The ICAA Convention & Trade Show is your one-stop-shop to learn, network and discover the latest insulation industry products and services from the best in the business. Every year, the ICAA builds an educational program based on attendee feedback and timely industry trends, including sessions that run the gamut from business operations to building science. The star of the show, however, is the accompanying trade show, which features a lineup of the insulation industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers. This year’s show is Sept. 25-28 at the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk in Chicago. The agenda is:

ICAA 2024 Golf Outing

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11:00 a.m.
Registered attendees only, additional fee required

Join your industry colleagues for a premier golf experience before the show gets started. ICAA attendees and exhibitors are invited to the beautiful Harborside International Golf Center for an afternoon of championship-style links golf. Golfers will gather for coach transportation to and from the course. Register for the golf outing here.

ICAA 2024 Welcome Reception

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Join the ICAA as it gathers to celebrate getting together as an industry.

ICAA 2024 Trade Show

Thursday, Sept. 26, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Educational Session 1

Exceptions, Variations, Substitutions and Engineering Judgments
Friday, Sept. 27, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Every industry has them. The ICAA will go through a comprehensive list and explain each exception, with the goal of saving you time, materials, labor and headaches. For example, you promise to install a particular type of insulation, but you are unable to source it. Or your spec requires that you fill the cavity, but a 2-inch air space would remain. Or when you’re insulating a sloped ceiling and an R-38 batt is acceptable, or when R-20 is acceptable in an unvented attic. Or the specification of FSK-faced batts in Type 1A steel framing. Expect an enlightening conversation.

Educational Session 2

Attaining Healthy Profit Margins
Friday, Sept. 27, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Healthy profit margins are the result of a financially healthy business. How do we evaluate the financial health of a company? How do we identify areas for financial improvement to impact our profit margins and ultimately make our locations more profitable? This session provides financial management essentials to non-financial managers, enabling them to track and interpret crucial financial ratios so they can more readily identify opportunities and profitable lines of business.

Educational Session 3

How To Review Construction Contracts
Friday, Sept. 27, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

In Part One of this dual session on contracts, the ICAA will walk through a typical anti-sub construction contract, explain what all the legalese means and show you how to advocate for yourself and your business. You’ll gain the confidence you need to make the right business decisions when evaluating a contract and learn how to modify contract clauses to meet your needs.

Educational Session 4

Contest: Construction Contract Markup
Friday, Sept. 27, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

In Part Two of this dual session on contracts, teams will be assigned to review and markup a sample contract. Using information learned in the earlier session, each team will verbally communicate to judges and attendees their ideas about the material risks and rewards of the contract and recommend reasonable alternatives. Judges will score each team’s responses. The team with the best recommendations will win Disney World tickets for each team member.

Educational Session 5

It’s Time to Play…Insulation Feud!
Friday, Sept. 27, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

This well-received and popular trivia game returns for the second year, in an updated format – this year with teams. Knowledge building is the foundation here as you walk through a typical job site, and then the questions begin. The ICAA will have a panel of experts to provide immediate feedback and insight on correct answers. Challenge your peers and yourself and play to win prizes in this fun, educational session.

Educational Session 6

Passing Grade
Friday, Sept. 27, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Interested in delivering an exceptional air sealing package, along with insulation? This session will visually demonstrate applications that are frequently missed during air sealing and explain how to achieve a low air leakage rate. The ICAA will detail what it takes to achieve a passing grade for a RESNET HERS-rated home, why insulators should develop a relationship with a RESNET HERS Rater, how HERS ratings can work with the energy code, and what insulators must do to pass grade for Energy Star New Homes and Zero-Energy Ready Homes. The ICAA will also highlight the HERS Affiliate training program and designation.

Educational Session 7

Do’s & Don’ts of SPF
Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

The ICAA will examine all the elements of the spray polyurethane foam operation and discuss dos and don’ts when it comes to scope of work, bidding and contracting; transportation; drum handling; setup; site preparation; equipment uses and maintenance; safety and health; spraying and cleanup. The overriding emphasis here is on maximizing economy, safety and efficiency.