New Class Schedule Coming Soon!

Featured Keynotes

Platinum Sponsor of the Tampa Build Expo

BASF

Tampa Build Expo

January 22-23, 2025
Tampa Convention Center
(West/Central Hall)

Get Directions

Exhibit Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Classes Start at 9:30 a.m. Each Day

Sponsored by
Image
Click to View

Over 250 Exhibitors

ImageBusiness On Purpose
Image

Scott Beebe

Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

How Contractor Owners Can 20x’s Their Cash Accounts and Stop Borrowing Time and Money

Wednesday, February 7 |
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

You will hear the true story of how one simple-minded contractor started 2020 thin on cash not realizing what the rest of the year had in store.

Three years later his business is on a sure foot while taking on zero debt. He borrow no money and has no need to ask his vendors, partners, or subs for additional time for payment.

You can run a small or large firm on cash. You can stop the constant calls from creditors wondering when they are going to get their money. You can

stop living from deposit to deposit. You can stop going to bed every night hoping the next receivable will be in the mailbox tomorrow.

In this life-changing talk, Scott Beebe (CEPA) will share real numbers from a simple contractor that will motivate and inspire you to build a business without being dictated by chaos, and placing you in the driver’s seat.

Learning Objectives

  1. See how using one or two bank accounts in your business is crippling
  2. Watch real life examples unfold showing the growth of the cash over time...even when a business declines in annual revenue
  3. Walk away with a simple structure you can implement tomorrow and the roadmap to do so

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

4 Predictable Ways Contractors Grow Their Business Without Debt or Expensive Software

Thursday, February 8 | 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

In this mindset-shifting talk, Scott Beebe, CEPA, the founder of Business On Purpose will walk you through the difference between a "lifestyle business" and a "value creation" business that allows you both unlock the purpose, people, process, and profit of your business while living with real impact and purpose today and tomorrow.

This talk will catapult you from feeling like your business is a burden and chore, and reframe your business into a massive asset that allows for significant value for you, your family, and many others.

You will leave feeling hopeful about the business you already have instead of dreading what you are afraid your business has become.

Want to sell your business someday? This is the talk you need. Yes, even your business.

Discovery points...

  1. Learn how much of your net worth is locked away in your business
  2. Determine the most profitable and least profitable systems in your business
  3. Realize the number one myth in business related to workforce engagement
  4. Leave with ONE thing that you can implement tomorrow that will build value to either sell, or continue towards meaningful value growth

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

ImageImage
Scott Specht
Founder & Principal | Specht Architects
House of the Future
Wednesday, August 11 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Scott Specht, founder of AIA Award-Winning firm Specht Architects, will give an interesting and humorous talk about the history of the “House of the Future.” This will cover unusual ideas from the 1920s through the 1970’s of how we’d be living in the future of 2020. Scott will cover the strange building techniques that these visionaries thought we’d be using, including spray-foam structures, bolt-together fiberglass shells, and even inflatable bubble homes.

Scott will also talk about what the true home of the future will encompass looking forward, covering the newer ideas of lighting, home automation, and architecture.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
Laura BrittImage
Laura Britt
Founder & Principal | Britt Design Group
The Everchanging Shift for Multifamily Design Post-COVID-19
Thursday, August 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
2020 forced us to pivot quickly and learn to be productive working from home. Many companies have found their employees enjoy this flexibility and value more time at home. Because of this, we predict we'll see the rise in the focus of the home as a workspace as well as a deeper emphasis on health and wellness. As the work from home trend is here to stay, it will be increasingly important to take all that comes with that into account in post-pandemic design. Amenities like large business centers, community gathering areas, and gyms and wellness centers will be key in creating functional and enjoyable live/work environments.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
CARLOTTA THOMPSONTax Strategist of America
Image
Carlotta Thompson
Founder | Tax Strategists of America
How to Legally Pay Zero Income Tax
Wednesday, February 7 | 10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 8 | 10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
  • Tax strategy and how it can save you thousands of dollars
  • Hidden deductions you are missing
  • Common red flags in the construction industry
  • What the IRS is not telling you
Target Audience: Business owners
Image
ImageImage
Scott Specht
Founder & Principal | Specht Architects
House of the Future
Wednesday, August 11 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Scott Specht, founder of AIA Award-Winning firm Specht Architects, will give an interesting and humorous talk about the history of the “House of the Future.” This will cover unusual ideas from the 1920s through the 1970’s of how we’d be living in the future of 2020. Scott will cover the strange building techniques that these visionaries thought we’d be using, including spray-foam structures, bolt-together fiberglass shells, and even inflatable bubble homes.

Scott will also talk about what the true home of the future will encompass looking forward, covering the newer ideas of lighting, home automation, and architecture.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
Laura BrittImage
Laura Britt
Founder & Principal | Britt Design Group
The Everchanging Shift for Multifamily Design Post-COVID-19
Thursday, August 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
2020 forced us to pivot quickly and learn to be productive working from home. Many companies have found their employees enjoy this flexibility and value more time at home. Because of this, we predict we'll see the rise in the focus of the home as a workspace as well as a deeper emphasis on health and wellness. As the work from home trend is here to stay, it will be increasingly important to take all that comes with that into account in post-pandemic design. Amenities like large business centers, community gathering areas, and gyms and wellness centers will be key in creating functional and enjoyable live/work environments.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
ImageImage
Sponsored by
MJ Products
Sales
Tom Woodcock
President | Seal the Deal
Networking & Association Use

Wednesday, February 7 |
1:15 p.m.-2:15p.m.

