Conference Schedule

Rooftops & Rulings: Recent Court Decisions Every Contractor Should Know

This fast‑moving legal update distills the past 18 months of state and federal opinions that directly affect bidding, performance and risk allocation on roofing and vertical‑construction projects. We’ll discuss key contract‑damage cases (liquidated‑damages caps, force‑majeure carve‑outs, consequential‑loss waivers); tort trends; insurance rulings on faulty‑work exclusions and wrap‑up program gaps; payment and lien precedents; regulatory opinions affecting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; subcontractor misclassification and more.

Each case is translated into practical contract language and project‑management best practices, so attendees leave with concrete clauses to plug into their next proposal and talking points for owner negotiations.

Who’s Liable, For How Long, and Whose Terms Apply? Contractor Liability Beyond the Warranty and Battle for Contract Control

The first portion of this presentation discusses the types of liability in roofing and how long contractors/manufacturers/engineers/designers may be liable. It addresses the types of claims that may be brought against a party; statutes of limitation and repose; how a contractor could inadvertently extend the time a claimant has to bring a claim against the contractor; how and why an individual could be found personally liable; and how a party may limit its liability.

The second portion covers key aspects of purchase orders with suppliers, including how to determine which terms and conditions apply and the benefits of roofing contractors using their own purchase order forms with customized terms. It also explores critical contract provisions commonly found in applicator agreements, the liability of manufacturers and practical steps contractors can take to protect themselves. Additionally, the presentation will address the effects of price escalation caused by tariffs on construction materials and how these issues affect contractual relationships in the roofing industry.

Six Landmines That Could Derail an Owner’s Exit

Business owners manage daily risks well but often overlook the unique challenges of exiting a business. Without a sale-ready plan and tax strategies, owners face significant threats during internal or external sales. For 16 years, Beacon Exit Planning has identified six common exit pitfalls: financial statements, valuation, buy/sell agreements, succession planning, proactive tax planning, and litigation and asset protection. Understanding these risks helps owners and advisors plan successful, secure exits.

Technical Update

This presentation will provide a technical update regarding recent developments in roofing, including advancements in materials, installation methods, safety practices and emerging technologies shaping the industry.

Uncovered and On the Hook: Insurance Gaps and Exclusions, Indemnity Obligations, Additional Insured, and Risks for Roofing Contractors

The first portion of this presentation discusses key coverages and exclusions in commercial general liability, contractors’ errors and omissions, and builder’s risk insurance policies. It also discusses owner-controlled insurance programs and contractor-controlled insurance programs and potential gaps/exclusions, pricing, bidding, advantages and disadvantages.

The second portion of the presentation discusses indemnity provisions; additional insured provisions; endorsements used to shift risk; and what a roofing contractor can do to reduce liability exposure.

Oh! My Aching Back!: The Devil’s Triangle—Understanding the Overlap Between the FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation Laws

Most roofing contractors understand that when an employee suffers an injury at work, workers’ compensation insurance will provide coverage for the claim. But when an employee suffers an injury at work and is unable to come back to work, other laws are implicated. This presentation will provide an overview of the interplay between the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and workers’ compensation laws, all of which may come into play when an injured employee will need to miss work.

Regulations and Resilience: OSHA Regulatory Updates and Advancing Total Worker Well-Being

This two-part session provides an update regarding current and emerging Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulatory and deregulatory developments affecting the roofing industry, followed by an in-depth discussion about the critical role of mental health in workplace safety. Part one will cover the latest updates regarding key federal safety standards, including heat illness prevention, with insights into how these changes may affect employers. Part two shifts the focus to safety through the lens of total worker well-being, exploring practical strategies to address mental health, reduce stigma and foster a culture that supports physical and mental resilience on the job site.

The Top 10 Employment Mistakes Most Commonly Made by Roofing Contractors (and How to Avoid Them!)

This presentation will address the top employment law mistakes made by roofing contractors in the construction industry. Attendees will learn steps they can take to minimize potential liability for employment law matters; how best to ensure a former employee is prohibited from bringing claims against the company; and how to avoid other common traps in the employment law arena. The presentation will address issues such as proper classification of independent contractors, severance pay, documenting disciplinary actions, the importance of written job descriptions, the importance of a discrimination and harassment policy, and common wage and hour mistakes.

ICE Raids & I‑9 Audits: Workforce Compliance Under the Microscope

As immigration enforcement has returned to headline status, I-9 audits are becoming more frequent, the Department of Homeland Security launched the new E‑Verify+ pilot, and ICE raids and worksite investigations dominate the news. This session arms contractors with an action plan before an auditor or ICE shows up. Topics include how to handle an ICE raid, including the latest penalty matrix and settlement trends; high‑risk I‑9 errors; E‑Verify vs. E‑Verify+; what triggers a Notice of Inspection; how raid logistics unfold; the difference between criminal and administrative subpoenas; best‑practice document retention; remote‑hire verification; and subcontractor flow‑down clauses.

Take‑home tools will include ICE‑raid response protocol, a self‑audit checklist and sample subcontract language requiring downstream compliance.