2024 GWIC Conference Agenda

Registration kiosks will be open starting at 4pm. Pick up your badge Sunday evening, and have a drink on us in the Registration lounge area.

Bricks, Bytes and Beyond: Dr. Sarah Buchner Sets New Pace as Next-Gen Tech CEO

Don’t miss this insightful presentation from Dr. Sarah Buchner, who rose from teenage carpenter to be a founder and CEO of cutting-edge construction technology firm Trunk Tools and a leader of the industry’s tech transformation —particularly in use of artificial intelligence. A 20-year project management veteran, PhD data engineer and Stanford Business School trained entrepreneur, she will share her industry journey and how emerging techs are forever changing jobsites and work lives and boosting women’s construction career momentum.

AI Won't Take Your Job, But an AI-Empowered User Might: Women Experts Share How to Prep for the Future with Generative AI

You’ve heard the buzzwords linked to artificial intelligence and the reports it could eliminate construction jobs, particularly for women. Experience this panel of industry leaders and tech innovators moderated by GWIC keynoter Dr. Sarah Buchner as they demystify AI applications and show how leveraging its potential requires adaptability, creative problem-solving and an open mind. It’s no surprise women are in prime position to lead this charge in construction.

Safety Talk

The adage “What gets measured gets done” holds a lot of truth in the engineering and construction industry. But how do you measure safety performance at your company -- and does it connect to what is getting done? More importantly, does it assure that you are doing everything possible to prevent serious or fatal injuries at your worksites? Vicky Hoyt, vice president of health safety and environment for Colas Inc., will share how it may be time for a paradigm shift in your organization.

Allyship: Men as Catalysts to Advance Women in Construction

This panel of senior male leaders will discuss their experiences and business proof points about how men can be catalysts to advance women in the construction industry. Interviewed by a senior female peer, they will explore the importance —and need—of a diversified industry and of a holistic approach to women's development. Speakers will share insight into boardroom conversations that explain why the industry was slow to change and highlight pivotal moments that altered attitudes and policies. They will provide key takeaways on how allyship makes workplaces more satisfying and companies more successful.

In the Public Domain: A New Image for Government Service

Career opportunities for women in government are gaining more attention and momentum as economic growth, new national needs and added public funding spur opportunities and challenges in policymaking, governance and project development. Women leading agencies that affect the work of design and construction firms discuss what’s critical going forward in dynamic areas such as resilience, climate change mitigation and infrastructure management—and how the image of public service is changing.

Navigating Uncharted Waters: The Uncertain Future of Diversity Initiatives

Recently the U.S. Supreme Court held that race cannot be considered a factor in admissions at colleges that accept federal funds. The SCOTUS decisions have already proven to have implications far beyond colleges and universities. Since these rulings, legal action has been filed and threats advanced against companies and agencies challenging their DE&I initiatives and minority/women-owned/disadvantaged business enterprise programs. This panel will discuss the uncertain future of diversity-based programs in the construction industry, and the arguments being made for and against these programs.

Optional Facilitated Conversation tables Join one of our topic-specific lunch tables for a facilitated conversation.

Debunking Generational Myths in the Workplace

In the first-ever four-generational workplace, hear how one woman took charge of her career by debunking the myths and capitalizing on the attributes that define her generation. Other generations have stereotypes, as well. Through an interactive, audience-participation presentation of real-life scenarios, learn how reframing and rephrasing can help you successfully convey your value—whatever your generation—and gain the trust of multiple generations of colleagues.

Double Feature: Parenting, Partnership & Professionalism / Two Communication Strategies

Parenting, Partnership & Professionalism: Learn strategies to successfully manage the complexities and challenges of these three pivotal roles—including gender bias, standing out as a top performer and balancing professional growth, family nurturing and healthy relationships. Speakers will address the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, effective time management and building a supportive network, and share how organizations can create the environment to support women's career advancement and foster a more equitable and family-friendly workplace.

Two Communication Strategies That Will Engage and Inspire Your Team: In today's dynamic and fast-paced construction industry, engaging and inspiring the team stand out as pivotal communication challenges for all leaders. This laser focused session shares two proven strategies that will elevate your leadership presence. You will learn how to:
• Develop the Art of Asking Great Questions
• Transform Your Organization with a Focal Point
By attending, you will know why these strategies are important to your success. You will have the techniques for successful implementation, and you will feel confident in your ability to achieve a more engaged and inspired team.

How Credentials Can Recharge Your Career

In an ever-evolving construction industry, credentials can give AEC professionals a competitive edge and keep career skills current. In this interactive presentation, Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) representatives will guide attendees in how credentials can add value to their career skills and open doors to new opportunities.

How Social Media Can Ease Pain Points and Boost Your Brand

Building a strong and positive brand using social media channels involves more than being an influencer. This panel will discuss how to create a vibrant, unique public persona for your company. Whether the goal is to use branding to attract new talent or new business, social media can have a strong impact in today’s climate. Presenters also will share tips on personal branding and outline the risks of social media as a marketing tool.

Breaking Barriers: Tools to Navigate Career Advancement in Construction

DEI leaders will discuss proven, tactical solutions to overcome barriers in pursuing careers in construction. From finding a support system to navigating career advancement through workplace culture obstacles that can hinder success, panelists will provide strategies to drive action by individuals and organizations. They will address key transitions employees must make to be successful at the next level—highlighting necessary shifts in how to add workplace value and how mindsets must change to insure results at higher levels of responsibility.

Step Up, Step Out: Amplify Your Voices for Change

Women in construction now work on many different levels to get their perspectives and concerns heard—on company programs, industry initiatives and public policy. How can women engage inside their organizations to be recognized as contributing to the mission? How can they build support for funding and legislation that helps construction and how can they advocate in industry associations for alliances on critical issues? Hear from women who have elevated their impact and can demonstrate that now is the time for their voices to be heard and for industry to respond.

Powered Up: Groundbreaking Women Propel Energy Transition

Women are on the leading edge of the global push to prevent the worst impacts of climate change through innovative energy strategies—as research and project managers, program directors and company founders whose technologies of tomorrow are taking shape now. This panel of innovators will share the results and potential of projects and ventures now underway and discuss challenges women still face in this dynamic arena.

Walmart Unpacks Its ‘Store of the Future’ Strategy

Retail giant Walmart recently unveiled an ambitious plan to create a “Store of the Future” at 150 existing and new locations and remodel hundreds more across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, along with support facilities, in coming months and years. Join this special presentation by Michelle Peterson, a leader of one of its largest real estate regions, who will share details of the multi-pronged strategy and how the company aims to achieve it with more outreach and mentoring of firms of all sizes in the design and construction community.

Elevating Women in Construction through Retention, Sponsorship and Incentives

This program brings together industry experts and influential leaders to engage in a panel discussion focused on retention, sponsorship and initiative programs for women in construction. The panelists, who have successfully implemented their own programs, will share their experiences, strategies, and best practices for not just attracting, but also retaining, and advancing women in construction. This session aims to inspire and empower participants to implement effective retention programs, incentives and sponsorship initiatives that support the career growth and success of women in construction.

A Sustainable Future Needs Bold Action Now: Why ESG Matters

What impact must we make to sustain our world, protect and advance our workforce and transform our industry? Jennifer Downey, who leads Environmental Social and Governance strategy for global construction giant Turner Construction, will share how its commitments to planet, people and profession are fused. She will share how Turner developed and implemented its strategy against the evolving landscape of legislation and requirements for disclosure—and share tips for other companies on their own journey.