Concrete Foundations Convention 2022 (#CFACON22)
If you’re in the cast-in-place concrete industry, there is no better place to be in order to position yourself far ahead of your competition.
Concrete Foundations Convention 2022 (#CFACON22) heads to the northeast to be part of the historic culture and context of the Freedom Trail and the birth of our Country. Boston, Massachusetts is our destination and our host venue is The Westin Boston Seaport District. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to join your colleagues, bring your family and celebrate with some of the most historic cultural aspects of our country. If you are in the cast-in-place concrete industry, come join us for three days of education, networking, awards, exhibits, product demonstrations, large equipment display and much more!
As always, this year’s education program is designed for companies ranging from 2 employees to 3,000+ employees. No matter the size of your operation, you are sure to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge and learn from those who have been in your exact position. From Growth Cultures, to Hiring Systems, and Alternative Reinforcements to Industry Forecasting, you cannot afford to miss this important industry event!
“I am most looking forward to reengaging after being absent during the Pandemic. Ideas flow and friendships grow when we are face to face.”
– Jim Bartley, The Bartley Corporation
CFACON22 SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
Day 1 – Thursday, July 7th
CFA Board of Directors and invited Guests (open) 10 am – 2:30 pm
Shuttle begins departing for Topsfield Fairgrounds 3:30 pm
Product and Equipment Fair at Topsfield Fairgrounds Arena 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Awards Presentation During Event w/ President’s Address
Day 2 – Friday, July 8th
Welcome to Interdependence and #CFACON22 8:30 am – 8:45am
Growth Cultures – Jason Ells 8:45 am – 9:45am
Hiring Systems – Doug Herbert 9:45 am – 10:45am
Alternative Reinforcements – Mike Hancock 10:45 am – 11:45am Lunch w/ Exhibitors 11:45 am – 1:30pm
Keynote, Connor Lokar – ITR Economics 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
90 ideas in 90 minutes 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Shuttles to Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Friday Night Social – The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Day 3 – Saturday, July 9th
Hiring Inspiration – David Whitlock 8:30 am – 9:15am
Hidden Material Costs. Are You Paying More Than You Should? -Kojo Technologies Inc. 9:15 am 10:00am
Keynote Presentation – Rocky Bleier 10:00 am – 11:00am
Book Signing / Photo Opportunities 11:00 am – 12:00pm
Closing Remarks 11:45 am
Closing Social – NY Yankees @ Boston Red Sox – Fenway Park 7:15 pm
(Pre-Registration Required)
Register, reserve your room and find out more at
bit.ly/CFACON22
FEATURED KEYNOTE: ROCKY BLEIER / FEATURED PRESENTER: CONNOR LOKAR
Vietnam Vet and Four-Time NFL Super Bowl Champion. Rocky Bleier’s life story – a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam – has held audiences in rapt attention for years. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century.
“Admittedly, I’m not a sports guy…so I was not sure what to expect when going to hear Rocky Bleier for the first time. I’m happy to say, that his story is so inspiring! I walked away not only encouraged but inspired to think big, and challenged to not make excuses. I’m now a huge fan of Rocky Bleier and I’m excited to hear him again!”
– Jason Ells, Sr Vice President, Custom Concrete
As Senior Forecaster for ITR Economics, Connor Lokar presents with authority, accuracy and humor. He specializes in construction industry forecasting, helping business owners grow revenue and remain profitable through an ever changing business cycle. If you want to know what is going to happen with the economy and with home building in the next six months to few years, you will not want to miss this keynote address!
“At Hottmann, we have been followers of ITR Economics for over 10 years. We have reliably considered their economic forecasts in making strategic decisions about our future, and their reports are both informative and easy to read. I would highly recommend them as a resource to any business!”
