Workshops title
The Sky’s the Limit with Vertical Carved Concrete

8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28 & Tuesday, Oct. 29
Area: Show Floor One
Trainers: Troy Lemon of Cornerstone Decorative Concrete and Emil Gera of Emil J Gera Concrete Contractor Inc.
Workshop assistants: Danny Carillo of Graco and Matt Sampson of Matthew Buckley Sampson Inc.

This workshop for intermediate to advanced applicators will focus on productively using the latest products, tools and equipment to turn vertical concrete carving applications into one of your company’s most lucrative services. Participants will learn valuable techniques that will fool anyone into believing stone, brick and modern plaster veneers — along with carved steps and other custom finishes — are the real deal.

Boost Profits with Engraving and Stencils

8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28 & Tuesday, Oct. 29
Area: Show Floor Two
Trainers: Rick Lobdell of Concrete Mystique Engraving and Debbie Ohland of Engrave-A-Crete
In this workshop participants will learn multiple ways to not only use engraving to their advantage, but also methods to incorporate stencils for added details.

Harder, Thicker, Longer … Concrete Countertops

8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28 & Tuesday, Oct. 29
Area: Show Floor Zero
Trainer: Jake Brady of Jake Brady Concrete by Design
This hands-on workshop will provide both beginners and veteran concrete contractors with the opportunity to learn the instructor’s innovative way to make massive seamless pieces of concrete out of GFRC. This workshop will focus on a “pour once” method starting with mold making, pouring, demolding, back-grinding, polishing and sealing.

Creating a Faux Bois Sculpture for Indoor or Outdoor Use

8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29; Wednesday, Oct. 30; & Thursday, Oct. 31
Area: Show Floor Three
Trainer: Cindee Lundin of The Studio by Cindee Lundin
This three-day, beginner to advanced workshop focuses on faux bois and carved stone concrete sculpture. Creating a stable armature, deciding on concrete mix designs, sculpting, creating textures, coloring and business training will weave its way through this exciting workshop for the concrete enthusiast, landscaper and decorative artist.

Carpentry for Concrete Forming
Carpentry for Concrete Forming workshop

1 P.M. Monday, Oct. 28 & Tuesday, Oct. 29
Area: Show Floor Four
Trainer: Rich Robertson of T.B. Penick & Sons
This workshop will demonstrate best practices for framing and forming retaining walls, steps, stairs, radiuses, wall caps, flatwork applications and more. It will also cover the use of laser guidance, forming materials, fasteners, reinforcements and coping along with the necessary tools to ensure a productive and safe work environment.

1 P.M. Monday, Oct. 28 & Tuesday, Oct. 29
Area: Show Floor Four
Trainer: Rich Robertson of T.B. Penick & Sons
This workshop will demonstrate best practices for framing and forming retaining walls, steps, stairs, radiuses, wall caps, flatwork applications and more. It will also cover the use of laser guidance, forming materials, fasteners, reinforcements and coping along with the necessary tools to ensure a productive and safe work environment.

Carpentry for Concrete Forming workshop
Technical Seminars title
Monday title
ICFs Answer the Call for an Energy-Minded Society seminar
ICFs Answer the Call for an Energy-Minded Society
10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Glen Klassen of Fox Blocks
Numerous examples of ICF building projects, application challenges, best practices and commonly asked questions will be covered in this inspiring introduction to ICF construction.
The Secrets of a Decorative Concrete Entrepreneur
1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Karen Keyes of The Art of Concrete LLC
Starting a company today is completely different than it was 15-20 years ago, especially if you want to compete for commercial jobs. This presentation will cover top survival tips for new companies; how to integrate technology into our tangible industry; and why and how we all must collaborate to contribute to our industry’s success.
Designing and Specifying Decorative Concrete
3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28
Room: Champions I
Presenters: Chris Klemaske of Sundek and Byron Klemaske of T.B. Penick & Sons
Award-winning hardscaping projects that highlight a diverse range of color, design and product applications for both new construction and renovations will be discussed. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the contractor’s role starting with a project’s concept on through project management while learning ways to address design challenges and coordinate customer input. Presentation sponsored by Sundek.
Tuesday title
Building and Designing Sizzling Outdoor Kitchens
8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Scott Cohen of The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools
Participants will learn how to design, build and polish cast-in-place decorative concrete barbecue counters, bars and outdoor kitchens and incorporate colorful accents such as glass embeds and lighting. This class is for beginner to intermediate concrete contractors.
Polishing 101
Polishing 101 seminar

