by Jessica Gillette | Sep 22, 2025
ABC REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT: LEADERSHIP & TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER BUSINESS
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 8:00AM – 4:30PM | MD Live! Casino, Hanover, MD
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS THROUGH ABC GREATER BALTIMORE (CLICK HERE)
The 2026 ABC Regional Construction Summit, co-hosted by ABC Chesapeake Shores, ABC Greater Baltimore, ABC of Metro Washington, and ABC Virginia is the premier networking and educational conference of the year! We guarantee there is content for every type of member and employee.
At this day-long conference, we will bring in dynamic speakers featuring the region’s most forward-thinking companies for an opportunity to meet, collaborate, and learn how we can expect this industry to be changing and how we can be on the forefront of leadership, technological advances, and safety preparedness. Don’t miss out on this one-day conference of educational sessions, exhibitors & networking!
AGENDA
8am – Registration, Breakfast & Exhibitor Hall (Click here to see full list of exhibitors)
9:30am – Morning Keynote Speaker
10:45am – Breakout Session #1 (choice of 4 topics/speakers)
11:45am – Breakout Session #2 (choice of 4 topics/speakers)
12:30pm – Lunch & Lunch Keynote Speaker
1:45pm – Afternoon Break/Exhibitor Hall (click here to see full list of exhibitors)
2:15pm – Legacy of Leadership Fireside Chat (one general session)
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm – Happy Hour, Networking, Exhibitor Hall
OPENING KEYNOTE
“Building Smarter: Leveraging AI for Construction Innovation”
Micah Rodman, CEO & Co-Founder of KOJO
BREAKOUT SESSIONS #1 (choose one)
- “BIM in Practice: Misconceptions, Value, and Real-World Outcomes” – A Panel Discussion
- “Wage Misclassification and Labor Laws Update,” Marc Furman of Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C.
- “Aligning Operations for Growth: The CEO-COO Mindset,” Diane Mentzer of Diane Integrates, LLC
- “From Contacts to Clients: Networking Skills That Fuel Business Development,” Diane Darling
BREAKOUT SESSIONS #2 (choose one)
- “Hierarchy of Controls/JHA Hazard Assessment” – A Safety Panel Discussion
- “Building Your Team: Strategies to Strengthen Tomorrow’s Workforce,” DeAnna Thomas, ABC National
- “Building Intelligence: AI’s Role, Risk and Future in the Built Environment,” Andrew Gregg, Bean, Kinney, and Korman
- “DC Insider: Federal Policy Outlook and What it Means for Your Business,” with Ben Brubeck, Principal & CEO, Government Affairs Solutions, LLC
LUNCH KEYNOTE
“The People Puzzle: Managing Difficult Personalities and Across Generations”
Diane Darling, Author, Keynote Speaker & Consultant
BREAKOUT SESSION #3 (All Attendees)
“Legacy of Leadership Fireside Chat” featuring
Lynn Stith Bennett CEO, Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC)
Dolores Navia VP, Real Estate Development, JBG Smith
Leigh Press President, PCC Construction Components, Inc.
Jerry Shapiro President, Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.
Michael Bellaman CEO, ABC National
LOCATION
Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel
7002 Arundel Mills Cir Ste 7777, Hanover, MD 21076
COST
Early Bird (until 1/16/2026) – $199
Regular – $225
Non-Members – $375
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATIONS
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Written notice must be submitted by 5PM on Friday, February 6, 2026, to receive a refund.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Jess Gillette, CPSM
by Jessica Gillette | Aug 26, 2025
2025 RICHMOND & HAMPTON ROADS PROJECT MANAGERS ACADEMY
October 29 – 31, 2025 | 8:00AM – 6:00PM | See detailed schedule below
**BRAND NEW ACADEMY to these regions! We expect to sell out – register early!**
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 three of our 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. Register early! Registration deadline is 5PM on Wednesday, October 22.
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
Nicole Anderson, Clancy & Theys
Eric Stichler, Heartland Construction
Erik Mills, W.M. Jordan Company
SCHEDULE
October 29 8:00AM-6:30PM Breakfast, lunch and dinner/networking included
October 30 8:00AM-6:15PM Breakfast, lunch and dinner/networking included
October 31 8:00AM-12:00PM Breakfast, Certificate Ceremony with lunch takes place on last day
COST
Member – $825
Non-Member – $1,175
Includes all course materials, breakfast & lunch every day, dinner and drinks during networking portion
LOCATION
ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility
530 Independence Parkway, Suite 500, Chesapeake, VA 23320
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by Wednesday, October 22, 2025 by 5PM.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Aug 26, 2025
2025 PROJECT MANAGERS ACADEMY
October 15 – 17, 2025 | 8:00AM – 6:00PM | See detailed schedule below
**SOLD OUT!!**
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 three of our 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. Register early! Registration deadline is 5PM on Wednesday, October 8.
