ForConstructionPros.com

Technical sessions, while always a mainstay of the National Pavement Expo West seminar program, might just be taking a back seat to business management and development sessions at this year's NPE West program, Dec. 3-5 in Las Vegas.

That's because the program, with 13 management sessions (including 10 new topics) has been put together with an eye on helping contractors survive and even grow in the current economy.

"This year's education program was designed with this year's economy in mind," says Lynnette Sjoquist, show manager. "Our intent was to provide some of our most-respected management experts an opportunity to engage contractors as they end this year and prepare for 2010. These folks can help businesses survive what has been a difficult business climate, and they can also strengthen them so contractors are able to take advantage of the upturn when it does occur."

To that end NPE West returns some of its heaviest-hitter presenters, many with new and timely topics. Brad Humphrey, Pinnacle Development Group, presents three new sessions: "Compensation Plans and Bonus Programs that Will Improve Productivity," "Effective Leadership Skills for Owners," and "Building Teamwork Within Your Business."

Jeff Stokes, Next Level Contractor System, offers new sessions "Setting Strategy to Build Your Business" and "Improve Workforce Performance Through Feedback."