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LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T105836Z
UID:10000283-1793707200-1793721600@mcakc.org
SUMMARY:Effective Communication (Propel 1)
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is included in the Propel 1 Leadership Series. \n\nAt the end of this seminar\, you will be able to:\n \n\nAppreciate and respect other’s work-related behavioral attributes.\nEffectively allocate responsibilities in various situations & handle specific challenges.\nIdentify four primary styles in how a person approaches relevant work situations. Each style reflecting the person’s:\n\nGoal preferences and needs\nSupervision and organization preferences\nAttitude towards change\n\n\nGain a clearer understanding of what assertiveness looks like behaviorally.\nDemonstrate more effective listening skills by understanding the importance of open-ended questioning as well as non-verbal body language.\n\nTarget Audience:  \nEmerging Leaders and individuals interested in individualized professional and personal development. \nCEUs: 0.4 \nCost: There is no charge for employees of MCAKC Member Contractors Signatory to Local 8 & 533. \n$100 for Non-Members Signatory to Local 8 & 533.\n$150 for Associate Members.\n \nInstructor\nGary Polain is the Principle of OZmosis Leadership. A native born Western Australian\, he began his professional career as a Mechanical Engineer specializing in power station design\, dust pollution control\, and mine ventilation systems. Gary has over the last twenty years committed himself to a most accomplished career in ‘Human Engineering’. Prior to starting his own consulting practice in 1996\, Gary worked for Priority Management Systems\, beginning in 1991 in Sydney as Australasian Sales and Marketing Manager. Gary has a unique ability to surface and share ideas\, and then Coach\, and inculcate measurable behavioral change in people\, leading to increases in organizational effectiveness. \nCancellation Policy\nCancellations for this MCAKC event must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email to learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. \n?Registrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”)\, except in the case of an emergency\, will be invoiced $100.
URL:https://mcakc.org/event/effective-communication-included-in-propel-1-series/
LOCATION:10955 Lowell Ave\, Suite 1050\, Overland Park\, 66210\, US
CATEGORIES:Half-Day Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/calendar_icon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261105T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261105T160000
DTSTAMP:20260814T105836Z
CREATED:20260629T143537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T105836Z
UID:10000308-1793878200-1793894400@mcakc.org
SUMMARY:Change Orders - (LiFT Level 2)
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is included in the LiFT Level 2 Project Management Program. Individual seminar registration is subject to availability. \n\nChange orders are an inevitable part of construction projects\, but how they are managed can significantly impact project profitability\, customer relationships\, and overall project success. In this seminar\, participants will learn practical strategies for identifying\, pricing\, documenting\, negotiating\, and managing change orders throughout the project lifecycle.\n \nDrawing on real-world project experience\, participants will explore best practices for developing effective change order processes\, securing timely approvals\, maintaining accurate documentation\, and minimizing disputes. Participants will gain a better understanding of how proactive change management supports project performance\, protects profit margins\, and improves communication with owners\, contractors\, and project stakeholders.\n \nAt the end of this seminar\, participants will be able to:\n \n\nExplain how change orders impact project performance and profitability.\nPrice and negotiate change orders to achieve a profitable outcome.\nOutline strategies for obtaining timely change order approvals.\nCompare the differences in impact and management strategies between additive and deductive change orders.\nExplain the importance of tracking\, documenting\, and communicating change orders throughout the project lifecycle.\n\nTarget Audience:  \nProject Managers with 3–7 years of experience who have established project management fundamentals and are ready to develop more advanced leadership\, financial\, and project management competencies. \nCEUs: 0.4 \nCost: There is no charge for employees of MCAKC Member Contractors Signatory to Local 8 & 533. \n$100 for Non-Members Signatory to Local 8 & 533.\n$150 for Associate Members.\n \nInstructor\nChris Champagne\, PE\, LEED AP\, is an Operations Manager and Team Leader with P1 Group\, where he has spent more than 30 years building a career in mechanical construction. During his tenure\, he has advanced from estimator to project manager and now leads project management teams and major construction operations.\n \nA graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering\, Chris is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas and a LEED Accredited Professional. He is currently helping lead P1’s work on the Panasonic Battery Plant in De Soto\, Kansas\, one of the largest construction projects in Kansas history.\n \nDrawing on decades of experience in estimating\, project management\, operations\, and field execution\, Chris provides practical\, real-world insight into the planning\, leadership\, and decision-making required to deliver successful projects. \nCancellation Policy\nCancellations for this MCAKC event must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email to learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. \nRegistrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”)\, except in the case of an emergency\, will be invoiced $100.
