Schedule of Events
2024 Fall Technical Meeting
October 13 - 15
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Saturday, October 12, 2024
8:00 AM – Noon
Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Committee Meetings
Committee Rooms are located on Mayor Suite Level
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Past Presidents’ Reception
5:00 – 6:00 PM
First Timer Orientation and Reception
This event gives first time attendees the chance to meet with each other and their ambassadors prior to the opening reception. You’ll leave this event with an understanding of the culture and history of the Institute and having made connections that will enhance your experience at the meeting.
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Opening Reception – Voodoo Race Night
Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience at Sunday’s Opening Reception! Our receptions have never been short of fun, but this one has it all from the Green Fairy, Mysterious Fortune Teller and an invigorating Virtual Night at the Voodoo Horse Races All race proceeds will be donated to the SWR Foundation.
Monday, October 14, 2024
General Sessions & Exhibitor Breaks will take place in Roosevelt Ballroom on the Mezzanine Level
7:30 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:00 –8:10 AM
President’s Opening Remarks
8:10 – 8:55 AM
Dr. George Brown - Occucare International
Normalizing Conversation on Mental Health in the Workplace
Provide insight and suggestions for generating healthy conversation pertaining to mental health to build awareness and a safe space for employees to ask for help, ask questions, or talk about their struggles and concerns.
8:55 – 9:40 AM
Jacqui Bascetta and Scott Waltman – PULLMAN SST
Restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge – Meshing Modern Approaches with Historic Techniques
Learn how the team utilized modern tools and processes mixed with tried-and-true repair methods to help plan, implement, perform, track, document, and report the restoration of an iconic structure.
9:40 – 9:50 AM
NextGen Leaders Award Ceremony
9:50 – 10:00 AM
Eric Muench, Sika Corporation
Sikalastic 720 One Shot Arctic/Sikaflex-444 Rapid
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:30 – 11:15 AM
David Boyer, PROSOCO
In the Eye of the Storm
In terms of weather resistance, why do we set the bar so low for structures that are subject to repeated severe weather events? What lessons have we learned from Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Ian, and others? This presentation proposes ways to raise the bar on the “survivability” of newly erected or repaired buildings that - too frequently - find themselves In the Eye of the Storm.
11:15 AM – Noon
Charles Ho and Candace Atchison, SGH
University Library Renewal: A Case Study In Window Wet Seal Repairs
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) consulted on a repair to address water leakage through wood windows at a university’s historic library undergoing a major renovation. The original window manufacturer went bankrupt in the middle of procurement with only part of the order filled. The General Contractor was left scrambling to get the partial order and find an alternate fabricator to fill the rest of the order to keep the project on schedule. The result was a collection of windows from different vendors, with subtle differences in fabrication and workmanship, and without an overarching manufacturer’s warranty. When the windows showed signs of leakage shortly after installation, the General Contractor was ultimately responsible for repairing the faulty windows.
SGH reviewed the installed windows and helped generate repair options that would allow the windows to remain in place and keep the project on schedule. This presentation summarizes our diagnostic testing to identify the sources of water leakage through the windows, outlines the repair options presented to the Owner and General Contractor, and highlights the field quality control measures for implementing the repairs, including constructing in-situ mockup repairs and performing field quality control testing.
Noon – 12:10 PM
Aaron Hall, CTS Cements
Rapid Set Self Leveling / Non Sag Sealant
12:10 – 12:15 PM
Lunch Sponsor Presentation - Innovative Waterproofing Solutions
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Lunch
And Design Professional Luncheon
We have reserved a separate room for lunch with our design professional attendees to get feedback about how the Institute could increase the value of membership for their category.
1:15– 2:00 PM
Matt Sibila, Greg Frank, Coon Restoration and Brett Laureys, WJE
West Side Market Clock Tower
West Side Market, a historical structure in Cleveland. This structure is unique because the City of Cleveland owns and operates the market. In this presentation, we will discuss the different types of access used to perform the work. WJE and Coon are working through detailing specific areas of terra cotta repairs and discussing how engineers and Contractors can work better together on-site to keep the project moving forward.
2:00 - 2:10 PM
Webnet Training
SWR Institute has formed a partnership with Webnet Training to offer members online safety and HR training at a discount.
Webnet is a user-friendly online learning management system that streamlines safety training, making it easier to manage and more effective for your company.
