Sunday, September 14, 2025

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Foyer

NCLC Registration/Information Desk Open

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Washington

Professional Headshots

In advance of the opening session on Sunday, chapter executives and chapter leaders are invited to stop by Washington anytime from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM to have an updated professional headshot made.

1:00 – 1:15 PM

Salon I-II

NCLC Welcome and Opening Message from AGC President Todd Roberts

Todd Roberts

President, AGC of America

1:15 – 2:15 PM

Salon I-II

AGC of America Update: Message from the CEO

Jeff Shoaf

CEO, AGC of America

Hear directly from AGC of America’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Shoaf, in this forward-looking address outlining the association’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. This session will provide an overview of AGC’s national initiatives, the evolving landscape of the construction industry, and the organization’s commitment to supporting members and chapters through advocacy, innovation, and engagement. Gain insight into what’s ahead and how AGC is positioning itself—and its chapters—for continued impact and growth. 

2:15 – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 – 3:45 PM

Salon I-II

Opening Keynote Session 

Leading with What Matters Most: A Values-Driven Blueprint for Construction Leadership

David Allison

Human Values Research Pioneer

David Allison is the world’s leading authority on human values and the CEO of a global research firm, with two best-selling books and an international speaking career. He is determined to change the way we understand ourselves and the people we need to inspire.

“If we use human values – What Matters Most – to understand people, we can stop using demographics. We can abandon the outdated demographic stereotypes that cause so much harm and hatred in the world. That’s my simnple goal…to change the way we look at people, and create a values-driven world.”

As the founder of the Valuegraphics Project – the first global inventory of core human values – his team has transformed human values into measurable data and created an entirely new type of human-centric insights. This is a breakthrough in human understanding that helps big brands like PayPal, Five Star School Supplies, the United Nations Foundation, and Google connect with people by honoring their values.

His work is referenced in textbooks used around the world, and has been written about in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and INC Magazine. Critics hailed his latest book The Death of Demographics as “Convincing, insightful, and…revolutionary.”

David lives in the city of Vancouver, with his husband of thirty years, and writes in a 100-year-old cottage up the coast. He is an Indigenous citizen of Canada; a member of the Métis Nation.

What if the secret to exceptional leadership in construction isn’t just about managing projects—it’s about understanding people? In this opening keynote, human values researcher David Allison reveals how the most successful construction leaders create cultures where people truly belong and thrive. 

Drawing from nearly a million surveys and groundbreaking research into what drives human connection, David will share surprising insights about the core values that unite today’s construction professionals. You’ll discover how construction leaders can harness specific shared human values to build unshakeable team cultures. 

Through personal storytelling and real-world examples, David demonstrates how values-driven leadership transforms not just recruitment and retention, but creates workplaces where people are genuinely excited to contribute their best work.  

Session Takeaways: 

  • Fresh insights into what truly motivates construction professionals beyond paychecks 
  • Practical strategies for fostering belonging and purpose in their teams 
  • A servant leadership framework that connects values-centric insights with construction culture 
  • Actionable tools for identifying and integrating core values into hiring, recognition, and culture initiatives 
  • An inspiring vision for leading with empathy and authentic connection 

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Break

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Salon I-II

NCLC Plenary Session

What Great Boards Do: The Art and Science of Board Governance

Jim Roman

Director of Results, Business Owners Institute, LLC

Born to a family of Entrepreneurs, his Aunt owned a Ziebart business (franchise) and his parents owned a restaurant, Jim is no stranger to what it takes to run a business. He found himself at an early age, when other kids were out playing sports, pulling up his sleeves and getting to work, helping wherever he was needed, much like how he operates today.

After seeing his father being laid off numerous times from factory jobs and start a business so that he could have more control over his life and his family’s future, Jim and his two brothers started to understand the plight of the small business owner. The life of a small business owner is one that requires risk with the possibility of no reward, courage when facing the unknown, and strength to endure when faced with what some say is impossible. Yet no matter what challenges they face, they continue to persevere through the muck and mire of countless hours, limited resources, and self-doubt, all for the sake of a dream and an insatiable desire to make a difference.

