It’s that time of the year again and Walls & Ceilings is proud to present its annual Convention Companion Guide. We are happy to bring you our most comprehensive list of the various trade shows, conventions, meetings and more. The list is a resource to keep our readers up-to-date on an expanding roster of trade events serving our industry.

Some shows do not yet have all dates and planning finalized. So stay tuned on wconline.com for any updates regarding these events.

We look forward to reconnecting with you at some of these events. Hopefully, this Convention Companion will guide you on the right path for planning your 2024-2025 schedule.

International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention & Trade Show
March 8-11, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix

The IIBEC Building Enclosure Conference will be held March 8-11 in Phoenix.

Come learn from some of the top minds in building science with expertise in building enclosures, moisture management, air barriers, sustainability and enclosure commissioning.

Exhibiting companies send knowledgeable staff to the IIBEC trade show to provide building enclosure consultants with answers to important questions about material characteristics and application. Research and development professionals attend to trade valuable insights into the future direction of today’s building enclosure materials.

The conference provides a comprehensive learning curriculum for design professionals, consultants, subcontractors, GCs and others interested in the building science industry.

For more information, visit: iibecconvention.org.

EIMA Annual Meeting 2024
March 12-14, Omni Las Colinas Hotel, Irving, Texas

This year, EIMA celebrates its 44th year and what better way to help the association than to join them near Dallas. The 2024 EIMA Annual Meeting will provide industry education, speakers, networking, and more.

The association is thrilled to bring its annual meeting back to Texas and looks forward to many EIFS industry stakeholders attending.

The preliminary agenda will have the first EIMA working group meeting late afternoon on Tuesday, March 12, followed by a Welcome BBQ and Cornhole Tournament. Working Group Meetings will continue throughout the day on Wednesday, followed by the Opening General Session at 4:00 pm. Then the networking begins! The Cocktail Reception will kick things off, followed by the ever-popular Members Dinner and EIFS “Hero Awards” Ceremony.

There will be educational sessions Thursday morning, followed by the Closing General Session. The annual meeting will officially conclude at noon.

Anyone in the EIFS industry is cordially invited to attend.

For more information, visit eima.com.

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Int’l. (AWCI)
March 23-27, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The biggest show in the wall and ceiling related industry returns to the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, close to Orlando.

Highlighting the latest and greatest products, services and solutions to help your company thrive, all market segments are represented, including drywall, ceilings and acoustics, lath and metal framing, plaster, EIFS, insulation, software and more.

The AWCI convention and expo brings people together from across the industry for a variety of in-depth education sessions and stellar networking receptions. The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry manages BUILD24: AWCI’s Convention + Expo.

One of the many highlights of the convention is the AWCI Opening Session and Awards Presentation Brunch. Renowned leadership expert and Colonel, USAF (Ret.), DeDe Halfhill, will dive into the importance of how leaders connect. In today’s rapidly evolving world, individuals at all levels within organizations face a multitude of complex challenges, including adapting to technological advancements, managing remote work environments, economic uncertainties and addressing the growing concerns of social division.

For more information, call (703) 538-1600 or visit awci.org/convention.

Ceiling & Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA) Summit
March 24-27, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

CISCA promotes and supports the industry by providing a network of opportunities with industry leaders through education and a forum to allow the industry to interact, evolve and prosper. The premiere association for ceiling and interior contractors will provide a low-key, high-impact event in which you will be able to have discussions with attendees in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.

Schedule

Monday, March 25

2:30-4:30 p.m. Board Meeting

4:30-5:30 p.m. Emerging Leaders Meeting

5:30-6:30 p.m. Women Enhancing Building

6:30-8:00 p.m. Welcome Reception

Tuesday, March 26

8:00-9:00 a.m. Keynote & DeGelleke Award Presentation

9:30-11:00 a.m. Membership Meetings

11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Manufacturer Rep Meetings

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Education Lunch Session

12:45-5:00 p.m. Education Sessions Continue

4:00-5:30 p.m. Award Winners Scheduled Photos

6:00-8:30 p.m. Awards Banquet

8:30-9:30 p.m. Awards After Party

Wednesday, March 27

8:00-9:00 a.m. Women Enhancing Building Meeting

10:30-11:30 a.m. Economic Forecast

12:15-1:00 p.m. Past Presidents Council

1:00-4:00 p.m. Product Showcase

5:00-6:00 p.m. Farewell Reception

6:00-9:00 p.m. Epcot After Dark

Other Planned Events:

• Golf Outing
• Contractor Tours (off-site)
• Membership Meetings
• Awards Gala
• Networking Breakfast
• Meet The Vendors

For additional information on the CISCA convention, visit cisca.org.