TrainingTopics Include
Haz-Com –Bloodborne Pathogens – Walking Working Surfaces – LOTO – Aerial Safety –Confined Space Entry –Fall Protection – Ladder Safety –PPE – Driver Safety
CLICK HERE to see the entire e-safety course library
2:10 - 2:40 PM
Beignet Station
2:40– 5:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt
Plan to get out of your seats to uniquely explore New Orleans during this fun Scavenger Hunt. Attendees will be randomly placed in teams of six to encourage connections with people you might not already know. Teams will hit the streets in search of landmarks and other designated locations using an app to track progress. We’ll all meet back at the hotel for a cocktail reception and to award prizes to the winning teams.
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Cocktail Reception and Announcement of Scavenger Hunt Winner
Tuesday, October 15
General Sessions & Exhibitor Breaks will take place in Roosevelt Ballroom on the Mezzanine Level
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:30 – 8:35 AM
Opening Remarks
8:35 – 9:20 AM
Jake Holland, Summit Sealants and Tom Sedwick, Element Systems LLC
Revolutionizing Repairs: Innovative Solutions to Facility Maintenance Challenges
From a contractor’s perspective, this presentation delves into creative solutions to complex construction and maintenance challenges. We will highlight collaborative efforts that drive success, focusing on how teams can navigate difficult situations such as access and unique environmental conditions. Through detailed case studies and real-world examples, we will showcase innovative approaches and techniques that can set a project team apart. Join us to learn about the techniques and strategies we’ve learned through experience, successes, and failures.
9:20 – 10:05 AM
Kasia Burzynska, Walker Consultants,
Step by Step to Safety: Evaluating Fire Escapes
Despite the aging of the fire escapes in the United States and occasional news reports on incidents related to the failure of their components, there are still few discussions in the industry regarding the adequacy of periodic fire escape inspections and their enforcement. The fire escapes – ranging from 55 to over 150 years old – often raise questions of their structural stability vs. historic value. The presentation will review a brief history of fire escapes and related regulations in several American cities and explore the relationships between their preservation, restoration methods, compliance with laws, periodic maintenance by owner/superintendent, professional inspections, and outline typical fire escape conditions from our field experience.
10:05 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:30 – 10:40 AM
Rankin Jays. MAPEI Corporation
MAPEI Planiseal CR1 – Cold-Fluid-Applied, Structural Waterproofing Membrane
10:40 – 11:25 AM
Renae B. Kwon and Josh Hakimian, Wiss, Janney & Elstner Associates
The Ins and Outs of Building Expansion Joints
Using several case studies this presentation will highlight challenges and solutions to tackling complex building expansion joints. Details outlining the interface between horizontal and vertical joints, at inside and outside corners, and transitioning between materials require significantly more in-depth analysis to achieve design objectives. This presentation will demonstrate the use of three-dimensional sketches and computer rendering to convey step-by-step installation at complex geometries and how these tools can assist in design team collaboration and conveying complex information to the installing contractor(s). The presentation will include unique building products and methods for combining conventional materials to create successful transitions that also provide necessary movement capacity. The importance of mockups at difficult transitions to evaluation constructability and convey critical detailing objectives with the contractor also will be highlighted. Finally, suggestions for developing and implementing a testing program to evaluate the air and watertightness of installed expansion joints will be discussed.
11:25 – 12:10 PM
Joni Jones, Braun Intertec
Concrete Sealer Metrics Demystified: What Matters Most
Concrete sealers play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the durability and appearance of concrete surfaces. Let’s dive into the most common tests performed listed on a typical data sheet for concrete sealers and their implications. The objectives are to understand which common and most practical tests are performed to determine the depth of penetration, breathability, and appearance of concrete sealers. In addition, what tests can we perform in the field after a concrete sealer is placed to make sure that it’s still performing adequately.
12:10 PM – 12:20 PM
Scott Schendel. EPRO Services, Inc.
An Introduction to EPRO Services, Inc.
12:20 – 1:20 PM
Lunch
1:20 - 1:30 PM
Tommy Williams & Silas Dust, Keim Mineral Coatings of America, Inc
Keim Mineral Paints and Stains
1:30 – 2:25 PM
Moderators: Jeff Welty, High Rock Waterproofing, Inc and Brad Rogers, Buckeye Construction & Restoration, Ltd.
The Clearinghouse
This is a lively and interactive session where attendees can get advice from each other. Collectively, our members hold unmatched industry knowledge and experience. If you have a challenge on a jobsite or at your business, this is the opportunity to find out solutions from these esteemed individuals. Questions can be asked from the floor during the session or submitted prior. You can keep your question anonymous if you wish. Submit topics and questions to be discussed during the session to info@swrionline.org. Pictures and background information is always appreciated but are not necessary.
