Agenda

Construction Estimating 101: Preparing for Key Roles in Project Management

Speaker: Ben Ashburn, Procore Technologies

Accurate construction estimating is essential for the success and profitability of any project. This educational session will delve into the fundamental skills required for precise estimating, which significantly impacts bidding, budgeting, and overall project management. Students will learn practical skills in construction estimating and be well-equipped to contribute to the success of future construction projects.

Building the Future: Harnessing Technology in Construction Practices

Speaker: Dr. Irish Horsey, Procore Technologies and Kevin Molloy, Procore Technologies.

As technology rapidly advances, the construction industry is increasingly integrating VR/AR, AI, drones, BIM, and other technological applications. Understanding these technologies is crucial for future construction professionals. This educational session will showcase how these cutting-edge technologies are applied in construction and prepare students for modern construction practices. By mastering these tools, students will be ready to lead and innovate in the evolving landscape of construction.

Speaker: Alex Willis, Founder & CEO, Leadership Surge

To learn more about HCSS, click here.

Building Psychological Safety and Belonging in Construction

Speaker: Alex Willis, Leadership Surge

In the dynamic environment of the construction industry, fostering psychological safety and a sense of belonging is crucial for team success and individual well-being. This session will highlight the importance of psychological safety and provide practical steps to cultivate it within construction teams. Students will explore the foundational elements of psychological safety, including trust and mutual respect, and understand how these elements impact team dynamics, innovation, and overall performance. Through interactive activities and discussions, attendees will learn strategies to promote open communication, inclusivity, and a culture of belonging.

Abstract: This General Session at AGC of California’s CONSTRUCT conference will kick off with a presentation by FMI Corp., who will delve into an economic and state of the industry presentation. Their insights will set the stage for an in-depth panel discussion focused on the power of effective partnerships.

Our panel features Ray Hopkins, Chief of the Division of Construction at Caltrans and Julie Owen, Senior Executive Officer of Project Management Oversight at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Together, they will explore how agencies can benefit from robust partnerships with the construction industry, emphasizing the tangible outcomes achieved when engagement and buy-in with the collective industry are prioritized.

This session is an excellent opportunity to learn about the strategies that lead to successful collaborations, ultimately driving industry-wide advancements and delivering better project results.

Meet the AGC of California State Board Officers

Speakers: Dina Kimble, Royal Electric; Steve Rule, Turner Construction; Pat Kelly, Granite Construction

This panel discussion is a rare opportunity to hear directly from AGC State Board Officers about key strategies and insights in the construction industry! Learn about their career journeys, lessons learned, and how their active involvement with AGC has been beneficial.

Sites Reservoir Project | Speakers: JP Robinette | Director, Engineering and Construction, Sites Project Authority and Jeff Kivett | Vice President, Brown and Caldwell, Sites Reservoir Project Representative
Los Angeles County Sanitation | Speaker: Mike Tatalovich | Assistant Departmental Engineer of the Engineering Department

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) | Speaker: Krisztina A. Tokes | Chief Facilities Executive
California State University, Long Beach | Speaker: Monica Amalfitano | Director of Design and Construction Services

Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Authority (Caltrain) | Speaker: Rob Barnard | Chief of Rail Design and Construction
Metrolink | Speaker:  Andrew Althorp | Director of Construction

Oakland International Airport (OAK) | Speaker: Joan Zatopek | Aviation Planning and Development Manager
Ontario International Airport (ONT) | Speaker: Keith Owens | Director of Project Management
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) | Speaker: Emery Molnar, Deputy Executive Director

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) | Speaker: Jim Beil | Executive Director
Caltrans District 8 | Speaker: Christy Connors | Deputy District Director

Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) | Speaker: Peggy Quijada
Riverside Community College District (RCCD) | Speaker: Hussain Agah | Associate Vice Chancellor
Fresno Unified School District | Speaker: Alex Belanger | Chief Executive Operational

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) | Speaker: Stephanie Gunawan-Piraner | Director, Engineering & Maintenance
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) | Speaker: Nikki Gomez | Aviation Planner
Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT) | Speaker: Cristal De La Torre| Projects Administrator

