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 20, 2025
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE WORKSHOP
**CANCELLED. An ABC-VA representative will reach out to any registered attendees.**
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Habits are powerful forces in our lives that determine our level of effectiveness or ineffectiveness. The purpose of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, based on principles detailed in Stephen Covey’s popular self-help book, is to help you lead your life in a truly effective way. They represent a proven process of personal and interpersonal growth that can have an immediate and lasting impact. Gain a personal plan of action to enhance your productivity and leadership skills.
Benefits of Attending:
Dr. Stephen R. Covey was a global leadership authority. His international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, was named one of the 10 most influential management books ever by Forbes magazine and is the bestselling audio book in history.
This two-day, intensive course will help you:
• Execute critical priorities with focus and planning
• End self-defeating behavior
• Develop strong relationships based on mutual trust
• Be prepared to deal with difficult circumstances before they happen
• Increase team engagement, morale and collaboration
• Create a highly effective culture based on core values
• Raise up the next leaders who model competence and character
Join ABC-VA for two days of interactive discussion on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Learn how to use the seven habits to strengthen both professional and personal development. This renowned class will leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to take on the world with a new perspective.
PRE-WORK REQUIRED: Attendees will be sent a 360-degree survey to send to supervisors, colleagues, industry peers, friends and the like. Register early to make sure you have plenty of time for your surveys to be completed!
“A class everyone (at every level) should complete. I took so much from this and work to apply it to my life every day!” -Juliane Faller, Senior Business Development Manager, Balfour Beatty US
• Recommended but not required reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• Information on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/
• Information on Dr. Stephen R. Covey and The 7 Habits: https://www.stephencovey.com/
INSTRUCTOR
Patrick Dean, President, ABC Virginia
LOCATION
ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility
530 Independence Parkway, Suite 500, Chesapeake, VA 23320
COST
Members: $575
Non-Members: $795
Includes light breakfast, lunch and course materials
REGISTRATION / CANCELLATION DEADLINE
November 11, 2025 by 5PM
Please note: a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by 5PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend.
COURSE CONTACT
Jamie Carrow
by Jessica Gillette | Aug 19, 2025
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: NETWORKING OR NOT WORKING? | WORKSHOP & MIXER
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Most business developers spend countless hours at happy hours, mixers, and industry events—but is all that networking actually working? Too often, people show up without a plan, fall into surface-level small talk, and walk away with a stack of business cards that lead nowhere.
In this session, we’ll break down the difference between effective networking and wasted time, focusing on engaging people with the right questions, telling stories that make you memorable, and avoiding getting stuck in dead-end conversations. You’ll also learn how to position yourself as a true connector—the kind of person others seek out for introductions and opportunities. And most importantly, we’ll cover why follow-up is where the real magic happens—because if you’re not turning handshakes into meaningful business relationships, you’re NOTworking.
Light appetizers and two (2) drink tickets provided (non-alcoholic options available). This event is for Young Professionals 40 & under.
SPEAKERS
Robin Green, Owner & President, Ascend Performance, Inc., powered by Sandler
Robin Green works with companies in a variety of industries and helps develop proven and reliable methodologies to grow revenue. Robin serves 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.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Commitments needed by September 15 COB
Event Sponsor $500 – includes two (2) registrations, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
Beverage Sponsor $300 – includes one (1) registration, signage at bar during event, logo/name on marketing materials
Select during registration or email Kristen Altermatt to register as a sponsor
LOCATION
Hardywood, West Creek
820 Sanctuary Trail, Richmond, VA 23238
COST (Members Only)
Young Professionals – $55
**Online registration will close at 6PM on Tuesday, September 16.**
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 | 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