Education Program

The program is designed to promote the benefits of concrete block construction directly to Florida’s architectural, engineering and contractor (AEC) community through a series of targeted lunch-and-learn sessions and professional presentations. By engaging with firms in their own offices and providing accredited continuing education opportunities, the program will highlight the structural strength, durability, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of concrete block. Presentations will be tailored to address current design and code considerations while showcasing innovative applications and success stories from across the state. This initiative will not only build stronger relationships with key decision-makers in the design and construction process but also reinforce concrete block’s position as the preferred building material in Florida’s competitive marketplace. 

Renews a long-standing educational seminar series first developed in 2018 to strengthen code-based masonry installation and design practices. The program equips masons with both the “how” and the “why” behind code requirements, bridging knowledge gaps, improving on-site quality and restoring designers’ confidence in masonry. Although not part of a certified training or curriculum program in New York State, these seminars have successfully fostered peer-to-peer learning and elevated masonry standards across the region. 

Promotes the benefits of CMU through various efforts during an in-person learning day including offering four AIA-accredited presentations, trade show/expo booths for additional awareness and promotions, and a panel discussion on lower embodied carbon CMU. 

This program expands upon the 2024 Checkoff-supported program, which successfully improved masonry design quality among experienced engineers and architects in New York State. Originally developed for structural engineers, the course now includes architects and focuses on advanced design and detailing techniques that reduce construction costs and prevent on-site issues. Building on last year’s success with 54 attendees, this proposal extends the program to all of Region 1 with a goal of reaching 100 participants. 

Supports the development and distribution of six educational Masonry Masterclass webinars for design professionals over a one-year period. Webinars will be taught by the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI) staff and be made available to attendees throughout Region 5, in cooperation with the Northwest Concrete Masonry Association (NWCMA). 

Host a two-day design workshop in partnership with a design school or university that will provide the physical space needed to conduct the training. Ultimately, this program will strengthen the concrete masonry industry’s relationships with individuals in the AEC community, the local and regional AEC organizations, and professors at the university providing the physical space for the Summit. 

Continuing the success of the Architectural and Engineering Professionals Educational Series program, this initiative continues MISL’s mission to promote masonry through education and outreach. The 2025-2026 series will feature 20 in-person seminars led by nationally recognized speakers, covering key topics in structural and architectural masonry. Designed to educate and connect the design community, these sessions strengthen industry relationships and highlight the advantages of building with masonry.