2026 PROJECT MANAGERS ACADEMY October 14 - 16, 2026  |  8:00AM – 6:00PM  |  See detailed schedule below This three-day intensive program is geared toward Project Managers who are looking to improve their skills in the day-to-day management of successful construction projects and the leadership of today’s construction team. Students will sharpen their estimating, resource control, contract administration, scheduling and management skills through case studies and group exercises facilitated by some of the industry’s most talented instructors and construction leaders. Participants of this program will dramatically accelerate their growth and overall performance, thus increasing their value to their company and clients. This program is limited to 25 participants. We sold out last year — register early! Registration deadline is 5PM on Wednesday, October 7. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? The academy is designed for project managers and estimators with at least two years of on-the-job experience. SPEAKERS Patrick Dean, ABC Virginia Kyle Clayton, S-Works Construction Corp. Nick Giambra, Aegis Consultants Shannon Kualii, E.E. Reed East Coast, L.P. Rich Ruckman, S-Works Construction Corp. Mike Quadros, E.E. Reed East Coast, L.P. SCHEDULE October 14 8:00AM - 6:00PM Dinner and networking after class October 15 8:00AM- 6:00PM Dinner and networking after class October 16 8:00AM - 12:00PM Certificate Ceremony takes place […]

SUBMITTAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR Wednesday, October 14, 2026  |  11:30AM – 1:30PM  |  Lunch provided Build Better Projects Through Better Submittals. Join us for an engaging lunch & learn seminar focused on one of the most critical components of successful construction projects: the submittal process. This seminar is geared towards subcontracting firms and supplier companies who would like more insight into how the submittal process works and how they can achieve timeliness and success with their packages. Learn the role and importance submittal packages have in the construction process and practical strategies for how to achieve an approval the first time. Key Takeaways: • Best practices for preparing complete, accurate submittals • Common mistakes that lead to delays and rejected submittals • Roles and responsibilities throughout the submittal review process • Strategies for improving communication between project stakeholders • Tips for streamlining workflows and maintaining project momentum WHO SHOULD ATTEND Subcontracting firms and supplier companies or anyone looking to enhance their knowledge about the submittal process **BUNDLE WITH PROJECT CLOSEOUT** Receive discounted rates by bundling with our Project Closeout Seminar on October 21, 2026. INSTRUCTOR - Scott Brame, Project Executive, W.M. Jordan Company Scott Brame is a Project Executive with W. […]

PRECONSTRUCTION PEER GROUP — THE NEXT CHAPTER Thursday, October 15, 2026  |  8:00AM - 10:00AM Building Better Outcomes Together - Central Virginia Preconstruction Peer Group No. 2. Following our first preconstruction round-table focused on the subcontractor perspective, this session shifts to the general contractor and vendor perspective. General contractors and vendors rely on timely, accurate information from trade partners, suppliers, manufacturers, labor providers, and design teams to develop reliable proposals, manage risk, support owner decision-making, and successfully deliver material, equipment and ultimately the project. This open discussion will focus on the information, communication, and collaboration needed throughout the preconstruction process to help customers receive the best value, improve project certainty, address changing market conditions, and ensure risks are properly identified and managed by all stakeholders while putting our bids together. Discussion Topics: • Providing Better Market Intelligence: Escalation, Supply Chain & Procurement Risks • Information Needed for Accurate Budgeting, Bidding & Project Planning • Managing Contractual Risk, Virginia Regulations & Owner Expectations • Labor Availability, Trade Capacity & Project Execution Challenges • Strengthening Collaboration Between Owners, General Contractors, Vendors & Trade Partners This will continue as an open round-table discussion, so please bring discussion topics! Who should attend: subcontractors, specialty […]

BRIDGING THE AGE GAP IN THE CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE: CONSTRUCTION INCLUSION WEEK SOCIAL HOUR Thursday, October 15, 2026  |  4:00PM - 6:00PM Join us for an engaging Construction Inclusion Week Happy Hour focused on one of the construction industry's biggest opportunities: bridging the generational gap in our workforce. Today's jobsite brings together multiple generations, each with different experiences, expectations, communication styles, and approaches to work. Rather than allowing those differences to create division, how can we use them to build stronger teams? David Valentin, Regional Safety Manager with Hourigan Construction, will lead a relaxed, interactive discussion exploring how we can better connect generations across the construction industry. This isn't a formal presentation—it's a conversation. Come ready to share your perspective, hear from others in the industry, and leave with new ideas for creating a workforce where experience and innovation work side by side. Start the evening with drinks, food, and networking with fellow industry professionals before joining us for this engaging and timely discussion. ABOUT DAVID David Valentin is an accomplished safety professional dedicated to bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and safety excellence through Hourigan’s Safety and Health Management System. His strong hazard recognition skills enable project teams to proactively […]

