
As the National Plasterers Council prepares its virtual conference, it also is debuting or enhancing instructional initiatives.
Its popular start-up certification class will become available in a formalized virtual learning management system. The presentation will be similar to online driving classes, with instruction followed by a test on the same platform. Students will receive needed materials beforehand. The online class will be available on-demand anytime. But in-person classes will resume when it’s safe, said NPC President Jeff Henderson.
The organization has also begun a new podcast, called “Smooth Finish” and hosted by members Chris Marcano, Brent Lane and Rob Romano.
NPC also will launch a video series called Tech Tidbits. Here, members submit quick videos taken onsite to show how they handle a technique, best practice or challenge.
Some of these new initiatives will be previewed at NPC’s conference, which will be presented virtually this year. It takes place February 10 and 11, running live from 10:00 to 2:00 Central time each day. Content will be available to registrants for 30 days after the conference closes.
It will will include 12 sessions — fewer than usual, since some sessions traditionally take place outside and, thus, can’t be replicated online. NPC insists on certain things, however. As always, its ever-popular auction will take place both days at the midpoint, with Jay Eaton and his daughter Laura Eaton hosting. It will run 45 to 60 minutes each day.