But this year's highlights include all the excellent presentations from the industry. Here's a summary of those events:

CLASS I – LAWSUIT PROTECTION AND TAX REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Presented by Larry Oxenham, Senior Advisor, American Society for Asset Protection, Norman, OK

Is your financial house in order? Discover the tools wall & ceiling industry professionals can use to become invincible to lawsuits, save thousands in taxes, and achieve financial peace of mind.

At the conclusion of this presentation, you will know how to:

• Protect 100% of your assets from lawsuit.

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

• 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.

• It takes a lifetime to accumulate your assets – learn to protect them.

CLASS II – LEADING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Presented by Gregg Schoppman, FAILS MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE, (FMI) Tampa, FL

Back by popular demand, Gregg will be on hand to present another great eye-opening session!

The focus of many construction organizations should be on cost reduction and efficiency. With the downward pressure on price, contractors continue to examine areas of their business where waste – however large or small – is prevalent. As schedules contract, owners’ expectations rise and margins remain in a fragile balance. It is imperative that the construction industry examine its operations and develop sound lean, efficient processes. Replicable tool and processes will help firms be competitive today and maintain a sustainable advantage tomorrow. Lean is not a new concept, but the recipe allows for a cultural shift to challenge the status quo and drive superior results long-term.

The presentation will cover:

• Examine general practical construction applications of the right “lean” tools, processes and metrics.

• Understand the truths and myths about how to implement these initiatives.

• Examine FMI’s P3 model and explore the correct way to drive efficiency and productivity.

• Create an integrated approach that is consistent, sustainable and replicable long term to drive money to the bottom line.

CLASS III - GOING BEYOND CODES AND STANDARDS TO MAKE STUCCO CLADDING A SUCCESS

Presented by Regi Mendoza, Master Wall Inc.

In this ever-changing world of exterior cladding systems and finish options, understanding the proper compatible components to meet codes and receive manufacturer warranty coverage is critical in the design, submission, and installation processes. This session will cover the following topics and more:

• Cladding Systems Options.

• Designing and Specifying approved assemblies for Division 07 and Division 08.

• FBC compliant assemblies.

• What is a “Miami-Dade NOA”?

• Warrantable system components.

• Finish Options.

CLASS IV - DON’T KILL YOUR GOLDEN GOOSE – SUCCESSION STRATEGIES TO PROTECT & PERPETUATE YOUR BUSINESS

Presented by Larry Oxenham, American Society of Asset Protection

Learn the strategies and tools the nation’s top firms use to save their clients millions of dollars each year. In this session, you will learn:

• What exit strategy is right for you: transfer to family members, complete sale, partial sale, IPO or management buyout.

• Succession strategies that protect your legacy, maximize your freedom and increase your net worth.

• Legal tools that allow you to transfer the majority of ownership and still maintain 100% control.

• How your business succession strategies and estate plan work together.

• Steps to maximize the sale price of your business.

• Systems to ensure the continued success of your business through the next generation of owners and managers.

• How to properly structure your business to minimize taxes on sale or transfer. If not planned for capital gains, estate and gift tax consequences can cripple the ongoing success of a business.

• Common mistakes and missteps to avoid when selling or creating a succession plan.

CLASS V - INNOVATION THAT REDUCES RISK AND BUILDS YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Presented by Jeff Montague, Radius Track

A special presentation on metal framing and its evolution beyond interior partitions, a program both interesting and informative in teaching contractors how to increase efficiency and grow profits. A class you won’t want to miss.

Items to be covered:

• Unlock potential to reclaim scope, increase efficiency & grow profits.

• How to embrace planning, integration, and prefabrication.

• Success isn’t just about what you build.

• How to control the build to drive margin and reduce risk.

• Highlights best practices for drywall & ceiling contractors using light-gauge solutions-like structural facades, complex geometrics, and prefabricated assemblies.

• Hoe to reduce reliance on other trades, streamline installations, and keep more high-value work in-house.

CLASS VI – RAINSCREEN SYSTEMS MADE EASY WITH ENGINEERED SUBCONSTRUCTION

Presented by Justin Webb, STO Rainscreen Specialist, STO Corp

This course presents the history of rainscreen design and explains why rainscreens are an important topic for the building envelope and enclosures. The course enforces the use of control layers to maximize the use of a drained, backed ventilated rainscreen system performance for both new and existing buildings. The audience will learn and be able to identify different rainscreen technologies and how a complete approach is beneficial to a building’s performance, by ensuring compatibility among components and understanding the relationship of control layers of the exterior wall assembly for the health and safety of occupants.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the history of rainscreen design and review fundamental rainscreen principles and how they work.

• Identify the rainscreen components and their function to better understand the essence of a rainscreen systems.

• Explain how good rainscreen design can impact health, safety and welfare.

• Explore the complete approach to rainscreen design and summarize the benefits of simplifying the design process.

CLASS VII – CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER DRAINAGE OF CEMENT PLASTER

Presented by Mark Fowler, Executive Director of the Stucco Manufacturers Association, author of the Stucco Resource Guide and the Plaster and Drywall System Manual

There is a lot of confusion about the new code mandated drainage requirement for stucco. This program will cover the recent code requirements in Chapter 25 in the IBC and Chapter 7 of the IRC. iIncluding options, caveats and how contractors can protect themselves. If you design, sell or install cement plaster on framed walls, you should attend this class hosted by the Stucco Manufacturers Association and FWCCA as a joint venture.

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.

For more information, visit fwcca.com.