In this class we will layout how to determine what associations to join, how to work them and get business from your involvement. The single greatest way to find grouped customers and network contacts is right in your backyard association! Work them to the fullest and you'll never make a cold call again!
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Selling Thru a Tough Economy

Thursday, February 8 | 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

We’re seeing volatile pricing formats, supply chain interruption and rising interest rates. This usually ends in tough economic conditions, resulting in construction industry challenges. Knowing the best way to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward is difficult. We’ll look at the methods successful contractors use to weather shifting economic conditions.

We’ll cover:

  1. Increasing your portion of the market pie
  2. Getting a competitive advantage
  3. Managing customer expectations
  4. Structuring your sales effort
  5. How to balance sales and marketing efforts

You’ll come away from this session with a better understanding of what it will take to grow in both revenue and profitability in these times. Sales is the most important aspect of your business. Everything else simply follows that lead.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Speaker Bio
ImageImage
Scott Specht
Founder & Principal | Specht Architects
House of the Future
Wednesday, August 11 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Scott Specht, founder of AIA Award-Winning firm Specht Architects, will give an interesting and humorous talk about the history of the “House of the Future.” This will cover unusual ideas from the 1920s through the 1970’s of how we’d be living in the future of 2020. Scott will cover the strange building techniques that these visionaries thought we’d be using, including spray-foam structures, bolt-together fiberglass shells, and even inflatable bubble homes.

Scott will also talk about what the true home of the future will encompass looking forward, covering the newer ideas of lighting, home automation, and architecture.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio
Laura BrittImage
Laura Britt
Founder & Principal | Britt Design Group
The Everchanging Shift for Multifamily Design Post-COVID-19
Thursday, August 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
2020 forced us to pivot quickly and learn to be productive working from home. Many companies have found their employees enjoy this flexibility and value more time at home. Because of this, we predict we'll see the rise in the focus of the home as a workspace as well as a deeper emphasis on health and wellness. As the work from home trend is here to stay, it will be increasingly important to take all that comes with that into account in post-pandemic design. Amenities like large business centers, community gathering areas, and gyms and wellness centers will be key in creating functional and enjoyable live/work environments.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Speaker Bio

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Workshops & Classes

4 Blind Spots Preventing Contractors From Retaining Talent and Growing Profit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 406

ImageBusiness On Purpose
Image

Scott Beebe

Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

Most contractor owners cross their fingers and hope for the best when desiring a solid culture, meaningful profit, and a product that they are proud of. Luck is not a strategy!

This highly engaging education program will reveal four critical blind spots sabotaging the growth of your business and your team. You will leave this presentation with ONE action item to immediately implement into your business that will wishing you had heard this talk ten years ago!

After this presentation you will have clarity on why the younger generation “will not listen” and how you can respond, the leadership “RPM’s for a healthy culture, and the one system that will ensure necessary profit that will fuel culture and growth.

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn the 3 foundational cornerstones of EVERY contractor business
  2. Understand the 3 non-negotiables of building and leading a vision-centered team
  3. Discover how an owner's process leadership directly impacts people, profit, and productivity
  4. Create a proven plan for predicting your profit

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

Effective Sales Presentations
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Room 401 

ImageImage
Sponsored by
MJ Products
Sales
Tom Woodcock
President | Seal the Deal

Construction professionals excel in building living and working environments, not necessarily doing a sales presentation. Most have never been formally trained in doing a presentation. Being more effective in presenting your bid, quote, product or
service can be the difference in securing the business. You’ll learn specific presenting tips that can make the difference.

  1. Managing a lunch and learn
  2. Effective in home presenting
  3. Controlling a commercial presentation
  4. Proper use of presentation tools

Sales is the most important aspect of any business, especially construction. Becoming more proficient in how you present to a potential customer can raise not just your revenue numbers but also profitability. The better you are at presenting, the easier the close!

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Don't Kill your Golden Goose-Lawsuit Protection, Tax Reduction & Estate Planning Strategies to Protect & Perpetuate your Business
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 406

Larry OxenhamImage
Larry Oxenham
Speaker, Trainer | American Society for Asset Protection

Discover the tools you can use to become invincible to lawsuits, save thousands in taxes, and achieve financial peace of mind. By the end of the presentation you will know how to:

  1. Protect 100% of your assets from lawsuits. You will learn how to make yourself so unattractive to a plaintiff attorney that they will never pursue a lawsuit against you.

  2. Save thousands of dollars each year in taxes. You will learn five tax reduction strategies most people fail to utilize, which could save you more than $10,000 each year in taxes.

  3. Avoid probate and eliminate all estate taxes.

    You will be taken through a checklist of items that are important to every estate and business succession plan. You will learn what you should be doing now to prepare for successful business and estate secession.


Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

The Secret Gen Z Language:  Getting the Next Generation Excited To Work And Lead
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 401

Scott BeebeBusiness On Purpose
Business Management
Scott Beebe
Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

We’ve been led to buy the myth that a “good” custom homebuilding company is more “luck of the draw” and less “intentional sowing and fertilizing”.  

This eye-opening educational workshop will help to uncover what the next generation really wants and what elements lead to business health versus disease.  You will leave empowered with a tool that you can implement immediately providing a clear roadmap to multi-generational engagement in the custom homebuilding workplace.  

After this workshop you will have clarity on the true difference within the generations, how to listen and speak to your team with a compelling language, and what elements are needed for each team member to thrive day to day. 

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn the one action you can take to connect with someone younger than you immediately
  2. Understand what “mistakes”  all new generations are looking to correct…and how to not be offended
  3. Discover the language of multi-generations so your words are heard

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

A Contractors, Subcontractor’s & Supplier's Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Paid
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 405

Ariela WagnerSunRay
Liens
Ariela Wagner
President & Founder | SunRay Construction

Liens and bond claims are critical elements of a company’s credit and collection process. Unfortunately, due to poor job information, missed deadlines, or the lack of internal processes, even seasoned construction businesses can lose their rights. In this session, Ariela Wagner will share five clear steps that she’s identified in her role as president of SunRay Construction Solutions, that will help you secure your company’s rights. While lien laws vary widely from state-by-state, you’ll leave this session armed with fundamental, proven-in-the-real-world best practices to help you successfully navigate the process of protecting your lien rights, and to ending bad debt.

Target Audience: General Contractors, Suppliers and Subcontractors

Turn Google reviews, messaging and social media to revenue
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 407

John BermudezBirdeye
Social Media
John Bermudez
Trusted Advisor | Birdeye

If you're looking to improve your business' ranking on Google, you've come to the right place. John will share the Birdeye guide on using reviews, messaging and social media to grow your local reputation and SEO. You should expect to take away a page of notes on everything you need to know about attracting, converting and delighting your customers and prospects that interact with your business. 

Target Audience: Owners, Management, Soloprenuers, Supporting Staff

Photo-realistic vs. Artificial-looking CGI Renders - How to Spot the Difference?
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 406

Alannah SilvaBoxBrownie
Photorealism
Alannah Silva
Business Development Manager | Boxbrownie

CGI Renders have fast become the solution for marketing off-the-plan properties - helping potential buyers visualize what the finished build will look like while the foundations are being laid. The challenge in visualization often lies in presenting an image that accurately represents the end result, in a way that doesn't detract from the overall presentation with cartoony or unrealistic details. From considering the lighting source, angles, textures, materials, and background, to checking the edges and making sure there aren't any unrealistic shadows - an expert eye is vital in presenting professional marketing. In this seminar, we discuss some of the most common problems we see in renders and how to avoid them when marketing your property and help to fetch that higher sale price. 

Target Audience: Builders, Real Estate Agents, Developers, Architects

PVC101 – The Benefits & Uses of Cellular PVC 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.  | Room 404

Jay MorrowVersatex
AIA
Jay Morrow
Central Florida Area Sales Manager | Versatex Building Products

Upon completion of this course, architects and participants will understand:

  • Properties of cellular PVC
  • Cellular PVC micro-ingredients
  • Key differences between high and low-quality cellular PVC
  • Ease of use and adaptability
  • Common and unique end-use applications
  • Painting, staining, and laminating options
  • PVC’s contributions to Sustainability
  • Properties of Cellular PVC Trim
  • Are all cellular PVC Trims the same?
  • Working With PVC
  • Uses & Applications
    1. Residential – Exterior & Interior
    2. Commercial
    3. Multi-Family
    4. Historical Preservation
  • Dark paint technology for cellular PVC trim
  • New trim surface technology - Film Laminates
  • PVC’s contribution to Sustainability

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications.

Converting to Advanced Framing: Learn from Experience 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.  | Room 408

Stephanie Thomas ReesAPA
AIA
Stephanie Thomas-Rees
Engineered Wood Specialist | APA

As energy codes become stricter, builders and designers are seeking options for energy-efficient construction that maintain strength, durability, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. One effective solution is advanced framing, a system of construction framing techniques that optimize material use and increase energy efficiency. The primary purpose for most advanced framing techniques is to eliminate unnecessary framing members, reducing the costs, while simultaneously minimizing thermal bridging and increasing insulation volume in the thermal envelope of the building.

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications

How Google And Chat GPT Can Boost your Online Lead Flow
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 415 

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing

Joshua Ramsey

Marketing & Communications Strategist | Strategic Point Marketing

Google has certain expectations of your website.  The number one thing Google wants…. Good User Experience (UX).

In this session learn:

  • Exactly how to communicate to Google
  • How to track what your user experience
  • How to use Chat GPT to communicate better

All of this plus get access to a free marketing/Chat GPT tool, complimentary in part from Build Expo and www.JRcmo.com  Joshua Ramsey, Fractional CMO.