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) | Speaker: Julie Owen, Senior Executive Officer | Project Management Oversight
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) | Speaker: Jim Beil | Executive Director
San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission | Speaker: Autumn Gowan | Procurement & Contracts Manager & Laurence Farell | Director, Capital Projects

The Toll Roads (Transportation Corridor Agencies) | Speaker: Stephanie Blanco | Chief Capital Programs Officer
Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) | Speaker: John Tarascio | Senior Capital Projects Manager
Sound Transit | Speaker: Brad Owen | Executive Director, Capital Delivery

Abstract: Construction has changed beyond recognition over the last decade. An industry with a technology laggard reputation is now embracing connected construction as its future. Connected Construction is connecting all parts of a construction project – people, processes, and data through digital tools.

Our session will explore the next five years of connected construction and if it really can overcome longstanding industry challenges. From improved collaboration and workflow efficiencies to enhanced safety and sustainability, we will delve into the pivotal role connected construction plays in advancing the industry. Through real-world case studies, discover how Autodesk’s customers are using innovative solutions to bridge gaps and build a more interconnected and resilient future for the world of construction.

Discover how collaborative contracting and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) are driving sustainable and cost-effective construction practices. Experts from Granite Construction and Flatiron Construction will share practical methods and case studies, including their experiences with the Envision framework for sustainable infrastructure. Learn how early contractor involvement and innovative approaches can optimize project planning, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver better outcomes. This session offers valuable insights into integrating these tools and strategies into your projects to meet today’s environmental and economic demands.

Objective:
To explore the latest technological advancements in sustainable construction, highlighting practical applications, benefits, challenges, and the impact of policy and legislation.

As our industry faces unprecedented challenges in recruitment and retention, it’s time to think outside the box. This interactive session combines current data with industry insights to explore creative solutions. Join us for a guided discussion on building and strengthening the workforce of today and tomorrow.

Abstract: With the global drive towards sustainability and net-zero targets, the construction industry is seen to play a pivotal role in achieving environmental goals. While significant strides have been made, the inherently wasteful nature of construction poses unique challenges alongside existing issues in supply chains, tight margins, and workforce dynamics.

We’ll share how contractors and subcontractors integrate sustainable practices into their operations, from resource-efficient planning to waste reduction. We’ll showcase how our innovative approaches not only enhance environmental responsibility but also drive cost savings and efficiency, and through compelling case studies, explore how contractors and subcontractors are leading the shift towards sustainable construction.

Abstract: Construction technology can improve a lot of things – safer job sites, better drivers, more optimized machines, improved bottom line. Contractors adopting construction tech are looking for measurable improvements in equipment management efficiencies, communication between field and shop, fleet operations and more. What many organizations fail to realize is that change is never siloed. Simply what tech can do isn’t enough to see real gains if not aligned with the people using the tech and the processes they follow. These three elements (people, process, and technology) must work in harmony to achieve real value with technology. During this panel discussion, we’ll hear from California construction leaders who have successfully navigated these elements internally, including their uses cases, suggestions for alignment, tips for successful tech implementation, as well as mistakes made or challenges to expect along the way.

Abstract: As efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability challenges loom large in the construction industry, AI emerges as a potential game-changer. But how realistic are these promises, and is the industry ready to embrace such transformation?

This session will examine the current and future roles of AI in construction and their potential to optimize workflows, improve accuracy, and mitigate risks. With construction case studies featuring examples such as large language models, predictive analytics, and generative design capabilities, we’ll demonstrate how the tech sector is aiding the construction industry to navigate challenges and catalyze progress. We’ll also outline actionable steps you can take towards achieving a more AI-integrated future in construction.

Abstract: Election predictions, political analysis, incoming laws and regulations… join this dynamic panel of national and statewide political influencers as they discuss developments most relevant to our industry, and share their predictions of the upcoming election.

AGC of California Presidents Meet & Greet

Speaker: Steve Rule, Turner Construction

Join the current AGC of California President, Steve Rule, for an informal meet & greet to build relationships and network. Current AGC Student Chapter presidents and vice presidents only.