After the passing of his father, he began a mission to help small business owners build better businesses so that they can have better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities in honor of his father and the life he never got to enjoy. He spent all those long hours away from the family just to be able to live a better life “someday”—a day that never came.

Jim has been on this mission now for 20 years. All the while studying business, and learning what it takes to be successful and what it takes to overcome failures.

During this journey, thousands of small business owners have listened to Jim speak, taken one of his programs, or engaged in private consulting. With Jim’s help their businesses stopped controlling them and were thriving, but the most important part-they started to enjoy life again. Jim always believed that owning a business doesn’t have to be grueling and self-sacrificing. It can be fun too.

“I believe that people are dying in their business every day, just as my father had at the early age of 62. He never got to enjoy the full fruits of his labor and I see the same pattern arising in many of the business owners I consult with. The challenge is that we get so caught up in the “doing” of our business that we rarely take the time to look up and see that the “serving” side of our business has been pushed to the wayside. My goal is to cut through the chaos of owning a business and get you to become laser beam focused on the things that really matter in running a business so that you can enjoy your life, your income and your impact NOW.” –Jim Roman

In 1999 he moved to Richmond, VA to change the way the world does business by growing one of the most successful and biggest business network organizations of its time. He grew it from 0-1600 members in less than 6 years. He developed 65 chapters, 20 within one year, earning him a spot in the organization’s hall of fame. He then went on to build a very successful consulting practice, helping companies grow on average over 30% year after year-which is unheard of in the industry.

 At the heart of every great association is a great board.  

Strategic Coach Jim Roman reveals the characteristics of a well-governed board and how to cultivate them yourself. He will share:  

  • Why great governance is vital to association success  
  • The roles and responsibilities of boards and best practices for structuring and developing a board  
  • How to tap into the 5 Keys to Association Success to guide goal setting and uncover opportunities  
  • How to foster a culture of accountability, transparency and collaboration  

Jim will also talk about the critical role great boards play in mobilizing volunteers and growing future leaders.  

You will come away from this session ready and able to transform your board—and your association. 

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Break

5:40 – 6:00 PM

Ritz-Carlton Main Entrance

Shuttles depart for Welcome Reception

Shuttles to depart from the Main Entrance of The Ritz-Carlton

6:00 – 7:30 PM

Decatur House

Welcome Reception

748 Jackson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20006 

Monday, September 15, 2025

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Foyer

NCLC Registration/Information Desk Open

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Salon I-II

NCLC Breakfast with AGC’s Government Affairs Team 

Alex Etchen, Vice President, Government Relations, AGC of America

Deniz Mustafa, Senior Director, Infrastructure Finance, AGC of America

Leah Pilconis, General Counsel, AGC of America

Jim Young, Senior Director, Congressional Relations, HR, Labor, AGC of America 

Join us for coffee and candid insights with AGC’s Government Affairs team. Moderated by AGC’s VP of Government Relations, this panel brings together experts on infrastructure funding, labor and HR policy, risk and litigation, and federal advocacy. You’ll get a front-row seat to the issues shaping AGC’s agenda—from workforce development and education to procurement reform and economic growth. Come hungry for updates—and leave informed about how AGC is fighting for contractors on Capitol Hill. 

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Break

9:15 – 10:15 AM

Breakout Sessions

Session 1 – Strategies to GROW your chapter – Getting members to bring new members!

Did you know that your membership can be your most effective sales team? 

Strategic Coach Jim Roman reveals how to tap in the recruitment power of your members. He will share: 

  • The power of a truly compelling Unique Value Proposition, and how to craft one 
  • The 3 questions you need to be able to answer from a member’s perspective 
  • How to understand what your members actually need and want from your association 
  • Making it easy for members to help clients, vendors and colleagues experience the best of your 
  • association 
  • How to reliably turn prospects into members 
  • Supercharging your ability to sell your association by answering Why should someone join? 

You’ll come away from this session with the tools you need to mobilize your members to bring in more members. 