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
Brooke Johnson, Hensel Phelps
Nick Giambra, Aegis Consultants
Shannon Kualii, E.E. Reed Construction East Coast, L.P.
Rich Ruckman, S-Works Construction Corp.
Mike Quadros, E.E. Reed Construction East Coast, L.P.
SCHEDULE
October 15 8:00AM-6:00PM Dinner and networking after class
October 16 8:00AM-6:00PM Dinner and networking after class
October 17 8:00AM-12:00PM Certificate Ceremony takes place on last day
COST
Member – $825
Non-Member – $1,175
Includes all course materials, lunch and dinner and drinks during networking portion
LOCATION
ABC-VA Northern Virginia Training Facility
42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by Wednesday, October 8, 2025 by 5PM.
Questions?
Contact Jenny Tashjian
by Jessica Gillette | Aug 5, 2025
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: SMARTER FEELINGS, STRONGER YOU – EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE WORKSHOP
**CANCELLED. If you registered for this event, an ABC-VA rep will reach out.**
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Boost your Emotional Intelligence – discover ways to strengthen workplace relationships and elevate your career potential!
Karen Cotton, Senior Knowledge Manager at Swinerton and an instructor for ABC-Virginia’s Leadership Series, will facilitate this informative workshop that uses the framework of Enneagram personality profiles to learn more about your core motivations and explore ways to leverage your strengths to excel in your professional role.
What to Expect:
• Discover your Enneagram type and what motivates you.
• Learn how to leverage your strengths in communication, leadership, and collaboration.
• Improve how you interact with colleagues, lead teams, and navigate workplace challenges.
To prepare for this session:
1) Complete the free test: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
2) Screenshot your results (it will look like the pie chart below)
3) Send your pie chart screenshot to Kristen Altermatt before Tuesday 10/7/2025 so the workshop content can be customized for our group
Whether you’re leading a meeting, contributing to a team project, or looking to grow your leadership capabilities, developing your emotional intelligence will help you become more effective—and make your work life more enjoyable.
Networking session to follow the workshop. Don’t miss out – register today and start your journey toward stronger connections and greater success!
This event is for Young Professionals 40 & under.
PRESENTER
Karen Cotton, LEED AP, CPSM, Senior Knowledge Manager, Swinerton
Karen Cotton is a Senior Knowledge Manager for Swinerton, an ENR Top 40 general contractor. With 20+ years of experience working in construction, she shares her passion for learning, coaching, mentoring, and self-discovery as a frequent presenter and Enneagram instructor in the Washington, DC area. Karen is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) and a LEED Accredited Professional. She serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the SMPS Washington, DC Chapter.
LOCATION
ColonialWebb Contractors
1920 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST (Members Only)
Young Professionals – $35
Includes workshop and networking with light snacks and drinks
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 16, 2025
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PROGRAM KICKOFF
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 3:30PM – 5:30PM | Northern VA Training Facility
The 2025 Leadership Institute kicks off on September 25 with a program overview and the ABCs of ABC. Applications for the Leadership Institute are due Friday, September 12, 2025.
The Leadership Institute brings together aspiring leaders that have three or more years in the AEC industry. Our program is designed to enhance the potential of our industry’s rising leaders by helping them to develop a greater self-awareness of their unique leadership style. Current industry leaders will facilitate discussions that encourage active participation.
The curriculum requires reading assignments, an emotional intelligence/personality assessment with a professionally facilitated workshop, social outings and a community service project.
Eligibility
- Nominee must have worked in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry for a minimum of three (3) years
- Nominee must be employed by a member in good standing of the ABC Virginia Chapter
- Nominee must be able and willing to attend at least nine out of ten sessions to graduate
Sessions (beginning September 25)
- Program Kickoff & the ABCs of ABC (Instructor: Patrick Dean, ABC-VA | September 25)
- Behavior Profile Workshop & Emotional Intelligence (Instructor: Brooke Johnson, Hensel Phelps | October 9)
- The Purpose Driven Life (Instructor: Spencer Teel, TEEL Construction | October 30)
- Situational Leadership (Instructor: Brian Fish, Hensel Phelps | December 4)
- What Makes a Leader? (Instructor: Patrick Dean, ABC-VA | December 18)
- Identifying Ideal Team Players (Instructor: Steve Skinner, WCS Construction | January 8)
- Stephen Covey’s Speed of Trust (Instructor: Mike Bellaman, ABC National | January 22)
- Effective Communication (Instructor: Zeena Fangman, HITT Contracting | February 19)
- Corporate Culture and Ethics (Instructor: Steve Daves (retired), R.W. Murray | March 12)
- Career Development (Instructor: Mark Bailey, TMG Construction | April 16)
- End of Year Celebration (May 7)
LOCATION
ABC-VA Northern Virginia Headquarters
42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
COST
$625 per Participant
Please note: registration is not available online. Please submit your application with all required documents to Jenny Tashjian.