PROJECT CLOSEOUT SEMINAR Wednesday, October 21, 2026  |  11:30AM – 1:30PM  |  Lunch provided Master the Art of Closing Out Projects Successfully. A well-executed project closeout is the key to maximizing profitability, strengthening client relationships, and delivering lasting project success. This seminar equips construction professionals with the knowledge, tools, and proven processes needed to confidently manage every phase of project closeout. Participants will learn a practical, step-by-step approach that streamlines documentation, improves coordination, reduces delays, and ensures projects are completed efficiently and professionally. Designed for administrative professionals, superintendents, project managers, and construction leaders working for general contractors and specialty contractors, this course provides immediately applicable strategies that can be implemented on your very next project. What you'll learn: • The 10 Commandments of Project Closeout • Developing comprehensive closeout documentation packages • Managing punch lists effectively and minimizing repeat work • Coordinating operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals, warranties, and as-built documentation • Best practices for owner training and project turnover • Navigating final inspections, testing, and commissioning requirements • Reducing closeout delays through proactive planning and communication • Meeting contractual and specification requirements for successful project completion • Lessons learned and strategies for improving future project delivery WHO SHOULD ATTEND […]

13th ANNUAL EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS • CENTRAL VIRGINIA & HAMPTON ROADS REGIONS Thursday, October 22, 2026  |  6:30PM – 10:30PM The Central Virginia and Hampton Roads regions of ABC-VA cordially invite you to attend our 13th annual Excellence in Construction Awards on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The Excellence in Construction Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding projects and individuals from ABC-VA Central Virginia and Hampton Roads members. The awards competition serves to raise the level of construction standards throughout the industry by recognizing the workmanship of those who contribute and by showcasing the results of their dedication. By honoring the very best of merit shop construction, ABC demonstrates the adherence of its members to the highest standards of excellence. Limited availability only at this time. Please email/call Meredith Strahan / (757) 855-8220 for availability. We are pleased to host this year’s EIC Awards Ceremony at The Main in downtown Norfolk, minutes from the waterside. Dress code is evening/cocktail attire. ✨ EMCEES: Valerie James, CPSM, Business Development/Marketing Manager, Mark Turner Construction & Heather McLaughlin, CPSM, Business Development Manager, Timmons Group ✨ Please note: you can purchase a sponsorship for the 2026 Awards by visiting this page. EVENT COST (Members Only) $195 per […]

BUILDING EFFICIENCY: HOW MICROSOFT COPILOT STREAMLINES CONSTRUCTION WORKFLOWS Monday, October 26, 2026  |  2:00PM - 3:00PM Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered tool integrated into Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. It uses advanced language models to assist users with tasks such as drafting text, creating presentations, analyzing data, and managing workflows. What You'll Learn: 1. Integration Across Microsoft 365: Copilot is embedded within popular Microsoft applications, allowing users to leverage AI without leaving their familiar environments. This includes apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and others. 2. Productivity Enhancement: In Word, Copilot can help draft documents, generate summaries, and suggest edits. In Excel, it assists with data analysis, generating insights, and automating repetitive tasks. In PowerPoint, it aids in creating presentations by generating slides, formatting content, and suggesting design improvements. 3. Natural Language Processing: Copilot allows users to interact with Microsoft applications using natural language. Users can type or speak commands, and Copilot will execute them, such as generating a chart in Excel or summarizing an email thread in Outlook. 4. Customization and Learning: Copilot learns from user interactions, becoming more tailored to individual preferences over time. It can adapt to specific tasks and provide personalized […]

ANNUAL SHELLS & HALF SHELLS Tuesday, October 27, 2026  |  8:15AM – 5:00PM Our popular Shells & Half Shells event takes place on October 27 this year! Join us at Old Forge Sporting Clays for a fun round of clay shooting followed by networking and oysters on the half shell. We have morning and afternoon sessions available, as well as networking only tickets available. Don't miss out on our incredible raffle prize drawing! Raffle tickets available for purchase all day. Raffle prize drawing will take place during the afternoon reception. You do not need to be present to win. We'll notify all winners the day after the event. PLEASE NOTE: afternoon session is now full. Please email Kristen Altermatt to be put on waitlist. SAFETY: ALL attendees, regardless of experience, are required to fill out a safety questionnaire and participate in a 15-minute safety training prior to their session. DOWNLOAD SAFETY QUESTIONNAIRE HERE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Lunch is included with both sessions. Networking reception for afternoon session only. MORNING SESSION   8:15AM – Check-in   |   8:45AM – Mandatory Safety Meeting   |   9:00AM - Shoot LUNCH   11:15AM – 1:00PM AFTERNOON SESSION   11:15AM – Check-in + Lunch   |   12:45PM – Mandatory Safety Meeting  […]

