All ABC Convention events will take place at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.
Tuesday, March 14
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. National Committee Meetings
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration Open
Wednesday, March 15
7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. National Board of Directors Registration
7 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Registration Open
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Construction Management Competition

The Construction Management Competition provides competing teams an opportunity to experience an actual project with unique characteristics and issues. Participating teams assemble a general contracting firm that represents their school and ABC student chapter in the competition.

Prior to arrival on site, the teams complete pre-work on a pricing and technical proposal, which will be the basis for a number of exercises and challenges presented throughout the day by the CMC Committee. At the end of the day’s competition, a short list of teams will be selected to move on to the next round in the competition. All convention attendees are invited and encouraged to stop by to see the teams at work during competition day.

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8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. National Board of Directors Meeting
Meeting includes industry and regional breakouts, member-to-member sessions and chapter presidents business meeting
12:15-1:45 p.m. Association Excellence Awards
*Separate ticketed event.
**Complimentary for board members, proxies and chapter presidents. Other attendees must register and purchase a ticket.

The Association Excellence Awards luncheon recognizes and celebrates chapter achievement in membership growth and retention, STEP participation and other major accomplishments for 2022.

*National board members, proxies and chapter presidents receive a complimentary ticket to this event, which is the official lunch for the national board meeting. Other convention attendees interested in attending this pre-convention event must purchase a ticket during the registration process.

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3:30-5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and Reception
Full convention, social and opening night celebration ticket holders only

Join us for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and 90 minutes of food, fun and networking with more than 50 exhibitors. Visit with the exhibitors and register for multiple giveaways throughout the hall. If you are an animal lover or missing your dog while you’re away from home, don’t miss the puppy playpen! Stop by and play with local shelter dogs, all available for adoption.

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5:30-7 p.m. Opening General Session

Jon Dorenbos suffered a devastating family tragedy in his childhood, but performing magic and playing pro football saved him, leading him to appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, as well as playing 14 NFL seasons. After a life-threatening heart condition, he developed a road map for finding happiness. Life Is Magic is his story about overcoming life-or-death challenges with grace, persistence and a childlike sense of wonder.

The Construction Workforce Award winners—the Craft Instructor, Craft Professional and Young Professional of the Year—will also be honored during the opening session. In addition, attendees will be introduced to the 2023 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors.

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7:15-9:30 p.m. Opening Night Celebration
Full convention, social and opening night celebration ticket holders only

Join us on the Coquina Lawn for a carnival-themed opening night celebration. Compete with other attendees for bragging rights while enjoying good old-fashioned food and fun!

Thursday, March 16
6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Registration Open
7-10 a.m. National Board of Directors Registration
8-10 a.m. National Board of Directors Meeting
8 a.m.-3 p.m. National Craft Championships/Exhibit Hall Open

ABC presents the National Craft Championships annually to highlight the achievements of the people who represent the future of the construction industry. Craft trainees and apprentices travel from across the country to demonstrate their superior skills, training and safe work practices and compete for top honors in their chosen craft. For training sponsors, employers and ABC chapters, the NCC demonstrates a staunch commitment to the career paths the construction industry offers.

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10:15-11 a.m.
All Hands on Tech: What’s New and What’s Next
Matthew Abeles, Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Associated Builders and Contractors; Jeff Sample, Industry Evangelist, Join; and Jay Snyder, President, Big Blue Innovations

Moderated by Christopher Durso, Editor-in-Chief, Construction Executive

Kick off Construction Executive’s first-ever “All Hands on Tech” showcase with a panel discussion that reviews the cutting-edge present and bleeding-edge future of construction technology. From straight talk about how companies of all sizes are putting contech to work at the office and in the field today, to a preview of the next generation of products and applications, our experts will offer practical, accessible solutions for working more safely, optimizing efficiencies and growing your business.

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10:15-11a.m. Show Me the Money (Supply)
Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist

Soft landing? Something harder? Whither inflation? This presentation will supply in-depth analysis of the major factors shaping economic outcomes, including central bank policymaking, worker attitudes, business confidence and geopolitics. It will then turn toward a forecast for the year to come, highlighting the major risks that economic stakeholders will likely encounter.

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11 a.m.-4 p.m. Viewing of the Construction Management Competition Presentations

The Construction Management Competition provides competing teams an opportunity to experience an actual project with unique characteristics and issues. Participating teams assemble a general contracting firm that represents their school and ABC student chapter in the competition.

Prior to arrival on site, the teams complete pre-work on a pricing and technical proposal, which will be the basis for a number of exercises and challenges presented throughout the day by the CMC Committee. At the end of the day’s competition, a short list of teams will be selected to move on to the next round in the competition. All convention attendees are invited and encouraged to stop by to see the teams at work during competition day. Check the ABC Events App to find out when your favorite team is on deck to make their presentation.

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11:15 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Lessons Learned From the Past Election Cycle
Kristen Swearingen, Vice President. Legislative and Political Affairs; Melanie Pfeiffenberger, Director of Political Affairs; Vance Walter, Director of Legislative and Political Affairs

Join a group of political experts for a look back at the last election cycle to evaluate what went well for merit shop contractors and what did not. If we could do it all over again, would we campaign or spend differently? And what did we learn that will help prepare for the 2024 presidential election?

