Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions 1 | 9:25 AM - 10:20 AM

1.1 Breaking Out of the Shoe Circle

Description	Instructors	Location
Engineers are brilliant problem-solvers, until the “problem” is small talk at a conference. This lively, interactive session helps technical professionals break out of their shells and confidently connect with others (without just staring at each other’s shoes!). Drawing on techniques from Start With No, Never Split the Difference, and Neuro Emotional Persuasion Questioning (NEPQ), participants will learn practical ways to start conversations, build rapport, and navigate client interactions with confidence. Through live, impromptu examples, attendees will see that communication with potential clients isn’t as intimidating as it seems, and can unlock new opportunities, stronger relationships, and lasting professional growth. Evaluation Form - Breaking Out of the Shoe Circle	Kevin Day, Kevin Lugo, and Blair Richardson	Goodman (ballroom level)

1.2 The Art of Effective Quality Assurance through Inspection

Description	Instructors	Location
This session will demonstrate the art of effective quality assurance and inspection. There are typically black and white lines set in the sand by our contract, however, quality assurance and inspection is more than just following a contract. In anticipation of what's coming, 'hang 10' to see what effective quality assurance and inspection can be. You'll be shown the importance of going beyond and the impact this can have on providing Better Project Outcomes, without adding much to your plate. Evaluation Form - The Art of Effective Quality Assurance through Inspections	Alex Angelides, Jonathan Badger, Shawn Greer, Maiwand Alyas, and Billy Rios	Calloway (ballroom level)

1.3 Data to Decisions - Power BI for Project Leaders

Description	Instructors	Location
This session demonstrates how project managers can harness the power of data visualization to elevate project performance and decision-making. Rather than a technical tutorial, this is a live showcase of how Power BI dashboards can transform project data into clear, actionable insights. Participants will see how dynamic visuals reveal progress, risks, and opportunities in real time, supporting smarter communication and strategic alignment. Aligned with the ABM theme of Riding the Next Wave, this session empowers project leaders to envision new ways to manage, report, and deliver results through data storytelling. Evaluation Form - Data to Decisions – Power BI for Project Leaders	Michael Boylan	Kaye (ballroom level)

1.4 Catching the Perfect Wave - The Flow of the Cx Process

Description	Instructors	Location
This presentation takes a practical look at the commissioning process, from early design review through functional testing and project turnover, showing how each step contributes to better project outcomes and lasting facility performance. Aligned with the theme “Riding the Next Wave,” it explores how project teams can adapt to evolving technologies, building efficiency goals, and performance standards. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how a structured, collaborative approach helps projects flow smoothly, enhances quality, reduces risk, and keeps teams ready to ride the next wave of innovation and continuous improvement. Evaluation Form - Catching the Perfect Wave – The Flow of the Cx Process	Savanah Dotson, Sean Lein, and Marika Whitlatch	Miller (ballroom level)

Breakout Sessions 2 | 10:30 AM – 11:25 AM

2.1 Integrating the Next Wave

Description	Instructors	Location
Many companies have found success in structured entry-level integration programs (ELIP) that improve retention and accelerate growth. Few companies build upon these principles with an ELIP designed to launch the next wave of talent with the tools, connections, and confidence to succeed in the multi-disciplinary environment of Construction Management. Through a deep dive in leadership development, cross-service exposure, team bonding, and alignment with parallel company initiatives like a Corporate University and a Lessons Learned Repository, participants gain the versatile skills and mindset for long-term success. Whether you're a participant, mentor, or fellow team member, a next level ELIP fosters valuable knowledge exchange and meaningful collaboration. Evaluation Form - Integrating the Next Wave	Ethan Boyd, Sierra Brooks, Jessica Fikac, Charles Hughes, Nick Robinson, and Theo Zamani	Goodman (ballroom level)

2.2 Smooth Sailing - LAP Project Success Stories

Description	Instructors	Location
How a Construction Management team found success on five different major Local Assistance Program (LAP) projects: Hanover County's Route 360 Widening, the city of Charlottesville's Belmont Bridge, the city of Portsmouth's Churchland Bridge, the city of Salem's Aperson Drive, and Roanoke County's Greenway Trail. Representatives that were on site during the construction will share their first hand experiences. They will discuss problems that were overcome and strategies that we all can use to find success on LAP and other projects. Evaluation Form - Smooth Sailing: LAP Project Success Stories	Doug Kisamore, Ryan Lesniak, Ted Surdel, Jacob Machner, Jeremy Ridenour, and Putney Smith	Calloway (ballroom level)