Not sure what a fractional CMO is?  Learn more about a fractional CMO by searching ‘JRcmo fractional CMO’

Wondering if this speaker is worth your time?  Hear his podcasts, radio show and online teaching by searching 'Joshua Ramsey Marketing’

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Mastering Lien Rights: A Deep Dive into Florida Construction Law
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 413 

Raphael RashkinFlorida Construction Liens by Rashkin Law
Liens

Raphael Rashkin

Attorney | Florida Construction Liens by Rashkin Law

This lecture on Florida construction lien law provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing construction liens in the state. It covers essential topics such as lien creation, perfection, and enforcement, offering practical insights into navigating complex construction disputes. Participants will gain a deep understanding of lien rights, notices, and deadlines, crucial for contractors, subcontractors, and property owners alike. The lecture delves into recent legal developments, ensuring attendees are up-to-date with the latest regulations. Through real-world examples and case studies, participants will leave equipped with valuable knowledge to handle lien-related challenges effectively.

Target Audience: Contractors

Sustainable Structures Built with Engineered Wood 1 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 403

Stephanie Thomas ReesAPA
AIA

Stephanie Thomas-Rees   

Engineered Wood Specialist | APA

As society seeks a more sustainable future, sustainable building construction is becoming more important. This program looks at sustainability in the construction industry and the role of wood construction, specifically, designing with engineered wood products. Participants will learn best practices to improve design, specification and installation of sustainable solutions using engineered wood systems.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Media Architecture – Creative Technologies for Digital Placemaking and Design of Immersive Experiences
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 402

ImageNanolumens
Technology

Arch Nelson

Regional Sales Director – Southeast / Director of Sales – Themed Entertainment Experiences for Nanolumens

Creative technologies, specifically large-format direct-view LED display technology, is utilized by architects Worldwide as a compelling visual medium for the creation of engaging, inspiring, socially connected, and compelling environments. Variations of this technology may be used for indoor or outdoor applications in use cases ranging from small-format signage to building-scale media facades. This presentation gives examples of various applications ranging from digital experiences in corporate briefing centers, flagship retail and education facilities, to video activations of glass curtain walls in mixed-use developments, to iconic large-format public art canvases and immersive sculptural “digital placemaking” installations in transportation hub facilities.

These examples are shown in the context of how they enhance the built environment by creating a sense of place and have a positive impact on the social wellbeing of occupants. This course will also elaborate on how the design of these systems is integrated within the architectural design process through pre-contract and post-contract design development support, how they are physically installed into new or existing construction, and the associated facility impacts, and ongoing support requirements.

Target Audience: Custom Homebuilders, Remodelers, and Trade Contractors

Estimating Direct and Indirect Costs in Construction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 402

Image
Estimating
Saleh Mubarak
Author, Public Speaker & Trainer

Direct and indirect expenses in construction projects: This presentation takes a quick and comprehensive look at all expenses expected in a typical construction project. We identify direct and indirect expenses and list all types of categories under each type. The presentation makes a brief analysis of labor, materials, equipment, overhead, bonds and insurance, profit, contingency, and other expenses. Knowing and estimating these expenses can make or break the contractor’s business. This presentation is a must for contractors and anyone in the construction industry.

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Automating your Processes with QuickBooks and Apps for Contractors - Level 1
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 401

Shannon SheridanEclipse
QuickBooks
Shannon Sheridan
CFO/COO | Eclipse Building Corp

We are living in a time that requires efficiency and organization. Having tons of paperwork and loose ends that take up your time and effort to grow and be more efficient is not the ideal picture. Join my class and learn all about being financially efficient with QuickBooks and the Apps. Learn what is the right QuickBooks for you and the different apps that are available for your builder's business. Learn the solutions that can completely change your perspective about accounting and project management.

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Tips and tricks in Cost Estimating
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 404 

ImageImage
Estimating
Saleh Mubarak
Consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer in construction project management

Cost estimating for construction projects is a complicated matter that requires knowledge and expertise. It involves so many aspects that a mistake in one of them can be devastating for the contractor. This seminar will provide a group of valuable tips that will improve the accuracy of the cost estimate. The tips include quantity take-offs, identifying individual items, adding waste allowances, pricing items, adjusting cost for productivity fluctuations, additional charges (such as shipping, delivery, taxes, customs, other fees), custom and special items, estimating overhead and profit, and contingency allowance, and putting the estimate together. Other topics include the impact of location and timing on the price and importance of reading the contract and good documentation. 

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

How to Work with the City
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 414 

ImageImageNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Image

Ann McNeill

President | MCO Construction and Services Inc., MCO Consulting, Inc., Constructively Speaking, Inc.
Founder | National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC)

In this lively and highly informative discussion, Ann McNeill, the "Master Builder" explains the steps, skills, and strategies needed for construction contractors to successfully bid on and obtain work with governments. 

Ann has worked with all levels of government and specializes in helping small businesses thrive.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Leveraging AI in Preconstruction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 405 

ImageImage
Estimating

Johnny Maghzal

Head of Product Development | Togal.AI

Join us for an insightful and dynamic discussion on the integration and transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the preconstruction industry. Learn how Togal.AI harnesses the power of AI to provide accurate and swift takeoffs, helping you bid with confidence and precision.