How to Collaborate in the Pull Planning Process Thursday, October 29, 2026  |  8:00AM – 4:00PM Build Better Schedules. Deliver More Reliable Projects. Learn the Collaborative Pull Planning Process — a proven, hands-on scheduling method used on projects around the world to improve coordination, accountability, and project performance. This interactive workshop is designed for project teams who want schedules that are actually used in the field — not just posted on the wall. WHAT MAKES THIS WORKSHOP DIFFERENT? ✅ Hands-On Learning No computers. No complicated software. Participants learn by actively building schedules together using sticky notes and visual planning techniques. ✅ Real-World Application Used successfully on projects of every size — from major construction programs to small-scale projects. ✅ Built for the Entire Team From executive leadership and master planners to superintendents and field foremen, everyone plays a role in creating and following the plan. ✅ Better Team Alignment Foremen and field teams actively participate in developing the schedule, increasing commitment, communication, and reliability. WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN Participants will learn how to integrate: • Master Scheduling • Phase Pull Planning • Look-Ahead Planning • Constraint Management • Weekly Work Planning • PPC (Percent Plan Complete) Tracking All using a […]

UNDERSTANDING PLANS & SPECS: BLUEPRINT READING ESSENTIALS Begins Thursday, October 29, 2026  |  1:00PM - 5:00PM Designed specifically for beginners, this comprehensive, hands-on course introduces participants to the language of construction blueprints and provides a practical understanding of how drawings communicate every phase of a construction project, including site, landscape, architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical. Construction documents are increasingly viewed and managed digitally. This course combines the fundamentals of traditional paper blueprints with digital blueprint-reading tools. You’ll see how digital tools are used to: • Navigate and organize digital drawings • Zoom in and locate critical information • Measure and review drawing elements • Annotate and mark-up plans • Cross-reference information between drawings and details Why Blueprint Reading? Blueprint literacy is a highly marketable skill. The ability to understand construction drawings helps employees communicate more effectively, make informed decisions, identify important project information, and become a more valuable resource to their company. Gain the foundational skills to read the drawings, understand the project, and contribute with confidence. Who Should Attend? All employees in the construction industry can benefit from this course. Whether you're new to construction or looking to strengthen your existing skills, understanding blueprint language can make you […]

THE GC PERSPECTIVE PANEL & SOCIAL HOUR AT WESTWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Thursday, October 29, 2026  |  4:30PM - 7:00PM Join us at the beautiful Westwood Country Club for a panel with the largest general contractors in the DMV area. A networking happy hour will follow the panel, featuring recognition of our newest STEP members and a door prize drawing. Our candid conversation will revolve around the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping today’s construction industry—and what they mean for both GCs and subcontractors. New and prospective members are encouraged to attend this event! We will host a 30-minute pre-mixer for new and prospective members at 4:00PM. Please plan to attend the pre-mixer if registering as a prospective member. PANELISTS Mike Cunningham, Balfour Beatty, Vice President Business Acquisition Jeff Boehm, Shockey, President Kevin Nearpass, L. F. Jennings, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Kruse, Hoar Construction, Vice President SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES  Event $1,000 – includes two (2) tickets, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials Bar $1,000 – includes two (2) tickets, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials SOLD OUT!! Drawing $500 – includes one (1) ticket, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials  SOLD OUT!! SPONSORS - THANK YOU                […]

CONSTRUCTION LAW SURVIVAL SEMINAR Tuesday, November 3, 2026  |  9:00AM – 4:30PM Join us for a comprehensive one-day seminar designed specifically for construction professionals, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and legal teams working in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and DC. TOPICS COVERED: Mechanic’s Liens – Time Limits, Notices and Claims to Preserve Mechanic’s Lien Rights in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C. Public and Private Payment Bond Rights – Federal Miller Act and State Little Miller Acts in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C. – Private Payment Bond Rights Lien & Bond Progress Payment Waivers – Review and revising waivers in contracts and progress payment waivers – Lien Waivers, Bond Right Waivers, & Claims Waivers Construction Contracts – Contract Terms to put in your Proposals – Reviewing and Revising Contracts you receive – Conduit, Pay when Paid Clauses and Claims Procedures Each Construction Law Survival Seminar participant will receive continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and the newest edition of the 700 page Construction Law Survival Manual. Seminar starts at 9:00 am. Check-in starts at 8:30 am. SPEAKER James D. Fullerton, President, Fullerton & Knowles, P.C. Mr. Fullerton is a Martindale Hubbell Peer Rated Lawyer Preeminent. Jim represents owners, lenders, design professionals, suppliers, subcontractors, general contractors and […]