Conduct an autopsy of the many reasons why a GC of 99 years went into bankruptcy and closed its doors. The factors for the failure will be examined and each significant area of business operations will be discussed regarding how it contributed to or failed to prevent the company's demise. Questions from attendees are encouraged. 

• Understand the importance of not only having, but also following, a strategic plan 
• Know why succession planning is key to the operating health of all companies at all times in their life cycles 
• See the importance of knowing your company's core strengths and working within them 
• Assess the importance of set processes and procedures and sticking to them in all situations 
• Take a look at the impact personnel decisions make in the organization, from hiring through handling long-time employees

This presentation will provide significant statistics regarding the level of activity in the U.S. heavy/highway construction industry, with special focus on major public projects taking place around the nation. Attention will also be given to the Federal Highway Trust Fund and measures being taken to increase funding for highway construction. 

• Synthesize information regarding current and prospective levels of highway investment in the U.S. 
• Discuss statistical detail regarding the geographic distribution of highway investment across the U.S. 
• Learn about pending legislation that has the potential to shape the level and types of highway investment to take place in the future

“Balance People, Performance, and Productivity with Making People First”

This activity will combine a series of activities with discussions on how to lead a team by guiding instead of telling or having all the answers. A series of challenges will provide the process to discover how people will follow a leader who embraces ideas and input as part of their process. 

• Present the challenge to the group and allow guided input toward the solution to improve teamwork 
• How to know where you want to go but make sure they feel a part of the process 
• Realize that a leader doesn’t have to know it all or have the solution to be seen as an effective manager 
• Incorporate proven communication processes to engage all members of a meeting 
• Recognize that your leadership style creates the positive or negative environment of your team

There is a very high level of focus across Construction and other industry segments involved in transportation operations. The insurance industry as a whole is putting some “corrective actions” into motion due to the poor results in Auto Liability most insurance carriers are seeing across the country. Premiums are rising due to the large awards in serious bodily injury cases that continue to occur. Couple this with the national problems involving

No CPE was offered for the Ignite Sessions

The concept of "work/life balance" is a buzz-worthy topic for many professionals, but is it attainable? Or, are there other, more achievable ways of looking at setting priorities depending on your season of life? This session will take a fresh look at ways to fit it all in – and stay sane while doing it. We'll identify how the concept of "balance" looks different depending on generation and phase of life.

• Define work/life balance and look at some of the many ways of examining this
• Identify some of the pitfalls in attempting to achieve the mythical "balanced life"
• Discuss where the different generations are at now professionally and personally, and how the concept of "balance" will look different to each
• Provide alternate ways of defining "balance" in an effort to relieve societal pressure and set more realistic goals

Cyber-related attacks and data breaches continue to be among the most damaging and expensive risks facing organizations. However, many contractors still operate under the “If it's not broke, don't fix it” approach to their information systems. Attendees will be educated on cyber attacks from a hacker's perspective as well as other current threats and trends, and learn strategies to take a proactive approach to security and overall risk management.

• Based on breaches from real data, what are some of the high level trends in cyber security and which of these are a concern for the construction industry
  
• Using breach scenarios, profile at a high level how breaches actually occur from the initial attack to data exfiltration (sensitive data leaving your company)
  
• Highlight the three latest trends, defenses, and/or vulnerabilities in cyber security (ransomware, incident response, spectre and meltdown, etc.) and how they apply to the construction industry
  
• Define the Internet of Things (IoT) and what companies are doing to protect these devices as the world becomes more connected
  
• Conclude with a “Story from the Field”: Performing social engineering testing during a career in cyber security
  

No CPE was offered for the Ignite Sessions

Discuss the most common mistakes made in the tax return preparation, planning, and implementation. This interactive presentation will increase awareness of the most up-to-date tax strategies and opportunities available to construction accounting professionals.

• Learn about mistakes that can result in larger federal and state tax liabilities
• Discuss planning opportunities that are often overlooked
• Review current income tax rulings and tax law changes related to construction industry compliance and planning
  

What does employee onboarding mean to you? If your answer is "loading them on a boat?" you definitely need this session. But even if you have what appears to be an effective program for getting new employees off to a good start, there may be ways to improve. This session will look at expanding onboarding beyond the usual orientation and training and also suggest ways to use it to re-engage an existing workforce. 

• Define employee onboarding and examine typical components of it, and discuss why it is a critical tool for companies to use 
• Identify ways to ensure that your onboarding program emphasizes company culture, promotes engagement, and helps reduce turnover 
• Examine ideas to re-connect with new employees during the first weeks and months of employment to extend the onboarding process and ensure engagement 
• Consider steps in the onboarding process to engage employees not traditionally involved in new hire activities, helping to re-engage them in company culture

As Sub-Specialty Contractor’s how many times have we gone months into a project with cost projections and WIP schedules showing a project on Budget only to have it fade in the last few months of the contract schedule. Issues with our customers, lower tier subcontractors and suppliers, along with change order problems, unreasonable punch lists and general contract demands, back charges and many other “valid reasons” can impact a Sub-Specialty Contractor’s Financial Health.

A great deal of attention is given to infrastructure in the current administration, and the interest in the P3 model is apparent. The uncertainties with shifting of risk in alternative project delivery models has created a need for education. This panel will walk the audience through the risks and rewards of P3s. 

The panel will demonstrate, through practical experience and audience engagement, how to ensure that risk is appropriately identified and allocated. 

• P3s are emerging in the majority of states and panelists will provide insights to best approach new projects 
• Case studies will identify potential challenges and provide practical insight on effectively approaching the P3 model 
• Identify how both small and large projects can apply to contractors with means and methods to make a P3 project successful 
• Provide insight on bonding and LOC requirements needed for P3 projects from a banking and insurance perspective