BUILD24 (formerly known as INTEX Expo)
March 26-27, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

This year’s BUILD24 will be returning to its 2018 location (Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, outside Orlando). The industry’s biggest trade show will feature ceilings, drywall-related products, EIFS/stucco, steel framing, pumps/mixers, hand and power tools, building material cranes and lifts, insulation, plaster and accessories, software and plenty more. There are two days for you to get your time in chatting with loads of manufacturers, reps and colleagues.

BUILD24, which is managed by AWCI, continues to be the largest wall and ceiling trade show (and gathering) in the industry. Approximately 130 exhibitors (as of press time) are eager to share their latest innovations with their key buyers.

Exhibitors will be on hand to offer new technologies, products and tools to enhance your productivity and strategies to give you the competitive edge in your market. Meet with the manufacturers face-to-face to discuss their new product lines and company events.

In addition to this event, CISCA and many other regional/trade associations will also meet for its annual committee gatherings. It’s a week of high value and top educational value which you won’t want to miss out on.

Visit awci.org/events/convention for a complete list of exhibitors and more information.

Visit Walls & Ceilings’ booth #511 and meet our staff.

2024 HPIP Texas Workshop
April 16, McKinney, Texas

Employers, manufacturers, distributors, contractor services, and career seekers with entry-level to advanced experience are all invited to attend the 2024 Texas Workshop. This dynamic event will provide classroom instruction, hands-on training, and direct connections to employers. HPIP offers training across the U.S. to educate contractors and industry professionals on the best techniques and systems to achieve Grade 1 Standards.

Need Work or Labor?

Registration is Open! insulationtraining.org/event-registration

• Get connected to Industry Professionals and fellow colleagues.
• Hands-on installation training.
• Insulation and Building Science Classroom Education.

Solve Your Challenges in 2024

HPIP is working with local workforce development entities in the Department of Labor and building science specialists from all corners of the industry to provide this one-of-a-kind training event for contractors and job corps centers.

For information on the 2024 Workshop and more events from HPIP, be sure to visit insulationtraining.org/2024-texas-workshop.

Sponsorship provides year-round industry exposure, company promotion to contractors, and helps provide real solutions to the workforce shortage. Explore the benefits of partnering with HPIP here>>

FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference
April 30-May 3, Omni Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City

ECA ’24, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference, is an event focused on educating and engaging the firestop and effective compartmentation industry.

Filled with technical industry education, the FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams, interactive FCIA Committee roundtable meetings, FCIA Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Members Only sessions, ECA ‘24 is the ideal opportunity to expand your knowledge and contribute to the development of the firestop industry.

For more information, please visit FCIA.org.

Air Barrier Association of America
May 7-8, Hyatt Regency Reston, Reston, Va.

The Annual ABAA Annual Building Enclosure Conference will be held May 7-8 at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Virginia. The show is only conference that focuses on air barriers and building airtightness.

Come learn from some of the top minds in building science with expertise in building enclosures, moisture management, air barriers, sustainability and enclosure commissioning.

Why Attend?

The conference provides two full days of comprehensive learning tracks specific to design professionals, consultants, general contractors, subcontractors and others interested in the air barrier industry.

Exhibitors will include air barrier materials manufacturers, application equipment, testing labs and building enclosure consulting companies.

• Network with the leading experts in building science
• Obtain AIA CEU’s (HSW)
• Receive comprehensive education on air barriers and building airtightness
• Meet with the leading air barrier manufacturers and service providers nationwide

For more information, visit abaaconference.com.

The Wall and Ceiling Conference & Trade Show
May 16-18, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, Calif.

The 2024 Wall and Ceiling Conference & Trade Show will be taking place May 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.

The Wall and Ceiling Conference is the premier event for union wall and ceiling construction, gathering hundreds of the industry’s leading professionals and companies. This event features a cutting-edge exhibit hall, inspirational speakers, educational seminars, an Industry Summit and fun events to connect with your peers—including golf and pickleball.

