The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) are teaming up to host a first-of-its-kind Block Promoters Conference March 4-5, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. The newfound educational event—Building Blocks of Success: Promoting Concrete Masonry with Confidence—gives industry professionals the tools and techniques they need to truly shine.  

“This is a great opportunity for attendees to explore strategies for improving projects, build valuable connections, and broaden their professional reach,” says Nick Lang, VP of Engineering and Advocacy at CMHA. “We’ve all been to events that are too narrowly focused, or conversely, too pie-in-the-sky. We’ve been very purposeful in our programming, and I think people will appreciate being able to put these principles into practice right away,” said Lang.   

For block producers, registration is free courtesy of CMC. “We felt it was important to make this event as accessible as possible, and advancing industry education is one of our strategic imperatives,” said Kim Spahn, CEO of CMC. The cost for associate CMHA members to attend is $250. 

The conference appeals to all skill and experience levels with an emphasis on developing relationships with designers and leveraging Checkoff’s Block Design Collective resources and tools to create a measurable impact. Sessions will cover both technical and sales-focused topics, including: 

• Understanding the Design Process 
• Are Lunch ‘n Learns Still Relevant? Connecting with Designers 
• Addressing First Cost: Is Masonry Really More Expensive? 
• Concrete Masonry & Resilience 
• Facilitated Industry Panel: Success Stories 
• CMU and Carbon 
• Innovate or Die: How is Masonry Innovating to Address Designer Needs? 

For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.masonryandhardscapes.org/block-promoters-conference/.