Full Day Class: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (REGISTRATION AT BOTTOM OF PAGE)

Wed. Sep 16, 2026

Location: Brentwood Community Center

Cost:
 FREE for all St. Louis NECA Members – (St. Louis Members are given priority registration)
 NECA Member Outside St. Louis – $300
 SMACNA or MCA Member – $400
 Signatory Member – $600

Communication and Beyond
Communication is essential in the workplace. You may communicate one-on-one, in group discussions, or through
written communication. During routine operations, strong communication skills enable you to engage in collaborative planning and promote safety awareness in the community.

• Understand the communication channel… sending and receiving feedback
• Learn effective verbal communication skills
• Read and understand non-verbal communication
• Communicate differently with different generations in the workplace
• Learn how to lead effective meetings
• Learn to manage your email, and don’t let it manage you

Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and understand the feelings and emotional reactions of oneself
and others and then use that information to build better relationships. Ultimately, better relationships create a more
conducive work environment that leads to enhanced organizational performance. Adopting EQ behaviors can improve your leadership skills and help you understand yourself and others better. Organizational leaders at all levels have found that EQ core components are important success factors in leading today’s workforce effectively.

• Identifying the difference between IQ vs. EQ
• Understanding the components of “self”
• Working on self-awareness in your own life
• Learning tactics for self-control and self-management
• Learning to deal with emotions
• Identifying moods and patterns in your life
• Learning to do a mindset reset to adjust your thoughts
• Working on social awareness strategies

Laurie Calzada is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and media host. She has written and presented on many topics, such as successful leadership, mastering change, emotional intelligence, dealing with generational gaps in the workplace, and building high-performing teams. Her focus is to motivate those who desire to excel, and she believes you can accomplish anything with enough determination and ambition.

Ms. Calzada’s unique style makes her an exceptional storyteller and presenter. Laurie will change your perspective on life and business. Using her personal experiences, Laurie reaches into your hearts and minds to make you think about the most important things in your life. Listening to Laurie’s journey and advice will make you think about where you are and where you are headed. She gives practical exercises for you to incorporate into your daily life.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, she has successfully founded or co-founded eight different operations over the past 30 years. She has been a board member of numerous corporations and non-profit organizations. Her successful career began in 1987 in Oxford, England, while studying psychology at the University of Maryland, European Division. She also graduated summa cum laude with a business degree from Purdue University. In addition, she received a certification in Broadcast Journalism.