11:15 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Navigating Unchartered Waters: A Look at the Economy, Increased Regulatory Requirements and Other Risks to Contractors
Jack Callahan, CPA
Partner, Construction Industry Leader, CohnReznick

The past three years have certainly been unprecedented. Not surprisingly, the results are uneven, with certain segments and contractors doing very well while others struggle with consistent backlog and reliable workflow. As we begin 2023, the construction industry as a whole is seeing the largest backlog ever recorded. As advocacy groups continue to report, governmental agencies have increased funding, and the commitment is to award larger work programs than ever.

This session will focus on the 2023 outlook from a funding, regulatory and delivery perspective for contractors as well as navigating the current economic climate, impending recession and inflationary risks.

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11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
STEP by STEP: Demystifying the Value of ABC’s Safety Management Program
Mary Glover, Safety Officer, GLB Concrete Construction; Thomas “Murph” Murphy, Vice President of Aggregates Division, Power & Construction Group; Stephanie Schmidt, President, Poole Anderson Construction
Moderated by Frank Trujillo, Vice President, Safety, Miller and Long

Is STEP an awards program, a benchmarking tool or both? Discover how participating contractors have used the STEP self-assessment to identify continuous improvements and innovations for health and safety programs that position them as top contractors in their markets. If you are confused about STEP and the value it delivers to your management team, your employees and your clients and/or you serve on an ABC chapter board, this is a “must-attend” session.

12 p.m.-3 p.m. Viewing of the National Craft Championships and Lunch
5:30-10 p.m. Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala*
*Separate ticketed event

The 33rd Annual National Excellence in Construction Awards Gala celebrates the best in merit shop construction, honoring the most outstanding construction projects and contractors of the year for their remarkable achievements in leadership, safety, innovation and inclusion, diversity and equity.

Friday, March 17
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Registration Open
8:30-9:45 a.m. Top Performers Breakfast
Invitation only
10-11 a.m. Morning Keynote Session With Stephen M.R. Covey
Open to full convention attendees only

Build Trust and Inspire Your Team

Covey explores why sweeping changes in the world are forcing leaders to move from the traditional “command and control” leadership style to a “trust and inspire” solution focused on releasing—rather than containing—the potential in each of us. Based on the new book, Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others, Covey will explore five beliefs that transform how leaders think and behave.

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Washington Update: Regulations and Policies Impacting Merit Shop Construction
Ben Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs; Karen Livingston, Sr. Director of Policy, Government Affairs, ABC National

Get the latest updates on legislation, regulations and federal and state policies affecting your construction business. Hear from ABC National staff and industry experts about how new regulations from the Biden administration on project labor agreements, the Davis-Bacon Act, independent contractors, joint employer, and registered apprenticeships will impact public and private construction projects. Learn how the results of the November elections will shape the Biden administration and congressional regulatory and legislative agenda leading up to the 2024 presidential elections.

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Building the Bench: Taking a Creative and Inclusive Approach to Workforce Development
Panelists: Fred McManus, Chief Operating Officer, Brown & Root Industrial Services; Annie Mecias-Murphy, President and Co-Owner, JA&M Developing LLC; Ryan Odendahl, President, Kwest Group; Sabra Phillips, Director of Talent Development, MAREK
Moderated by Greg Sizemore, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development, Associated Builders and Contractors

Contractors are deploying a variety of recruitment strategies to address an increasing workforce shortage. Learn how contractors have partnered with communities and tapped into unique populations to create a win-win for their communities, companies and the workforce.

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11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
What Does It Take To Be an Employer of Choice?
Panelists: Camden Johnson, Construction Management Student, University of Northern Iowa; Kennedy Kramek, Construction Management Student, Michigan State University; Zach Wynstra, Construction Management Student, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Moderated by Gretchen Bockenhauer, Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Construction Management, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Millennials are the largest workforce in U.S. history and are playing crucial roles in the modern workplace. What does this generation looking for in an employer and what will make them stay? Learn how to make your company stand out from the rest from a group of college students ready to enter the workforce and young professionals already employed in the construction industry.

12:15-1:45 p.m. ABC Convention 2023 Closing Luncheon
Open to full convention and social ticket holders only

Think Differently Presented by Duncan Wardle

Wardle shares insights from his time as head of innovation & creativity at Disney, providing a unique set of innovation tools and techniques that everyone can use to think differently.

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5-7 p.m. Careers in Construction Awards

Watch dreams come true at the Careers in Construction Awards ceremony, where the winners of the Construction Management Competition and National Craft Championships take center stage for a celebration you won’t soon forget. Honor the best in merit shop construction during this patriotic-themed event.

7:15-10 p.m. Closing Night Celebration
Full convention, social and closing night celebration ticket holders only

Kick off your shoes, get footloose and travel back in time for an epic 80s-themed party. Come dressed for the part! Whether you are sporting ripped jeans, neon, legwarmers or big hair and a pretty-in-pink dress and scrunchie, this closing night celebration will be totally rad and a night to remember.