Register early to take advantage of increased brand awareness and the online event community where you can connect with industry peers before, during, and after the conference.

New This Year

All Spouse/Companion & Kids Registrations must be completed through the account of someone with a Full Conference Registration. You can also add these registration items later through the Attendee Service Center.

To register a group, you have the option to add more Full Conference attendees on the “Review” page under Group Registration.

The Convention Delegate registration includes entrance into the Exhibit Hall, Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday, Exhibit Breakfast on Friday and Saturday, Manufacturer & Dealer Party featuring a dinner buffet and a live band, Final Banquet dinner plus access to all Educational Seminars and General Industry Meetings.

NWCB Members will receive special pricing. If you are a member of SWACCA, WACA, or WWCCA, please contact your organization for your special discount code.

You can add a registration for a spouse/companion, and it includes all of the above plus access to two spouse activities throughout the conference.

Children are welcome at all convention events, and you can register those under 12 for free. Meal tickets are required for children ages 5-12 for the Friday and Saturday dinners. Kids between the ages of 12-18 can register for Spouse/Companion tickets. Please ask for details.

Learn more and register by visiting wallceilingshow.org. Questions? Contact us at events@wallceilingshow.org.

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute 2024 Annual Expo
May 20-22, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Ariz.

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute 2024 Annual Expo is designed for architects, builders/contractors and engineers. It is geared toward both skilled cold-formed steel framing professionals as well as newcomers. It will provide opportunities for education and networking as well as an exposition featuring state-of-the-art cold-formed steel framing technologies. Winners of the 2024 CFSEI Design and Distinguished Service Awards will also be announced. The three-day conference is the only one of its kind dedicated to cold-formed steel framing.

The CFSEI Expo is designed for architects, builders/contractors and engineers and is geared toward both skilled cold-formed steel framing professionals and newcomers. PDH credits are available. Expo activities will also include the annual CFSEI meeting and installation of 2024-2025 officers.

CFSEI plans to still offer a stipend program for young engineers and professors/instructors.

A preliminary expo schedule and information on registration and hotel room rates/deadlines are available at cfsei.org/2024-cfsei-expo.

AIA ’24 Conference on Architecture & Design
June 5-8, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C.

This year’s AIA Conference will be held in our nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. is an ideal place for this year’s AIA Conference, as the city displays both old and new construction methods.

More than 500 exhibiting companies represent software and technology, energy efficiency, building systems, sustainability, finishes, lighting, and stone and tile restoration, as well as manufacturers from the wall and ceiling industry. This year there will be broadened education offerings to include AEC professionals from all career stages and to include more global perspectives.

AIA Convention on Architecture & Design 2024 is one of the largest gatherings of architecture and design professionals in the world, and is where the AEC industry gathers to define it, design it, and connect across industries to build it.

For up-to-date information on the show, visit conferenceonarchitecture.com.

National Fire Protection Association Conference & Expo
June 17-21, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.

The National Fire Protection Association has announced that it will hold its 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando. The association celebrates this year by creating a “new experience” that promises to live up to those high expectations and one where everyone can safely attend and participate. And Orlando is a great destination to bring the family.

This year’s show brings to life the products and services needed to help meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and facilities of every kind.

The NFPA Conference & Expo features a wide variety of 350-plus exhibitors and 120-plus educational sessions, workshops, and presentations for anyone involved in safety. Collaborate and network with thousands of fire protection engineers, electricians, firefighters, building and facility managers, manufacturers of safety equipment, government officials, and all other safety professionals.

For more information on this event, and a list of the various webinars and other virtual products, visit nfpa.org/conference.

ICAA Convention & Trade Show
September 25-28, Sheraton Grand, Chicago

The ICAA Convention & Trade Show is your one-stop shop to learn, network, and discover the latest insulation industry products and services from the best in the business. Every year, ICAA builds an educational program based on attendee feedback and timely industry trends, including sessions that run the gamut from business operations to building science. The star of the show, howepver, is the accompanying trade show, which features a lineup of the insulation industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers.

For 2024, ICAA is working on a carefully curated educational program that will include more interactive sessions.

Check the ICAA Convention webpage: insulate.org/convention frequently for updates and details as they are released. Listen to W&C’s exclusive podcast with the association’s Michael Kwart as he discusses this year’s upcoming event.

