2025 Agenda
Tentative Agenda is in Central Daylight Time (CDT) | General Session | HR Track | Workforce Track
Continuing education credits will be offered; more details to come!
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
AGC Employment Law & HR Compliance Workshop
Who Should Attend: HR professionals, legal/compliance teams, project managers, and construction industry leaders
Join us for a dynamic half-day workshop designed specifically for HR and compliance professionals in the construction industry. With employment laws evolving rapidly, this session delivers the insights and strategies you need to stay compliant, mitigate risk, and support your workforce effectively.
Workshop Highlights:
- Legal Update Presentation by top employment law attorneys
- Industry Panel Discussion featuring HR leaders from leading construction firms
- Interactive Roundtables on hot-button HR topics
- Networking and Q&A Opportunities throughout the session
What You’ll Gain:
- Expert Legal Insights: Get the latest updates on federal and state labor laws, wage and hour rules, union-related developments, DEI, immigration, and enforcement trends.
- Real-World Strategies: Hear directly from HR leaders in construction on how they are adapting policies, managing audits, and leveraging technology to stay compliant.
- Collaborative Learning: Participate in interactive roundtables on topics like multistate compliance, mental health in the field, and supervisor training.
- Actionable Resources: Leave with practical tools and guidance to implement immediately.
Register now to secure your spot and empower your team with the knowledge to navigate today’s complex legal landscape.
Separate registration required
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Breakfast
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Opening Session
Presented by: Jaime Andress, Caddell Construction Co.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session
Gen Z is ghosting the construction industry. They are harder to recruit than past generations—and even tougher to keep. You cannot bid on big contracts if you do not have the workforce to deliver. This no-fluff, fast-paced session reveals The 6 Essentials that actually work to attract, engage, and retain younger workers. Based on real-world success—not theory—you will leave with practical strategies you can start using before the next crew clocks in.
Presented by: Haydn Shaw, CSP, People Driven Results
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
9:50 AM – 10:45 AM
Breakout Sessions
Learn how Burns and McDonnell are leveraging employee assessments to support career development for their craft personnel. The session will include details of how assessments support individual career growth and the importance of aligning employee aspirations with organizational goals. The team of Burns & McDonnell will also outline how they create personalized development plans based on assessment results. And they will cover how they use their Short Service Worker program, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job-training to develop the ideal workforce.
Presented by: Chad Whetro, Burns & McDonnell Constructors
William Fuller, Burns & McDonnell Constructors
You would not show up to a jobsite without the right tools—so why manage Gen Z without the ones that actually work? This hands-on session gives you three power tools to reduce Gen Z turnover. One is so effective it is now part of the U.S. Navy’s leadership manual for officers at sea. These tools reinforce three of the 6 Essentials from the morning session and are built for real-world use—not HR theory. If you are ready to stop the revolving door and start building a crew that sticks, this is your blueprint.
Presented by: Haydn Shaw, CSP, People Driven Results
The construction industry is facing a hiring and retention crisis and traditional recruiting tactics aren’t enough to solve it. This session will explore how intentional career development pathing can become a powerful tool for attracting and keeping top talent. Learn how to build an internal university of resources tailored to your workforce, and design career frameworks that align with those resources to create clear, role-specific growth opportunities. We’ll examine the measurable ROI of workforce roadmaps and share how Gray Construction is putting these strategies into action today and where we’re headed next.
Presented by: Stephen Hunt, Gray Construction
The year 2025 has ushered in a transformative era in employment law, marked by a new Presidential administration that is reshaping the federal enforcement landscape. This presentation will delve into the substantial changes that have emerged, focusing on the implications for construction employers. With a keen eye on recent court rulings and evolving regulations, we will explore the dynamic environment surrounding employee pay, safety and health standards, discrimination, and harassment.
Presented by: Stephen E. Irving, Peckar & Abramson
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
11:05 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Participate in a collaborative, facilitated conversation designed to share existing, and craft new strategies for retaining existing craft and salaried workers. Learn from colleagues around the country about what they are doing to improve workforce retention and share what you are doing that works. You and your colleagues will also spend time developing new workforce retention solutions. We will capture the contents of the conversation and share with all participants and AGC members afterwards.