Target Audience: Preconstruction leaders, estimators from general contractors and subcontractors including painting, drywall, flooring,

Improved Management Techniques
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 412 

ImageImage
Image

Dennis Harrelson

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

This workshop covers topics related to professional techniques for managing a company, building employee buy-in and company growth. 

Course Objectives: To educate attendees about the need to evaluate their management style, discover techniques and styles that their employees are looking for and can relate to and how to improve upon their style to meet their employees’ expectations. We will discuss the true functions of management, how and what they should be doing and ways to increase their management competence.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

10 Min Marketing Plan to Avoid Marketing Overspending & Headaches. Plus, Where / How to Generate More Leads?
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 415

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing
Joshua Ramsey
Marketing & Communications Specialist | Strategic Point Marketing

A Fractional CMO (Joshua Ramsey) is going to spend this time together show you how to deal with the most common frustrations of business owners.

  • Stop over-spending on marketing campaigns that don’t work
  • Use Technology to streamline your prospect funnels
  • Don’t let agencies take advantage of you

PLUS – learn how to build a ‘bullet proof marketing plan’ for yourself that big companies use to stay on top.

If you don’t attend this session, your competitors will!!

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Safety Management 101
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 402 

ImageImage
Safety

Dan Johnson

Managing Partner | SFI Compliance Inc.

This course will go over basis safety management practices to keep the projects safe.  Construction companies have some unique challenges and expectations with regards to safety on their projects.  Managing the safety for employees and subcontractors adds a degree of uncertainty and risk, especially with the OSHA Multi Employer Worksite Policy.  The Safety Management 101 course is designed to address those issues and teach project managers and superintendents tried and true practices for managing safety on their projects. 

This course will cover:
Requirements by OSHA for managing safety with employees and subs
Documentation requirements
Best practices to stay safe and compliant

Target Audience: General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Materials Mgmt / Procurement and Your Pathway to NetZero
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 413

ImageImageDigiBuild
Technology
April Moss
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder  | DigiBuild
Sophie Papageorge
National Sales Executive | ICS

Uncover the secrets to optimizing your purchasing processes and maximizing financial returns. Learn how to efficiently navigate the procurement landscape to secure the best deals, and how to manage rebates effectively to ensure your organization reaps the financial benefits. This course will arm you with innovative approaches that combine fiscal prudence with smart purchasing tactics, positioning your business for success in a competitive market.

Target Audience: Owners, GCs and Subs

QuickBooks Online Made profitable for construction
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 401 

Shannon SheridanEclipse
QuickBooks

Shannon Sheridan

CFO | Eclipse Building Corp.

Easy to Learn Tips and tricks of QBO, how to track retainage, percentage of completion accounting for tax purposes, and more.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Constructing the Future: Discover ChatGPT and Harness its Power for a Profitable Marketing Future
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 412

ImageImage
Marketing

Jason Rhoads

CEO and Owner | Rhoads Creative

In the intersection of artificial intelligence and digital marketing, ChatGPT shines as a game-changer. We'll unpack its profound impact on online marketing, exploring its present utility and future potential to deliver better and more profitable leads.

The presentation will be in four parts:

    1. Introduction:
      •  An overview of ChatGPT: OpenAI's language model that's transforming digital interactions.
      • Current State of Online Marketing: How traditional practices are being overshadowed by AI capabilities.
    2. AI Integration in Online Marketing, SEO, and Sales:
      • Content Generation: ChatGPT's role in crafting engaging and SEO-optimized content.
      • Data Analysis: Gleaning actionable insights from user behavior and feedback.
      • User Experiences: Creating personalized user pathways and sales funnels.
      • SEO Strategies: AI's role in analyzing search trends and generating SEO-friendly content.
    3. Future Prospects of AI in Marketing:
      • Evolving Capabilities: The ongoing growth and refinement of AI tools like ChatGPT.
      • AI in Search Algorithms: How AI might dictate the direction of search marketing.
    4.  Q&A Session:  Open floor for attendees to probe deeper, challenge assertions, or seek clarification.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

PVC101 – The Benefits & Uses of Cellular PVC 1 AIA Credit
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 403

Jeff DahdahVersatex
AIA

Jeff Dahdah

Florida Regional Sales Manager | Versatex Building Products

Upon completion of this course, architects and participants will understand:

  • Properties of cellular PVC
  • Cellular PVC micro-ingredients
  • Key differences between high and low-quality cellular PVC
  • Ease of use and adaptability
  • Common and unique end-use applications
  • Painting, staining, and laminating options
  • PVC’s contributions to Sustainability
  • Properties of Cellular PVC Trim
  • Are all cellular PVC Trims the same?
  • Working With PVC
  • Uses & Applications
    • Residential – Exterior & Interior
    • Commercial
    • Multi-Family
    • Historical Preservation
  • Dark paint technology for cellular PVC trim
  • New trim surface technology - Film Laminates
  • PVC’s contribution to Sustainability

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications.