Building Enclosure Symposium (BES+)
September 29-Oct. 1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This year, the BES is partnering with the Ontario Building Envelope Council and will hold the 2024 IIBEC/OBEC BES in Toronto, Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites. The two-day Building Enclosure Symposium offers cutting-edge information regarding the design, construction, maintenance and repair of modern and/or older building envelopes, geared towards building envelope professionals, architects, engineers, contractors and FMs.

Open instructor/attendee dialogue is encouraged, and expert speakers offer not only technical data but relevant, practical solutions by referencing real-world examples and specific case histories. Continuing education units are available. Representatives from 30 leading building envelope material manufacturers will discuss the latest technological innovations and their materials’ characteristics and applications.

Come learn from some of the top minds in building science with expertise in building enclosures, moisture management, air barriers, sustainability and enclosure commissioning.

The conference provides a comprehensive learning curriculum for design professionals, consultants, subcontractors, GCs and others interested in the building science industry.

The schedule is still being finalized but you can visit here for the most up-to-date information: https://iibec-obec2024bes.com.

METALCON International Conference and Exhibition
October 30-November 1, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

After last year’s successful show in Las Vegas, the event moves to Atlanta this year to Las Vegas. For those unfamiliar, METALCON is the only event focused on metal construction products, technologies and solutions. As the show marks more than three decades of achievement, it sets the pace for shaping the future with metal through an unbeatable blend of new product exhibits, a nationally recognized education conference, and live-action demos of field techniques.

Woven into all elements of the exhibition and conference are top-notch market insight and visionary concepts for the use of metal—a sustainable material recognized in the green building movement for its low maintenance, high durability and the ability to be fully recycled.

Join contractors, designers, developers, fabricators and suppliers from across the globe who attend this annual event. You’ll meet experts from forward-thinking companies who exhibit their top products and technology, and are eager to share their knowledge with you.

The education continues in METALCON’s comprehensive conference program presented by leading industry experts. This is the only forum where the topics are focused totally on the best use of metal across a spectrum of applications. The program covers every aspect of building with metal from the basics to the latest materials, tools, techniques, building codes, applications, cold-formed steel framing, green building, alternative energy, business management and marketing. Plus, the program offers continuing education credits.

For more information, please visit metalcon.com.

FCIA Firestop Industry Conference & Trade Show
November 5-8, Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Palm Springs, Calif.

FIC ’24, the FCIA Firestop Industry Conference & Trade Show, is the leading educational firestop conference in the world. This year celebrates 25 years of FCIA. The event brings together Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors, Special Inspection Agency personnel, AHJs, Manufacturers, and industry leaders for three collaborative days focused on educating, developing, and improving the firestop industry. The event is the place for solutions-driven learning.

The event features:

• FCIA Firestop Education for the Firestop Exams
• FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams
• Technical Education tailored to cultivate expertise
• FCIA Memorial Golf Tournament
• FCIA Awards Dinner
• Other various activities

The FCIA also offers online courses and learning sessions throughout the year, both in the U.S. and abroad. For a list of these, visit the link below.

For more information and updates on the conference, visit fcia.org/Events/Conferences-Symposiums.

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
November 12-15, 2024, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia

Greenbuild 2024 is now accepting proposals and session reviewers from industry experts eager to share their knowledge and expertise. This is your opportunity to shape the content of Greenbuild’s education sessions.

Greenbuild hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide. Featuring informative sessions, dynamic speakers, innovative products, and networking opportunities for professionals from all sectors of the building industry. Experts from around the world share best practices, technologies and solutions that enhance sustainability, performance and quality of life throughout the built environment.

Educational Opportunities

Last year’s event, in Washington, D.C., had thousands of attendees. Given the popularity of the education, accessibility and expanded CE offerings, Greenbuild will produce several different events this year. This year’s event will showcase:

• New summits
• Three days of in-person education
• Seventy-five plus sessions
• Trade show floor to see manufacturers’ latest products

Continuing Education Hours for Education Sessions

• Live Virtual Education Sessions: Earn 1 GBCI and AIA hour per hour of education. Attendees must attend at least 80 percent of the session to receive credit.
• On-Demand Education Sessions: Earn 1 GBCI hour per hour of education. Attendees must watch the entire video recording from start to finish and complete the survey linked in the session description within 10 minutes after viewing.
• Keynotes: Earn 1 GBCI and AIA hour per event.
• Expo Hall Education Labs: Earn 1 GBCI and AIA hour per hour of education.