Facilitator: Haydn Shaw, CSP, People Driven Results
AGC of Wyoming has been playing the long game on Workforce Development. Statewide efforts have been in kindergarten classrooms, all the way to the University Construction Management. Their efforts are led by our contractor members. They actively raise funds, plan initiatives and events, interface with teachers, and testify to the legislature on Workforce issues and the need for adequate CTE funding.
Presented by: Ivan Alvstad, 71 Construction
Dan Benford, AGC of Wyoming
Kenny McKillop, DRM, Inc.
Serena Tays, S&S Builders, LLC
This session will begin with a primer on what has changed – and what hasn’t – in a post-covid world. Medical trend cost pressures and mitigating tools will be covered in depth and the session will then pivot to the unique risks/cost exposure caused by the GLP-1 anti-obesity medications (AOM’s) for contractors, and how to evaluate and manage these exposures. We will then address what employers can (must) take to manage this exposure. This will include a detailed review of the areas HR leaders should include in their evaluation for future coverage consideration (i.e. fully insured/self-insured, captive, employee turnover, etc.). With these tools, the attendee will be in a better position to make informed, data driven decisions about these complicated drugs – and continue to evaluate as the cost/benefit ration shifts in coming years.
Presented by: Dr. Andrea Jones, Lockton Companies
Chris Williams, Lockton Dunning Benefits
Explore how J.F. Brennan Company bridges the gap between HR and Marketing to create a cohesive brand that resonates with both employees and clients. This session delves into strategies for aligning internal culture with external messaging, showcasing how a unified approach can enhance employee engagement, attract top talent, and strengthen client relationships. Attendees will gain insights into practical applications such as collaborative onboarding experiences, employee-driven content, and branded storytelling that bring company culture to life.
Presented by: Janelle Pogodzinski, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
Kimberly Walters, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch & Presentation
1:15 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions
Building Pathways is addressing workforce gaps by introducing underrepresented young adults to meaningful careers in the construction industry—often illuminating paths they did not know existed. This session will explore how the program combines hands-on training, career mapping, and individualized coaching to help participants identify their strengths and align them with real industry opportunities. With strong employer partnerships and a mission-driven approach, Building Pathways is not only preparing the next generation of skilled workers but also building long-term retention through purpose-driven engagement.
Presented by: Shanna Saldaña, Building Pathways
Chris Hicks, Building Pathways
Troy Snoddy, Post L Construction
This session explores trust-building as an essential—but often overlooked—leadership skill that needs to be developed to complement strong technical skills. Many frontline supervisors and new managers struggle with how to build trust without being perceived as weak, or how to set boundaries without coming across as distant. Cultural norms, generational expectations, and lack of role models can all make it more difficult to know how to lead relationally, especially in diverse or multilingual crews. Through practical tools and real-world construction examples, participants will learn how to shift from compliance-based supervision to commitment-based leadership. They will examine the specific behaviors that cultivate trust—such as transparency, consistency, and respectful communication—and how these behaviors reduce conflict, increase accountability, and foster safer, more productive teams.
Presented by: Dr. Alejandra Mielke, Alejandra Mielke, PhD Coaching & Consulting, LLC
With construction evolving in ways both beneficial and challenging, the importance of attracting top talent persists with compensation continuing to play a key role in attracting and retaining employees. Pay practices across construction are being affected by workforce challenges, financial limitations, and diverging expectations about industry expansion or decline. What seems simple, gets complicated fast as growth or stagnation varies by construction sector and by job family. This session will explore pay research, trends, behaviors, practices, and discrepancies between forecasts and real-world outcomes, all having significant impact on 2026 pay activity.
Presented by: Jeff Robinson, PAS, Inc.
This presentation will provide a practical overview of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) as it applies to the construction industry. Designed for both union and non-union contractors, critical concepts will be covered including protected concerted activity, discussion of wages and working conditions, the role and implications of project labor agreements (PLAs), and the lawful use of reserved gate systems on job sites.
This session also will explore the top ten HR insights gained through recent collective bargaining experiences, with a focus on practical strategies and lessons learned. Drawing from real-world negotiations, the presentation will highlight key takeaways in areas such as improving training programs, strengthening recruitment initiatives, effectively administering mandatory sick leave, and addressing complaint investigations with consistency and compliance.
