by Jessica Gillette | Jun 25, 2026
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Workshop
November 17 & 18, 2026 | 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Transform the Way You Lead, Work, and Live
Our habits shape every aspect of our lives — influencing how effective, productive, and fulfilled we become. Based on the groundbreaking work of Stephen R. Covey, this powerful program provides a principle-centered approach to achieving lasting personal and professional effectiveness.
Through this engaging two-day workshop, participants will gain practical tools and strategies to lead with greater purpose, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful results both at work and in life.
WHY THIS PROGRAM MATTERS
The 7 Habits provide a proven framework for personal and interpersonal growth — helping individuals become more focused, collaborative, and impactful leaders.
Participants will leave with:
✔ A personalized action plan for growth
✔ Practical leadership and communication tools
✔ Strategies to improve productivity and accountability
✔ A renewed sense of motivation and purpose
WHY ATTEND?
Stephen R. Covey was a world-renowned leadership expert whose influential book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, has sold millions of copies worldwide and continues to transform leaders across every industry. Recognized by Forbes as one of the most influential management books ever written, its principles remain timeless, practical, and highly relevant in today’s workplace.
IN THIS DYNAMIC TWO-DAY WORKSHOP, YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:
✅ Prioritize and execute your most important tasks with clarity and discipline
✅ Break free from ineffective habits and behaviors
✅ Build stronger, trust-based relationships
✅ Navigate difficult situations with confidence and effectiveness
✅ Increase engagement, morale, and team collaboration
✅ Create a high-performance culture grounded in shared values
✅ Develop future leaders with both character and competence
WHAT TO EXPECT
This highly interactive experience includes:
• Engaging group discussions
• Hands-on activities and exercises
• Real-world leadership applications
• Personal reflection and action planning
Participants will explore how to apply the 7 Habits principles to both professional and personal challenges — leaving inspired, energized, and equipped with a fresh perspective for success.
Register today and start building habits that lead to lasting success.
INSTRUCTOR
Patrick Dean, ABC-VA President
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Members: $595
Non-Member: $795
Lunch provided
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. A reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by 5PM on November 10, 2026.
QUESTIONS?
Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 25, 2026
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 highly visual, collaborative system built on the wall with sticky notes — no computer required.
BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE PULL PLANNING
✔ More reliable schedules
✔ Improved team communication
✔ Better workflow coordination
✔ Increased accountability
✔ Reduced delays and rework
✔ Stronger field engagement
✔ Greater schedule predictability
This workshop is perfect for executives, project managers, superintendents and foremen.
INSTRUCTOR
Tom Patton, Project Management Services Bureau
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Members: $295
Non-Member: $395
Breakfast and lunch provided
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. A reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by 5PM on Monday, October 26, 2026.
QUESTIONS?
Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 24, 2026
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Constructing the Future — AI’s Next Chapter [PANEL & NETWORKING]
Tuesday, August 6, 2026 | 5:00PM – 7:30PM
One year ago, AI was a curiosity. Today, it’s becoming a competitive advantage.
Join ABC-VA’s Young Professionals for an engaging discussion with industry leaders, technology innovators, and construction professionals as we explore what’s changed since last year’s AI conversation, what’s working in the field today, and what’s on the horizon for contractors, designers, and project teams. From project management and estimating to workforce development, safety, scheduling, and business operations, AI is transforming how we build and do business. Recent advances in generative AI and automation are creating new opportunities for construction professionals to improve productivity, decision-making, and efficiency across every phase of a project.
This panel will move beyond the hype and focus on real-world applications, lessons learned from early adopters, emerging trends, and the practical challenges companies face as they integrate AI into their workflows.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or already implementing these tools within your organization, you’ll leave with valuable insights, actionable takeaways, and a clearer understanding of where AI is headed—and what it means for the future of construction. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and discover how AI is helping construct the future!
Please note: this event is for Young Professionals (40 & under).
