AGENDA

7:00am - 8:15am

7:30am - 9:30am

8:15am - 9:30am

Presented by: Philip Zak, CPA, CCIFP, e-Mars, Inc.

Session Overview:
The Davis Bacon Act introduced in 1931, ensured local Contractors paying local wages as a minimum requirement would be competitive on Federally Funded local Projects. Additionally, there are Compliance Regulations that Contractors must follow, and may differ on State and Federal Projects. Bona Fide Fringe Benefits can help save Contractors on Labor Cost and help them be more competitive on bids. Learn how to take advantage of existing Bona Fide Fringe Benefits or implement new Bona Fide Benefits. Learn how paying Prevailing Wage on 179D and 45L Projects can significantly boost tax benefits!

Learning Objective:

Davis Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), Prevailing Wage Determinations (WD), Certified Payrolls, what does it all mean! History of (DBRA) and definitions of common terms.

How existing and new Bona Fide fringe benefits can help you meet the Wage Determination (WD). Know what qualifies as a Bona Fide benefit and what doesn’t. Calculating the value of Bona Fide benefits on all hours. Annualization of benefits or use of hour banks. Choose Rate to Rate or Package to Package.

A survey of 100,000 Certified Payrolls found that 20% of the payrolls had errors. There are more compliance requirements than just the Wages and Benefits. Journeyman to “Approved” Apprentice Ratios, Onsite Posters, Offsite work and proper worker classifications are a few risk areas for compliance.

The Inflation Reduction Act will impact Federal Contracts and Private Developers. There are significant increases in S179D and S45L tax benefits with Prevailing Wage requirements. The 45L tax credit goes from $500 to $2,000/unit. Prevailing Wage and Approved Apprenticeship required hours significantly increases the tax deduction from $1.08 to $5.00 sq. ft. for 179D.

"Little Davis Bacon" on State Projects- Know which 34 states have different requirements from Federally Funded Projects and what variances in requirements are most common.

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credits in Management Services

8:15am - 9:30am

Presented by: Joe Bazzano, Beacon Exit Planning & Succession

Session Overview:
The business and the owner must be prepared to sell/transfer the business successfully.

Time is the owner's best friend in the exit process. Beacon recommends owners have a plan five years before the exit to align the many moving parts to achieve the best results.

Owners need a plan to exit their businesses, unlock their trapped wealth, save taxes, protect their legacy, and successfully transition their companies into the next generation.

The presentation will use Beacon’s DAD proprietary three-step exit process to provide CFOs with various exit strategies, safeguard the business and owner’s personal wealth, build value, groom successors, and reduce/eliminate taxes for the business, buyers, and sellers in the sale/transfer to achieve a successful exit.

The exit process can be very taxing, emotional, and intimidating. This complex process requires specialized advice from your accountant, tax advisor, attorney, business appraiser, estate planner, financial adviser, insurance adviser, and more.

The CFO’s guidance is critical during the exit process. Coordinating and comprehending the disjointed advice can be overwhelming to the owner while still running the business. This session pulls the moving parts together to understand the exit journey.

CFOs and owners will leave the presentation knowing:

The number (after-tax dollars) needed from the company to retire

Which path (5) matches your personal, financial & business goals

Each path has a different financial value, taxes from 0-55%+

Exit Tax Mitigation strategies to reduce the exit taxes

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credits in Management Services

9:30am - 10:00am

10:00am - 10:50am

Presented by: Bill Sims, Jr., Beyond Zero Injuries

Session Overview:
For years, safety leaders have been challenged with hitting the goal of zero injuries. Millions of dollars have been spent by leading firms in search of Zero, the "Holy Grail" of safety. Many of these efforts have proved beneficial, and yet many others must be questioned.

Is Zero really the right goal or is there a better one that will drive continuous safety improvement? Learn what lies Beyond Zero, and how this is the goal your culture must strive for to survive & thrive!

This 60 minute session will unlock the real drivers of workplace safety in practical terms that any leader can relate to. Attendees will leave with strategies that are immediately useable.

