2026 Conference Agenda

Check in, grab some coffee, and start to meet the other attendees!

Moderator: Shantelle Cabir (Willis Towers Watson)

Speakers: Tom Bethmann (Layton Construction), California Department of General Services,

What will the construction market look like in 2027, and where will the greatest opportunities emerge? This panel brings together leaders from the private and public sectors to discuss the capital investment, development, and construction trends shaping California and the broader U.S. market. Panelists will share perspectives on public infrastructure spending, state real estate initiatives, multifamily housing development, project financing, workforce challenges, and emerging market opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the factors driving construction demand and the outlook for both public and private projects.

Moderator: Misha Homara (Tricore Panels)

Panelists: Nick Colina (Anco Iron and Construction), Genevieve West (Howard Building Corporation), Julia Choy Sommer (Priority Architectural Graphics), Roy Leyvas (RF10 Inspection)

Securing contracts is only the first step—sustainable growth requires the right strategy, relationships, and operational foundation. This panel brings together successful construction business leaders from general contracting, specialty contracting, and professional services to share practical approaches for winning new work, building strong client relationships, and expanding into new markets. Panelists will discuss business development strategies, procurement opportunities, teaming and partnership models, operational scaling, and lessons learned from growing successful construction companies. Attendees will gain actionable insights on overcoming common growth challenges, increasing competitiveness, and positioning their businesses for long-term success. Whether your goal is to secure larger projects, diversify your client base, or expand your company's capabilities, this discussion will provide valuable guidance from industry leaders who have successfully navigated the path to growth.

Hosted lunch at the Marriott

Presented by Secretariat

Every project tells a story—but when a dispute arises, it's your documents that do the talking. Are they saying what you need them to say? Join Secretariat's experts for this dynamic, hands-on workshop designed for construction owners and executives who want to take control of their risk before it takes control of them. You'll learn practical, actionable strategies for managing project files, preserving electronic data, and building document practices that protect your company long before a claim ever lands on your desk. From emails and text messages to RFIs, daily logs, and change orders, this session will transform the way you think about the records your teams create every day—turning routine project documentation into your strongest shield and your most powerful asset in any dispute.

Whether you're navigating a multi-million-dollar claim or simply want to build smarter systems from the ground up, this workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence to safeguard your business, strengthen your litigation posture, and lead your teams with a proactive risk management mindset. Don't just build projects—build your protection.

Presented by Megan Shapiro (Radoslovich Shapiro, PC)

Moderator: Joy Dow (Northwestern Mutual)

Panelists: Ryan Berry (Providence), Franco Silva (Prairie Capital Advisors), Jean Bjork (Bjork Construction)

When growth is the goal, there’s a lot to consider when planning how to get there. This panel will explore how construction leaders evaluate risk when pursuing growth opportunities, expanding into new markets, and taking on larger or more complex projects. Panelists will discuss the key financial and operational factors that should inform decisions about when to grow, when to be cautious, how to balance opportunity with risk, and positioning your company for long-term success. The conversation will also focus on managing capital effectively, including financing growth, maintaining profitability, and preserving financial flexibility during changing market conditions.

Presented by Deborah Wilder (Contractor Compliance & Monitoring)

This session will provide you with a practical overview of recent and emerging U.S. federal regulatory developments affecting women-owned businesses, small businesses, and the construction industry in general. Attendees will gain insight into changes in federal contracting and procurement programs, women-owned and disadvantaged business certifications, small business initiatives, labor and workforce compliance requirements, workplace safety developments, and evolving enforcement priorities impacting construction employers.

Presented by WCOE Resource Center and Contractor Compliance and Monitoring, Inc.

Hosted happy hour on-site before heading to dinner

Hosted dinner at Peohe’s within walking distance of the Marriott

Presented by Roger Kleckner

Your money can take you places! Learn how to make your money actually work for you and create a strategy to maximize your points, miles, and cash back.