2017 MCAA Midyear Meeting

Words: Michael SutterThe MCAA’s Midyear Meeting at the beautiful Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, Colo. will be held Aug. 28—30, 2017.

We have a lot of activities planned that will give you a taste of everything Steamboat has to offer. From golf in the lush, green landscape to ziplining with breathtaking views of the mountainous and valley terrain, we will offer it all. You can go to the resort’s website, www.steamboatgrand.com, and look at all of their amenities, not to mention numerous restaurants and shops in town.

If you have never attended a Midyear event before, I urge you to give it a try. It is at our Midyear Meeting that we set the agenda for our committees for the coming year. Be sure to attend these meetings to learn where your MCAA committees are headed. Unlike the convention in Vegas where we are all too busy to really have an in-depth conversation, the Midyear Meeting is much more relaxed and intimate. This is where all the networking takes place. Strike up a conversation with another mason contractor or a supplier who is not in your market, and you can share ideas that work and those that haven’t worked so well. I can’t begin to tell you the benefits I have received by sharing ideas with other contractors. This is where long-lasting friendships are born every year. Registration is available online, so please take advantage of this awesome event.

My wife Colleen and I look forward to seeing you this August in Steamboat Springs!
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior