AGENDA

7:00am - 8:15am

Sponsored by:

7:30am - 9:30am

Presented by: Shawn Schofield

8:15am - 9:30am

Presented by: Sean Kim, Austin Bridge & Road

Session Overview:
Accounting teams are often viewed as transactional and compliance-focused, but culture can transform how a department functions and contributes to the organization. This session shares the real-life journey of reshaping an accounting team’s culture over several years, moving from a task-oriented group to a collaborative, empowered, and strategically minded team. Through lessons learned, successes, and challenges, participants will see how intentional leadership and cultural shifts can elevate not only the accounting department, but also its impact across the company.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify key cultural barriers that can limit accounting teams from reaching their potential.
• Describe practical steps taken to transform an accounting department’s culture and mindset.
• Recognize how leadership style and team empowerment influence morale, retention, and performance.
• Apply lessons from a real-world transformation to their own teams and organizations.

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

8:15am - 9:30am

Presented by: Ramya Durga Krishnaganth, Uvid Consulting & Linda Webb, Basden Steel

Session Overview:
Is your WIP report still a bottleneck? This session provides practical strategies for automating WIP reporting and improving decision support without the need for a full system overhaul. We’ll explore how automation connects WIP with live job cost data, flags anomalies in real time, and accelerate forecasting cycles. Participants will leave with actionable steps, lessons learned from construction firms, and a framework for introducing automation incrementally while winning buy-in from field and executive teams.

Learning Objectives:
• Identify inefficiencies in current WIP reporting and forecasting processes that slow down decision-making.
• Explain how automation can be layered around existing ERP and job-costing systems without a full system replacement.
• Apply practical methods to connect WIP schedules with live job cost data and reduce spreadsheet dependency.
• Recognize common pitfalls in WIP/forecasting automation and strategies to avoid them.
• Evaluate case studies of construction firms that introduced automation incrementally and achieved measurable ROI.

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credits in Accounting

9:30am - 10:00am

Sponsored by Trimble

10:00am - 10:50am

Presented by: Dr. John Killingsworth, Colorado State University

Session Overview:
Poor cash flow is the number one reason why construction companies fail. To address this problem, CFMA teamed up with ELECTRI International to conduct a study and determine some of the more impactful behaviors on cash flow, and consider the effective strategies for improving cash flow.  The study employed a Delphi-Methods approach, which allows content experts to anonymously contribute and rate strategies to reach a consensus. Many of the best strategies will be presented and discussed in the conference.  Additionally, the study included the development of an automated Earned Value Management tool – using construction-specific analytics technology.

Learning Objectives:
• Evaluate the many cash flow challenges, both internal and external to your organization
• Consider the cash flow strategies that promote improved cash flow and collections
• Discuss and debate the application of cash flow strategies in your respective companies
• Evaluate the use of an automated Earned Value Analytics tool

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Finance

10:00am - 10:50am

Presented by: Michelle VanDellen & Dominic Cellitti, Moss Adams Wealth Advisors

Session Overview:
There’s no one size fits all approach when considering a business transition. Your company must understand the differences in tax and deal structuring considerations as well as the impact to your operations.  Whether your exit plan involves a transaction, ESOP, family succession, or management transition – it’s critical to be aware of how to structure your strategy to meet your goals. Join us as we discuss key considerations construction businesses should be aware of to develop a successful transition approach.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the key steps and timeline for business transition planning.
• Evaluate various exit strategies and their impact on tax and deal structuring.
• Develop strategies for transaction modeling, estate planning, and post-transaction management. 

Level: Overview
1.0 CPE Credit in Specialized Knowledge

10:50am - 11:00am

11:00am - 11:50am

Presented by: Eliot Wagonheim, First Rule Contract Manager

Session Overview:
Negotiating project contracts requires a solid understanding of an intricate web of legal requirements, including the impact of flow-down and conflicting contract provisions. From recognizing key terms in contract language to identifying uninsured risks, it's critical for project owners, general contractors, and subcontractors to arm themselves with a blueprint for success that will protect the company during construction negotiations and contract review. Learn what to look for in indemnification, definition of "damages," payment provisions, obligation to repair defects, and more to better negotiate project contracts and ensure your business is protected.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand Key Contract Terms:Learn to recognize and evaluate critical terms in project contracts, such as indemnification, definition of "damages," and payment provisions, to ensure clarity and fairness during negotiations.
• Identify and Mitigate Risks: Gain the skills to identify uninsured risks and conflicting contract provisions, safeguarding your business during construction negotiations and contract reviews.
• Enhance Negotiation Strategies: Develop strategies to negotiate effectively by understanding legal requirements and obligations, including the obligation to repair defects and other essential provisions.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Law

11:00am - 11:50am

Presented by: Delissa De Leon, Deltek ComputerEase

Session Overview:
Job costing excellence is at the core of high-performing construction companies and is a proven method to help contractors steer the financial success of their businesses. Take your job costing knowledge to the next level and learn how to use it as a tool to help your company grow through proven job costing strategies.

Learning Objectives:
• Learn what you should track, measure and review to improve current and future projects 
• How to forecast and reduce risks on projects 
• Gain insights on making proactive decisions based on job costing result

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Accounting

11:50am - 12:45pm

Sponsored by Ledgerable

12:45pm - 1:15pm

1:15pm - 2:05pm

Presented by: Don Yaeger

Session Overview:
Audiences will discover how to turn adversity into opportunity, build a stronger inner circle, and apply daily disciplines that elevate performance in both business and life.

Learning Objectives:
• Simple, daily disciplines that separate good from great
• Why adversity can be the fuel for growth—and how to choose “better” over “bitter”
• The role your inner circle plays in shaping your success

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Personal Development

2:05pm - 2:30pm

2:30pm - 3:20pm

Presented by: Russell Emig, Hoop5

Session Overview:
In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, this session is your guide to understanding threats, defenses, and compliance. Whether you're an experienced IT professional or someone looking to bolster your understanding of the digital security landscape, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies essential for navigating the complexities of cybersecurity.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand cybersecurity jargon, threats, and threat actors.
• Identify cybersecurity risks and what is at stake.
• Review current cybersecurity basics and where to start.
• Understand cybersecurity defense strategies.
• Understand compliance and regulation standards, and their implications for your business.

Level: Overview
1.0 CPE Credit in Information Technology

3:20pm - 3:40pm

Sponsored by mJob

3:40pm - 4:30pm

Presented by: Jeff Leach & JP Vogel, Gray Reed

Session Overview:
While the 89th Texas Legislative Session concluded earlier this year, the outcomes continue to bring significant changes to the construction industry today. Join us for this session as we provide an overview of the legislative landscape and analyze how these changes impact project financing, risk management and daily operations, providing practical compliance strategies for contractors, subcontractors and construction financial professionals.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the scope and priorities of the most recent Texas Legislative Session
• Recognize the key legislative achievements and their potential impact on the state of Texas and the construction industry
• Develop an awareness of ongoing or unresolved issues that may be carried over to future sessions
• Learn how to get involved with Texas politics and build relationships with lawmakers

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Law

4:30pm - 4:40pm

4:40pm - 5:30pm

CFMA Panel: Caryl Coronis, Lena Ho, Jay Snyder, Joe LaPolla

Session Overview:
In the construction industry, success depends on strong alignment between the field and the financial and Work-In-Progress (WIP) reporting sits right at that intersection. This panel will unpack how WIP functions as a vital bridge between operations and finance, empowering construction professionals to stay on top of project performance, profitability, and risk in real time. Geared toward financial leaders and construction company owners leading in this space, the discussion will highlight how clear, confident command of WIP reporting can enhance strategic decision-making, strengthen internal collaboration, and elevate your voice at the table.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand how Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting functions as the connection point between field operations and financial management in construction.
• Learn how to use WIP insights to monitor project performance, profitability, and risk in real time to enhance strategic decision-making.
• Explore ways WIP reporting strengthens collaboration between operations and finance teams and elevates financial leaders’ influence within their organization.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Finance