Visit greenbuildexpo.com for all the up-to-date news, show and schedule information, hotel reservations and more.

World of Concrete 2025
January 21-23, 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

World of Concrete 2024 presented another strong turnout. This signature annual event is for the international concrete, plastering and masonry industries. This show is also a great place to see what new insulation/CI products are introduced, as well as ICFs/SIPs. The show holds the bulk of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s space and is one of the country’s largest trade events.

Among the highlights each year, the Annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship brings in crowds of spectators. More than 25 bricklaying teams travel from all over North America to Las Vegas to compete for the title of World’s Best Bricklayer.

The 2025 agenda will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit worldofconcrete.com.

NAHB International Builders’ Show 2025
February 25-27, 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

Thousands of home building professionals, contractors, manufacturers and more from around the world filled the exhibit halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center as NAHB hosted the International Builders’ Show this February.

The massive show drew a total of more than 100,000 attendees this year. There are many wall and ceiling contractors and manufacturers in attendance at this event.

Exhibit space for IBS also expanded from last year, and over 1,700 exhibitors displayed the latest in building products and technology. More than 750 new exhibitors were in attendance at the 2024 show.

This year’s show brought out many companies from the industry, including those that represent drywall, trims and molding, steel framing, insulation, ICFs/SIPs, WRBs, waterproofing and rainscreen products, and so much more.

In addition to meeting suppliers and seeing product demos throughout the three-day show, attendees networked with peers and attended any of more than 130 education sessions led by experts on a wide range of industry topics.

For more information, visit buildersshow.com.

Spray Foam Convention & Expo
TBA

This year’s SprayFoam 2024 took place, as planned, as an in-person event in Las Vegas in early March.

This year’s Keynote Speaker was Kevin O’Connor, a nationally recognized home services industry expert. Not only has he been active with the This Old House shows since 2003, he has also hosted shows for Roku, the DIY Network, and The History Channel, as well as Clearstory, a top-ranked podcast. O’Connor is also the author of “The Best of Homes” from This Old House, a book chronicling ten of the show’s finest home transformations and is a member of the editorial board of This Old House magazine.

The association hosted the National Industry Excellence Awards Program at SprayFoam 2024.

The SprayFoam 2025 Convention and Expo has yet to name its location.

For more information, visit sprayfoam.org.

Regional Shows

Wall and Ceiling Alliance

The Wall And Ceiling Alliance’s Construction Excellence Awards & Excellence in Safety Awards Show will be held June 20 at the Signia by Hilton San Jose.

For information on sponsorships, please contact Sherry Hadnot at sherry@wallandceiling.org.

TLPCA Annual Convention

The Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held June 11-13. Its 72nd Annual Convention Hotel Galvez, Galveston, Texas.

As in year’s past, the Annual Convention & Trade Show will offer meetings, receptions, golf tournament, an exhibitors trade show, an educational program, an Annual Design Awards Competition, a spouses program, an awards banquet, dinners and night entertainment.

All members and guests registered for the convention are welcome to attend the President’s Reception. Network and visit with colleagues and friends and help kick off the convention.

Additional information on registration and sponsorship opportunities will be available at tlpca.org.

FWCCA Annual Convention and Trade Show

The Florida Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association will hold its 2024 Southeastern Wall & Ceiling Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Omni Resort at ChampionsGate, ChampionsGate, Fla. on July 26-27. This year’s show will feature approximately 100 exhibitors from throughout the nation with many new, as well as returning exhibitors.

The Annual Golf Tournament will take place. There will be prizes, a raffle to benefit the scholarship program full of great golf items, and exhibits on the golf course with member companies giving away great items to all players.

There will be a trade show as in year’s past, which will be followed by the association’s annual Industry Awards Luncheon and presentation on incoming officers and directors. Saturday night’s theme party will be another great event. In conjunction with the other festivities, there will be a silent auction throughout the evening to raise funds for the FWCCA Scholarship Program.

Management with the FWCCA has stated that there are still a few booths left for exhibitors. For more information, visit fwcca.com.