Key Takeaways
• How AI adoption in construction has evolved over the past year
• Real-world applications being used by contractors today
• AI for estimating, project management, scheduling, and operations
• Workforce impacts and productivity gains
• Risks, limitations, and implementation challenges
• Emerging technologies and what’s next for the industry
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Contractors, project managers, estimators, business development professionals, executives, operations leaders, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding how AI is reshaping the construction industry
PANELISTS
Kylie Brewis, Construction Trade Account Manager, Aerotek | Moderator
Abby Harrington, Sales Operations Manager, Gilbane Building Company | Panelist
Andrew Gregg, Esq., Land Use and Real Estate Attorney, Bean, Kinney & Korman, P.C. | Panelist
More speakers TBA!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Commitments needed by August 3 COB
Event $150 – includes one (1) comped registration, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
SPONSORS – THANK YOU!
LOCATION
Panel Event: ABC-VA Northern Virginia Training Facility, 42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
Post-Event Networking: Honor Brewing, 42604 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
COST
Members – $50
Non-Members – $75
Includes panel discussion, heavy apps and two (2) drink tickets
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance.
Questions?
Contact Katie Gregg
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 17, 2026
MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS FOR A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE • LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:30AM – 1:30PM
In construction, we’re taught to measure twice and cut once. The same principle applies to business development.
Too often, sales professionals rush to present solutions, proposals, or pricing before fully understanding the client’s real challenges, goals, and needs. The result? Missed opportunities, weak relationships, and conversations that fail to create value. This interactive workshop will show participants how asking better questions leads to stronger client relationships, better-qualified opportunities, and more successful outcomes.
What you’ll learn:
• Ask strategic questions that uncover real client needs
• Diagnose problems before offering solutions
• Build trust and credibility through meaningful conversations
• Better qualify opportunities and avoid wasted effort
• Position their expertise more effectively with owners, contractors, and project partners
• Lead more productive and confident sales discussions
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Business Development Professionals, Project Managers, Estimators, anyone looking to enhance their customer relationship building skills
INSTRUCTOR
Robin Green, Owner/President, Ascend Performance, Inc., powered by Sandler
Robin works with companies in a variety of industries develop proven and reliable methodologies to grow revenue. Serving clients from across the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, he is a frequent speaker at industry events and trade organizations on the topics of sales, communication, and leadership topics.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Members — $67
Non-members — $97
Lunch provided
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made in writing by 5PM on August 3, 2026. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) are no longer available.
COURSE CONTACT
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 17, 2026
COMMUNICATING WITH IMPACT • LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:00AM – 1:00PM
What does it take to present key messages, capabilities, and more to gain credibility? Whether you are representing your company during a proposal presentation, a pre-bid meeting, or a site visit, how you plan and present impacts the entire company. Even our communications internally on our teams or in other meetings can impact perceptions of us as leaders and managers. In this workshop we will focus on how we communicate, save time and confusion, and present key messages for different audiences.
Our objectives will be to:
1. Understand how communications styles and behaviors impact how well we present.
2. Evaluate and learn how to communicate key messages and prepare for speaking.
3. Become more audience focused.
4. Plan for meetings, reporting, and engaging effectively.
This workshop will be very interactive with role plays and small group activities.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Project Engineers, Superintendents, PMs, Administrative Professionals, Finance & Accounting Staff, anyone looking to enhance their communication/presentation skills
INSTRUCTOR
Susan Long-Molnar, President, Managing Communications – Susan Long-Molnar is a regional consultant specializing in communications, marketing, and leadership strategy. With 11 years in corporate communications management roles at Sentara, Cox Communications, and USAA, she launched her firm in 2002. Utilizing her interactive and outcomes-oriented training approach, Susan helps businesses, non-profits, and government organizations grow through talent development and effective communication practices. A former teacher, she remains passionate about education and workforce development and serves on the Virginia Department of Education CTE Advisory Council. She also founded and hosts the Hampton Roads Regional Workforce CTE Forum and is the founder of the Southeast Virginia Women in Leadership Roundtable.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Members — $95
Non-members — $125
Lunch provided
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made in writing by 5PM on August 12, 2026. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) are no longer available.
COURSE CONTACT
Contact Kristen Altermatt