Presented by: Tami Culkar, Fisher & Phillips LLP
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Networking Break
2:30 PM – 3:25 PM
Breakout Sessions
Local AGC HR committees are on the front lines of shaping construction workforce development—connecting employers, educators, and communities to build sustainable talent pipelines. This panel will spotlight best practices from high-performing HR chapters across the country, with chapter presidents and committee members sharing practical insights on how they have mobilized stakeholders, launched impactful initiatives, and tackled local workforce challenges.
Attendees will walk away with proven strategies they can adapt in their own markets, along with ideas and materials for committee structure, outreach tactics, and program development. Whether your chapter has a longstanding HR committee or is just getting started, this session offers a playbook for action—and inspiration.
Presented by: Carrie Gardenhire, Arcoro
Shelby McEntire, Skiles Group
Sarah Rathborne, Rogers O’Brien Construction
Moderated by: Meloni Raney, TEXO Association
Join this facilitated conversation session to share details of what your firms are doing right when it comes to crafting effective internship programs. In addition, be ready to help craft new ideas for creating internship programs that expose future workers to the many career opportunities, rewards, and challenges of working in the industry. This is an everyone-participates session, so come ready to contribute.
Presented by: Anthony Alleman, Pepper Construction
Justin Shields, Mass Excavation
With immigration enforcement making headlines and new enforcement efforts underway, Human Resources leaders in the construction industry must be ready to adapt quickly. This session delivers a timely briefing on the current state of immigration policy, including the most significant policy and regulatory shifts, and enforcement priorities of the Administration. Attendees will gain practical strategies to ensure compliance with evolving immigration regulations and risk mitigation approaches by hearing first hand from a contractor that recently experienced a highly publicized immigration enforcement action. The perspective of an immigration law expert and a contractor will provide a valuable and unique opportunity to equip you with the insight and tools to stay ahead of change and turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Presented by: Bruce Buchanan, Littler Mendelson P.C.
Join us for an insightful discussion with early-career professionals who recently launched their careers with AGC member companies. Hear firsthand how they approached the job search process, what attracted them to specific employers, the red flags they spotted during interviews, and what ultimately made them say ‘yes’ to an offer. Panelists also will share what they hope to gain from their first five years in the industry, how they assessed professional development opportunities during the interview process, and what they believe the construction industry must do to stay competitive with the next generation.
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
Networking Break
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
General Session
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how companies find, recruit, and retain talent, but only if it is used strategically and responsibly. In this keynote, Zach Giglio, CEO of GCM, will share real-world examples of how construction companies are already using AI to streamline their workforce efforts in recruiting, job descriptions, retention strategy, and workforce planning.
Zach also will confront the risks head-on, including how bias shows up in AI systems, and what HR professionals must know to use AI ethically and effectively. This session will provide a candid, practical, and actionable look at where AI fits (and doesn’t) in the construction workforce and how HR professionals can lead the way.
Presented by: Zach Giglio, Founder & CEO of GCM
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Offsite Networking Experience
Kick back, connect, and enjoy true Texas hospitality at our networking reception in the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas—the World’s Largest Honky Tonk. Live music, great food, and unforgettable conversations await in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Separate Registration Required
Thursday, October 16, 2025
7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Breakfast
7:50 AM – 8:50 AM
General Session
This session will feature a series of shorter presentations that highlight innovative and successful workforce development and HR approaches. These include Innovation Spotlights on how Nebraska has worked with the Career Pathway program to hold a statewide career signing day. Forge Now will provide an overview of its innovative workforce training program and how it is helping veterans, criminal justice-involved individuals, and many others launch careers in construction. Learn about ways to improve worker communication and conflict resolution. And hear from a group that is working to place Special Operations veterans into career paths including construction.
Presented by: Dan Beatty, Constructive Leadership Solutions
Stephen Brightman, Forge Now
Rob Holmes, Forge Now
Bo Jones, CareerPathway.com
Dominic Perez, Special Operators Transition Foundation
8:50 AM – 9:10 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
This session will feature AGC Curriculum Development Director and AGC EDGE Supervisory Training Program instructor who will present on the needs of the AGC member companies and how they are addressing the skills gap and workforce shortage.
