Post-Pandemic Construction Tech: Surviving & Thriving When the Rules Are Rewritten

Jun 22, 2020 9:45am ‐ Jun 22, 2020 11:15am

Identification: GS1

When COVID-19 hit, some companies were able to respond quickly and others were caught flat-footed. When paper instantly became a liability and working in person became a problem, the adoption of digital tools was accelerated, and the use of internet of things (IoT) devices to automatically measure density and distance became imperative. In this discussion, we are going to review the top tools that enabled the entire construction industry to undergo a radical digital transformation in record time. We'll also discuss the mindset that enabled some companies to step on the gas while others had to pump on the breaks. We are going to cover technology topics ranging from prefabrication to a paperless jobsite to IoT and worker tracking.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn how the pandemic accelerated digital transformation
  • Analyze why most of us proved that working from home could work
  • Review the top tools that helped companies move to digital quickly
  • Identify the mindset that enabled some companies to do this really well and others to fall flat

Addressing the HR, Legal & Project Impacts of COVID-19 Panel

Jun 22, 2020 11:15am ‐ Jun 22, 2020 11:25am

Identification: S1

This panel will discuss the current and future impact that COVID-19 is having on construction companies, businesses, employees, and the economy. Note: Due to the ever-changing landscape of this issue, CFMA will secure the exact topics and industry experts prior to the session.


Contract Reviews & Negotiations: A Comprehensive Approach

Jun 22, 2020 11:30am ‐ Jun 22, 2020 12:30pm

Identification: S2

This session will explore the importance of a comprehensive approach to contract negotiations, including an assessment of operational risks unique to each project. Assessment of operational risks may include site conditions and location, project team experience, project schedule, safety concerns, and client relationships. This course will also highlight the importance of engaging key stakeholders (both internal and external) as partners to identify, assess, and mitigate such risks. In this interactive session, attendees will benefit from hearing real-life experiences and examples.
Learning Objectives:
  • Present the importance of a comprehensive approach to contract reviews and negotiations including assessment of operational risks unique to each project
  • Discuss how mitigation of operational risk impacts contract negotiations
  • Discover the importance of identifying and engaging key stakeholders as partners
  • Explain how open dialogue and transparency among stakeholders during the contract review process can reduce conflicts, costs, and delays
  • Realize how legal costs can be reduced through effective and efficient use of outside counsel

Surety Industry Update

Jun 22, 2020 1:00pm ‐ Jun 22, 2020 1:10pm

Identification: S3

This presentation will provide a review of the current state of the surety industry and provide insightful information that contractors can use to improve their surety relationships.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn the current state of the surety industry
  • Learn the current state of the surety industry
  • Obtain lessons learned by sureties in the last economic slowdown that can help contractors prepare for a possible future slowdown

Construction Analytics: Leading Change in the Industry

Jun 22, 2020 1:15pm ‐ Jun 22, 2020 1:20pm

Identification: S4

As CFMs are equipped to become the change agents for construction companies across the country, this session will present practical uses of analytical tools. It will cover the fundamental process for identifying critical pain points within an organization and how analytics can help resolve issues and find process efficiencies. Diagnostics of each sector of an organization can create positive and necessary changes as companies seek to establish continuity and sustainability through economic changes.

Learning Objective:
  • Critically examine the benefits and uses of analytics within their respective organizations

The Art of Assertive Communication

Jun 22, 2020 2:00pm ‐ Jun 22, 2020 2:01pm

Identification: S5

Communication skills are vital to your success as a leader and can be the biggest stumbling blocks you will encounter. This interactive presentation reveals the secrets from the book "Shut Up and Lead: A Communicator’s Guide to Quiet Leadership" to help you interact more assertively and authentically at work and in your personal life. It will outline a three-step assertive communication process, provide little-known listening tips, and share information about how to effectively deal with difficult people.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn how to engage in listening and communicating in order to be a more authentic leader
  • Learn how a three-step assertive conversational framework can help to keep others accountable at work and home
  • Learn how to handle difficult people more effectively to help them build more successful workplace relationships
  • Learn techniques for properly mediating discussions between other employees, so all parties can openly listen and communicate to find the best solutions to tough situations

The Strategic Side of Cash Flow Forecasting

Jun 22, 2020 2:45pm ‐ Jun 22, 2020 3:45pm

Identification: S6

Although a critical component of every business, forecasting cash flow is often ignored as it is painstakingly technical. Instead, leaders rely on the income statement and operating profit to gauge financial performance and health - a dangerous way to manage a business. In this session, we will discuss the practices for integrating strategy and financial management to unlock hidden value through better cash forecasting.
Learning Objectives:
  • Learn how to set up a manageable cash flow forecast template
  • Understand how to incorporate data analytics and benchmarking for greater precision
  • Learn how to elevate visibility and adopt feedback through the strategy process
  • Establish meaningful targets to maintain momentum

Who CARES About Tax Reform When You’ve Received a Stimulus! Part I

Jun 23, 2020 10:00am ‐ Jun 23, 2020 10:30am

Identification: S7

This panel will discuss additional critical topics that that COVID-19 is having on construction companies, businesses, employees, and the economy. Note: Due to the ever-changing landscape of this issue, CFMA will secure the exact topics and industry experts prior to the session.


Talk Like a Leader

Jun 23, 2020 10:35am ‐ Jun 23, 2020 11:00am

Identification: S8

The old adage, perception is reality, has never been more true than in today’s superficial, hyper-critical, and social media-driven world. Studies increasingly show that perception trumps facts when people make judgments of others. For today’s business leaders, communicating clearly – both interpersonally and organizationally – is often the number one driver in controlling that perception. This session, popular as a keynote, gives executives pragmatic keys to swaying internal and external perception in their favor.


More Connected, More at Risk: Cybersecurity

Jun 23, 2020 11:00am ‐ Jun 23, 2020 11:10am

Identification: S10

This session will discuss the myths and realities of cybercrime, how construction organizations are targeted by hackers, what hackers are commonly looking for, and how they profit from it on the dark web. It will share crucial insights, with real-world examples and situations, into what construction companies can do to mitigate risk, fight against cybercrime, and harden the organization to prevent attacks.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the myths and realities of cybercrime and why the topic is a relevant issue for CFMs
  • Gain an understanding of the impact that cybercrime has in the construction industry
  • Obtain real actionable information on how your organization can prepare for cyber threats and mitigate risk