CRMCA Concrete Learning Forum: Advancing Performance, Innovation & Partnerships

Location: Greenville, SC
Date: August 25, 2026
Educational Program: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Networking Reception: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Event Description

The Concrete Learning Forum brings together industry leaders from design, production, academia, and standards development to explore innovation and collaboration in the evolving concrete landscape. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how codes and testing standards influence material performance, the critical role of producers in delivering quality and consistency, and how design leadership drives successful project outcomes. Perspectives from higher education will highlight emerging research and workforce development shaping the future of the industry. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary alignment to advance resilient, efficient, and high-performing concrete solutions.

Educational Schedule

1:00 – 1:10 PM

Welcome & Program Overview

1:10 – 1:35 PM

ACI: Codes for Innovation and Testing Implications

• Overview of evolving standards and their impact on material innovation
• Testing requirements and performance-based design considerations

1:35 – 2:00 PM

Producer Perspective: The Role of the Concrete Producer as Concrete Consultant

• Quality control, mix design, and supply chain coordination
• Supporting performance, durability, and sustainable project outcomes

2:00 – 2:25 PM

Project Team Perspective: The Role of Design Leadership

• Integrating material knowledge into design decisions
• Coordination across disciplines to meet project goals

2:25 – 2:35 PM

Networking Break

2:35 – 3:00 PM

Higher Education Perspective: The Role of Research in Innovation

• Emerging research, innovation, and partnerships

3:00 – 3:45 PM

Roundtable Discussion: Aligning Project Teams

• Cross-sector insights on collaboration, innovation, and performance outcomes

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Networking Reception

AIA Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how evolving ACI codes and testing standards influence concrete material innovation, performance, and compliance in the built environment.
2. Evaluate the role of the concrete producer in ensuring quality control, durability and sustainability to support project performance and occupant safety.
3. Analyze how design leadership within AEC teams integrates material knowledge and interdisciplinary coordination to achieve resilient and efficient project outcomes.
4. Identify emerging research, technologies, and workforce development trends from higher education that impact the future of concrete design and construction practices.