Sponsored by Miter

4:40pm - 5:30pm

Presented by: Brad Anderson, IMA

Session Overview:
What if the solution to workplace struggles was hiding in plain sight? Join Brad Anderson, executive and person in long-term recovery, as he shares how his personal journey from dark places to transformational leadership reveals universal principles that benefit everyone. This isn't about promoting 12-step programs—it's about recognizing that today's personal struggles can become tomorrow's greatest workplace assets. Discover the history and wisdom behind the 12 Steps, learn why one-on-one mentorship lays the foundation for both recovery success and workplace excellence, and explore how principles like surrender, accountability, and service can transform an organization. Through raw storytelling and practical examples, understand how vulnerable leadership and genuine human connection create environments where people don't just work—they heal, grow, and become better employees than they ever imagined possible.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the history and structure of the 12 Steps and how these 1930s principles remain relevant for today's workplace challenges 
• Implement one-on-one mentorship systems that build trust, accountability, and genuine human connection in professional settings 
• Apply surrender and vulnerability in leadership to model the emotional honesty that creates psychologically safe workplaces
• Create accountability frameworks based on commitment and goal-setting that support employee growth and organizational success 
• Build service-oriented workspaces where helping others becomes the pathway to both individual transformation and workplace excellence

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Personal Development

7:00am - 8:00am

Sponsored by:

8:00am - 8:50am

Presented by: Ed Palpant, Epic Rivers Leadership

Session Overview:
Construction is an industry with more than its share of challenging conversations. Whether it is with a customer, another contractor, inspectors, engineers or coworkers, learning to have better outcomes when the conversations are tough is a critical skill for all leaders. This session will focus on some basic clues to managing those conversations and getting better outcomes in the end.

Learning Objectives:
• Learn the difference between what is said, what is felt, and what is important
• Learn the importance of conflict styles in tough conversations
• Understand the skills of negotiating in your tough conversations

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management & Organization

8:00am - 8:50am

Presented by: Sky Goodwin, Johnson Roofing

Session Overview:
This fast-paced, hands-on session introduces construction financial professionals to a tactical toolkit for using AI in everyday CFO decision-making. From contract reviews to anomaly detection and process improvement, participants will explore how AI tools—like ChatGPT and others—can accelerate insight, reduce risk, and support strategic thinking.

The first half of the session covers 10 practical use cases where AI can augment financial leadership without replacing human judgment. The second half features live audience-driven demos where real-world prompts and scenarios are tested on the spot.

Participants will leave with:
*A handout of tailored, construction-relevant AI prompts they can immediately start using.
*A repeatable framework for prompting and validating AI outputs in professional settings.
*The skillset to use AI as a self-directed learning engine-so they can teach themselves more advance applications over time.

This session cuts through AI hype and focuses on grounded, safe, and high-leverage applications in finance, risk, and operations.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Apply proven, industry-specific AI prompts to real CFO challenges-then adapt and extend them for their own forecasting, contract, and operational workflows.
• Craft effective prompts and guardrails that deliver relevant, accurate, and compliance-conscious AI outputs.
• Use AI to support lifelong upskilling-by treating it not just as a tool, but as a tutor for mastering more advanced financial, analytical, and process improvement techniques over time.

Level: Overview (with intermediate applications and strategic self-learning emphasis)
1.0 CPE Credit in Information Technology

8:50am - 9:00am

9:00am - 9:50am

Presented by: Samantha Lake, Pronovos

Session Overview:
In today’s dynamic workplace, companies can have as many as five different generations working side by side. This diverse age range brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and perspectives, but it also presents unique challenges in management and communication. Successfully navigating these differences is key to maintaining a competitive edge, fostering collaboration, and attracting and retaining top talent across all age groups.

In this engaging and insightful session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, values, and working styles of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, and the emerging Generation Alpha.

By exploring both the commonalities and distinctions among these groups, you will discover practical strategies to:
• Enhance Communication: Learn effective communication techniques tailored to resonate with each generation, ensuring clarity and reducing misunderstanding.
• Boost Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where generational strengths complement each other, driving innovation and productivity.
• Leverage technological Savvy: Understand the varying degrees of technological fluency and how to leverage these differences to streamline processes and improve efficiency.  
• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Implement mentorship programs that encourage knowledge sharing and professional growth, bridging experience gaps and nurturing future leaders.

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management & Organization

9:00am - 9:50am

Presented by: Natalie Matheus & Adam Oblath, Anterra

Session Overview:
Project managers are great at keeping projects on track.  But CFOs and finance professionals like you rely on them for critical data. In reality, getting accurate, timely information from PMs can be a challenge.

How can you give project managers the tools to improve forecasting and build WIP reports without overwhelming them with accounting tasks? Join our session and learn how to bridge the gap between operations and finance and equip your PMs with the right tools and tactics for better reporting.

Learning Objectives:
• Coach project managers to forecast accurately and consistently
• Demonstrate forecasting methods in a way that makes sense to PMs
• Equip PMs with simple yet effective reporting tools
• Strengthen collaboration between project teams and accounting
• Get the information you need without overburdening PMs

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Information Technology

9:50am - 10:20am

Sponsored by Trimble

10:20am - 11:35am

Presented by: Christian Moreno, Lockton

Session Overview:
Employer-sponsored health care continues to face rising costs, driven heavily by prescription drug utilization and emerging treatment trends. Among the most disruptive developments is the surge in anti-obesity medications like GLP-1s, which carry significant implications for workforce health, safety, and employer risk. This session will highlight key health care and Rx trends, then take a deeper dive into the obesity medication space—an area of specialty and passion for our team—with a focus on workers’ comp and safety exposures in high-hazard industries.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Recognize the major trends shaping employer-sponsored health care, including prescription drug utilization and cost drivers.
• Explain the rapid growth of anti-obesity medications and their impact on workforce health.
• Evaluate how obesity and related drug therapies influence workers’ comp claims, recovery, and return-to-work outcomes.
• Discuss employer considerations for plan design, safety policies, and risk management in light of emerging Rx and health care trends.

Level: Basic
1.5 CPE Credits in Personal Development

10:20am - 11:35am

Presented by: Todd Burchett, Jim Wagner, Steve Maddox, Forvis Mazars

Session Overview:
In today’s volatile construction landscape, operational resilience and strategic foresight are more critical than ever. This series will equip contractors and construction leaders with the tools and insights needed to build a future-ready business. Led by industry experts from Forvis Mazars, the session explores how to strengthen your company’s foundation through risk mitigation, technology integration, and data-driven decision-making. Whether you're a startup or a seasoned firm, this session will help you transform operational challenges into strategic advantages.

Learning Objectives:
• Build a resilient data infrastructure that supports real-time financial monitoring, forecasting, and performance analytics using integrated systems like GL, ERP, and Power BI.
• Develop a strategic framework for operational excellence, including punch list planning, technology selection, and scalable implementation practices.
• Apply key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial planning tools to improve cash flow, optimize resource allocation, and support long-term growth and valuation.

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

11:35am - 12:30pm

Sponsored by BDO

12:30pm - 1:20pm

Presented by: Will Gruy, FMI

Session Overview:
An inside look at current economic conditions, market volatility, and their impact on the construction industry.

Learning Objectives:
• Separating signal from noise.
• Understanding bulls and bears.
• Aligning with long-term trends.
• Translating broad views into action.

Level: Overview
1.0 CPE Credit in Economics

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Plan to attend for your chance to win exciting prizes! You must be present to win.

Sponsored by