2026 Midyear Meeting Recap

Collaboration in Action 

From strategic committee discussions and Foundation investments to networking opportunities and three new Hall of Fame inductees, CMHA’s 2026 Midyear Meeting in Grand Rapids brought members together to establish what’s next for the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry. 

• Message From the Chair 
• Meeting by the Numbers 
• Foundation Updates 
• Committee Highlights & Strategic Progress
• Community Connections 
• Awards & Recognition 
• A Look Back at Grand Rapids 
• Thank You to Our Sponsors 
• Save the Date 

A Message From the Chair 

What’s next for CMHA and the industries we serve? Board Chair Starling Johnson shares her perspective on the progress underway, the opportunities taking shape and why member involvement matters now more than ever. 

Midyear Meeting by the Numbers 

Foundation Updates

Foundation Investments Driving the Industry Forward 

The NCMA and ICPI Foundations continued investing in the future of the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry during the Midyear Meeting, approving funding for research, education, and workforce development initiatives that will support members and the industry for years to come. 

ICPI Foundation 

The ICPI Foundation approved $153,015 in funding for projects including installer education, upgrades to Permeable Design Pro, including development of FAQs for use with other established design programs, and continuation of the Tools for Schools grant program. Trustees also received updates on several ongoing initiatives and approved a new Foundation Policy Manual. 

NCMA Foundation 

The NCMA Foundation approved six new grants totaling $321,500 to support university outreach, research and direct support for three students through scholarships. Trustees also approved a new Foundation Policy Manual to align governance across both CMHA foundations. 

Committee Highlights

Committee Highlights & Strategic Process 

CMHA committees and subcommittees met throughout the week to review current initiatives, recommend new projects and advance strategic priorities across the Association. Here’s a look at the progress made during each meeting.  

If you have follow-up questions and want to learn more about topics discussed for specific committees, contact CMHA. 

Certification Committee 

The committee approved several recommendations to strengthen CMHA’s certification programs, including updates to committee responsibilities, expanded access to webinars for certified installers, and continued implementation of updated certification exams and continuing education improvements. 

CMU Marketing Subcommittee 

The subcommittee reviewed participation in the 2026 ACSA Student Design Competition and launched planning for the one in 2027, which will challenge students to design a performing arts center using concrete masonry. 

CMU Technical Subcommittee 

Members reviewed embodied carbon research, ICC code development, Product Category Rule progress, and several new task groups focused on future technical guidance, research and code development. 

Dues & Bylaws Committee 

Members approved updates to dues policy language for consistency within the Policy Manual while also reviewing future membership dues processes and discussing long-term recommendations related to producer dues structures. 

Education Committee 

Members approved development of a new Advanced Hardscape Installer Course, updates to the Concrete Masonry Technologist program and new instructor classifications. The committee also reviewed upcoming training opportunities and education initiatives planned for the coming year. 

Executive Committee 

The Executive Committee approved recommendations to conduct an organizational assessment, advance Hall of Fame nominations and update Certification Policy Manual provisions related to exam retakes, certification renewals and continuing education requirements. 

Government Affairs Committee 

The committee reviewed federal legislative priorities, infrastructure policy and resilience initiatives while recommending CMHA oppose proposed tariffs on Canadian cement exports. Members also discussed advocacy efforts, PAC engagement and future government outreach opportunities. 

HNA Steering Committee 

The committee discussed future planning for Hardscape North America, including long-term event strategy, the 20th anniversary celebration in 2027, exhibit enhancements and continued development of a strategy for leveraging the HNA brand to better connect with contractors year-round. Members also supported evaluating future event opportunities and exhibitor management strategies. 

Hardscapes Committee 

The Hardscapes Committee advanced recommendations supporting technical resources, AI tools and new industry guidance while continuing implementation of its strategic priorities across hardscape markets. 

Hardscapes Construction Subcommittee 

Members advanced technical guidance and established task groups focused on resin sands, joint materials, project profiles and permeable pavement guidance. They also endorsed the strategic direction of HNA Connect and discussed leveraging the HNA brand to expand contractor-focused technical resources, education and engagement. 

Hardscapes Marketing Subcommittee 

Members reviewed workforce development initiatives, HardscapingIs.com marketing efforts, industry research reports and HNA Awards planning while continuing work on the Hardscapes Strategic Plan. They also learned about the vision for HNA Connect, which would extend HNA into a year-round contractor engagement platform. 

Masonry Committee 

The committee advanced several technical publications, endorsed updates to the Concrete Masonry Technologist program and continued strategic planning for the Masonry House initiative to guide future priorities. 