URL:https://mcakc.org/event/change-orders-lift-level-2/
LOCATION:10955 Lowell Ave\, Suite 1050\, Overland Park\, 66210\, US
CATEGORIES:Half-Day Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/calendar_icon.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T160000
DTSTAMP:20260814T105835Z
CREATED:20260629T143536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T105835Z
UID:10000307-1794483000-1794499200@mcakc.org
SUMMARY:Delivering Project Success: Turnover\, Commissioning\, & Closeout - (LiFT Level 2)
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is included in the LiFT Level 2 Project Management Program. Individual seminar registration is subject to availability. \n\nThe final phase of a project is where planning\, execution\, and customer satisfaction come together. Successful project managers understand that turnover\, commissioning\, and closeout are not simply end-of-project activities—they are critical processes that impact profitability\, customer relationships\, future opportunities\, and overall project success.\n \nIn this seminar\, participants will explore the project manager’s role in driving successful project completion. From quality control and documentation management to commissioning support\, owner training\, warranties\, and final project acceptance\, participants will learn strategies that improve project outcomes and strengthen relationships with owners\, contractors\, and project stakeholders.\n \nDrawing on industry best practices and real-world leadership experience\, this seminar will provide practical tools for managing expectations\, coordinating project teams\, reducing risk\, and delivering a successful project completion experience for all parties involved.\n \nAt the end of this seminar\, participants will be able to:\n \n\nExplain the project manager’s role in turnover\, commissioning\, and closeout activities.\nIdentify documentation requirements necessary for successful project completion.\nDevelop strategies for managing quality control\, startup\, and commissioning activities.\nCoordinate stakeholders and project teams to support successful turnover and owner acceptance.\nManage owner training\, warranties\, punch lists\, and final closeout requirements.\nApply best practices that improve customer satisfaction\, reduce risk\, and support timely project completion.\n\nTarget Audience:  \nProject Managers with 3–7 years of experience who have established project management fundamentals and are ready to develop more advanced leadership\, financial\, and project management competencies. \nCEUs: 0.4 \nCost: There is no charge for employees of MCAKC Member Contractors Signatory to Local 8 & 533. \n$100 for Non-Members Signatory to Local 8 & 533.\n$150 for Associate Members.\n \nInstructor \nAngie Simon\, P.E.\, \nis a nationally recognized mechanical engineer\, former CEO of Western Allied Mechanical\, and former President of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). Throughout her career\, she has been a champion for leadership development\, workforce engagement\, operational excellence\, and advancing opportunities within the construction industry.\n \nAngie is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE)\, a national workforce development initiative that introduces high school students to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. She also serves as a peer group facilitator with Maxim Consulting Group and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University.\n \nA sought-after speaker\, mentor\, and industry leader\, Angie is known for helping organizations build stronger teams\, develop future leaders\, and create lasting impact through strategic leadership and operational excellence. \nCancellation Policy\nCancellations for this MCAKC event must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email to learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. \nRegistrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”)\, except in the case of an emergency\, will be invoiced $100.
