your professional network, gain practical career insights, and reflect on your own journey within the industry.

Whether you are early in your career, advancing into leadership, growing your business, or influencing the future of concrete through research and innovation, you'll leave empowered with new perspectives, valuable connections, and actionable ideas to help answer a personal and important question:

What's one adjustment you can make this year to better tailor your fit and maximize your impact in the concrete industry?

Come ready to learn, connect, and be inspired by the women who are redefining success across every corner of the concrete industry.

[WEFBS] Wednesday, January 20 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026

Hosted by World of Concrete

Direct questions to seminars@WorldofConcrete.com or to Rick Yelton at 630-605-7203.

Panelists: Ed Sullivan, Economist at The Sullivan Report Pierre Villere, Senior Managing Partner, Allen-Villere Partners

A continental breakfast is included.

Are you ready for the new normal? In an era of unprecedented economic volatility, gain the strategic foresight your organization needs at our exclusive Economic Forecast Keynote. This is a unique opportunity to hear from our distinguished economists who will unveil critical market projections, emerging trends, and sector-specific insights that will reshape the concrete industry in the coming year. This data-driven presentation cuts through the noise of daily market fluctuations to reveal the fundamental forces driving long-term economic shifts—equipping you with the intelligence to position your organization ahead of the curve.

Discover how evolving monetary policies, global supply chain transformations, and shifting consumer behaviors will create both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for forward-thinking leaders. Our speakers, industry experts with a proven track record of accurate forecasting, will guide you through this journey. Their insights have guided cement and concrete industry companies through previous market transitions, delivering actionable insights rather than abstract theories.

You'll receive practical frameworks for translating complex economic indicators into strategic business decisions that drive competitive advantage. Join fellow executives and decision-makers for this essential briefing that goes beyond typical financial outlooks to address the questions keeping business leaders awake at night. Whether you're planning strategic investments, evaluating market expansion, or optimizing operational resilience, this keynote will provide the economic context crucial for confident decision-making in uncertain times. Secure your place today to ensure your organization isn't just reacting to tomorrow's economy—but strategically capitalizing on it.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key economic indicators most relevant to your position in the concrete construction industry and learn how these forecasted trends could impact your strategic planning for the next fiscal year
• Evaluate the potential economic risks to your position in the concrete industry Recognize emerging market opportunities based on the economic forecast data, identifying at least one potential growth area for their organization and outlining preliminary steps to capitalize on these trends
• How to incorporate economic forecast insights into your financial planning process by identifying specific adjustments to consider for their budgeting, investment decisions, or resource allocation in the coming period

Hosted & presented by Master Builders Solutions

Questions should be directed to seminars@worldofconcrete.com

Attention early risers! Get answers to your toughest concrete construction, repair, and protection questions. Join industry experts in a small, relaxed setting for a lively discussion. Attendees can experience hands-on examples, solutions and demonstrations to see technologies first-hand. Choose your start time, 6:45AM or 8:15AM. Hot breakfast included. Breakfast with the Experts provides peer-to-peer opportunities to engage in open technical discussions with leading concrete industry experts. The experts will answer questions and demonstrate solutions for new concrete construction and protection of concrete structures including sustainable solutions and carbon reduction. To receive special savings - see discounted package which includes all 3 mornings.

Registration Fees:

TUESDAY
[TUBE1] Tuesday, January 19 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026
[TUBE2] Tuesday, January 19 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026

WEDNESDAY
[WEBE1] Wednesday, January 20 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026
[WEBE2] Wednesday, January 20 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026

THURSDAY
[THBE1] Thursday, January 21 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026
[THBE2] Thursday, January 21 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM • $85; $95 after 12/11/2026

3-DAY DISCOUNTED BREAKFAST PACKAGE
[TWTBE1] Tuesday-Thursday, January 19-21 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM • $170; $190 after 12/11/2026
[TWTBE2] Tuesday-Thursday, January 19-21 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM • $170; $190 after 12/11/2026

Integrating AI Technology into Field Practices

[MOAIL] Monday, January 18 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • $150; $185 after 12/11/2026

Today, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) systems are most effective when they solve specific, high-impact field problems, integrate with existing workflows, complement field expertise rather than replace it, and have leadership support for gradual, practical adoption.

Recent surveys show that 12% of contractors regularly use AI/ML in specific workflows, while fewer than 1% have integrated AI/ML across multiple processes within construction operations.

