Agenda Subject to Change

Tentative Agenda is in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) | General Session | HR Track | Workforce Track

Continuing Education will be offered; more details to come!

Sunday, October 20, 2024

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Registration/Exhibit Hall

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Welcome Reception

Sponsored By:

Monday, October 21, 2024

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration/Exhibit Hall

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Breakfast

Sponsored By:

8:15 AM – 9:30 AM

Welcome/Opening Remarks and Keynote Presentation

In last year’s groundbreaking session, we revealed a hard truth: mentorship alone is not enough to advance more women in construction. This year, we are not just talking about change – we are making it happen.

Join Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, and guest speakers from Adolfson & Peterson as they expose the raw, unfiltered realities of sponsorship. Discover how real-world sponsorship relationships are rewriting the rules and smashing barriers in an industry long overdue for a revolution.

In this session, we will:

  • Unveil the Truth: Dive deep into why mentorship has failed to level the playing field and why sponsorship is the game-changer we need.
  • Hear the Voices of Change: Listen to compelling stories from sponsors and protégés at Adolfson & Peterson who are living proof that sponsorship transforms careers.
  • ROI of Sponsorship: Understand how fostering sponsorship within your organization can lead to significant business outcomes, including landing major projects and delivering a substantial return on investment.
  • Engage and Challenge: Participate in thought-provoking discussions that will push you to rethink your approach and confront uncomfortable truths.
  • Leave with Power: Walk away with bold, actionable strategies to ignite sponsorship in your organizations, taking things beyond the promise of change to actually delivering it.

This is not just another conference keynote; this is a call to action. We are challenging you to break the mold, disrupt the status quo, and lead the charge in creating a future where women – and everyone – in construction rise to the top.

Presented by: Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO, Ambition Theory; Katie Hegarty, Senior Project Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; Jason Heustis, Construction Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; Scarlett Schmidt, Senior Project Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; and Brian Yahn, VP of Operations, Adolfson & Peterson Construction

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM

Refreshment & Networking Break

Sponsored By:

9:50 AM – 10:45 AM

Breakout Sessions I

In this session, Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of AGC Maine, will present on their workforce development program, the Maine Construction Academy. This program developed in 2022 is focused on the development of both current and future construction workforce through thoughtful collaboration with contractors, community partners, local workforce boards, and state agencies. This innovative program has gained lots of attention both in Maine and across the nation as they partner to support new populations of job seekers. The program uses a certified pre-apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship pathway model to engage individuals in the construction trades. During this session, tips will be shared on program development, communication and branding, and how to partner with local agencies and workforce boards to improve program outcomes.

This session will be great for those interested in workforce development, from project leaders to human resources, to AGC Chapter staff. Each participant will leave with actionable items that can be implemented immediately, as well as guidance for longer term workforce development planning.

Presented by: Kelly Flagg, Executive Director, AGC of Maine

One of the construction industry’s major challenges is attracting and retaining a strong workforce.  A key element of retention is having effective, engaging leadership in the field.  In addition to sharing impactful stories on how others in the industry are strengthening their leaders, we will provide education on top leadership skills necessary for effective field leadership.  The session will close with a roadmap for how to increase field leadership competency and success.

Presented by:  Tina Nazier, National Leader, Construction and Real Estate Strategy, Wipfli LLP; and Justin Gabrielson, President, Midwest Region, Ames Construction

After several years of increasing pay activity, signs suggest we are now positioned for salary increases to relax a little, maybe returning to historical patterns. But it’s the detail in these signs that show a mixed bag of how 2024 and 2025 will play out. Critical job families are experiencing faster pay growth, compression is rearing its ugly head again, turnover continues to affect professional and middle management staff, and even compensation folks just can’t seem to agree on a single number. This session addresses current pay practices and trends, the impact on compensation in the current talent market, and proactive strategies necessary to maintain a successful compensation program as we transition into 2025.

Presented by: Jeff Robinson, President, PAS Inc.

This dynamic conversation will explore creating greater partnerships and engagement in the world of diversity and inclusion. We also will discuss where we are today with D&I and more importantly, where we want to go. Come ready to share your insights, success stories, and challenges. Our expert speakers will provide practical strategies you can take back to your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and drive positive change!

Presented by: Janelle Pogodzinski, Chief Human Capital Officer, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.; and Jorge Quezada, Vice President of People & Culture, Granite Construction

10:45 AM – 11:05 AM

Refreshment & Networking Break

Sponsored By:

11:05 AM – 12:00 PM

Breakout Sessions II

Wondering how you are going to attract Gen Z and Alpha while addressing the growing talent shortage? Learn about The Rosendin Foundation’s innovative approach to providing Gen Alpha the opportunity to learn hands-on how to build safely from industry experts and cultivate an interest in a construction career.

This session will be great for those interested in workforce development, from project leaders to human resources, to AGC Chapter staff. Each participant will leave with actionable items that can be implemented immediately, as well as guidance for longer term workforce development planning.

Presented by: Jolsna Thomas, President, The Rosendin Foundation

The construction industry is at a crossroads, facing immediate hiring needs and long-term workforce development challenges. HR and workforce development professionals often find themselves working in parallel lanes with conflicting priorities, but it is time to change that narrative.

This breakout session is designed to break down silos and foster collaboration, addressing the unique challenges and pain points of both HR and workforce development. We will explore how to create synergistic solutions that align their objectives and drive holistic success.

In this presentation, you will hear about:

  • Collaborative Solutions: Discover how HR and workforce development can work together to promote women in construction effectively.
  • Learning from Others: Participate in mixed-group discussions to share experiences and brainstorm actionable solutions.
  • Getting Buy-In: Establish a plan of action for effectively communicating the value of sponsorship to your leadership team and stakeholders, highlighting how these efforts contribute to tangible business benefits and support long-term organizational goals.

By the end of this session, you will leave with practical strategies and collaborative approaches to overcome industry challenges and drive meaningful change in your organization.

Presented by: Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO, Ambition Theory

This workshop will kick off with a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the Hispanic/Latino construction workforce, delving into its vital contributions to organizational excellence. We will explore three pivotal shifts that promise to enhance workplace dynamics and drive substantial progress. Participants will gain a deep understanding of these shifts, including the significant advantages organizations can achieve by adopting these changes within the next 90 days. The session also will provide practical guidance on seamlessly integrating these shifts into daily operations and strategic planning. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights and strategies to leverage the unique strengths of the Hispanic/Latino workforce to foster a more dynamic and successful organizational environment.

Presented by: Dr. Patty Delgado, Co-Founder and Executive Director, El Puente Institute™; and Dr. Alejandra Mielke, Coach and Consultant

This presentation explores the crucial role that youth recruitment plays in shaping the future of the construction industry. As our current workforce ages and the demand for skilled labor continues to rise, it is imperative that we focus on engaging and attracting young talent to sustain and grow our industry. This presentation will cover a range of topics, from understanding the challenges young people face when considering careers in construction to implementing effective recruitment strategies.

Presented by: Jereme Montgomery, Business Development Manager, Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc.

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Networking Lunch

Sponsored By:

12:40 PM – 1:00 PM

General Session

Eve Lieberman, the Executive Director of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, will share tips on how construction firms and AGC chapters can work with state agencies to secure needed support and funding for workforce development efforts. Director Lieberman will base this advice on the work her office is undertaking to support construction workforce development in partnership with, among others, the AGC of Colorado.

Presented by: Eve Lieberman, Executive Director, Denver Office of Economic Development & International Trade

1:15 PM – 2:10 PM

Breakout Sessions III

You may have heard the old adage, “What happens if we invest in developing our people and they leave us?”  Well, “What happens if we don’t, and they stay?”  Join Abigail Boll and Megan Holland of Ames Construction as they explore the value of investing in their people as an effective means of retention.  This interactive session will focus on effective implementation of employee training and mentorship and the widespread benefits of investing in your people at every step of their career.