2:25 – 2:30 PM
Closing Remarks
2:30 PM
Meeting Adjourns
October 13 - 15
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Saturday, October 12, 2024
8:00 AM – Noon
Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Committee Meetings
Committee Rooms are located on Mayor Suite Level
1:00 - 2:30 PM
- Membership
- Technical Resources
- Validation
- Program Planning
- Safety
Past Presidents’ Reception
5:00 – 6:00 PM
First Timer Orientation and Reception
This event gives first time attendees the chance to meet with each other and their ambassadors prior to the opening reception. You’ll leave this event with an understanding of the culture and history of the Institute and having made connections that will enhance your experience at the meeting.
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Opening Reception – Voodoo Race Night
Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience at Sunday’s Opening Reception! Our receptions have never been short of fun, but this one has it all from the Green Fairy, Mysterious Fortune Teller and an invigorating Virtual Night at the Voodoo Horse Races All race proceeds will be donated to the SWR Foundation.
Monday, October 14, 2024
General Sessions & Exhibitor Breaks will take place in Roosevelt Ballroom on the Mezzanine Level
7:30 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:00 –8:10 AM
President’s Opening Remarks
8:10 – 8:55 AM
Dr. George Brown - Occucare International
Normalizing Conversation on Mental Health in the Workplace
Provide insight and suggestions for generating healthy conversation pertaining to mental health to build awareness and a safe space for employees to ask for help, ask questions, or talk about their struggles and concerns.
8:55 – 9:40 AM
Jacqui Bascetta and Scott Waltman – PULLMAN SST
Restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge – Meshing Modern Approaches with Historic Techniques
Learn how the team utilized modern tools and processes mixed with tried-and-true repair methods to help plan, implement, perform, track, document, and report the restoration of an iconic structure.
9:40 – 9:50 AM
NextGen Leaders Award Ceremony
9:50 – 10:00 AM
Eric Muench, Sika Corporation
Sikalastic 720 One Shot Arctic/Sikaflex-444 Rapid
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:30 – 11:15 AM
David Boyer, PROSOCO
In the Eye of the Storm
In terms of weather resistance, why do we set the bar so low for structures that are subject to repeated severe weather events? What lessons have we learned from Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Ian, and others? This presentation proposes ways to raise the bar on the “survivability” of newly erected or repaired buildings that - too frequently - find themselves In the Eye of the Storm.
11:15 AM – Noon
Charles Ho and Candace Atchison, SGH
University Library Renewal: A Case Study In Window Wet Seal Repairs
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) consulted on a repair to address water leakage through wood windows at a university’s historic library undergoing a major renovation. The original window manufacturer went bankrupt in the middle of procurement with only part of the order filled. The General Contractor was left scrambling to get the partial order and find an alternate fabricator to fill the rest of the order to keep the project on schedule. The result was a collection of windows from different vendors, with subtle differences in fabrication and workmanship, and without an overarching manufacturer’s warranty. When the windows showed signs of leakage shortly after installation, the General Contractor was ultimately responsible for repairing the faulty windows.
SGH reviewed the installed windows and helped generate repair options that would allow the windows to remain in place and keep the project on schedule. This presentation summarizes our diagnostic testing to identify the sources of water leakage through the windows, outlines the repair options presented to the Owner and General Contractor, and highlights the field quality control measures for implementing the repairs, including constructing in-situ mockup repairs and performing field quality control testing.
Noon – 12:10 PM
Aaron Hall, CTS Cements
Rapid Set Self Leveling / Non Sag Sealant
12:10 – 12:15 PM
Lunch Sponsor Presentation - Innovative Waterproofing Solutions
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Lunch
And Design Professional Luncheon
We have reserved a separate room for lunch with our design professional attendees to get feedback about how the Institute could increase the value of membership for their category.
1:15– 2:00 PM
Matt Sibila, Greg Frank, Coon Restoration and Brett Laureys, WJE
West Side Market Clock Tower
West Side Market, a historical structure in Cleveland. This structure is unique because the City of Cleveland owns and operates the market. In this presentation, we will discuss the different types of access used to perform the work. WJE and Coon are working through detailing specific areas of terra cotta repairs and discussing how engineers and Contractors can work better together on-site to keep the project moving forward.
2:00 - 2:10 PM
Webnet Training
SWR Institute has formed a partnership with Webnet Training to offer members online safety and HR training at a discount.
Webnet is a user-friendly online learning management system that streamlines safety training, making it easier to manage and more effective for your company.