Learning Objectives:

- Learn why the idea of "Zero Injuries" is so appealing but how it doesn't actually drive continuous safety improvement

- Learn the definition of Positive Reinforcement and how it improves culture, safety, quality, and employee motivation

- Determine what types of employees you have: compliant, non-compliant or committed, and what drives each type

- Discover how positive reinforcement drives commitment and employee engagement, which translate to improved profits!

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management

10:00am - 10:50am

Presented by: Claire Wilson, Siteline

Session Overview:
Construction is one of the slowest paying industries globally. The billing process is notoriously stressful and can put a strain on the relationship between trade contractors and general contractors. In this session, Claire Wilson, will facilitate an open discussion between General Contractors and Subcontractors on how we can all work together to improve the billing process, resolve issues with change orders, and get paid faster.

Learning Objectives:

The main causes of payment delays and how to address them

Billing red flags and how to intervene

Best practices for improved billing workflows both internally and with clients

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management

10:50am - 11:05am

11:05am -11:55am

Presented by: Eliot Wagonheim, Esq., First Rule Training

Session Overview:
Life, and certainly the life of a contractor, is a series of negotiations. Whether you're securing a project, negotiating with an employee, or sizing up a potential spouse, the question is not whether you negotiate -- it's whether you negotiate well.

The simple fact is that extraordinary agreements are the foundation to extraordinary success. This session reveals the simple skills and critical mind-shift that combine to create the agreements that build great organizations. Here, attendees will learn to do the seemingly impossible – they will learn to use legal as a business development tool, rather than a speed bump to traverse while trying to nurture the relationships that matter.

Learning Objectives:

-The simple way to identify your organization’s contract priorities

-How to revise mission critical contract terms to minimize risk

-Negotiating techniques powerful enough to change take-it-or-leave-it

-The critical mindset shift necessary to become an effective negotiator (regardless of experience or legal training)

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Management Services

11:05am -11:55am

Presented by: Jerry Fuentes & Sumair Imtiaz, Moss Adams

Session Overview:
Join Moss Adams for an insightful session to explore the essential strategies and best practices for effectively managing project costs to optimize profitability. In today's competitive business landscape, efficient cost control measures are crucial for construction organizations to thrive. This session will provide attendees with practical insights into identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cost overruns throughout the project lifecycle. We will share techniques for establishing robust cost control frameworks, leveraging advanced tools and technologies, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within project teams. Whether you're a project manager, financial analyst, or business leader, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to drive greater profitability and success.

Learning Objectives:

-Become familiar with our firm and construction advisory group

-Understand the steps to increase profitability through project cost controls

-Comprehend advantages and opportunities when implementing discuss controls and recommendations

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management

11:55am - 12:35pm

12:35pm - 1:15pm

1:15pm - 2:05pm

Moderated by: Mike Plugis & David Blackshear, Homeland Security

Session Overview:
An overview of current cyber threats facing the construction industry and recommendations on mitigating those threats.

Learning Objectives:
-Identify cyber threats based on their unique characteristics.
-Develop policies and procedures for preventing and responding to those cyber threats.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Informational Technology

2:05pm - 2:20pm

2:20pm - 3:10pm

Presented by: Ricardo Palomares

Keynote Overview:
Ricardo Palomares immigrated to the United States from Mexico City after graduating from photography school with the singular focus of building a career that would allow him to explore the world. His most recent project, Pedal South, entailed leading a team on a two-year expedition cycling from Alaska to Argentina. He will recount his journey and why his goal is to spread compassion, knowledge, and wisdom gained through overcoming inconceivable obstacles so people can unlock their potential, achieve what seems impossible, and find contentment.

Learning Objectives:
- Recognize how emotional and psychological pain serves as a catalyst for self-awareness and transformation.
- Analyze the connection between discomfort and growth, learning how challenging experiences shape one’s character.
- Understand how to build mental and emotional fortitude in the face of adversity.

Level: Basic
1.5 CPE Credits in Personal Development

Sponsored by:

3:10pm - 3:40pm

3:40pm - 4:30pm

Presented by: M.J. Clark, Integrated Leadership Systems & Ross Miller, Geotex Construction Services

Session Overview:
Speakers will explore the four fundamental competencies of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and elaborate on how cultivating self-awareness contributes to better interpersonal relationships. Together, we will explore how understanding the brain's processing of thoughts and emotions can empower participants to enhance their work by choosing behaviors instead of just reacting to outside events. Given that our behavioral responses stem from the emotional part of our brain, understanding the science behind it is crucial, which will empower us to manage our emotions effectively. Join us to learn the key to unlocking greater career success, enriched relationships, and enhanced emotional intelligence.