Improved Management Techniques
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |

ImageImage
Image
Dennis Harrelson

President |

In this workshop attendees will look in the mirror at their own management style to discover where their weaknesses are, what areas are truly important and how implement a change in themselves that will make an impact on their business. This workshop is about training attendees on how to better manage the daily issues they face within their company.

Course Objectives:
To educate attendees about the need to evaluate their management style, discover techniques and styles that their employees are looking for and can relate to and how to improve upon their style to meet their employees’ expectations. We will discuss the true functions of management, how and what they should be doing and ways to increase their management competence.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Automating your Processes with QuickBooks and Apps for Contractors - Level 2
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 401

Shannon SheridanEclipse
QuickBooks
Shannon Sheridan
CFO/COO | Eclipse Building Corp

We are living in a time that requires efficiency and organization. Having tons of paperwork and loose ends that take up your time and effort to grow and be more efficient is not the ideal picture. Join my class and learn all about being financially efficient with QuickBooks and the Apps. Learn what is the right QuickBooks for you and the different apps that are available for your builder's business. Learn the solutions that can completely change your perspective about accounting and project management.

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Materials Mgmt. & Procurement: Navigating Broken Supply-Chain
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 406

April MossColton CranstonDigiBuild
Image
April Moss
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder | DigiBuild Software
Colton Cranston
Solutions Consultant | DigiBuild Software

This session format is a round table discussion that specifically tackles Supply Chain Management and addresses a wide range of topics:

  • What are the main material issues affecting projects right now?
  • How has Covid impacted Supply Chains?
  • What are companies currently doing to manage this process?
  • What can they do to manage this process more effectively?
  • What stakeholders are being affected and how are they reacting?
  • What challenges come with introducing new technology? How to manage?
  • What are some of the ROI of Material Management & Procurement software? What about software in general?
  • What is an ideal material management & procurement process?
  • What is the future Supply Chain outlook?

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Getting Claims Paid: Navigating the Ins and Outs of a Property Insurance Claim
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 407

David PettinatoOLDER LUNDY
Claims
Dave Pettinato
Attorney | Older, Lundy, Koch & Martino

Insurance is a necessary aspect to everyday life therefore it is imperative that policyholders and their contractors know the basic ins and outs of navigating a claim upfront rather than after they are denied benefits.  An update of the new laws effecting contractors and work they may do for policyholders, will be discussed in detail.   Join OLDER LUNDY and Dave Pettinato as they dive into the check list of how to properly tackle Florida property insurance claims and recover what you are owed.

Target Audience: Policyholders, Businessowners, and anyone else who might have to deal with insurance claims whether it be their own residence or their field of work.

ELECOCOSOFT - Asta Powerproject – CPM Scheduling Software
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 405

Mary WilliamsImage
Project Management
Mary Williams
Founder and CEO | Elecosoft

Powerproject supports more than 100,000 professionals worldwide, providing intuitive CPM scheduling, 4D BIM integration, a mobile app, and resource management features. Powerproject is perfect for construction projects of all sizes, giving you better project management tools and leading to better project outcomes.

Learn how quickly and efficiently you can set up, progress, and report on a project plan using Powerproject. We will set up the project using a Project Template and add additional scope using Task Pools. We will set up the Work Breakdown Structure and then add Tasks using a variety of methods depending on your preferences: type on the activity table, draw on the bar chart, task pools, copy/paste from Excel, import from another scheduling solution. Explore the various methods for linking tasks and assigning code libraries/activity codes. Learn how you can use Powerproject’s “Undo” feature to easily perform “what-if” scenarios and correct mistakes.  We will review several strategies for performing Progress Updates and generating presentation-quality reports.

Target Audience: Scheduler, PM, VP of ops, Planners

Zoning and Permitting: Navigating the Zoning Process: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 402

ImageOLDER LUNDY
Permitting
David Singer
Attorney | Older, Lundy, Koch & Martino

In this session David will cover the process of zoning and what things to look out for.

Target Audience: Policyholders, Business-owners, and anyone else who might have to deal with insurance claims whether it be their own residence or their field of work.

Starting your Digital Transformation Journey
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 403

Shirin ArnoldDropbox
Technology
Shirin Arnold
Industry Solutions Lead for Construction | Dropbox

How Dropbox can change the way you do business.

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Workshops & Classes

Building a Predictable Business Culture that Recruits, Hires, and Retains Great Gen Z Talent
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 406

ImageBusiness On Purpose
Image

Scott Beebe

Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

“Nobody wants to work anymore!”

That’s the outcry from our modern workplace, and yet we look around and talk with loads of people from younger generations desperate not just for work, but for meaningful work that comes with clarity and predictability.

In the AEC industries clarity is hard to come by and good luck landing in a land of predictability.

In this motivating and mindset-shifting talk Scott Beebe (CEPA) will flip our idea of what a younger generation is looking for and why the AEC industries are the perfect landing spot for young, ambitious, hungry talent to come devote their lives and their work to.

Come ready to think differently and gain insight into a simple and free method that can change the game for the culture and health of your business.

