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FAIRS & EVENTS144 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 2 | 2026 www.cpi-worldwide.comConcrete masonry and hardscape producers continue to face ongoing pressure to improve efficiency, maintain consistent quality and develop skilled teams while operating in complex, high-demand environments. While technology and automation play an important role, many production challenges ultimately come down to workforce education, plant maintenance planning and how well teams understand the full operation and production process. The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) develops education with these realities in mind, focusing on practical training that can be applied directly in day-to-day operations.The 2026 Precast Show took place Feb. 4-6 in Kansas City, Missouri, bringing together more than 4,000 industry professionals, specializing in precast concrete, masonry, hardscape and manufactured concrete, to share innovations, exchange ideas and strengthen industry connections. Alongside a broad schedule of education offered throughout the event, attendees had access to learning opportunities that extended beyond the exhibit floor.During The Precast Show, CMHA delivered a focused set of education offerings designed specifically for masonry and hardscape production environments. According to Erin Hobson, Vice President of Education and Events for CMHA, the decision to offer CMHA-led education at the show was driven by where members were already gathering. %u201cOur members are at The Precast Show, so it made sense to meet them there with high-quality, in-demand education that%u2019s relevant to how their plants operate today,%u201d Hobson reported. With nearly 200 attendees participating across CMHA-led sessions, the programs saw strong engagement throughout the event. Held alongside CMHA%u2019s co-located Annual Meeting, the CMHA-led courses targeted production personnel, supervisors and plant managers, with content centered on operational fundamentals, preventative maintenance and communication between production and stakeholders.Education plays a central role in CMHA%u2019s work, with programs developed to provide practical, industry-grounded training rather than theoretical overviews. Sessions were led by experienced manufacturing companies and producers, as well as various plant owners and industry professionals, all with decades of hands-on experience in concrete manufacturing. %u201cThe course topics were driven by feedback from our producer task group,%u201d Hobson explained. These courses were built around the specific needs of concrete operations, with topics shaped directly by producer input. CMHA convened a producer task group representing companies of varying sizes, production types and geographic regions to identify where education could deliver the most value. The group provided insight into the skills and knowledge they believed would most benefit their teams while also assessing gaps not addressed elsewhere in broader education programs. That feedback informed course content emphasizing how production decisions relate to materials handling, equipment setup, maintenance scheduling and workflow coordination, and how those factors directly affect uptime, product quality and overall plant performance. This applied approach allowed participants to connect course CMHA Brings Practical Production Education to The 2026 Precast ShowReviewDuring The Precast Show, CMHA delivered a focused set of education offerings designed specifically for masonry and hardscape production environments.