Event Program
The opening general session will introduce everyone to the newly revised format of the MCAA Fabrication Conference and introduce each of the four tour hosts.
UMC, Inc. – The primary tour host will showcase their new fabrication facilities as well as showcase their digital integration. Their tour will include fitting and plumbing.
SJS Mechanical – Focusing on plumbing and light commercial fabrication, SJS is relatively new to fabrication with their facilities open only three years. For contractors new to fabrication, this is a great demonstration of how innovation can be used in the beginning stages in smaller facilities.
MacDonald Miller – Although they are a multi-trade fabrication facility, this tour will focus on MacDonald Miller’s approach to Sheet Metal fabrication. They will also focus on how space limitations can be overcome for material handling.
Shinn Mechanical – Using modern ideas and innovations throughout their shop, this tour will focus on sprinkler fabrication.
On the first day of the conference, attendees will have a networking space that combines food, refreshments, exhibits and casual space to meet and relax between sessions. The Hub will be open until 4:00 PM.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to your designated tour room. Box lunches are included.
- Tour 1 – 12:15 PM – UMC, Inc. (Primary) Plumbing and Mechanical
- Tour 2 – 12:30 PM – MacDonald Miller – Sheet Metal Focus
- Tour 3 – 12:45 PM – Shinn Mechanical – Sprinkler Focus
- Tour 4 – 1:00 PM – SJS Mechanical – Plumbing Focus
This collaborative initiative between the Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI) and the United Association (UA) has significant implications for our industry, and this session promises to provide a detailed overview of its latest developments. Esteemed leadership from both PFI and UA will share their perspectives, offer updates, and discuss their strategic planning initiatives , ensuring attendees are up-to-date with the latest information.
Moreover, the session will feature an open forum where attendees will have the opportunity to raise questions and engage in a dialogue with the PFI and UA leadership. This is your chance to have your voice heard, to seek clarification, and to gain a deeper understanding of the Agreements . Bring your thoughts, ideas, and inquiries to this engaging and informative session, and gain valuable insights directly from those leading the way. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be at the forefront of industry developments.
Speakers
Led by industry expert Trent Leinenbach of Steel Toe Consulting, this critical discussion will unpack the vital role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in managing and optimizing your fabrication operations. We’ll explore the essentials, from production rates, job cost tracking, labor efficiency, to material waste, and much more. Learn how to craft a robust dashboard that gives you a clear, real-time snapshot of your business performance and guides your strategic decision-making. As a construction professional, this session will equip you with the necessary tools to navigate the data-driven landscape of modern fabrication, helping you maximize productivity, minimize waste, and drive profitability.
Speakers
In this interactive forum, we will showcase a variety of rack solutions they’ve developed for diverse applications within the fab shop environment. He will further enhance the discussion by categorizing these rack types, providing a structured understanding of their varied uses. Attendees will be invited to share their own unique rack designs or iterations, contributing to the collective learning experience. This session offers a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from peers, share your own innovations, and possibly discover the next great solution for your fab shop.
Speakers
Join us back in the Hub for the opening reception and exhibit. Check out the latest tools, software and solutions for the industry.
This dynamic session will kick off with an insightful showcase of 15-20 exemplary fabrication best practices. Then, we’ll open the floor to you, the attendees, inviting you to share your own unique variations and solutions. This collaborative approach ensures a rich learning experience, providing a platform for sharing insights and innovative practices from diverse perspectives. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the business and to contribute your own expertise to this exciting dialogue.
Speakers
Please arrive 15 minutes early to your designated tour room.
UMC, Inc. – Primary Tour, Plumbing and Mechanical Focus
- Tour 5 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- Tour 9 10:15 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tour 11 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Shinn Mechanical – Sprinkler Focus
- Tour 6 8:45 AM – 11:30 AM
- Tour 10 12:15 PM – 3:00 PM
SJS Mechanical – Plumbing Focus
- Tour 7 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Tour 12 12:45 PM – 3:30 PM
MacDonald Miller – Sheet Metal Focus
- Tour 8 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM
- Tour 13 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This session is led by Joseph Lansdell, President of Poynter Sheet Metal, and brought to you in partnership with SMACNA. Joseph, a seasoned expert with decades of hands-on experience in the field, will provide an in-depth look at both traditional methods and innovative technologies that have revolutionized the fabrication process, effectively creating safer, more efficient, and more precise outcomes.
Speakers
This interactive session is designed to bring the principles of lean methodology to life. We’ll use games and simulations to illustrate the core concepts of lean, such as waste reduction, continuous improvement, and workflow optimization. Through these immersive activities, you’ll experience firsthand the impact of lean thinking on operational efficiency and product quality. This workshop promises a hands-on exploration of practical lean techniques that can be applied to your own work environments. Whether you’re new to lean or looking to deepen your understanding, this interactive workshop will equip you with actionable insights to streamline your processes, reduce waste, and boost productivity.