URL:https://mcakc.org/event/delivering-project-success-turnover-commissioning-closeout-lift-level-2/
LOCATION:10955 Lowell Ave\, Suite 1050\, Overland Park\, 66210\, US
CATEGORIES:Half-Day Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/calendar_icon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261117T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261117T160000
DTSTAMP:20260814T105835Z
CREATED:20260426T064845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T105835Z
UID:10000282-1794916800-1794931200@mcakc.org
SUMMARY:Enhancing Business Writing Skills (Propel 1)
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is included in the Propel 1 Leadership Series. \n\nStrong writing skills are essential for effective workplace communication. This seminar helps participants write clear\, concise\, and professional emails\, reports\, and other business communications that improve understanding and build credibility. \nParticipants will learn practical techniques for organizing ideas\, adapting their writing for different audiences\, and editing for clarity and impact. The seminar also introduces responsible ways to use AI tools to improve efficiency while maintaining accuracy and a professional voice. \nAt the end of this seminar\, participants will be able to:\n \n\nWrite clear\, concise\, and professional workplace communications.\nOrganize information to improve readability and understanding.\nAdapt writing style and tone for different audiences and situations.\nEdit and refine written communications for greater clarity and impact.\nUse AI tools to support drafting and editing while maintaining quality and professionalism.\n\nTarget Audience:  \nEmerging Leaders and individuals interested in individualized professional and personal development. \nCEUs: 0.4 \nCost: There is no charge for employees of MCAKC Member Contractors Signatory to Local 8 & 533. \n$100 for Non-Members Signatory to Local 8 & 533.\n$150 for Associate Members.\n \nInstructor\n Dianne Young is a business coach\, trainer\, and professional speaker with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations improve communication\, leadership\, and workplace performance. A former Dale Carnegie trainer\, she has founded multiple successful businesses and now works with organizations to strengthen teams\, develop leaders\, and achieve strategic goals.\nDianne has delivered training and keynote presentations for organizations across a variety of industries\, including Microsoft\, Mazda\, and the U.S. Department of Defense. She is known for her engaging\, interactive teaching style and her ability to provide practical tools that participants can immediately apply in the workplace. \nCancellation Policy\nCancellations for this MCAKC event must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email to learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. \nRegistrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”)\, except in the case of an emergency\, will be invoiced $100.
URL:https://mcakc.org/event/enhancing-business-writing-skills-included-in-propel-1-series/
LOCATION:10955 Lowell Ave\, Suite 1050\, Overland Park\, 66210\, US
CATEGORIES:Half-Day Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/calendar_icon.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T160000
DTSTAMP:20260814T105835Z
CREATED:20260626T105929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T105835Z
UID:10000306-1795087800-1795104000@mcakc.org
SUMMARY:BIM\, VDC\, and Project Coordination - (LiFT Level 2)
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is included in the LiFT Level 2 Project Management Program. Individual seminar registration is subject to availability. \n\nBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) have transformed how mechanical contractors plan\, coordinate\, fabricate\, and deliver projects. While project managers may not create models themselves\, they play a critical role in managing the people\, processes\, and decisions that drive successful project outcomes.\n \nThis seminar provides a practical understanding of BIM and VDC from a project management perspective. Participants will explore BIM execution plans\, coordination workflows\, fabrication planning\, scheduling considerations\, model deliverables\, and the relationship between BIM\, prefabrication\, and field productivity.\n \nThrough real-world examples and discussion\, attendees will learn how to identify BIM-related risks\, distinguish between design and coordination responsibilities\, and effectively collaborate with project stakeholders to improve project performance.\n \nAt the end of this seminar\, participants will be able to:\n \n\nExplain the fundamentals of Building Information Modeling (BIM)\, Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)\, and commonly used industry terminology and acronyms.\nExplain the role of BIM and VDC throughout the project lifecycle.\nDistinguish between design responsibilities and coordination responsibilities.\nDescribe how BIM supports fabrication planning\, material management\, and field productivity.\nDefine the project manager’s role in the BIM/VDC process and identify key decisions that contribute to successful outcomes.\nCommunicate BIM and VDC requirements effectively with project teams\, owners\, general contractors\, and trade partners.\n\nTarget Audience:  \nProject Managers with 3–7 years of experience who have established project management fundamentals and are ready to develop more advanced leadership\, financial\, and project management competencies. \nCEUs: 0.4 \nCost: There is no charge for employees of MCAKC Member Contractors Signatory to Local 8 & 533. \n$100 for Non-Members Signatory to Local 8 & 533.\n$150 for Associate Members.\n \nInstructors \nJason Steele is Sr. VDC Manager for Cerris Systems and a recognized leader in BIM\, VDC\, and construction technology. With nearly 20 years of experience in virtual design\, construction technology\, coordination\, and prefabrication\, he helps project teams leverage BIM processes to improve project outcomes\, reduce risk\, and increase productivity.\n \nA member of Pipefitters Local 533 for more than 25 years\, Jason brings a unique perspective that bridges field installation and construction technology. He previously served as an instructor for Local 533 and the United Association Instructor Training Program (UAITP)\, helping develop the next generation of industry professionals. His extensive experience in healthcare\, mission-critical\, and commercial construction provides participants with practical insight into how BIM and VDC support successful project delivery. \nStacy Zerr\, P.E.\, is Executive Director of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City (MCAKC) and brings nearly 30 years of experience serving the mechanical contracting industry. Prior to joining MCAKC\, she held leadership roles within the industry\, including positions at The Waldinger Corporation and leading construction technology initiatives that supported BIM\, VDC\, prefabrication\, and project execution.\n \nA recognized advocate for innovation and technology adoption\, Stacy previously served as Chair of MCAA’s Innovative Technologies Committee and has been a frequent presenter at the MEP Innovation Conference. She also served as an instructor for MCAA’s Institute for Project Management (IPM)\, helping project managers better understand technology\, collaboration\, and project delivery processes within the mechanical contracting industry.\n \nDrawing on her experience in contractor operations\, construction technology\, workforce development\, and industry leadership\, Stacy helps project managers understand how BIM and VDC processes support successful project planning\, coordination\, fabrication\, and execution. \nCancellation Policy\nCancellations for this MCAKC event must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email to learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. \nRegistrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”)\, except in the case of an emergency\, will be invoiced $100.