Presented by: Abigail Boll, Project Manager & Intern Director, Ames Construction; and Megan Holland, Regional EEO Officer, Ames Construction

Join in a group-wide facilitated conversation focusing on recruiting and training individuals from nontraditional – to the construction industry – communities. Participants will be asked to share details about successful programs they are involved in that are recruiting and preparing people for careers in the construction industry who may be criminally-justice involved, or who are from communities not traditionally well-involved in construction like Black Americans, Native Americans, Women or who are participating in work authorization programs like Temporary Protected Status, refugee, or the H-2B visa program. Participants also will be asked to help craft new ideas for recruiting and training future construction professionals from those communities. The contents of the conversation will be captured and shared as part of the after-action report for the conference. All session attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the discussion. The conversation will be facilitated by Carrie Gardenhire, Director of Association Partnerships for Arcoro.

Facilitated by: Carrie Gardenhire, Director of Association Partnerships, Arcoro

Join Janelle and Kelley as they delve into the compelling narrative of how J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) successfully navigated three OFCCP audits—all within the challenging timeframe of the fourth quarter of 2023. This engaging session will cover the spectrum of audits Brennan faced, the specific requirements and inquiries posed by the OFCCP, and the strategic responses that led to their success.

Learn about the invaluable roles played by external partners and how key business leaders were integrated into the audit process. Most importantly, Janelle and Kelley will share practical insights and provide participants with an outline and checklist of essential preparations. This toolkit is designed to empower your organization with the knowledge and readiness needed to effectively manage an OFCCP audit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain firsthand advice from experienced professionals and leave the session equipped to turn any audit into an opportunity for compliance and improvement.

Presented by: Janelle Pogodzinski, Chief Human Capital Officer, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.; and Kelley Blank, Human Capital Operations Manager, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

2:10 PM – 2:30 PM

Networking Break

Sponsored By:

2:30 PM – 3:25 PM

Breakout Sessions IV

This presentation will challenge misconceptions and strategically market the building trades to Generation Z. We will delve into who Gen Z is, emphasizing their unique traits as digital natives who value transparency, authenticity, and meaningful work.

This session is designed to transform perceptions and inspire a proactive approach to welcoming Generation Z into the building trades, ensuring a robust future for the industry.

Presented by: Brian Town, CEO and Founder, Michigan Creative

In this session, we will discuss:

  • Tips for developing and formalizing a compensation strategy;
  • Expectations and enhancements in compensation programs;
  • Common industry incentive compensation approaches;
  • Balancing company objectives and employee interests in creating and assessing incentive plans;
  • Foundational do’s and don’ts of incentive compensation plan design and administration;
  • Trends and forecasts for employee compensation programs.

Presented by: Priya Kapila, Head of Compensation and Rewards, FMI Corporation

The presentation will explore the significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Human Resources (HR) function as of 2024. Key areas of focus include automation and streamlining of routine tasks; transformation of talent acquisition and management; workforce development through reskilling and upskilling; promotion of diversity and inclusion; ensuring regulatory compliance and governance; data-driven decision-making; job redesign and workforce planning; and effective communication and change management. The session will highlight how AI enhances efficiency, improves decision-making, and fosters a more inclusive and adaptive workforce while addressing the challenges and ethical considerations involved.

Presented by: Michael Stoyanovich, VP, Senior Consultant – Administration & Technology Consulting, Segal; and Michael Venezia, VP, Senior Consultant – Administration & Technology Consulting, Segal

3:25 PM – 3:45 PM

Networking Break

Sponsored By:

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM

General Session

The session will feature a panel of leaders from the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community discussing the urgent need to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention in construction and the work they have done to foster a supportive work environment through targeted mental health training, education and resource campaigns, and most importantly, organizing contractors to lead efforts to protect their employees and worksites.  The session is geared for both participants looking to start an initiative as well as those looking to expand or enhance programs already occurring in their local area.