8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions II
Presenter: Adrian Henry of NEx Systems
Back by popular demand, this introduction to polishing class presented by one of the nation’s top polishing contractors will show you how to build a profitable polishing business.

8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions II
Presenter: Adrian Henry of NEx Systems
Back by popular demand, this introduction to polishing class presented by one of the nation’s top polishing contractors will show you how to build a profitable polishing business.

Polishing 101 seminar
Confronting Common Failures in the Acid Stain Process
10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions II
Presenter: Federico Jasso of Kemiko
This class will cover common failures in the acid stain process. Topics will be organized by technique and concept, and will cover common mistakes in concrete surface preparation including how to prevent, detect and remedy problems whether they’re your own or inherited with the job.
Make a Splash with Decorative Concrete Around Swimming Pools
Make a Splash with Decorative Concrete Around Swimming Pools seminar

10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Scott Cohen of The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools
Emphasizing considerations contractors should take when installing decorative concrete around swimming pools, this class will cover casting concrete coping, design sizing, drainage options, waterfalls, fire features, swim-up bars, and built-in tables, chess boards and other pool furniture.

10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Scott Cohen of The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools
Emphasizing considerations contractors should take when installing decorative concrete around swimming pools, this class will cover casting concrete coping, design sizing, drainage options, waterfalls, fire features, swim-up bars, and built-in tables, chess boards and other pool furniture.

Make a Splash with Decorative Concrete Around Swimming Pools seminar
Speaking to the Strengths of Polished Concrete
1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions I
Presenters: Award-winning Architect Sloan Harris of VLK Architects and David Stephenson of Retail Polishing Management
The presenters will share the formulas for some notable award-winning polished concrete projects. You’ll learn about the ways decorative concrete has changed how schools are built, the challenges that arise, how issues are overcome and why three- and four-step polishing processes are used.
Get in the Know with Architectural Exposed Concrete Finishes
1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions II 
Presenter: Brian Farnsworth of Cement Colors
This class will focus on the latest technology relating to high-end exposed finishes and give attendees installation techniques to achieve success on the job. Methods covered will include sand-finished concrete, wet-on-wet exposed and exposed aggregate with color hardeners.
High-Performance Coatings and Sealers for Industrial and Decorative Concrete
High-Performance Coatings and Sealers for Industrial and Decorative Concrete seminar

3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Steven Reinstadtler of Covestro 
The history and basic science behind modern polyurethane and polyaspartic technology will be explored, particularly focusing on high-performance coatings and sealers. Attendees will leave with an understanding of desired traits, surface prep and proper application associated with these coating technologies, safe-use and handling requirements, and a variety of end-use applications.
También se ofrece en español

3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Steven Reinstadtler of Covestro 
The history and basic science behind modern polyurethane and polyaspartic technology will be explored, particularly focusing on high-performance coatings and sealers. Attendees will leave with an understanding of desired traits, surface prep and proper application associated with these coating technologies, safe-use and handling requirements, and a variety of end-use applications.
También se ofrece en español
High-Performance Coatings and Sealers for Industrial and Decorative Concrete seminar
También se ofrece en español
Enfrentando Fallas Comunes en el Proceso de Tinción Ácida
3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29
Room: Champions II
Presenter: Federico Jasso of Kemiko
Esta clase cubrirá las fallas más comunes en el proceso de oxidación del concreto (Acid Stain). La clase cubrirá el proceso de aplicación paso a paso y explicará a detalle cómo detectar, prevenir y reparar los problemas más frecuentes. Además, incluye la selección adecuada de la protección de la superficie y programas de mantenimiento para cada uno de los diferentes tipos de protección.
Wednesday title
The Decorative Concrete Contractor’s Blueprint to Dominate Instagram
8 a.m., Wed., Oct. 30
Room: Champions III
Presenter: Danny Barrera of Concrete Marketing Crew
Learn how to capitalize on the most engaged visual media platform, Instagram. This class will show you all the strategies you need to gain momentum, attract more followers, increase engagement and get more business from Instagram.
Trends in Decorative Concrete
Trends in Decorative Concrete seminar