TrainingTopics Include
Haz-Com –Bloodborne Pathogens – Walking Working Surfaces – LOTO – Aerial Safety –Confined Space Entry –Fall Protection – Ladder Safety –PPE – Driver Safety
CLICK HERE to see the entire e-safety course library
2:10 - 2:40 PM
Beignet Station
2:40– 5:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt
Plan to get out of your seats to uniquely explore New Orleans during this fun Scavenger Hunt. Attendees will be randomly placed in teams of six to encourage connections with people you might not already know. Teams will hit the streets in search of landmarks and other designated locations using an app to track progress. We’ll all meet back at the hotel for a cocktail reception and to award prizes to the winning teams.
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Cocktail Reception and Announcement of Scavenger Hunt Winner
Tuesday, October 15
General Sessions & Exhibitor Breaks will take place in Roosevelt Ballroom on the Mezzanine Level
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:30 – 8:35 AM
Opening Remarks
8:35 – 9:20 AM
Jake Holland, Summit Sealants and Tom Sedwick, Element Systems LLC
Revolutionizing Repairs: Innovative Solutions to Facility Maintenance Challenges
From a contractor’s perspective, this presentation delves into creative solutions to complex construction and maintenance challenges. We will highlight collaborative efforts that drive success, focusing on how teams can navigate difficult situations such as access and unique environmental conditions. Through detailed case studies and real-world examples, we will showcase innovative approaches and techniques that can set a project team apart. Join us to learn about the techniques and strategies we’ve learned through experience, successes, and failures.
9:20 – 10:05 AM
Kasia Burzynska, Walker Consultants,
Step by Step to Safety: Evaluating Fire Escapes
Despite the aging of the fire escapes in the United States and occasional news reports on incidents related to the failure of their components, there are still few discussions in the industry regarding the adequacy of periodic fire escape inspections and their enforcement. The fire escapes – ranging from 55 to over 150 years old – often raise questions of their structural stability vs. historic value. The presentation will review a brief history of fire escapes and related regulations in several American cities and explore the relationships between their preservation, restoration methods, compliance with laws, periodic maintenance by owner/superintendent, professional inspections, and outline typical fire escape conditions from our field experience.
10:05 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break with Exhibitors
10:30 – 10:40 AM
Rankin Jays. MAPEI Corporation
MAPEI Planiseal CR1 – Cold-Fluid-Applied, Structural Waterproofing Membrane
10:40 – 11:25 AM
Renae B. Kwon and Josh Hakimian, Wiss, Janney & Elstner Associates
The Ins and Outs of Building Expansion Joints
Using several case studies this presentation will highlight challenges and solutions to tackling complex building expansion joints. Details outlining the interface between horizontal and vertical joints, at inside and outside corners, and transitioning between materials require significantly more in-depth analysis to achieve design objectives. This presentation will demonstrate the use of three-dimensional sketches and computer rendering to convey step-by-step installation at complex geometries and how these tools can assist in design team collaboration and conveying complex information to the installing contractor(s). The presentation will include unique building products and methods for combining conventional materials to create successful transitions that also provide necessary movement capacity. The importance of mockups at difficult transitions to evaluation constructability and convey critical detailing objectives with the contractor also will be highlighted. Finally, suggestions for developing and implementing a testing program to evaluate the air and watertightness of installed expansion joints will be discussed.
11:25 – 12:10 PM
Joni Jones, Braun Intertec
Concrete Sealer Metrics Demystified: What Matters Most
Concrete sealers play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the durability and appearance of concrete surfaces. Let’s dive into the most common tests performed listed on a typical data sheet for concrete sealers and their implications. The objectives are to understand which common and most practical tests are performed to determine the depth of penetration, breathability, and appearance of concrete sealers. In addition, what tests can we perform in the field after a concrete sealer is placed to make sure that it’s still performing adequately.
12:10 PM – 12:20 PM
Scott Schendel. EPRO Services, Inc.
An Introduction to EPRO Services, Inc.
12:20 – 1:20 PM
Lunch
1:20 - 1:30 PM
Tommy Williams & Silas Dust, Keim Mineral Coatings of America, Inc
Keim Mineral Paints and Stains
1:30 – 2:25 PM
Moderators: Jeff Welty, High Rock Waterproofing, Inc and Brad Rogers, Buckeye Construction & Restoration, Ltd.
The Clearinghouse
This is a lively and interactive session where attendees can get advice from each other. Collectively, our members hold unmatched industry knowledge and experience. If you have a challenge on a jobsite or at your business, this is the opportunity to find out solutions from these esteemed individuals. Questions can be asked from the floor during the session or submitted prior. You can keep your question anonymous if you wish. Submit topics and questions to be discussed during the session to info@swrionline.org. Pictures and background information is always appreciated but are not necessary.
2:25 – 2:30 PM
Closing Remarks
2:30 PM
Meeting Adjourns