-Ken Kurszewski, Hottmann Construction
Growth Cultures, Hiring Systems and Hiring Inspiration. In what ways are you challenged to achieve success as the ideal employer in your market? Every employer in North America faces the unprecedented challenge of attracting employees to the deficit of a quality workforce. Construction couples this with the generational indifference to hard work…or does it? Participate with JASON ELLS of Custom Concrete as he focuses on advancing a Growth Culture in a presentation about consciously evolving and improving your company culture to establish the best platform for attracting and retaining top talent. Participate with DOUG HERBERT of Herbert Construction as he delivers Hiring Systems with a presentation looking at the need for intentional hiring systems and how to evaluate their importance. Further clarify and qualify with
DAVID WHITLOCK, ESQ with his Hiring Inspiration presentation that helps you determine how to do enough to comply without creating obstacles by overdoing the hiring process. In addition to the workforce development presentation MIKE HANCOCK will present “Navigating Acceptance for Reinforcement Alternatives”. Micro fibers, macro fibers, glass, synthetic, steel fibers, micro-reinforcement, GFRP, carbon fiber bar…the list continues to mount for ways to replace deformed steel rebar in concrete structures. These alternatives are attractive in price, availability and labor efficiency. However, are they able to be used and how do you obtain approvals? As an engineer and concrete contractor, I have first hand experience of evaluating, seeking and attaining approval for various applications and “it ain’t always easy.”
EDUCATION SPONSORED BY
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Exhibits
The exhibit hall at the Concrete Foundations Convention features the newest and greatest products and technology that the industry has to offer. Exhibiting companies offer products that will save you time, money, and improve the look of your next project. These companies are the backbone to the association, and their investments allow us to expand education and continue to serve your industry.
Join industry leading suppliers and manufacturers at the Topsfield Fairgrounds Arena on opening night (shuttles provided), and back at the exhibit hall at the Westin on Friday to explore new products to help save time, money, and improve the look of your next project! Enjoy your drink of choice as you visit with exhibiting companies and become reacquainted with old friends, all while developing new relationships that will have a lasting impact on your business.
Dedicated Exhibit Hours:
Thursday, July 7 – 4:00pm – 7:00pm – Products and Equipment Fair (Topsfield Fairgrounds)
Friday, July 8 – 11:45pm – 1:30pm – Lunch with Exhibitors (Exhibit Hall at the Westin)
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Happy Hour with Exhibitors (Exhibit Hall at the Westin)
Exhibiting Companies
Badger Forms*, Boman Kemp Basement Windows, Concrete Forms Services, LLC*, Cranes & Equipment* CrewTracks, Euclid Chemical, Form-A-Drain*, Fox Blocks*, GMX, Inc.*, Helix Steel, ICC Distribution Group, LLC*, Irving Equipment, LLC*, Kojo Technologies Inc., Max Frank, MAX USA, Nox-Crete, Inc.*, Novoform*, Owens Corning*, Prinsco, Inc., Progressive Foam Technologies*,Robotic Surveying Solutions, Rockwell Window Wells, Schwing America*, Starlight Leasing*, Steel Dog, Transit and Level, Tremco Construction Products Group*, TUF-N LITE*, Western Forms*, White Cap*
*Event Sponsor
For a full list of exhibitors please visit bit.ly/CFACON22
Attend the Products and Equipment Fair
Topsfield Fairgrounds*
Thursday, July 7, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
This year the CFA is taking attendees to the Topsfield Fairgrounds Arena for opening night! Shuttles will be available throughout the evening, allowing attendees and their families to get hands on with the industry’s top products and heavy equipment. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment as you visit with exhibiting companies and become reacquainted with old friends, all while developing new relationships that will have a lasting impact on your business.
*Included with all registration types
Spoil Your Guests and Family While You’re in Education*
Guests/Spouses Only | Friday, July 8, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Back by popular demand, the 3rd Annual Guest Social will take place Friday afternoon while business attendees are deep into education. Bring your family and/or special guest to the event and sign them up to experience a lunch cruise on Boston’s favorite yacht, the Spirit of Boston, to mingle and become acquainted with other guests/spouses.