URL:https://mcakc.org/event/bim-vdc-and-project-coordination-lift-level-2/
LOCATION:10955 Lowell Ave\, Suite 1050\, Overland Park\, 66210\, US
CATEGORIES:Half-Day Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/calendar_icon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261124T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260814T105835Z
CREATED:20260426T064849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T105835Z
UID:10000289-1795521600-1795536000@mcakc.org
SUMMARY:Critical Thinking Skills for Everyday Job Challenges (Propel 1)
DESCRIPTION:This seminar is included in the Propel 1 Leadership Series. \n\nThis course is designed to strengthen participants’ critical and strategic thinking skills\, as well as decision-making and problem-solving\, so they can navigate complex challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Participants will learn to differentiate and apply critical thinking\, strategic thinking\, and structured decision-making in real business scenarios. Through activities and tools such as Root Cause Analysis\, brainstorming\, risk analysis\, the Socratic method\, Six Thinking Hats\, and the 5 Whys\, participants will practice approaching issues from multiple angles. They will also identify and reduce the impact of biases\, assumptions\, anecdotal evidence\, and decision fatigue on their choices. Ultimately\, the experience equips participants with practical techniques and habits to solve problems more effectively and lead higher-quality individual and team decisions.\n \nCourse Objectives:\n \n\nStrengthen your ability to think critically and strategically in complex business situations.  \nDistinguish among critical thinking\, strategic thinking\, and decision making\, and apply each appropriately.  \nUse structured tools (Root Cause Analysis\, brainstorming\, risk analysis\, Socratic method\, Six Thinking Hats\, 5 Whys) to analyze and solve problems.  \nRecognize and reduce the impact of biases\, assumptions\, anecdotal evidence\, and decision fatigue on your choices.  \nBuild ongoing habits and an action plan to foster creativity\, psychological safety\, and better team problem-solving.\n\nTarget Audience:  \nEmerging Leaders and individuals interested in individualized professional and personal development. \nCEUs: 0.4 \nCost: There is no charge for employees of MCAKC Member Contractors Signatory to Local 8 & 533. \n$100 for Non-Members Signatory to Local 8 & 533.\n$150 for Associate Members.\n \nInstructor\nEric Herdman trained employees in a broad range of corporate environments for more than 20 years. From multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies to top financial institutions and the world’s largest franchise fitness center\, he uses his accomplishments in sales\, retail\, health\, and fitness to help companies achieve top-level success. Focusing on results\, Eric has successfully facilitated a variety of courses related to strategic business practices leadership and management\, productivity and motivation. Eric has developed a proven system that helps students prioritize their work\, effectively schedule their days\, delegate to employees\, manage information flow and teach negation skills. As a record setting ultra-runner\, he also shares his passion for perseverance and endurance with his students.   \nCancellation Policy\nCancellations for this MCAKC event must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email to learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. \nRegistrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”)\, except in the case of an emergency\, will be invoiced $100.
URL:https://mcakc.org/event/critical-thinking-skills-for-everyday-job-challenges-included-in-propel-1-series/
LOCATION:10955 Lowell Ave\, Suite 1050\, Overland Park\, 66210\, US
CATEGORIES:Half-Day Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mcakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/calendar_icon.png
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