Presented by: Meredith Baciak, Wellness Coordinator, Miron Construction; Bruce Morton, Senior Loss Control Consultant, Marsh & McClellan Agency; and Elizabeth Polheber, Operating Group Safety Director, Mortenson

Moderated by: Mark Kessenich, CEO, AGC of Greater Milwaukee

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Networking Reception

Sponsored By:

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Offsite Networking Dinner (Ticketed Event) – Maggiano’s Little Italy Denver

Join your peers for a fun night of networking at Maggiano’s Little Italy Denver with family style Italian fare and drinks!

Maggiano’s is approximately a 6-minute walk 2 blocks southwest from the conference headquarters.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

6:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Registration/Exhibit Hall

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Sponsored By:

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM

General Session

Your employer brand is your company’s reputation both inside and outside your organization. It is the reason candidates say, “I WANT to work there!” Your employer brand exists, whether you built it or not. Take control and shape it to be a positive hiring influence.

In the war for talent, the employer brand is a crucial component of attracting candidates. Having a solid employer brand is the foundation for making hiring easier, faster, and resulting with more quality hires. You have it: now use it.

In this session, we will share inspiring examples of brilliant employer brands and demonstrate ten ways to activate yours.

Presented by: Rachel Kennedy, Chief Light Keeper, Southern Lighthouse®

8:50 AM – 9:10 AM

Refreshment & Networking Break

Sponsored By:

9:10 AM – 10:00 AM

Breakout Sessions V

Learn from Waukesha County’s experience on a ten-year journey to develop a talent pipeline to support the construction trades and manufacturing industries. Working collaboratively with business leaders, educational leaders, public officials and other community advocates, Waukesha County continues to drive solutions to help meet employers’ workforce needs.

Presented by: Rich Barnhouse, President, Waukesha County Technical College; Amanda Payne, President & CEO, Waukesha County Business Alliance; Steve Olson, Building Trades Teacher, Oconomowoc Area School District; Tim O’Brien, CEO, Tim O’Brien Homes – High School Building Trades Program Sponsor; and Rick Andritsch, Partner, VJS Construction Services

Moderated by: Mark Kessenich, CEO, AGC of Greater Milwaukee

Join in a group-wide facilitated conversation focusing on recruiting and training high school students. Participants will be asked to share details about successful programs they are involved in that are recruiting and preparing high school students for careers in the construction industry. This will include sharing details about how firms are finding ways to safely bring high school students out to job sites or otherwise expose them to the industry. Participants also will be asked to help craft new ideas for recruiting and training future construction professionals from those communities and how to best connect with the next generation. The contents of the conversation will be captured and shared as part of the after-action report for the conference. All session attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the discussion. The conversation will be facilitated by Matt Clark, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, at NCCER.

Facilitated by: Matthew Clark, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, National Center for Construction Education and Research

Learn about upcoming benefits trends, what is driving them, and what other employer groups in the market are doing to protect and enhance their plans.

Presented by: Julie Taffera, First Vice President, Employee Benefits, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

In this micro-workshop, we will learn about and work through the six most frequent construction training hurdles that prevent us from maximizing our training efforts and implementation. This hands-on workshop helps break down and inspect your own upcoming or recent training: its components, its hurdles, and a list of possible solutions to overcome these hurdles. Whether you are an executive of a small subcontractor looking to implement training or an HR director with an L&D department for a large organization, this micro-workshop is built for you.

Presented by: Amy Powell, Founder and CEO, Well Works; and Beth Haselhorst, President, Media-Vox

10:00 AM – 10:20 AM

Refreshment & Networking Break

Sponsored By:

10:20 AM – 11:10 AM

Breakout Sessions VI

This session will feature a panel of contractors, city officials, and industry experts as they share case studies on hiring goals for public works projects. The presentation will focus on how the AGC of Colorado and Hensel Phelps worked with the Denver Economic Development and Opportunity team and met the city’s ambitious goals by tapping into community partnerships. Hear how the contractors achieved the city’s hiring goals and learn how to work with local city-established goals to create meaningful workforce development opportunities.