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In this breakout session, MSUITE and their contractor partners will outline best practices for contractors who are new to prefabrication, or want to improve processes after years of experience. We’ll breakdown best practices into the three categories below:
Step 1: Nail the basics
Optimizing your design capabilities
Bridging the gap from fabrication to the field
Best practices for shop layout
Step 2: Leverage industry partnerships
Software and hardware providers
Associations and local relationships
Step 3: Plan for the future
Understanding the market
Industry evolution
Scaling your business from contractor to manufacturer
With guidance from contractor experts, you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to take the next step in your prefabrication journey.
Speakers
This session will explore how contractors can effectively collaborate with suppliers to maintain their fabrication shop inventory, gaining crucial advantages in the process. By outsourcing inventory management to trusted third parties, contractors can focus on their core operations, alleviating the burden of stock holding. We’ll delve into the significant benefits of this approach, including potential cost savings from price advantages, enhanced scheduling due to reliable material availability, and the reduction of capital tied up in inventory. Attendees will learn best practices for building and managing these supplier relationships, ensuring that the partnership brings value to their operations. If you’re looking to streamline your operations, reduce overheads, and create more agile fabrication workflows.
Speakers
This session will look at a case study of inventory management and warehousing solutions, highlighting the power of technology to streamline these crucial operations. With most warehousing and inventory software geared to large scale manufacturing, most contractors need to build or develop their own, usually on a spreadsheet or database. Our presenter will give you an exclusive look at modified versions of the Trackvia software, demonstrating how this versatile tool can effectively track material inventory, outbound fabrication, and more. Attendees will gain an understanding of how technology can enhance visibility, accuracy, and efficiency in inventory and warehouse management, thus saving time and reducing costs.
Speakers
Explore the convergence of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) with fabrication and field operations, showcasing how this digital synergy can revolutionize your construction processes. We’ll explore how software can enable better data accessibility, leading to more precise fabrication, enhanced coordination, and increased productivity on the job site. It will provide insights into advanced tools and strategies, from 3D modeling and BIM to software that foster real-time communication and collaboration across all phases of construction. Learn how to leverage these digital tools to reduce rework, increase accuracy, and save valuable time and resources.
Speakers
Construction and manufacturing are in a moment of transformation, with industrialized construction (IC) approaches like prefab manufacturing redefining project delivery. Many mechanical contractors have prefabbed for decades, but that experience won’t necessarily be enough to meet the moment — now and in the future, entire project teams and organizations need to embrace IC to get more efficient and meet staggering, and increasing, demand.
But how do you get started on that journey? You may have tactics in mind to make operations more successful and repeatable, but how do you know which ones will yield results, or what to try first? And how do you get the buy-in and budget needed to make big changes? In this presentation, you’ll learn how to assess what’s really happening in your teams and shop floor, how to take simple steps to embrace continuous improvement and innovation, and how to gauge and communicate about the success of IC approaches. You’ll also hear stories about how other top companies have improved their bottom line.
Speakers
It can be daunting to manage the peaks and valleys of workloads in construction, including whether to do things in-house or seeking outside help. This session will cover how to leverage an ever-growing prefabrication network and how/when it might make sense to outsource fabrication. Move forward with confidence on when you should be manufacturing or when you should be outsourcing.
Speakers
This session delves into the fast-evolving world of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades, showcasing the cross-functional fabrication techniques that boost efficiency and foster collaboration among these key building disciplines. Our industry expert panel will shed light on the latest advancements in the field, with a particular focus on multi-trade coordination and pre-fabrication strategies that promote greater productivity and project coherence. Get ready to explore state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and practices that can revolutionize your approach to MEP fabrication, enhancing your project outcomes and strengthening your position in the competitive construction landscape.
Speakers
Join us for a practical where we unveil real-world dashboards and illustrate genuine solutions for project planning and execution using work packaging. We’ll share techniques for breaking down a project into manageable Short Interval Plans, giving you a fresh approach to project management. Furthermore, we’ll showcase the use of MCAA labor values embedded in ITM content to effectively plan labor days both in the fabrication shop and in the field. If you’re looking for concrete tools and techniques to enhance your project planning and execution, this session will provide a wealth of insights drawn directly from the realities of modern construction.
