Evolution implies change, adaptation and progress. The word suggests a natural yet proactive approach to addressing a changing environment. It is appropriate in these times and in this environment to consider how the conditions surrounding our businesses, our association, and our trade are changing and how we could position ourselves to adapt and take advantage. What new opportunities have been created? How does what we have to offer match up with what is needed? Is what we have been doing the answer to what needs to be done?

This is not about a down economy and it is not about creating dramatic change; it is about positioning our businesses, our association, and our industry to take advantage of new opportunities. This event is about gaining an understanding of how the needs of our markets have changed, how the policies that govern the way we do business have changed, how concerns for our environment have created new demands, and how the capabilities of our technology continue to advance.

The 2012 TCA Annual Convention is about beginning a pattern of buildup. It is about understanding the role of evolution in the present culture of our industry and our association and setting into motion a series of natural evolutions within our businesses that will lead to sustained growth and success.

Programing for the TCA Annual Convention will be focused around the following sub-themes:

• The evolving competition – The competitive advantage or the edge that makes or breaks your company is challenged by competition. This competition may be literal as in a contractor with the same skills or capabilities. The competition may be parallel as in another building method or material. This competition may also be figurative as in our own corporate ideals, configuration and culture.
• Evolutionary design – The door has been opened and Tilt-Up is considered among the most versatile delivery methods for an impressive array of building types and programs. Design creativity is the primary vehicle for continued growth and can be evidenced in both architectural and engineering solutions.
• The evolution of business practices – Responsibly managing your human resources, understanding the intricacies of labor law, successfully implementing risk management, these are all critical components of good business practices, know them.
• Evolutionary marketing – Challenged by new markets, new clients and a new economy, the way that we communicate our expertise and potential needs to continuously be reevaluated. Understand who your customer is and what they need, then develop a language they can understand and appreciate. Learn to manage and utilize, as appropriate, the full range of ever expanding platforms and mediums.
• Sustainable evolution – Tilt-Up has many inherit benefits that contribute to the sustainability of our environment. Understanding these benefits, their applications and how to sell them are critical to the continued acceptance of Tilt-Up as an environmentally responsible form of construction.
• Framework evolution – Policies and codes play an important role in shaping our industry. Understand current pressures and changing conditions, how your industry trade association is advocating for your business, as well as your role in affecting that framework.