Learning Objectives:

-Understand where emotions originate.

-Understand the four core abilities of EQ.

-Discern how people with high vs. low levels of EQ impact others.

-Pinpoint emotional triggers and how to better manage those emotions.

-Employ strategies to increase self-awareness.

Level: Advanced
1.0 CPE Credit in Management Services

4:30pm - 4:40pm

4:40pm - 5:30pm

Presented by: Bob Sprague, forvis mazars

Session Overview:
Occupational fraud and abuse is on the rise in all industries. The construction industry is not immune. Hear about current financial fraud trends in general and in the construction industry, including some specific fraud schemes common in the industry and learn about some ways to mitigate potential losses.

Learning Objectives:

Understand fraud in the construction industry

Identify elements of fraud in the construction industry

Recognize the impact fraud has on the construction industry

Detect perpetrators of construction fraud

Detect behavioral red flags of construction fraud

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Specialized Knowledge

4:40pm - 5:30pm

Presented by: Jay Snyder, BBI

Session Overview:
As the industry matures its use of advanced modern software, all companies are seeking ways to best leverage their data. There are many important ways contractors should take advantage of their access to data to improve the performance of their technology and the company. Business Intelligence is one of the most sought after results of ownership and access to complete, clean and trustworthy data, yet few companies have developed the tools, behaviors and results to achieve this. Spend time in this session as we discuss the BI that matters in construction driven by the metrics that impact decision making, data practices which support it, and the systems that deliver it to your project and business teams.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the planning methodology to actualize business intelligence in your company from the systems that support it, to data that feeds it, and the dashboards that deliver the insights.

Identify what best in class contractors are doing to deliver insights to the front line for better decision making.

Learn how to determine the metrics that matter to your business rather than adopting generic KPIs and measures of success.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management

6:45am - 8:00am

8:00am - 8:50am

Presented by: Brandon Henry, Mosaic Advisor

Session Overview:
No matter how hard you try, it is nearly impossible for entrepreneurial families to separate the dining room table from the conference room table. As a result, you can’t make a business decision without impacting the family or a family decision without impacting the business.

Transitions are inevitable - they impact everything you own & everyone you love. Other than that, they aren’t all that important.

You have a plan whether you like it or not. The default plan is crafted by state & federal bureaucracies, the other option is designed by you. The choice is yours.

From Bankers to Brokers, Attorneys to Agents, and Accountants to Advisors, there is no shortage of professionals vying to assist business owners with various aspects of their lives. However, virtually none of them, are incentivized to lead the diverse team of specialists required to affect meaningful change. The hourly billing structure and sales-based compensation of most professionals limits their ability to invest the time and energy necessary to understand all aspects of their clients’ lives. Most professionals simply lack the financial incentives & organizational framework required to provide truly comprehensive advice.

Every entrepreneurial family shares the same collection of goals. Unfortunately, goals are overrated. It is easy to talk about the aspirational & abstract ideas behind the way you want it to be. The rubber meets the road when trade-offs are considered based on the way that things actually are.

Find out why most entrepreneurial families who’ve undergone substantial planning with sophisticated advisors still subjected to the below:

- More than $250K in unnecessary professional fees & insurance premiums

- More than $1MM in needless income taxes

- More than $10MM in voluntary estate taxes

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Management Services

8:00am - 8:50am

Moderated by: Greg Di Donna, Viva Capital
Panelists: Andrew Hawley, Diversified Interiors, John Panahi, Banes General Contractors

Session Overview:
The ability to choose how you manage your business is essential. This session will delve into how general contractors can empower their subcontractors by offering an early payment program—an invaluable option that guarantees timely payments. Discover how adopting this program not only fortifies relationships with subcontractors but also equips them with a crucial tool for business growth. Offering this solution is more than just a payment method; it’s a strategic advantage that helps keep projects on schedule and fosters success for all parties involved.