Jim Roman, Strategic Coach and National Speaker

Session 2 – Workforce in Action: Three Chapter-Led Innovations You Can Replicate

Struggling to recruit, retain, or inspire the next generation of construction talent? You’re not alone—and you’re not without examples to follow. In this session, you’ll hear from three AGC chapters that are taking bold, creative, and collaborative steps to tackle the workforce challenge head-on. 

During this moderated discussion, each chapter will present a short, high-impact case study of a program they’ve launched—ranging from a leadership program for women in construction to statewide partnerships that unify apprenticeship recruitment efforts and college-credit programs that allow apprentices to graduate debt-free.  You’ll also hear how AGC of America is partnering with a number of AGC chapters to create awareness about careers in construction. 

This session is all about what worked, what didn’t, what it took to build momentum, and how your chapter might take a similar step forward. 

You’ll leave with fresh ideas, real examples, and renewed energy to make a workforce impact in your own community. 

Moderator: 

Brian Turmail, Vice President, Public Affairs and Workforce, AGC of America

Panelists:

Kelly Roepke, CEO, AGC New Mexico

Maria Guy, GiANT Worldwide

Michelle Boyd, Executive Director, AGC of Indiana

Lynn Busby, Director of Community Outreach, Indiana Careers in Construction Association

Dan Edwards, CEO, AGC of Ohio

Session 3 – Leveraging Data and AI to Power Member Engagement

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a practical tool for chapters to better understand and engage their members. In this session, two chapter executives will share how they’re using AI-powered tools and data-driven insights to measure engagement, personalize outreach, and make smarter membership decisions. 

You’ll hear real-world examples of how data is helping chapters identify trends, predict churn, and tailor programs to meet evolving member needs. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or already experimenting, this session will offer tangible takeaways and inspiration to level up your chapter’s engagement strategy. 

Come ready to see what’s possible—and start thinking about how your chapter can harness AI to work smarter, not harder. 

Wayne Hammon, CEO, Idaho AGC

Ben Connors, ESQ.,  President & CEO, General Building Contractors Association

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Break

10:30 – 11:20 AM

Salon I-II

NCLC Plenary Session

Future-Proofing Chapters: Trends Shaping Member Engagement

KiKi L’Italien

Founder and Strategic Advisor, Amplified Growth

KiKi helps organizations develop stronger ties between their mission and their members. She is CEO of Amplified Growth and regularly speaks about association communications strategy and cultivating communities of trust with global audiences.

KiKi is the CEO and host of Association Chat, an online community, blog, and podcast reaching 72k individuals monthly. She was also featured in 2021 by Cvent as one of the ‘20 Event Professionals You Should be Following’, and in August 2021 as ‘30 Nonprofit IT Influencers to Follow in 2021’ by BizTech Magazine.

Meloni Raney, AIA, President & CEO, TEXO

Kyle Holland, President/CEO, Houston AGC

Wayne Hammon, CEO, Idaho AGC 

What does it take to engage members in today’s fast-pasted, ever-changing environment—and keep them coming back? Join KiKi L’Italien as she moderates a conversation with three chapter execs who are reimagining how to connect with members in fresh, meaningful ways. From innovative programming to strategic growth initiatives, this session will spotlight real-world examples of what’s working and how chapters are meeting members where they are.  

11:15 – 11:30 AM

Break

11:30 AM – 12:30  PM

Salon III A & B

Building Division Session

AI in Construction: Insights from the Field and What to Do Next

Zach Giglio

Founder & CEO, GCM

Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business and is a faculty member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management.

Renowned for his insights into the fascinating convergence of AI and business, Zach is a frequent guest speaker at industry conferences and is an upcoming TEDx speaker. Additionally, he conducts intensive AI trainings and implementations, tailored to equip organizations with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively harness AI, fueling their marketing, sales, administration and operating abilities and driving revenue growth.

Zach’s consulting acumen spans a diverse array of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to dynamic startups. His professional journey has taken him from Washington D.C. to Johannesburg and back to the USA, where he co-founded GCM.

