The market sectors will include architectural; custom fabricating and manufacturers; duct manufacturing; HVAC; and industrial, residential, and service contracting.

The architectural forum, titled “Insiders’ Advice on Working Smarter in the Architectural Marketplace,” will feature an interactive program with a panel representing different viewpoints of architects and subcontractors. The open discussion will focus on current issues and concerns of contractors working in the architectural sheet metal industry.

The custom fabricating and manufacturers forum, “Developing and Maintaining a Positive Custom Fabricating Environment,” will examine unique challenges of this market sector, including manpower issues and recruiting.

The duct manufacturing forum, called “Current Trends and Cost Issues in Duct Manufacturing,” will focus on the 1998 FMI study for SMACNA, “Duct Fabrication Market Sector Survey,” revisiting its conclusions four years later. The HVAC forum, titled “Transformations Revolutionizing the Construction Industry,” will be conducted by Dr. Thomas C. Schleifier who will present his research on current industry changes and the effects of consolidation in the construction industry.

The industrial forum will review the training options available from the International Training Institute (ITI) and the Sheet Metal Occupational Health and Safety Institute Trust (SMOHIT), while the residential forum will focus on how to develop a strong residential service department. The service contracting forum will focus on the technician’s role as a consultant to customers and the importance of developing a good business relationship.

For more information, go to www.smacna.org (website).

Publication date: 07/29/2002