Several significant constraints hinder the full integration of AI/ML in concrete construction. Contractors face technical, cultural, financial, and operational challenges. The primary obstacle is not the algorithms, but addressing real-world issues such as:

Most concrete crews are highly skilled in hands-on construction but may have limited experience with advanced software, data tools, or AI/ML-driven systems.
Contractors often find that AI/ML tools do not easily integrate with existing tools, workflows, and practices.
Management must address the cultural shift from experience-based to data-assisted decision-making without increasing project risk.

Our panel of experts will discuss how design professionals, producers, and contractors can address these challenges and maximize the benefits of AI/ML through integration steps. They will also review a pre-placement checklist to identify ways AI systems can be incorporated into a project.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify the primary technical, cultural, and operational barriers that concrete contractors face when integrating AI/ML into field practices, including workforce training, workflow compatibility, and decision accountability.
• Assess construction field activities and workflows where AI/ML technologies can add value by supporting high‑impact tasks while complementing established craft knowledge and field expertise.
• Explain practical integration strategies that enable AI/ML systems to align with existing construction tools and workflows, emphasizing leadership approaches that encourage gradual, field‑focused adoption.
• Utilize a pre‑placement checklist to evaluate project readiness for AI/ML implementation, including data availability, workflow integration points, and jobsite conditions that influence successful deployment.

Panelists: TBA

Direct questions about this luncheon to Rick Yelton at rick.yelton@informa.com or 630-605-7203.

[TUCPL] Tuesday, January 19 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • $150; $185 after 12/11/2026

Presented by the Concrete Polishing Council

Direct questions to seminars@WorldofConcrete.com or to Rick Yelton at 630-605-7203.

The Concrete Polishing Council (CPC) of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) is committed to supporting concrete floor polishing contractors. CPC provides a range of resources, including ASCC polishing-specific Position Statements, specifications, safety resources, seminars, webinars, online technical resources, and certification. Concrete polishers are facing many challenges in their operations to provide a quality floor surface. These challenges include how to polish when the mix contains Type IL Cement, how to maintain production rates when the concrete exhibits differential curing, and how to address an owner’s concern when F-Numbers deteriorate over time. In this interactive industry event, you will learn from the polishing contractors who have used the resources provided by their CPC membership to develop and incorporate strategies that have increased margins, improved customer satisfaction, and grown their businesses when they have faced these and other challenges. Their expertise will guide you on leveraging these resources in your concrete polishing projects, ensuring greater profitability.

Objectives:

1. Identify the methods needed to make changes to increase profitability
2. Strategizing for project success in today’s economy
3. Developing a successful business approach

Panelists: John Haines, Hyde Concrete; Joe Dean, ICS Inc.; Jameon Schwarz, Pro Concrete Design

[WESOG] Wednesday, January 20 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • $150; $185 after 12/11/2026

Hosted by World of Concrete and American Society of Concrete Contractors.

Direct questions to seminars@WorldofConcrete.com or to Rick Yelton at 630-605-7203.

Selecting the Proper Treatments for Slab Surfaces

For over a decade, World of Concrete attendees have gained valuable insights on improving concrete slab quality while boosting productivity through our annual luncheon and forum. Now, this knowledge is more crucial than ever.

The Challenge: Adapting to New Concrete Chemistry
The past three years have witnessed dramatic changes in concrete mix chemistry, creating significant challenges for contractors in selecting appropriate surface treatments. Today's professionals must navigate:

Compatibility Issues - Not all treatments work effectively with modern concrete formulations or existing surface conditions
Performance Trade-offs - Treatments excelling in chemical resistance may sacrifice abrasion resistance
Maintenance Complexities - Some high-performance options require regular maintenance or reapplication, increasing long-term costs

Expert Guidance When You Need It Most

Join our panel of distinguished concrete contractors and industry experts as they share battle-tested insights on producing durable concrete slab surfaces in today's challenging environment. Their practical experience will guide you through matching the right approaches to your specific project requirements.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate the pros and cons of applying silicates
2. Determine the appropriate finishing technique when using aids or evaporator retardants
3. Know the best technique to avoid issues of poor adhesion of flooring materials to slabs 

Panelists:

Chad White, Structural Services Inc.; Bruce Gesick, Gesick Concrete; Bill Clyne, Fst Design Build Concrete Inc.