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn the secret language of Gen Z and what they really want
  2. Identify the elements of your business that are ripe for new team members to engage with
  3. Build one simple tool during the workshop that you can implement that afternoon.

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

Proper Customer Sales Management
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Room 401 

ImageImage
Sponsored by
MJ Products
Sales
Tom Woodcock
President | Seal the Deal

Construction professionals often struggle with the nuts and bolts of proper sales techniques. This includes closing new targets, maintaining recurring customers and crafting a complete sales effort. Properly managing customer expectations and satisfaction can cultivate further opportunity. Not doing so can result in low revenue and profitability results.

We’ll cover:

  1. Why customers commit
  2. Why your close rate is too low
  3. Winning projects or orders with peak profitability
  4. Managing commercial and residential customers

Applying these concepts can bring immediate results in your most critical sales efforts. Effectively reading your customers will result in you being in control of the sales process. Making closing work an easier proposition.

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Culture Is NOT An Accident: How To Build Your Culture On One Sheet Of Paper
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 401

Scott BeebeBusiness On Purpose
Business Management
Scott Beebe
Founder & Head Coach | Business on Purpose

The culture of your business is a DIRECT RESULT of the ingredients that you allow to enter into the building.  Good ingredients equal good culture, and vice versa.  Culture is more than ping pong tables and bean bag chairs.  Culture is about relationships, connection, and communication.  

Culture will determine the joy that we find in running our business.  We all want a great culture, and we know we have to work for it…but how?  Most strategies include a cross-your-fingers approach. 

This fun and surprising workshop will remove the confusion around great culture, and provide you the action and clarity you need to build a culture that you are proud of and that all generations want to be a part of.

Learning Objectives

  1. Clarify the elements of great culture, and identify distracting elements of bad culture so you can focus on the elements of great culture
  2. Walk away with a one page visual of building great culture in your business starting tomorrow
  3. Discover the motivation to stop wasting time and money on team outings and bonus plans that rarely move the needle

Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors

How Google And Chat GPT Can Boost your Online Lead Flow
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 415 

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing

Joshua Ramsey

Marketing & Communications Strategist | Strategic Point Marketing

Google has certain expectations of your website.  The number one thing Google wants…. Good User Experience (UX).

In this session learn:

  • Exactly how to communicate to Google
  • How to track what your user experience
  • How to use Chat GPT to communicate better

All of this plus get access to a free marketing/Chat GPT tool, complimentary in part from Build Expo and www.JRcmo.com  Joshua Ramsey, Fractional CMO.

Not sure what a fractional CMO is?  Learn more about a fractional CMO by searching ‘JRcmo fractional CMO’

Wondering if this speaker is worth your time?  Hear his podcasts, radio show and online teaching by searching 'Joshua Ramsey Marketing’

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Mastering Lien Rights: A Deep Dive into Florida Construction Law
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 413 

Raphael RashkinFlorida Construction Liens by Rashkin Law
Liens

Raphael Rashkin

Attorney | Florida Construction Liens by Rashkin Law

This lecture on Florida construction lien law provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing construction liens in the state. It covers essential topics such as lien creation, perfection, and enforcement, offering practical insights into navigating complex construction disputes. Participants will gain a deep understanding of lien rights, notices, and deadlines, crucial for contractors, subcontractors, and property owners alike. The lecture delves into recent legal developments, ensuring attendees are up-to-date with the latest regulations. Through real-world examples and case studies, participants will leave equipped with valuable knowledge to handle lien-related challenges effectively.

Target Audience: Contractors

PoE Lighting and Automation - Next Gen Control
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | 

Tyler AndrewsPoE Texas
Lightning

Tyler Andrews

CEO | PoE Texas

Top subject matter experts with experience in designing and constructing Power Over Ethernet intelligent buildings share their best practices and lessons learned.  The session will help Builders and Integrators interested in Smart Home and Smart Building Technology gain crucial skills and knowledge essential to delivering intelligent buildings and lighting for developers and owners.

Target Audience: Builders and Integrators interested in Smart Home and Smart Building Technology

Engineered Wood: A to Z 1 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 403

Stephanie Thomas ReesAPA
AIA

Stephanie Thomas-Rees   

Engineered Wood Specialist | APA

With the expanding choice and use of engineered wood products in today’s construction market, it’s more important than ever to understand how to properly select, install and detail engineered wood materials.
This presentation will address the benefits and proper application of engineered wood products, including
plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), glued laminated timber (glulam), I-joists and structural composite
lumber (SCL).

Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers

Construction Schedule Updating: What is my percent complete, anyway?
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 404 

ImageAPA
Project Management
Saleh Mubarak
Consultant, author, public speaker, and trainer in construction project management

Contractors have to update the projects’ schedules periodically. This update is so important not only because it provides the contractor and the owner with an idea of where the project stands at this point, but also because progress payments from the owner to the contractor depend on information in these updates, specifically amount of work performed this period on each activity. This amount of work is usually expressed in percent complete. However, there are many types of percent complete, based on physical estimates (units), cost, time, manhours, or other. It is also important to calculate both baseline and actual percent complete for the activity, in order to determine if work is on, ahead, or behind schedule. This seminar takes a quick look at different types of percent complete, explains them, and discusses what they represent and when to use them. 

