Register now for the 2014 MCAA South of 40 Conference

Words: Rudy Garza, Joe Alonso, Michael SilverThe The MCAA is very excited to announce that the South 40 Conference, held the day before the Masonry Industry Legislative Conference, is going to be a spectacular event. While last year's behind the scenes tour of the National Cathedral with head mason Joe Alonso proved to be a huge crowd pleaser, this year's event should match in interest.

U.S. Capitol Renovations Tour

The MCAA has secured a private tour of the U.S. Capitol renovations being led by The Historic Preservation Officer from the Office of the Architect of the Capitol. The South 40 Committee is keeping their tradition of offering a once in a lifetime tour that truly can only be done through one of their events. Attendees will get to tour the renovation of the marble of the terrace walls. The Historic Preservation Officer has over 40 years experience in stone preservation and will be a wealth of knowledge with regard to the renovations.

Masonry Ordiances

In addition to the U.S. Capitol renovation tour, attendees will participate in two very exciting educational programs. The first will be on how to implement city planning ordinances being led by Rudy Garza of the Texas Masonry Council. Rudy will discuss the programs (well over 100) they have implemented in the state of Texas.

Bricklaying Robots

The second program will be a fantastic program on the future of robotics in the masonry industry. The firm Construction Robotics will discuss their work and recent roll out of the robotic bricklayer. Learn all the details to this robot whose development is not something that will happen in a few years, it is already developed and working.

Swarm Bots

In the second half of the presentation, Professor Michael Silver from the University of Buffalo will discuss swarm bots. Swarm bots will be a small swarm of robots with legs to navigate rough terrain job sites and act as the laborer. They will bring materials to the bricklayer in an orchestrated fashion to expedite productivity and maximize workspace. They will be controlled by a computer system which will be controlled by a person utilizing a tablet who will oversee the swarm bots. Robotics is a perfect tie into BIM and optimizing scheduling and the work environment.

Masonry Industry Legislative Conference

This year's Masonry Industry Legislative Conference is timed perfectly. We will likely be there in the heart of lobbying and pushing for the check-off program with the NCMA. Recent developments will make this the most important trip to date. In addition, we need you to work with us to notify your members of Congress that what they do impacts our industry. Silica will be a major focus for our group as well. You will not want to miss this opportunity to join together with your peers and help us make a difference in Washington D.C.

Registration

Register today as hotel space is limited.
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