2026 World of Concrete Recap

Words: Justin Stengel
Photos: MCAA

The 2026 World of Concrete Convention marked another successful year for masonry. From the world-renowned Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions to the new innovative GEORGE AI class, we gained a lot of ground in pushing this industry forward this year in Las Vegas.

Contractor Round Table & Committee Meetings
The Contractor Round Table meeting started just as usual, with contractors listing their concerns, questions, and experiences they’ve been troubled with over the past year. This year, the event was structured as a guided series of discussions, allowing for focused dialogue on critical industry issues.

Topics covered a wide range of challenges and innovations, including:

  • Cyber risk and security
  • Experience with The Block Design Collective
  • Delegated design in masonry construction
  • Knowing when to walk away
  • Talent attraction and retention incentives
  • Finding better clients
  • Generational transition in leadership
  • Best practices for eliminating "Pay-If-Paid" clauses
  • AI in project estimating
  • Augmented reality in masonry layout verification
  • Pre-qualification of partners
  • BIM process improvements
The Committee Meetings also gave contractors a chance to talk with the MCAA about concerns they have in certain areas on the jobsite or on the business side. From the GEN NXT, to Workforce, to the Safety Committee, there is always a way to get help with specific issues at the Committee Meetings.

  

Legendary Craftsman Award
The 2026 Legendary Craftsman Award was given to Marvin "Jay" Smith III for his renowned work in the masonry industry. Presented on Wednesday during MASONRY MADNESS, this prestigious award highlights the importance of the trade, with the Brick Industry Association (BIA) heavily involved in recognizing the dedication and skill required to achieve this level of craftsmanship. A huge congratulations goes out to Marvin for winning this award.

 

C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award
This year, the MCAA’s President, Jeff Buczkiewicz, was presented with the C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award for his involvement and innovative efforts in this industry. Each year, the MCAA presents this award to an individual who has provided exemplary leadership in advancing the masonry industry. All of the individuals who have received this prestigious award have demonstrated a tireless dedication to our industry through years of volunteer support and hard work.



Impact Award
This year, a brand new and very special award was given out during the MCAA meetings. With his episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast totaling over 150,000 views of his episode alone, James Hoskinson was given the first-ever “Impact Award”.



A big thank you goes out to the designer of the Impact Award, @3dprintedartuk.

GEN NXT Party at Atomic Golf
Our annual GEN NXT party took place at Atomic Golf once again this year, and it was a great time for everyone. Well over 300 people attended the event. Our Masonry Alliance Program partners got to network with many of our Mason Contractor members at their designated golf bays, and everyone is eager to see where we hold our party next year.

  

Skills Challenge Competition
This year’s Skill Challenge had the most competitors to date. With over 75 mason apprentices, the competition was fiercer than ever. Here’s a look at the First, Second, and Third place winners of all Skills Challenge Competition Levels:

First Year:
1st Place: Adrianna Maziarz, Pumford Construction - Midland, MI
2nd Place: Luis Sontay, Adams Masonry - Chattanooga, TN
3rd Place: Isaac Jasso, AZ Keystone Masonry - Tucson, AZ

Second Year:
1st Place: David Hernández Herrera, Whitman Mansonry - Raleigh, NC
2nd Place: Mason Perez, Mason Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania - Greensburg, PA
3rd Place: Mason Panko, Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors - Bay City, MI

Third Year:
1st Place: Samuel Berryman, The Witmer Group - Fleetwood, PA
2nd Place: Jesse Biller, Mason Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania - Greensburg, PA
3rd Place: Robert Lopez, Sun Valley Masonry - Tucson, AZ

   

Fastest Trowel on the Block
The most intense 20 minutes in masonry take place during the Fastest Trowel on the Block competition. This year, there were plenty of familiar faces, as well as some newcomers, competing for the prize. Here are the First, Second, and Third place winners, along with their Tenders:

1st Place: Roberto Cimental (Tender: Mark Diaz) - JG Block Co - Phoenix AZ

2nd Place: Noe Martinez (Tender: Jonathan Martinez) - Stone Cold Masonry - Phoenix AZ

3rd Place: Gerardo Patlan (Tender: Robert Patlan) - Vulcan Fence - Phoenix AZ

    


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