Beyond his professional commitments, Zach contributes actively to his local community, serving on a nonprofit board. He indulges his personal passions in travel, wine, and conversation, underpinned by a lifelong love for storytelling, history, and culture. Zach resides in the Charleston, S.C. area with his wife and two young sons.

This session will share real-world insights gathered from AI trainings, workshops, and implementation work with AGC chapters and their members across the country. We’ll highlight what’s actually working when it comes to AI in construction, such as where companies are seeing the biggest impact, the most common starting points, and the pitfalls to avoid.  

Designed for both chapter leaders and contractors, the session will also explore how chapters can support smarter adoption and how companies can take practical next steps without needing a technical background. I’ll also run through a couple of real use case examples live so attendees can see how AI is supporting the day-to-day work of construction companies and the AGC Chapters that represent them. We’ll close with a preview of findings from the upcoming AGC-GCM report on AI in construction and how it can support chapter strategy and member engagement moving forward. 

11:30 AM – 12:30  PM

Plaza

Highway& Transportation and Utility Infrastructure Divisions Session 

From Statehouse to Jobsite: Advancing Work Zone and Utility Safety

Moderator:

Ty Edmondson, CEO, TA Loving

Speakers:

Tom Robins, President, Solid Foundation Consulting & Founder, Work Zone Safe (Highway & Transportation Division)

Lynn Hansen, CEO, Crowder Constructor, Inc. (Utilities Division)

Join us for a timely and engaging conversation on two of the most pressing challenges contractors face every day: work zone safety and underground utility protection. This session will feature frontline perspectives from contractors and experts in Oklahoma and the Carolinas who successfully navigated their state legislatures and regulatory agencies to enact stronger safety measures. Their stories will highlight not only how these changes were achieved, but also how they continue working to safeguard their crews and communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear practical lessons learned, strategies that work, and ideas you can take back to your own state. The panel will run for one hour and conclude with an open Q&A. 

12:30- 1:30 PM

Salon I-II

NCLC Networking Lunch

Building Relationships with Members of Congress

Moderator:

Alex Etchen, Vice President, Government Relations, AGC of America  

Speakers:

Reldon Owens, CEO, Louisiana AGC

Mike Salsgiver, CEO, Oregon-Columbia Chapter AGC

Jennifer Woodard, CEO, AGC of Texas 

Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with your Members of Congress is essential to advancing priorities of the construction industry. Yet, with lawmakers and their staff constantly inundated with meetings, briefings, and requests, making a lasting impression—and becoming a trusted, go-to resource—can be a challenge. 

So, how do you stand out? What strategies can help you stay on their radar and build credibility over time? What are some creative tactics you can utilize to help your message resonate the most? In this session, you will hear from three chapter executives about successful strategies and tactics that you can bring back to your own chapter. 

1:45- 3:15 PM

NCLC Plenary Session

Chapter Leaders Unplugged: Candid Conversations & Collective Wisdom

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into an energizing 90-minute exchange with fellow chapter leaders from across the country. This isn’t your typical panel—this is elbow-to-elbow, peer-to-peer learning at its best. 

Through small-group discussions, you’ll tackle shared challenges, swap best practices, and hear what’s working (and what’s not) in other chapters. Whether you’re looking to grow membership, activate volunteers, engage your board, or level up programs, you’ll find fresh ideas and real solutions you can bring home and put into action. 

Come curious. Leave inspired. And don’t be surprised if your next great idea comes from the chapter across the table. 

3:15 – 6:00 PM

Connect and Recharge

Take advantage of this open block to connect informally with chapter leaders from across the country, follow up on work, or explore the iconic sights of Washington, D.C. Whether you’re networking, catching your breath, or soaking in the city, this time is yours to make the most of.

6:00 PM

Ritz-Carlton Main Entrance

Shuttles depart for Awards Reception

Shuttles to depart from the Main Entrance of The Ritz-Carlton

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

NCLC Chapter Awards Reception

1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20240 

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

NCLC Chapter Awards Dinner

1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20240 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Foyer

NCLC Registration/Information Desk Open

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Salon I-II

NCLC Networking Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 AM

Break

8:45 – 9:45 AM

Breakout Sessions

Session 1 – From First Involved to Fully Invested: Cultivating Chapter Leaders 

Strong chapters don’t just attract leaders—they build them. In this session, you’ll hear from chapter executives who are taking intentional, creative steps to develop leadership pipelines that work. From committee rotations and term limits to early-career engagement and succession planning, these chapters are cultivating a culture where members want to be involved and lead. 

