Webinars & Webcasts

How SMACNA Contractors Can Help Bridge the Labor Gap

Heavy Metal Summer Experience, an innovative program designed to expand work-based college alternatives, introduces high school students and recent graduates to careers in the building trades to help fill our industry’s labor shortages. Learn how this program works and how your company can participate.

AI Webinar Series: A Briefing for SMACNA Members

In this kickoff briefing, Hugh and Travis will help SMACNA Members better understand as many of the terms and concepts surrounding AI, LLMs, and AI related topics. They will also lay the groundwork for understanding what these technologies are good at, and what they aren't, as well as provide some guidance on when to leverage these tools.

How Technology Gives Labor Productivity The Boost It Needs

See how sheet metal and mechanical contractors are leveraging software and hardware solutions to future-proof their projects and find solutions to labor shortages and inefficiency.

AI for Construction Procurement

Learn how for procurement, advancements in large language models (LLMs) and machine learning will help contractors plan, source, purchase, warehouse, and pay for their materials and assets.

Optimizing Equipment and Asset Management

Learn about innovative digital solutions for managing equipment and assets in the construction industry, the financial impact of effective asset management, the benefits of digital tracking systems, and the complexities of GPS tracking for small items.

Webinar: Optimizing IAQ to Create Economic Advantages & Healthier Buildings

Webinar: Identifying Key Clauses to Mitigate Construction Risk

Get a better understanding of “killer clauses” and learn how to identify problematic terms, clearly communicate concerns to legal counsel, and negotiate contested clauses to reach an agreement.

Webinar: Tapping Your Hidden Communication Superpowers

Now available for SMACNA members to view, this recorded webinar covered how improving your communication style can help strengthen your personal and business relationships.

Webinar: Manage Your Company’s Vehicle Fleet Like a Pro

Get a better idea of how to plan for changes in the vehicle market, what the supply chain is forecast to look like going forward, and learn what makes the most sense for your business – vehicle leasing or purchasing.

Webinar: Effective Tips for Training That Sticks

Learn from a training expert how you can engage your employees with captivating content and also how you can use a learning platform to accomplish your training goals.

Pro Tips for Better Estimating

Learn about successful estimation techniques and best practices you can apply going forward, and get expert advice on how to best lay out a project using assembly libraries and information from past projects.

Boost Your Cash Flow with a Rock-Solid A/R Escalation Plan

Whether you are looking to establish an A/R escalation process for the first time or hoping to optimize an existing one, this presentation provides a clear blueprint for faster collections, including the tools to empower your team to take swift action on late payments.

Navigating the New Standards: What You Need to Know about the Revised Apprenticeship Guidelines

This webinar offers a detailed overview of the newly revised National Guidelines for Sheet Metal Apprenticeship programs, approved by the Department of Labor, along with guidance for JATCs on adopting these changes and how Chapters can support the process.

For Chapter Executives

Construction Metrics That Matter

Understanding and analyzing construction safety data can help make a work environment safer. Take a deep dive into safety metrics and learn how they can be used to prevent future accidents.

Mechanical Contractor Panel: Better Labor Productivity Through Workforce Management

When labor makes up half or more of your budget, coming in, at or under budget on every job is imperative to profitability. Hear how other contractors are prioritizing Workforce Management to support sustainable company growth.

A Lasting Legacy

Planning for a time when you’re no longer running your business can be overwhelming. Gain some peace of mind and learn about potential options to help you avoid frustration, taxation, and litigation when the time comes to exit your business.

Tools to Conducting an Effective Internal Investigation

When an employer receives a complaint of wrongful conduct in the workplace or is put on notice of other issues, oftentimes this triggers a duty to conduct a prompt internal investigation. While this can sometimes seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. 

Incentive Pay, Per Diems, and Overtime: Understanding the Regular Rate of Pay

This webinar provides invaluable insights to help you navigate the complex landscape of incentive pay, per diems, and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As employers strive to attract talent to their projects, the utilization of per diems, incentive pay, and other forms of compensation has become commonplace.

Building a Dynamic Contracting Business Through Constant Change

Seamlessly integrate new technologies into existing workflows, optimize your processes, and maximize ROI by learning the importance of departmentalization and ownership to foster accountability, cohesion, and agility within your organization.

Fiberglass Duct Liner for Efficient & Quiet HVAC Systems

Learn more about the different types of insulation materials used for lining the interior of mechanical duct systems, their overall performance qualities, and how to improve project specifications for mechanical air delivery systems by tying specifications together to better facilitate project performance goals.

What Contractors Need to Know About Withdrawal Liability

This webinar covered the basics of withdrawal liability, special attention paid to buying/selling businesses, how withdrawal liability may impact business valuation, and when the liability is triggered in connection with a contractor’s cessation of operations.

Managing Your Cyber Risk

This webinar discusses several layers of risk management that will help reduce a business’s exposure as well as coverage options available to transfer the risk to an insurance carrier. All Business Owners and their employees will benefit from this important risk management presentation as cyber-crimes are at an all-time high around the world.

How to Save When Purchasing Materials with the Help of AI

Learn how, with the assistance of artificial intelligence and new technology, you can easily identify areas of improvement and savings in your current materials procurement process.

Webinar: Back on Track: Why Software Implementation Derails and How to Fix It

Introducing new software can be frustrating and stressful to your team. Watch this webinar to get an industry-specific game plan for successfully implementing software in your organization.