Speakers
This session will explore how contractors can effectively collaborate with suppliers to maintain their fabrication shop inventory, gaining crucial advantages in the process. By outsourcing inventory management to trusted third parties, contractors can focus on their core operations, alleviating the burden of stock holding. We’ll delve into the significant benefits of this approach, including potential cost savings from price advantages, enhanced scheduling due to reliable material availability, and the reduction of capital tied up in inventory. Attendees will learn best practices for building and managing these supplier relationships, ensuring that the partnership brings value to their operations. If you’re looking to streamline your operations, reduce overheads, and create more agile fabrication workflows.
Speakers
Good material procurement keeps a business operating and maybe even growing a bit. However, great procurement allows a contractor to:
- Outperform their competition
- Grow their top-line revenue at scale
- Withstand unforeseen changes in pricing and availability
- Complete more work with less overhead
- Reduce risk of errors and job delays
Through thousands of contractor interviews, 7 steps that provide efficient businesses follow were identified. During this session, we will break down the 7 Steps to Better Procurement by explaining the steps, identifying the inefficiencies, showcasing improvements, and discussing the overall benefits from implementing changes.
Speakers
Join us for a deep dive into ‘Fabrication Shop Layout’ with industry leader Jonathan Marsh from Steel Toe Consulting. In this session, Marsh will guide attendees through the art and science of designing a fabrication shop layout that maximizes productivity, improves workflow, and ensures safety. We’ll cover everything from equipment placement, material flow, and storage solutions to the integration of innovative technologies. Understand the key principles of a well-planned shop and learn how to avoid common layout pitfalls that can stifle efficiency. This session will provide you with practical insights and actionable strategies to create an optimized, future-ready fabrication shop environment. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your operation’s efficiency and drive increased profitability through intelligent shop design.
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This session will showcase the concept of productization in the fabrication process, and feature how standardizing elements can significantly enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It will bring these principles to life with tangible demonstration pieces, providing an in-depth understanding of their real-world application. The session will also feature a comprehensive cost analysis of hanger fabrication, revealing insights into the financial implications of your fabrication choices. We’ll round out our discussion by exploring the use of innovative solutions like Gripple systems, highlighting their potential to simplify installations and save labor time.
Speakers
Sponsored by
Walk across the street for a reception with food and drinks while you play some of your favorite video games from yesterday and today.
As the technology bar has raised over the years, VDC teams have been increasingly equipped and expected to use model data to initiate other workflows beyond just modeling, coordination and spooling. In this session, industry leaders Jeff Miller from Harrel Fish and Eric Klaffka from John W Danforth Company share the strategies that their VDC groups use to contribute to other efforts such as procurement, field labor planning, and issue tracking. Attendees will walk away with best practices they can begin implement to expand the applications of their model data.
Speakers
This session addresses the all-too-common issue of burnout in the construction industry – burnout. The session will guide participants through the signs of burnout, preventative measures, and effective coping strategies tailored specifically for construction professionals. Learn how to better manage your time, streamline repetitive tasks, and maintain a balanced mental state even under the most demanding project timelines. This session is more than just a conversation – it’s an essential toolkit to safeguard your well-being, enhance productivity, and promote a healthier workplace culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights that will not only support your professional life but also your personal well-being.
Speakers
Join us for a practical where we unveil real-world dashboards and illustrate genuine solutions for project planning and execution using work packaging. We’ll share techniques for breaking down a project into manageable Short Interval Plans, giving you a fresh approach to project management. Furthermore, we’ll showcase the use of MCAA labor values embedded in ITM content to effectively plan labor days both in the fabrication shop and in the field. If you’re looking for concrete tools and techniques to enhance your project planning and execution, this session will provide a wealth of insights drawn directly from the realities of modern construction.
Speakers
Construction and manufacturing are in a moment of transformation, with industrialized construction (IC) approaches like prefab manufacturing redefining project delivery. Many mechanical contractors have prefabbed for decades, but that experience won’t necessarily be enough to meet the moment — now and in the future, entire project teams and organizations need to embrace IC to get more efficient and meet staggering, and increasing, demand.
But how do you get started on that journey? You may have tactics in mind to make operations more successful and repeatable, but how do you know which ones will yield results, or what to try first? And how do you get the buy-in and budget needed to make big changes? In this presentation, you’ll learn how to assess what’s really happening in your teams and shop floor, how to take simple steps to embrace continuous improvement and innovation, and how to gauge and communicate about the success of IC approaches. You’ll also hear stories about how other top companies have improved their bottom line.
Speakers
It can be daunting to manage the peaks and valleys of workloads in construction, including whether to do things in-house or seeking outside help. This session will cover how to leverage an ever-growing prefabrication network and how/when it might make sense to outsource fabrication. Move forward with confidence on when you should be manufacturing or when you should be outsourcing.
Speakers
This session will recap some of the highlights and best ideas from the tours and conference. Leaders from each of the companies will be there to answer questions and get feedback from their tours.