Boarding will begin at 11am right in the Seaport District, guests/spouses will enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Boston Harbor. Included is a delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts, drinks, onboard entertainment, an open-air lounge for games and relaxation, and the absolute best views of the Boston skyline and iconic waterfront landmarks – There’s no better way to see the city than from aboard the Spirit of Boston!
*This lunch is during education hours, and intended for guests/spouses only. Additional registration required. Space is limited.
“I attended the 1st Guest Social and felt welcomed right off the bat! I met so many amazing people that day, and I have never felt this at any convention before. Having the Guest Social made me feel more involved, and I was able to relate to others who are in the same position as myself within this industry.” -Roxanne Roffers
Enjoy Drinks with Exhibitors*
Friday, July 8 – 4:00pm – 5:30pm
The exhibit hall features the industry’s top suppliers and manufacturers. Enjoy your drink of choice as you dig deeper into the companies you were introduced to on opening night! Exhibitors have the products and services that will help you save time, money and improve the look of your next project.
*Included with all registration types.
Socialize at The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum*
Friday, July 8 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Directly following Happy Hour in the exhibit hall, the CFA is taking you and your family to one of Boston’s most popular areas on Friday evening of this year’s event – The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. You’ll will enjoy food and drinks while networking on Griffin’s Wharf, and have the opportunity to travel back in time to 1773 and re-live the battle and events and see fully restored replicas of the ships throughout the evening – Come experience the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum like never before!
*Included with all registration types. Please rsvp during registration.
“I make it a priority to come every year because there is always something to be gained by coming and talking to other members. These are trying times with inflation as high as it is and labor as short supply as it is so getting others thoughts about these issues will be very helpful.”
– Bruce Neale, Modern Foundations
Attend the Legacy After Party*
Friday, July 8, 8:30pm
Directly following the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Social, join your peers for a night cap at the Legacy After Party. This event, hosted by the Legacy Committee, will take place in the Pavilion right outside of the exhibit hall at the Westin, and is a great way to wrap up day 2 of convention!
*Included with all registration types.
Watch the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees*
Saturday, July 9, 7:15pm
The CFA is excited to announce that we have reserved a private space inside of one of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, Fenway Park, for this year’s closing social. Tickets are limited to the first 100 people to register for the closing social. While the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees, guests will enjoy access to our private space, an all you can eat 2-hour BBQ buffet, 4 hours of open bar which includes beer, wine, soda, water and snacks, and unparalleled views of the field. Tickets are limited. * This event is SOLD OUT.
“We love going to the different locations. I say we, it’s become a family trip for us. It sounds corny (because it is) but the association has become a real community for us. Scott Carter (Robotic Surveying Solutions) spent a Labor Day weekend at our house because he happened to be in the area that year. My kids can’t wait to see the Irving’s (Irving Equipment) every year. I like getting a very honest opinion on something from Dennis Purinton (Purinton Builders) and Mike Hancock (Basement Contractors). It’s like going to World of Concrete but in a different spot every year, none of the Vegas craziness and it’s all tailored to foundation contractors. Just a nice couple days away and you usually come away with something.”
-Russ Talpey, Talpey Construction
2022 Award Presentations
Thursday, July 7, 5:30pm
Topsfield Fairgrounds
Join us as we present the 2022 CFA Awards during the Products and Equipment Fair on opening night! Shuttles will be provided from 3:30 – 7:30pm to and from the Boston Westin Seaport District hotel.
Like all industries, the cast-in-place concrete industry is filled with individuals and organizations that demonstrate the highest ideals of professional knowledge and technical service. Likewise, the projects that are achieved are often a combination of great creativity and technical expertise that evidence exceptional quality…unfortunately, many of them are covered up as foundations and therefore overlooked when the project has been completed. The awards offered and promoted by this Association are aimed at uncovering this talent and quality and permanently affixing them into the landscape of concrete history.
Awards are offered annually in two main categories: (1) Projects,
(2) Professional Achievement. While nominations and participation in these award programs are a benefit of membership, companies can seek membership in order to participate in these opportunities for recognition and elevate their stature in the marketplace.
#CFACON22 is Proudly Sponsored by