[TH3DP] Thursday, January 21 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • $150; $185 after 12/11/2026

Hosted by World of Concrete.

Direct questions to seminars@WorldofConcrete.com or to Rick Yelton at 630-605-7203.

Topic – Using new building codes to grow your 3-D Construction Printing Business

3D Construction Printing continues to grow in the residential and commercial marketplaces, offering exciting growth opportunities for businesses in the industry. The influx of new layering techniques, machine designs, and materials is rapidly transforming construction as we know it. When any innovation enters the market, adoption can be challenging, but the growth potential is immense.

2027 will be a banner year for this construction technique. The development, publication, and adoption of construction codes specifically for 3D printed buildings represents a crucial step in moving this technology from experimental to mainstream, potentially transforming residential construction in the coming years. These codes will standardize construction practices, inspections, and safety considerations for these structures.

This third edition of the 3-D Construction Printing Luncheon and Forum will focus on how printing companies can benefit from the code development process.

Contractors can benefit from code development, as these consensus documents will:

Reduce uncertainty by providing clear guidelines for builders, developers, and local officials.
Increase engineering and consumer confidence by building trust in the structural integrity and safety of 3D printed homes.
Streamline Approvals: Create more efficient pathways for project approvals.
Enable Innovation: Allow for continued technological advancement while maintaining safety standards.

The panel discussion will focus on three International Code Council (ICC) Initiatives.

Appendix AW/BM to the International Residential Code (IRC): The ICC has introduced specific appendices to create widely adopted building codes that apply directly to 3D printed construction, incorporating standards like Underwriters Laboratories' UL 3401.

ICC-ES AC509: This Acceptance Criteria for 3D Automated Construction Technology for 3D Concrete Walls provides a standardized framework for evaluating 3D printed walls, ensuring they meet minimum safety and performance requirements under the International Building Code (IBC) and IRC.

ICC 1150 Standard: The development of the Automated Construction Technology for 3D Printing Walls Standard provides appropriate protections for health, safety, and welfare while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on new materials and technologies.

In this interactive, peer-to-peer environment, a panel of industry experts will discuss how construction printers, contractors, and developers should incorporate these new codes into their marketing and strategic development.

Objectives:

1. Understand what Construction codes will be available in 2027
2. Determine which code is best for your region, your customer, and your operation.
3. Learn how to become involved in the adoption of a 3-D construction code in your marketing area. 

Come to the luncheon on Thursday, January 21, 2027, to actively participate, learn, ask questions, and get answers on the best steps for contractors to deliver high-quality slabs. This industry event is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and prepare for the future of 3D Construction Printing.

Panelists: Dr. Bora Gencturk, Chair of the ICC 1150 Committee; Dr. Shawn L. Platt, Civil Engineer at NIST

Sunday, January 17 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM • $160; $175 after 12/11/2026

Hosted by World of Concrete.

Questions should be directed to seminars@worldofconcrete.com

Join Rick Yelton, World of Concrete’s Editor at Large and Chair of ACI 120-History, on a visit to two of the world’s most famous concrete structures, the Hoover Dam and the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Rick will share behind-the-scenes information on how these concrete structures, built more than 50 years apart, contributed to the development of new standards in concrete construction in their era. Attendees will participate in a brief orientation and concrete contractor-focused presentation at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N109. The presentation will explain how concrete contractors met the common engineering challenges of building these iconic structures, including harsh conditions, crane work, concrete mix designs, and creating new approaches to accomplish these special projects.

Editorial Presentation will begin: Sunday at noon in meeting room N109 on the lower level of the LVCC. Enter Grand Lobby and walk straight ahead to the lower-level meeting rooms. You must have your WOC badge and be scanned before entering the room.

There is no luggage storage on the bus. The Dam Authority doesn’t allow storage of luggage on the bus, so you must store your luggage at your hotel or at the LVCC in Room N109. World of Concrete staff will be there to take your bags and return them to you when the tour arrives back at the LVCC.

NOTE: Box lunches will be provided. Tour buses will depart from LVCC Door 9 at the end of the Grand Course and drop off attendees at the Las Vegas Monorail Access across from LVCC South Hall. Hoover Dam is a walking tour that includes steps – attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

IMPORTANT: This popular tour has limited capacity and sells out fast – REGISTER SOON for best availability – [HDS] Sunday before the show opens.