Understand the Strategic Benefits of Early Payment Programs:
Attendees will learn how implementing an early payment program can strengthen relationships between general contractors and subcontractors, ultimately leading to increased profitability and smoother project execution.

Explore the Power of Choice in Subcontractor Financing:
We will discuss the financing hurdles that subcontractors are often faced with and the importance of flexible and reliable financing options, for the ultimate benefit of general contractors and project owners.

Successful Implementations of Early Payment Programs:
The session will guide attendees through the practical steps of integrating an early payment program into their payment processes, ensuring timely payments, reducing financial stress for subcontractors, and maintaining project momentum.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management

8:50am - 9:05am

9:05am - 9:55am

Presented by: Stephanie Snyder-Zuasnabar & Kristen Kelly, Gray Reed

Session Overview:
This presentation will explore the common pitfalls and issues surrounding contractual insurance and indemnity obligations in construction contracts. Attendees will gain insights into frequent challenges associated with additional insured coverage requirements in construction contracts, including hurdles that often thwart the additional insured coverage promised in the contract, and conversely, factors that may give an additional insured access to more of your insurance coverage than contemplated in the contract.  The presentation also will discuss anti-indemnity statutes and other factors that can undermine indemnity provisions in those contracts.

Learning Objectives:
- Understand common pitfalls and challenges associated with contractual insurance and indemnity obligations in construction contracts.
-Identify factors hindering or facilitating obtaining additional insured coverage as promised in construction contracts.
-Analyze the impact of anti-indemnity statutes and other legal considerations on the enforceability of indemnity provisions in construction contracts.

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Law

9:05am - 9:55am

Presented by: Michael T. Giles, CPA, Crowe

Session Overview:
This session will provide an overview of each candidate’s tax proposals, including the potential impact to contractors.

Learning Objectives:

Contractors will gain an understanding of how each of the tax proposals may impact their business and what planning techniques should be considered for 2024 and beyond.

Level: Basic
1.0 CPE Credit in Specialized Knowledge

9:55am - 10:25am

10:25am - 11:40am

Presented by: John Killingsworth, Colorado State University

Session Overview:
Earned Value Analysis is a well-established instrument in schedule performance, but is often dismissed in construction because of the arduous nature of establishing a baseline.  However, with recent access to large data sets, we have been able to establish a standardized EVA-curve (or S-curve) to measure the average, or typical performance of a construction project.  This curve has been established using over 1200 construction projects from over 40 companies across all 9 regions of the U.S.  The curve can be used as a predictive tool, establishing expected contract completion at any given point in the schedule.  Descriptive statistics provide upper and lower limits and subsequently a measure for determining probability in completing the contract on time!

Learning Objectives:
- Understand Earned Value Analysis, how it is derived and limitations for its use in construction

- Relate research-established EVA curve to project performance

- Apply EVA curve as a predictive tool within your own project evaluation

- Use EVA curve as an educational and communication tool within your organization

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management

10:25am -11:40am

Presented by: Robert Labbe Jr., CSP, ARM, American Global

Session Overview:
Mental Health and Suicide in the Construction industry has been a long-avoided topic due to the historically macho mindset of many members of the construction industry. The construction industry is severely impacted by suicide. It is estimated that approximately 5,500 members of the construction industry die by suicide each year, which is over 5 times of workers that die by job related injuries and illnesses. The session will focus on ways to help those that are struggling with their mental health by exploring the many myths, facts, options, and resources, which includes the following discussion points:

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

Suicide Statistics

What makes the construction industry more susceptible to mental health challenges?

Who/ who else is affected?

3 Ways to Support

LEARN Method

Through interactions with business partners at every level of the chain of command, attendees will be able to use strategies discussed to be more effective at:

- Identifying a colleague in need of assistance

- Employing various Communication Channels to raise awareness

- Utilizing optimal communication techniques to help break the stigma

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credits in Personal Development

11:40am - 12:15pm

12:15pm - 1:30pm

Presented by: Tom Whitmore, FMI Consulting

Session Overview:
Tom Whitmore will present the near-term, mid-term and long-term trends your members should be thinking about. Tom will give an outlook on the economic forecast and the pivotal factors that are driving the future of our industry.

Level: Basic
1.5 CPE Credits in Economics

1:30pm - 2:15pm