Webinar: Use Digital Workflows to Streamline Field/Office Communication

This webinar explores the challenges confronting sheet metal contractors today and discusses the best practices to consider when taking steps to improve your shop and jobsite operations.

From streamlining ticket fittings, to better materials management, and analyzing shop run rates, you'll get information about simple and scalable principles you can deploy to implement technology that ultimately mitigates risk, while increasing project efficiency that pivots your workforce to “Proactive Mode”.

ChatGPT: How to use it as a Communications Power Tool

Learn how to maximize your personal efficiency while also navigating the common pitfalls associated with ChatGPT, including how to prevent this technology from being used as a crutch. 

Webinar: Take VRF Further with Building Automation

This webinar covered two of the fastest growing HVAC trends today – all-electric VRF technology and the rise of smart buildings. Learn more about how leading Building Automation Systems (BAS) solutions can help future-proof your projects and grow your bottom line.

Webinar: Ductwork Fabrication from Innovation to Integration

The recording of this lively panel discussion with representatives from Johns Manville, RF Knox, Mestek Machinery, Conklin Metal Industries, and Western Allied Mechanical is now available.

Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry: Know the Signs and Help a Life

Featuring NASCAR driver Daniel Dye’s race team and the Race to Stop Suicide for a conversation about real issues & ways to spot signs of depression or feelings of hopelessness in colleagues, employees, and loved ones!

Develop a Culture of Accountability at Your Business

Learn the steps needed to successfully launch workplace change initiatives, and how to get employees on board to drive continued growth.

Webinar: 7 Steps to Better Procurement

SMACNA Past President, Angie Simon and Kojo CEO and Founder, Maria Davidson highlight best-in-class procurement processes that can help your company outperform your competition.

Webinar: Workplace Religious Accommodations Under the New “Substantial Increased Costs” Standard

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision in Groff v. DeJoy, Dkt. 22-174 (2023), rejecting the longstanding interpretation of the “undue hardship” standard as too lenient in allowing employers to deny workplace accommodations.

Webinar: Secure Act 2.0 - How Are You Impacted on Retirement Plans

The retirement landscape has changed. Learn how the Secure Act 2.0 provides possible significant tax and cost savings for business owners.

Webinar: Optimizing IAQ & Energy Efficiency with Sorbent Ventilation Technology

This webinar covers how Sorbent Ventilation Technology works and why it can drastically help SMACNA contractors' customers save money and improve energy efficiency.

Webinar: The Facts on Fiberglass: Understanding the Research

Learn about the safety and performance of fiberglass insulation and how it stacks up against other comparative products in the industry, along with the current state of the science regarding fiberglass.

Webinar: 5 Keys to Implementing New Tech

Change is a constant in construction and having the right tools to ensure your people, budgets, and schedule stay intact in the midst of change is critical. This webinar is great for anyone interested in adopting technology for improved process, change management and increased overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Webinar: 5 Secrets to Healthier Cash Flow

This webinar covered best practices and strategies for getting paid faster along with how to better manage cash flow on projects. It is a must watch for anyone who handles accounts receivable, along with business owners, executives, accounting professionals, and project managers.

Webinar: Succession Planning to Leave Your Lasting Legacy

Learn how to properly execute your succession and personal estate plans.

Webinar: Create an Inclusive and Welcoming Workplace for Your Employees

This webinar covered strategies for creating a work environment that is inclusive and welcoming for ALL employees. Included were the ever-evolving laws and regulations that govern gender identity in the workplace, along with information on what currently legal requirements a business must comply with.

Webinar: How Contractors Can Tap Technology to Make the Most of Their Workforce

The labor shortage in construction is not new. Contractors have been "managing around" this obstacle for decades doing what they can with what they've got; using pen and paper as well as software designed to bridge the gap but ultimately lacking in cohesiveness and insight.

Webinar: What to Know About Selling, Transitioning, or Closing Your Business

This is the third webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawal Liability webinar series.

Webinar: When Does Withdrawal Liability Become Triggered?

This is the second webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawal Liability webinar series.

Webinar: The Basics of Withdrawl Liability

This is the first webinar in SMACNA's three-part Withdrawl Liability webinar series.

Webinar: Addressing Performance Issues Within Your Skilled Workforce

Too often, contractors are reluctant to address performance issues with their skilled workforce. This session will provide practical “how-to’s” for investigating, documenting, and making decisions to address performance issues in a unionized workplace.

Webinar: Be Prepared for a Mental Health Parity Audit

Is your health fund ready for a mental health parity audit? There is a good chance it is not, because most health plans fail.

Webinar: The Steel Pricing Crisis

With the price of steel rising steadily and showing no signs of dropping soon, many contractors are left facing situations where profits on projects are suffering. SMACNA designed this webinar to provide the critical information our members need to come up with practical solutions when facing profit loss due to the current price of steel.

Webinar: Leveraging Technology & Innovation to Gain a Competitive Edge

This exclusive event provided attendees with strategic information that will benefit their companies as they plan future investments in new technology, or in some cases, a full digital transformation.

Surety Made Simple

Host Brandon Gainer, a surety marketing specialist with Federated Insurance, explains how surety bonds differ from insurance and how they have historically been used on public work projects, as well as their use among general contractors and the impact on subcontractors.