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Niche to be Rich in Construction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 414 

ImageImageNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Image

Ann McNeill

President | MCO Construction and Services Inc., MCO Consulting, Inc., Constructively Speaking, Inc.
Founder | National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC)

Being a general contractor does not mean you should be a general business owner.  If you want to have business success, you need to become an expert specialist in your craft.

Join Ann McNeill, the “Master Builder,” as she shares the principles, solutions, and plans needed for your business to excel by drilling down and discovering your niche in construction to find your riches.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Leveraging AI in Preconstruction
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 405 

ImageImage
Estimating

Johnny Maghzal

Head of Product Development | Togal.AI

Join us for an insightful and dynamic discussion on the integration and transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the preconstruction industry. Learn how Togal.AI harnesses the power of AI to provide accurate and swift takeoffs, helping you bid with confidence and precision.

Target Audience: Preconstruction leaders, estimators from general contractors and subcontractors including painting, drywall, flooring,

PVC101 – The Benefits & Uses of Cellular PVC 1 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 402

Jeff DahdahVersatex
AIA
Jeff Dahdah

Florida Regional Sales Manager | Versatex Building Products

Upon completion of this course, architects and participants will understand:

  • Properties of cellular PVC
  • Cellular PVC micro-ingredients
  • Key differences between high and low-quality cellular PVC
  • Ease of use and adaptability
  • Common and unique end-use applications
  • Painting, staining, and laminating options
  • PVC’s contributions to Sustainability
  • Properties of Cellular PVC Trim
  • Are all cellular PVC Trims the same?
  • Working With PVC
  • Uses & Applications
    • Residential – Exterior & Interior
    • Commercial
    • Multi-Family
    • Historical Preservation
  • Dark paint technology for cellular PVC trim
  • New trim surface technology - Film Laminates
  • PVC’s contribution to Sustainability

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications.

Brick-and-Mortar Meets Click-and-Order: Transforming Traditional Building Marketing with E-Commerce Strategies
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |  Room 412

ImageImage
Marketing
Jason Rhoads
CEO and Owner | Rhoads Creative

Embark on redefining your home building or renovation marketing with e-commerce strategies. This seminar provides the tools and techniques to finally track and measure your marketing program's actual ROI and profitability. Gain insights into effective techniques for optimizing your marketing investments, enhancing ROI, and driving sustainable business growth.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Lateral Load Path Basics: Tracing a wind load through a wood-framed structure 1.0 AIA Credit
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.  |  Room 408

Stephanie Thomas ReesAPA
AIA
Stephanie Thomas-Rees
Engineered Wood Specialist | APA

This session outlines the path a wind load takes through a wood-framed structure, as well as the importance of a complete load path and associated construction details. As a result of this session, participants will:

  • Understand the complete lateral load path
  • Identify common framing errors within this path
  • Understand the consequences of an incomplete path
  • Discuss and evaluate code requirements for critical details

Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications

Productivity Adjustments and its Impact on Cost and Duration
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 402

Image
Estimating
Saleh Mubarak
Author, Public Speaker & Trainer

Productivity adjustments and its impact on cost and duration. Estimating crew (labor and equipment) productivity is crucial to both the cost and duration of the project. This is why the contractor must make proper adjustments to estimated productivity for each work activity, taking into account all impacting factors such as weather conditions. But adjustments must also be considered with schedule updates because things rarely, if ever, go as planned. This presentation takes a quick look at this process with valuable tips for more accurate cost estimates and schedules. 

Target Audience: Builders and Contractors

10 Minute Marketing Strategy Plan
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | 

Joshua RamseyImage
Web Marketing
Joshua Ramsey
Marketing & Communications Specialist | Strategic Point Marketing

A fractional CMO that ranks on page one in your city for the term, "Fractional CMO __(add your city name here)___" is coming to teach and tell you exactly how to rank on page one and also give you a 10 min action plan that will propel your business forward exponentially.Get your own 10 minute action plan that will drastically improve your marketing.  Then stay for the round table of other businesses similar to your industry on what they are doing and how they can improve through new techniques taught by Joshua Ramsey.

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Embracing AI…because there’s an App for that
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 401 

Shannon SheridanEclipse
Technology

Shannon Sheridan

CFO | Eclipse Building Corp.

Creating and implementing your tech stack to propel your profits and stand out from your competition

Target Audience: All building and construction professionals

Materials Mgmt / Procurement and Your Pathway to NetZero
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |  Room 413

ImageImageDigiBuild
Technology
April Moss
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder  | DigiBuild
Sophie Papageorge
National Sales Executive | ICS

Uncover the secrets to optimizing your purchasing processes and maximizing financial returns. Learn how to efficiently navigate the procurement landscape to secure the best deals, and how to manage rebates effectively to ensure your organization reaps the financial benefits. This course will arm you with innovative approaches that combine fiscal prudence with smart purchasing tactics, positioning your business for success in a competitive market.

Target Audience: Owners, GCs and Subs