by Katie Gregg | Apr 8, 2026
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: IT’S THE CATALINA WINE MIXER!
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 5:30PM – 8:00PM
Step into a perfect blend of business and leisure at ABC-VA’s Young Professionals networking event – It’s the Catalina Wine Mixer – hosted at the beautiful The Winery at Bull Run. Set against rolling vineyards and historic grounds, this event offers a relaxed atmosphere to connect with fellow industry professionals while enjoying one of Northern Virginia’s premier winery experiences.
Guests will take part in a guided wine tasting, exploring a curated selection of locally crafted wines while learning from knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just along for the experience, it’s the perfect way to unwind and spark conversation.
Beyond the tasting, the evening keeps things light and social with playful games of cornhole, creating opportunities for friendly competition and easy networking. Connect with peers, build relationships, and enjoy a laid-back setting that blends industry connection with a bit of fun.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where great wine, great people, and great conversations come together – because at ABC-VA, networking should be just as enjoyable as it is impactful.
Please note: this event is for Young Professionals (40 & under)
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Event Sponsor $250 – includes one (1) registration, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
SPONSORS – THANK YOU!
LOCATION
The Winery at Bull Run
15950 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA 20120
COST
ABC-VA Young Professionals — $85
Non-Members — $100
Includes guided wine tasting, heavy apps & 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 | Apr 1, 2026
MANAGING CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE • LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Turn Workplace Conflict into Productivity: Master Communication That Works. Workplace conflict drains productivity, morale, and retention. Learn how to turn it into better communication, stronger teams, and real results. Expect a highly interactive workshop with real-world scenarios, role play practice, feedback and skill-building.
Key Takeaways
• Types and causes of conflict
• Your conflict management style—and its impact
• Communication skills that improve outcomes
• Managing conflict across generations
• Practical ways to prevent and resolve conflict
Boost productivity, retain employees, and strengthen teams. Limited space – register now!
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 May 13, 2026. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) are no longer available.
COURSE CONTACT
Contact Kristen Altermatt
![Young Professionals: Built in NoVA — Data Centers & the Workforce Behind the Boom [Panel & Networking] 4/28 NV](https://www.abcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NV-YP-Data-CentersWorkforceAPR28z-1080x675.jpg)
by Katie Gregg | Mar 25, 2026
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Built in NoVA — Data Centers & the Workforce Behind the Boom [PANEL & NETWORKING]
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 4:30PM – 7:00PM
Data centers are driving unprecedented growth across our region and the nation – fueling everything from cloud computing and AI to the digital infrastructure we rely on every day. As demand accelerates, so does the need for skilled labor to design, build, and maintain these complex facilities.
At the same time, the construction industry continues to face a critical workforce shortage, creating both challenges and opportunities for the next generation of professionals.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring industry leaders who are at the forefront of the data center boom. We’ll explore how rapid growth is reshaping the construction landscape, what the labor shortage means for project delivery and innovation, and how young professionals can position themselves for success in this evolving market.
The program will include a moderated discussion followed by an interactive Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and connect with peers navigating similar career paths. After the panel, head over to Honor Brewing next door to ABC-VA Dulles for fun networking over drinks and appetizers!
PANELISTS
Kylie Brewis, Construction Trade Account Manager | Aerotek | Moderator
Matt Hopke, President | William B. Hopke Co., Inc. | Panelist
Collin McShane, Senior Project Manager, Mission Critical | E.E. Reed East Coast | Panelist
Mike Veltri, Field Recruiting Manager Engineering & Construction | M.C. Dean, Inc. | Panelist
Anna Carter, Senior Project Manager | HITT Contracting | Panelist
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Commitments needed by April 16 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 | Mar 18, 2026
ALL HANDS ON DECK — BUILDING A CULTURE THAT NAVIGATES CONFLICT TOGETHER
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 8:30AM – 10:30AM
Strong teams don’t avoid conflict—they learn how to work through it. Using powerful nautical stories, including the contrast between the ill-fated HMS Bounty and Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition, this interactive session explores how teams succeed when communication, trust, and shared responsibility are in place.
Participants will be introduced to the Four Winds of a Unified Culture (Shared Purpose • Mutual Respect • Clear Expectations • Collective Accountability) and how these principles support healthier conversations and stronger teamwork.
What you’ll gain:
• Practical tools for handling workplace conflict with confidence
• Strategies for improving communication and team alignment
• A better understanding of your own team’s culture
• Takeaways you can apply immediately on the job
Who should attend:
Young professionals and team members looking to build stronger working relationships, communicate more effectively, and contribute to a positive, collaborative workplace.
INSTRUCTOR
Jim Davis, Speaker, Trainer, Facilitator – For over 25 years, Jim Davis has been developing leaders in the environments where America’s real work gets done – manufacturing plants, shipyards, construction sites, and government facilities. His approach is different because his audience is different. No corporate buzzwords. No flavor-of-the-month theories. Just timeless leadership principles delivered in language that frontline supervisors and emerging leaders actually understand and can apply immediately.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility
530 Independence Parkway, Suite 500, Chesapeake, VA 23320
COST
Members — $95
Non-members — $125
Breakfast provided
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) are no longer available.
COURSE CONTACT
Contact Meredith Strahan