8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Chris Sullivan of ChemSystems 
The presenter will discuss current decorative concrete trends regarding color, design, finishes and products for all the major decorative concrete market segments. Award-winning projects from around the country will be used as case studies.

8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Chris Sullivan of ChemSystems 
The presenter will discuss current decorative concrete trends regarding color, design, finishes and products for all the major decorative concrete market segments. Award-winning projects from around the country will be used as case studies.
Trends in Decorative Concrete seminar
Polishable Overlays: Keys to Consistent Success
8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
Room: Champions II
Presenter: Jason Ryan of Cement Colors
This course will examine environmental variables that can compromise a polished overlay project, as well as the steps and best practices required for a proper installation. The course’s objective is to help prepare contractors overcome inevitable challenges with these high-demand flooring solutions that are so in-demand today.
Coatings for Concrete: One Type Does Not Fit All
10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 
Room: Champions I 
Presenter: Mark Haen of Tenec Coatings
Restoration of nonstructural concrete applications, indoors or outdoors, begins with a clear understanding of today’s concrete coating products. In this presentation, you’ll get to know these products with firsthand examples of where and why they’re best used.
Sales & Marketing: Price and Value Are Two Different Animals
10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 
Room: Champions II 
Presenters: Jeff Wells of Sundeck Products Inc. and Karen Keyes of The Art of Concrete LLC
As billionaire Warren Buffett puts it, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” The presenters will discuss methods you can use that will help customers better understand the difference between the two, including traditional marketing, business development techniques and one-on-one presentations.
Thursday title
Un Plano Para Dominar Instagram Para El Contratista De Concreto Decorativo
8 a.m., Thurs., Oct. 31
Room: Champions III
Presenter: Danny Barrera of Concrete Marketing Crew
Aprenda a capitalizar usando la plataforma vista por más de 1 billion+ de personas diariamente… Instagram. Aun si nunca ha usado Instagram, aprenderás un plan probado para aprovechar al máximo de tu cuenta personal y de negocio.
Surface Refinement for Polished Concrete
8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Clark Branum of Diamatic USA
This class will define surface refinement in detail and cover ways to fully achieve it. Participants will learn how to measure it, how to determine which measurements are useful to a contractor and how to use these measurements in a specification or on a job site. Class also includes an overview of emerging industry standards and updates from the Concrete Polishing Council and ACI 310 – Decorative Concrete, a joint committee of the ACI and the ASCC.
Public Art — Get the Winning Hand with Public Works Projects
8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Room: Champions II
Presenter: Robin Brailsford of Brailsford Public Art 
This presentation by the LithoMosaic patent holder will discuss the role of the decorative concrete professional in creating collaborations that increasingly move decision makers toward decorative concrete for public art projects.
Sealer Selection Can Make or Break Job Satisfaction
10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Room: Champions I
Presenter: Chris Sullivan of ChemSystems
This seminar will explain the different concrete sealer options, provide a basic understanding of their makeup, explore the pros and cons of each, and present guidelines for sealer selection. It will also cover application methods and troubleshooting.
Concrete Mix Design — The Contractor’s Guide to On-site Concrete Chemistry
10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Room: Champions II
Presenter: David Ojeda of Fritz-Pak Corp.
When it comes to delivering a load of concrete for architectural and decorative applications, it’s imperative to have accessible tools to ensure the placed concrete results in a finish that achieves customer expectations while meeting industry standards. This presentation looks at concrete’s geographic challenges, common mishaps at the plant and handy chemical additives.