Presented by: Gloria Owusu, Assistant Director, Denver Construction Careers Program; Dawanta Parks, Program Manager, Denver Construction Careers Program; and Hannah Seely, Business Development Manager, Hensel Phelps

Moderated by: Lisa Seaman, Director of Operations, Construction Education Foundation

Discover how to overcome the critical talent shortage in commercial construction by mastering targeted outreach recruitment strategies. This intensive training equips HR and recruitment leaders with cutting-edge techniques to engage top-tier candidates through compelling messages in a highly competitive market. Walk away with practical tools to enhance your employer brand, optimize job descriptions, and implement recruitment tactics tailored to the unique challenges of the commercial construction industry.

Presented by: Rachel Kennedy, Chief Light Keeper, Southern Lighthouse®

ERISA fiduciary responsibilities are not new, but recent transparency and disclosure requirements open the door to plan participant class action lawsuits and government-related audits and penalties. Learn how to protect your plan.

Presented by: Julie Taffera, First Vice President, Employee Benefits, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

The year 2024 has been a wild one in labor and employment law.  This session will provide a recap of 2024’s notable Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Department of Labor regulatory actions and decisions, as well as discuss notable court cases from around the country that impact construction industry human resources professionals.  Attendees might not leave the presentation with a rocky mountain high, but they will come away from it with practical guidance on today’s most pressing HR issues.

Presented by: Stuart R. Buttrick, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

11:10 AM – 11:30 AM

Refreshment & Networking Break

Sponsored By:

11:30 AM – 12:20 PM

General Session

Construction is experiencing a digital transformation that is inspiring confidence, driving new opportunities across the industry, and impacting the future workforce. Innovations in technology are changing how we build and creating opportunities for improved performance, safer work environments, and addressing the industry’s labor challenge. Hear from Dr. Horsey as she discusses how emerging technologies are reshaping the hiring and retention landscape in construction. In this session you will learn about technology and enhancing recruitment, strategies for retaining the current workforce, and preparing for the future workforce.

Presented by: Irish Horsey, PhD, Director, Industry Advancement, Procore Technologies, Inc.

12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Workforce Site Visit (Ticketed Event)

Join us for an optional excursion to the campus of the innovative Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers (EPIC) in nearby Littleton. Attendees will have an opportunity to see how the high school CTE program is training future construction professionals – thanks to an innovative collaboration with contractors and the AGC of Colorado. In addition to touring the facility and sitting in on classes, attendees will meet with the program’s principal and several current students. They will share details of how the program was created, how it recruits students, what the learning experience is like, and how they work with the industry to place graduates in construction careers. Boxed lunch to be provided. Bus will depart at 12:45 p.m. and plan to return to the hotel by 4:00 p.m.

12:30 PM – 4:45 PM

HR Workshop (Ticketed Event)

Join us for an engaging case-study exercise led by industry professionals, designed to deepen your HR knowledge and sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Explore topics that are most impacting your organization, collaborate with peers, and gain tangible, real-world examples to apply within your teams. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your expertise and drive meaningful change in your organization. Sign up today and elevate your HR practice to the next level!

About the Conference

AGC’s Construction HR & Workforce Conference is the premier education and networking destination for HR, training and workforce development professionals in the construction industry.

For Workforce Professionals: Explore the latest workforce development efforts underway across the country and share your own success stories.

For Training Professionals: Stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge techniques being used in the world of training and development.

For HR Professionals: Find out whether you’re maintaining compliance with current employment laws and best practices.

All individuals who register for or attend this event, by virtue of their registration or attendance, agree to the Code of Conduct, Image Release, and Event Cancellation policies posted here. If you have questions, please contact meetings[@]agc.org.