Membership & Meetings Committee 

The committee continued work on CMHA’s membership engagement strategy, reviewing member survey feedback and identifying ways to strengthen networking, leadership development and engagement opportunities across the Association’s growing member communities. 

MSV Marketing Subcommittee 

The subcommittee discussed new outreach initiatives for architects, updates to AIA presentations, continuing education opportunities for certified installers, and resources supporting code officials and manufactured stone veneer education. 

MSV Technical Committee 

Members reviewed ASTM standards, ICC code development, installation guidance and future revisions to technical resources while establishing new task groups to support manufactured stone veneer best practices. 

Segmental Pavement Technical Subcommittee 

The subcommittee advanced technical guidance on construction materials and practices and established task groups focused on sustainability, Permeable Design Pro, structural design of paving slabs and planks, open-graded aggregate research, and ASTM standards to support future industry resources. 

SRW Technical Subcommittee 

The subcommittee reviewed new technical publications, ongoing standards development, scholarship opportunities and current research initiatives while continuing work to strengthen technical guidance for segmental retaining wall systems. 

The Precast Show Advisory Committee 

The Precast Show Advisory Committee continued planning for the 2027 event, with updates on plant tours, producer engagement initiatives and long-term strategic planning. Members also explored ways to increase producer participation and strengthen masonry and hardscape representation throughout the show. 

Community Connections 

Community Connections 

One of the hallmarks of CMHA’s Midyear Meeting is the opportunity to strengthen relationships beyond the committee sessions. Throughout the week, members, spouses and guests gathered for networking events, optional excursions and social activities that encouraged conversation, collaboration and lasting connections. 

First-Time Attendee and New Member Meetup 

The week began by welcoming first-time attendees and new members, giving them an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and learn how to make the most of their first Midyear Meeting. 

Member Networking Reception 

Members and guests officially kicked off the week during the Welcome Networking Reception, reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections while enjoying food, drinks and conversation before committee meetings got underway. 

Concrete Women Connect 

Women from across the industry gathered for an evening of networking at the IDC Speakeasy, where attendees connected over cocktails and conversation while celebrating the impact women continue to make across the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry. Want to connect with other women in the concrete industry? Stay in touch.  

Contractor Meetup 

Hardscape contractors met at New Holland Brewing Company for an informal evening focused on networking, collaboration, sharing experiences and learning more about CMHA resources available to support their businesses.  

The evening concluded with one lucky attendee winning a Weber MT CF 3 compactor, generously provided by event sponsor Weber MT. 

Emerging Professionals Group Meeting and Networking Event 

Early-career professionals met to discuss the future of EPG, including upcoming programs, professional development opportunities and priorities important to emerging professionals. Later in the week, EPG members came together for a networking event to exchange ideas, build connections and expand their professional networks. Interested in getting involved in EPG? Check out our upcoming meetings and events. 

Next for EPG? Meet us in Michigan this September. Learn more. 

Optional Wednesday Afternoon Activities 

Wednesday afternoon offered attendees several optional ways to experience Grand Rapids beyond the meeting rooms. 

• The 2nd Annual Midyear Meeting Golf Tournament brought members together for a day on the course while raising more than $2,000 for the NCMA and ICPI Foundations. Congratulations to this year’s winning team: Sam Hoehner, Mark Vidika, Tomas Arlia and Keneth Piñera. 
• Attendees also explored the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of Grand Rapids’ most celebrated attractions, where they took in world-renowned sculpture collections and the Chihuly: Radiant Forms exhibition. 
• Members also experienced the reason Grand Rapids is known as “Beer City USA” during a guided walking tour featuring local breweries, regional history and craft beer tastings. 

Night Out Grand Rapids 

The week wrapped up with a final opportunity for attendees to savor local cuisine, enjoy live music and unwind together at The B.O.B. Presented by the M.A.G.I.C. group and industry sponsors, the evening highlighted the camaraderie that makes CMHA meetings so unique.

Awards & Recognition 

The 2026 Midyear Meeting celebrated three exceptional leaders whose careers have helped advance the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry. Join us in congratulating Jeff Speck, P.E., Steve Doty and Rick Roach on their induction into the CMHA Hall of Fame — and explore the stories behind their extraordinary contributions. 

A Look Back at Grand Rapids 

Thank You to Our Sponsors 

Save the Date – 2027 Annual Meeting 

The Annual Meeting will take place January 31 to February 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Precast Show will follow from February 3-5. We look forward to seeing you there!