Panelists will share the practical strategies and lessons learned behind their efforts to refresh leadership, deepen engagement, and ensure continuity. Whether you’re working on your next board slate or looking for fresh ways to get emerging professionals involved, you’ll leave with real-world ideas and inspiration to help future-proof your chapter’s leadership. 

Moderator:

Brynn Huneke, Senior Director, Culture of CARE and Member Engagement 

Speakers:

Katie Wilson, Executive Director, AGC Nebraska

Peter Tateishi, AGC of California 

Session 2 – Stronger Together: National-Chapter Alignment in Action

Strong alignment between AGC of America and its chapters isn’t just an ideal—it’s a proven strategy for delivering more value to members. In this breakout session, national leaders and chapter executives will share real-world examples of how strategic collaboration has strengthened member engagement, enhanced advocacy efforts, expanded programs, and elevated the overall chapter value proposition. 

From engagement strategies to rebranding campaigns and aligned and enhanced member services, this panel will explore what’s working, how they got there, and what others can learn. If you’re looking for new ways to partner with AGC of America and boost your chapter’s impact, this is your blueprint for success. 

Bring your questions—and your own alignment wins or challenges—to this interactive discussion.  

Coming Soon

Session 3 – TBD

10:00 – 11:00 AM

Salon I-II

Closing General Session

Fostering Connection & Mental Resilience as Leaders

Mark Ostach

Leadership Coach & Facilitator

It all started in 2003…

I was studying neuroscience in college, spending student loan money on eBay and feeling sad every time I checked my ex-girlfriend’s Myspace page. That’s when I realized just how much my online habits were affecting my mental and emotional well-being.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help people defeat distractions and reconnect with what truly matters. With a deep understanding of today’s digital world, I blend personal storytelling and research to highlight the power of human connection and its impact on workplace culture.

I help leaders and teams overcome disconnection, recharge mentally, and build stronger, more engaged workplaces—one meaningful connection at a time.

In a high-pressure, fast-moving industry like construction, fostering connection and mental resilience isn’t just a personal skill, it’s a leadership imperative. Today’s leaders must navigate change, lead through uncertainty, and create a culture where people feel seen, supported, and energized. In Mark’s engaging and interactive session, you’ll explore ways to restore human connection across your teams, strengthen your mindset, and walk away with practical tools to lead with empathy, clarity, and courage.  

Key Takeaways:  

  • Discover actionable strategies to build connection and collaboration  
  • Improve your own mental and emotional well-being as a leader  
  • Learn tactics to stay grounded, focused, and resilient  
  • Be inspired by real stories that remind us of the power of human interaction  
  • Connect with fellow AGC leaders and have a little fun while you’re at it!  

 

Afternoon

Capitol Hill Visits

Participants are welcome to stop by the AGC Townhouse (53 D Street SE) before, in between, or after your hill visits. Snacks and beverages will be provided but participants are advised to take advantage of one of the nearby restaurants or cafeterias in the House and Senate Office Buildings if you are looking for lunch

Wednesday, September 17, 2024

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Government Relations Summit

(For chapter execs and staff – separate registration required)

The summit provides an opportunity for AGC chapters to discuss the top government relations issues they are facing back home. Last year attendees discussed issues that were debated in their state legislatures and city councils including construction contracting laws, labor requirements, climate reporting requirements, workforce development and more. Attendees also highlighted the need for investment in infrastructure and best practices for advocating this issue with lawmakers.

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Capitol Hill Visits

Participants are welcome to stop by the AGC Townhouse (53 D Street SE) before, in between, or after your hill visits. Snacks and beverages will be provided but participants are advised to take advantage of one of the nearby restaurants or cafeterias in the House and Senate Office Buildings if you are looking for lunch