Sheet metal and air conditioning contractors will benefit from a wide array of business and technical sessions at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association’s (SMACNA) 68th Annual Convention in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 25-28, 2011.

CHANTILLY, Va. - Sheet metal and air conditioning contractors will benefit from a wide array of business and technical sessions at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association’s (SMACNA) 68th Annual Convention in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 25-28, 2011.

Topics include Boosting Profitability by Defining Projects from the Client’s Perspective, Best Practices in Leadership Selection, Transition Planning, SMACNA Technical Standards & Sustainability - The What, Why & How, Integrated Product Delivery, and more. Contractors will hear from top industry experts including Dr. Thomas Schleifer, Dennis Sowards, Ted Garrison, and Charlie Greer.

Following is a sample of convention session highlights.

Take Control of Your Financial Healthby Thomas Schleifer, Ph.D. Back by very popular demand, Dr. Schleifer states that contractors can get ahead of this down market by organizing a “bullet proof” company that resolutely adjusts costs to available revenue and avoids letting misplaced optimism drive critical decisions. “A determination to not even flirt with losses is your best defense,” he noted. He will share proven strategies for protecting your business and maintaining your financial strength to better enjoy and exploit the recovery.

Dr. Schleifer will also present a second session,Legal Principles that Impact Your Business, to explain in laymen’s terms the reasoning behind agreements and the underlying principles that define and govern our actions.

Boost Profitability by Defining Projects from the Client’s Perspectivewith Ted Garrison. When contractors learn to define their projects from the client’s perspective, their profit margins increase and they discover a new way of looking at their business. Contractors will find out how to generate greater profitability and create a company brand that makes theirs the company of choice.

Teaching Supervisors to be Safety Coachesby Terry L. Mathis. Supervisors are in a unique position to create a culture that focuses on safety excellence. Yet, most supervisors have not received formal training on coaching and effective performance feedback skills. Discover how to turn supervisors into coaches, identify how to transfer these strategies throughout the workplace and ensure more effective safety supervision methods.

Best Practices in Leadership Selection (a New Horizons Foundation project)by Ron Magnus, managing director, FMI. This recently completed project describes why leadership selection is now more important for the industry than ever. Leadership expert Ron Magnus will discuss the approaches to consider and how a defined leadership selection model will enhance results and future performance.

Bouncing Backwith Richard Flint. Using a six-step process, Richard Flint will guide participants through the process of moving beyond challenging life situations, back to experiencing success and wealth in a big way. Contractors will learn how to get back on the road to success, and how to control the six fears that hold people down and keep them from bouncing back.

Continuity and Transition Planning for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors (a New Horizons Foundation project)with Jake Appelman, senior consultant, FMI. A changing of the guard is imminent in the sheet metal and HVAC industry, as demographics require many company owners to prepare for transition. Participants will understand the importance of continuity planning and current practices including exit strategies, best practices in leadership selection, and coaching and mentoring approaches for developing key individuals for future success.

SMACNA’s 68th Annual Convention takes place at the five-star Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 25-28, 2011. Early bird discounts and group rates end Aug. 26th. To register, click on the Annual Convention box on theSMACNA home page. For more information, contact SMACNA’s Meetings and Convention Department at (703) 803-2980.

SMACNA, an international trade association representing 4,500 contributing contractor firms, is dedicated to promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. SMACNA has national offices in Chantilly, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., as well as on Capitol Hill.