by Jessica Gillette | Apr 24, 2025
FRAME IT RIGHT: UNDERSTANDING COLD-FORMED STEEL FOR GCs, CONTRACTORS & FRAMERS
Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Unlock the secrets of cold-formed steel framing! This program equips contractors, subcontractors, and estimators with the knowledge to design, build, and bid projects with confidence. Get the inside track on engineering essentials, framing details, and best practices to ensure successful projects every time. Lunch provided.
Understanding cold-formed steel is important in construction because it helps ensure:
Structural integrity: Proper design and construction prevent collapses and safety issues.
Project success: Accurate planning and execution reduce errors, delays, and cost overruns.
Compliance: Knowledge of cold-formed steel framing ensures adherence to building codes and regulations.
Key Takeaways
• Understanding design and constructability: Learn how to ensure successful projects by understanding cold-formed steel framing design and construction aspects.
• Importance of engineering: Recognize the need for engineering expertise in cold-formed steel framing projects.
• Practical knowledge for estimators: Gain insights on what estimators need to be aware of when working with cold-formed steel framing, enabling more accurate bids and project planning.
SPEAKER
Jeff Klaiman, PE, Principal, ADTEK Engineering and representing MASFA (Mid-Atlantic Steel Framing Alliance)
Mr. Klaiman leads ADTEK’s structural engineering and specialty engineering practices. With over 30 years of experience and national recognition as an expert in the design and construction of cold-formed steel framing, he conducts seminars to educate and promote the design, inspection, development, and most efficient use of cold-formed steel framing.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Northern VA Training Facility
42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
COST
Member & Non-Members – $25
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 48 hours in advance.
Questions?
Contact Jenny Tashjian
by Jessica Gillette | Apr 22, 2025
LAND & EXPAND – FROM TRANSACTIONS TO RELATIONSHIPS: THE ART OF LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Winning the job is just the beginning — real success comes from growing the relationship. Too many contractors leave money on the table by failing to expand their business with existing clients. In this session, we’ll explore how to LAND and EXPAND: increasing wallet share, introducing your full range of services, and uncovering new opportunities. Whether you’re in HVAC, electrical, or general contracting, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to turn one-time customers into long-term, high-value partners.
Who should attend: Anyone in business development or client-facing roles
SPEAKER
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 – $55
Non-Members – $85
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Apr 22, 2025
HARNESSING THE POWER OF A.I. IN DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION
Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Join us for an exciting workshop where we’ll explore the game-changing potential of Generative AI in the design and construction industry.
Discover how this cutting-edge technology can:
• Rapidly generate multiple design scenarios and realistic renderings in minutes
• Streamline collaboration between architects, engineers, planners, and clients
• Unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity in the planning and design process
Our expert team at Woolpert will share real-world applications, case studies and insights on how AI is transforming the industry. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the tools, capabilities, and future trends that will take your projects to the next level.
Key Takeaways:
• Practical applications of Generative AI in design and construction
• Strategies for effective collaboration and communication with clients and stakeholders
• Insights into the future of AI in the industry and how to stay ahead of the curve
Who should attend: Anyone in the development and construction industry looking to stay ahead of the curve and unlock new possibilities in design and construction.
SPEAKERS
Luis Ajamil, Principal, Woolpert – Mr. Ajamil is a Principal at Bermello Ajamil, a Woolpert Company, where he leads multidisciplinary design projects globally. With expertise in planning and engineering, he has developed innovative solutions for maritime, municipal, and transportation clients. As a recognized expert in the maritime field, Mr. Ajamil shares his insights as a keynote speaker and panelist at conferences worldwide.
Ivan Perez, Full-Stack Developer, Woolpert – Ivan Perez has over six years of experience in software engineering with a specialization in AI research and development. His expertise encompasses developing and maintaining AI-driven software systems that enhance project delivery capabilities. Responsibilities have included designing, developing and implementing AI solutions that streamline design workflows. He excels in integrating AI technologies into project management frameworks to enhance data-driven decision-making. He collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to develop robust AI software, ensuring its scalability, performance and security.
LOCATION
Hourigan
4429 Bonney Road, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
COST
Members – $67
Non-Members – $97
Questions?
Contact Jamie Carrow
by Jessica Gillette | Apr 10, 2025
FACILITATING MEANINGFUL STRATEGIC MEETINGS with JAMIE VANEK
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 11:30AM – 1:00PM
What exactly are strategic meetings and why do they matter? If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling frustrated, bored, or like it was a waste of time, you’re not alone. Facilitating meetings isn’t just a dull requirement of managers, it’s a necessity to move the organization, team or project forward. The problem is that many people don’t know how to make these meetings more meaningful, engaging, and results driven.
In this session we’ll cover the definition and benefits of strategic meetings as well as the playbook for leading effective meetings.
In this session you will learn:
• What is strategy and why does it matter?
• Keys to successful meetings
• Facilitation techniques
• The three most important questions to ask before having a meeting
This session is for anyone who has to lead meetings for organizations, teams or projects, Supervisors, Project Managers, Office Managers, Executives
SPEAKER
Jamie Vanek, President, Etolin Strait Development Group – Jamie Vanek made the unexpected career leap from teaching to construction in 2007 and discovered a passion for project management and team leadership. After diving deep into the federal contracting industry through construction, Jamie has led projects and teams across the country in support of many federal agencies including NAVFAC, USACE, FBI, NIWC, Coast Guard. Department of Veteran Affairs, and Air Force. Jamie is currently President of Etolin Strait Development Group, an Alaska Native 8(a) Company, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, and executing contracts from Washington DC to Georgia.
As a female leader in the construction industry, author, TEDx speaker, and facilitator, Jamie has been featured in Construction Business Owner, Construction Executive, ThriveGlobal, and other digital publications about leading in the construction industry. Visit Jamie’s website to learn more | Watch Jamie’s TEDx Talk!
LOCATION
ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility
530 Independence Parkway, Suite 500, Chesapeake, VA 23320
COST
Members – $67
Non-Members – $97
Lunch provided
Questions?
Contact Jamie Carrow
by Jessica Gillette | Apr 2, 2025
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: ONE HOUR BEFORE BID KNOWLEDGE & NETWORKING MIXER
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 3:00PM – 6:00PM
One Hour Before Bid emphasizes the most important part of the hard bid process – the last hour! Invite a co-worker or two and join us @ Great American Ranch – Midlothian for a very interactive, hands-on and engaging workshop that is complemented with a discussion of relevant problems during this hour. The workshop will end with attendees forming teams and preparing an actual bid.
Networking will follow the end of the workshop with light apps and drinks. The workshop begins promptly at 3:00PM and will end at approximately 5:00PM, followed by networking until the end of event.
Non-members welcome! Please note: this event is for Young Professionals (40 & under).
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Event Sponsor $500 – includes two (2) registrations, large signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
Dinner Sponsor $300– includes one (1) registration, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
Bar Sponsor $300 – includes one (1) registration, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
LOCATION
Great American Ranch
13995 Raised Antler Circle, Midlothian, VA 23112
COST
Member – $70
Non-Member – $120
Includes light apps and drinks
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATIONS POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of event.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