2.3 Risk Management - Ride the Wave of Uncertainty

Description	Instructors	Location
All projects have uncertainty, and you are managing it every day. Formal risk management provides a clear and structured approach that is easily scaled and tailored to fit any project. We will briefly cover the basic principles of risk and the risk management process. Join us for an interactive session to learn about tools that you can start implementing on your projects right away to help your team navigate the uncertain seas ahead and support informed decision-making. Hear about recent examples of successful risk management and get inspired to look into the horizon, manage project risks, and deliver better project outcomes. Evaluation Form - Risk Management - Ride the Wave of Uncertainty	Rachel Fleming and Brad Lowe	Kaye (ballroom level)

2.4 An Overview of Program Consulting and its Impact in the Industry!

Description	Instructors	Location
As the built environment continues to evolve and become more dynamic, owners desire guidance on how to make their design and construction practices more efficient and effective through the next wave of their capital programs. MBP is positioned to ride alongside “serial builders” and advise them on how to not only improve their operations but also on which performance areas can have the greatest impact on team member loyalty and work satisfaction. During this presentation, we will provide an overview of MBP’s program consulting services, including the Program Readiness Assessment (PRA) and how they can improve patient and project outcomes. Evaluation Form - An Overview of Program Consulting and its Impact in the Industry (Non-PDH).	Kevin Haynes and Michael Siburt	Miller (ballroom level)

Breakout Sessions 3 | 11:35 AM – 12:30 PM

3.1 Leading the Wave - Empowering through Leadership

Description	Instructors	Location
A moderated panel discussion featuring MBP team leaders sharing insights, experiences, and strategies on how intentional leadership within teams drives individual career growth and organizational excellence. The session will include real-world examples, interactive dialogue, and audience Q&A. Anchored in the ABM theme “Riding the Next Wave,” this panel will explore how leadership at every level can be a catalyst for career advancement and team success. Panelists will discuss leadership behaviors, collaborative practices, mentoring strategies, and alignment of personal and organizational goals. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion to engage attendees in applying these concepts within their own teams. Evaluation Form - Leading the Wave - Empowering through Leadership	Angie Oaks, Jason MacDonald, Joshua Hall, Tony Cortes, and Mike Kroskie	Goodman (ballroom level)

3.2 Differentiating through Measured Success

Description	Instructors	Location
For Construction Management as-Agent firms, true project value emerges when on-site field expertise and office-based analytical support work in tandem. Field teams capture critical project data and observations, while cost, schedule, and risk specialists analyze that information to generate leading indicators of project performance. These insights help guide owner decisions, improve project outcomes, and reduce risk. This session explores how collaboration between field and support functions converts routine project data into evidence of success, helping firms clearly communicate impact, improve project delivery, and create a foundation of data that differentiates services and supports future business opportunities. Evaluation Form - Differentiating through Measured Success	Justin Jacobsen, Rachel Fleming, Kim Forbes, Nicole Johnson	Calloway (ballroom level)

3.3 The AI Tide is Rising - Will You Sink, Swim, or Surf

Description	Instructors	Location
As technology continues to reshape how projects are delivered and how work gets done, AI is becoming the next wave in project management support. This session demonstrates how AI can function as an assistant for anyone. Working in building services? PRAC? A corporate role? There's a use-case for everything. Attendees will see how AI tools can record and transcribe meetings, generate reports, and produce insightful information with minimal setup. By showcasing real-world applications in our profession, this presentation helps harness AI to improve general administration, project execution, work product quality and analytics, and ride the next wave of innovation in our industry. Evaluation Form - The AI Tide is Rising: Will you Sink, Swim, or Surf?	Michael Boylan and Gary Lester	Kaye (ballroom level)

3.4 Unseen Stakeholders, Real Impact

Description	Instructors	Location
Effective financial practices in construction extend beyond budgets to include proactive engagement with community groups that are indirectly involved but directly impacted. As we ride the next wave of professional practice, this approach reflects an evolving commitment to integrating financial integrity with social awareness. Public concerns, access issues, and perception can lead to schedule delays, redesigns, or added costs if not managed early. Applying transparent communication, accurate documentation, and ethical decision-making builds trust and prevents financial risk. Recognizing community influence on project outcomes supports cost control, minimizes claims, and reinforces professional integrity—ensuring sustainable success in project delivery and lasting impact. Evaluation Form - Unseen Stakeholders, Real Impact	Michelle Stubenbordt and Daniel Smith	Miller (ballroom level)