Presented by: Dan Beatty, Constructive Leadership Solutions
Paul Flentge, Flentge Development Group
Warren Kiesel, Associated General Contractors of America
This follow-up to the keynote presentation takes things a step further. Zach Giglio will walk participants through hands-on workflows for three high-impact areas:
- Recruiting: How to use AI to write job descriptions, build outreach campaigns, and analyze candidate fit.
- Retention: How to have AI help you identify which employees are likely to stay, and how to keep them.
- Workforce Strategy: How to create custom workforce personas and find overlooked hiring pipelines using your own (even imperfect) data.
Attendees will leave with prompt templates, example workflows, and the confidence to start applying AI to their workforce processes right away. No technical background is required.
Presented by: Zach Giglio, Founder & CEO of GCM
In 2025, HR leaders faced unprecedented pressure from senior executives concerned about continually rising healthcare costs. To support HR executives in effectively communicating their narrative in 2026, this presentation will outline eight top strategies.
Presented by: Julie Taffera, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Session details will be added soon …
Presented by: Kelley Blank, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
10:20 AM – 11:10 AM
Breakout Sessions
Turnover is not a hiring problem; it’s a culture problem. In construction, culture is built on job sites, not in HR manuals.
In this no-fluff session, Lisa Ryan dismantles common myths about retention and reveals the real levers that keep crews loyal, engaged, and performing. Drawing from seven years in industrial sales and 15+ years working with blue-collar leaders across North America, Lisa introduces the Six Gears of Grategy® – a field-tested framework helping companies shift from burnout to buy-in.
Presented by: Lisa Ryan, MBA, Grategy
This session focuses on strengthening company culture and improving retention by staying connected to where it all begins—the field. We will introduce Indyvations, a company-wide initiative designed to celebrate and elevate innovative ideas coming directly from our crews. By recognizing and building on these real-world solutions, we reinforce the value of field experience, drive continuous improvement, and lay the groundwork for long-term team engagement and growth.
Presented by: Dan Bender, Independence Excavating, Inc.
Marco DiGeronimo, Independence Excavating, Inc. (Demolition)
Richie DiGeronimo, Independence Excavating, Inc. (Paving)
As the conference comes to a close, join industry-leading HR professionals for a dynamic discussion reflecting on the key takeaways from the conference sessions. This interactive wrap-up will distill the most valuable strategies, solutions, and lessons learned by addressing the challenges the construction industry faces and how to turn those insights into actionable steps for your own organization. Walk away inspired, informed, and ready to put fresh ideas into practice the moment you return home.
Facilitated by: Members of the AGC of America HR Steering Committee
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
General Session
This panel conversation will explore how the construction community in the Houston area worked with a variety of owners to set conditions for and pay extra to create a sustainable construction workforce. This voluntary program, called C3, has been key in helping firms recruit and retain a sustainable workforce. The panel also will focus on why finding ways to create a sustainable workforce is key to successfully advocating for new workforce measures and creating new legal pathways for people born outside the U.S. to work in construction.
Presented by: Mike Holland, MAREK Companies
Linda Lorelle, Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund (Non-Profit)
Stan Marek, MAREK Companies
Tom Vaughn, Vaughn Construction
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Workforce Site Visit (Separate registration required)
Join us on a field trip to Forge Now, a local construction workforce development program that offers intense, immersive, hands-on training courses. See how they work with industry professionals to craft their technical programs and learn how they work with veterans, criminal-justice involved individuals, and other communities to recruit and prepare new entrants into the construction industry. Participants in the field trip will tour the facility and have an opportunity to meet with Forge Now’s students and educators.
About the Conference
AGC’s Construction Workforce & HR Conference is the premier education and networking destination for workforce development, HR, and training professionals in the construction industry.
For Workforce Professionals: Explore the latest workforce development efforts underway across the country and share your own success stories.
For HR Professionals: Find out whether you’re maintaining compliance with current employment laws and best practices.
For Training Professionals: Stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge techniques being used in the world of training and development.