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 session will provide an overall tax update and potential structuring options that construction companies can make to reduce their overall tax burden. The session will further explore IRS examination risks and high profile issues taken on tax returns. Finally, the session will address any proposed or recent legislation as it relates to tax reform.

• Current tax update/new case laws that can affect you
• Overall strategies for reducing your tax burden
  
• Tax deferral tactics
• How to avoid an audit and how to prepare should one occur
• What are the triggers for the IRS in selecting exams

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