ABC Regional Construction Summit

ABC Regional Construction SummitABC Regional Construction SummitABC Regional Construction Summit

ABC Regional Construction Summit

ABC Regional Construction SummitABC Regional Construction SummitABC Regional Construction Summit
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MORNING KEYNOTE

Leadership & Technology for Better Business

Maria Davidson Founder/CEO of Kojo, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year

Maria is the Founder and CEO of Kojo, the industry-leading construction procurement platform. Kojo has raised $94 million in venture funding and helps over 600 of the leading trade contractors in the US process over $3.5 billion a year in materials orders and save over 2 million hours a year. She was previously Joe Lonsdale’s Chief of Staff and helped him build 8VC, a venture capital fund with over $6 billion in Assets Under Management. She also co-founded RCI, a fintech company, which was acquired by Addepar in 2020. Maria started her career in Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs and holds an MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University where she was President of the Oxford Union. 


Maria is an active investor in technology companies and sits on the Board of Directors of Orascom Development Holding, a real estate development company. Maria has been featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Inc.com’s Top 100 Female Founders, Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech, and won Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS (#1) 10:45am

Wage Misclassification and Labor Laws

Marc Furman Partner, Cohen Seglias

For more than 40 years, Marc has represented employers exclusively in all areas of labor and employment law. He advises union and non-union companies across the country, with a strong focus on construction employers facing issues involving unions, organizing activity, picketing and prevailing wage. Marc has deep experience with traditional labor matters, guiding employers through union elections and handling hundreds of cases before the National Labor Relations Board. He regularly negotiates collective bargaining agreements, manages grievances and arbitrations and assists clients during work stoppages. Additionally, Marc defends employers in employment litigation and provides day-to-day counseling on hiring, firing, workplace investigations, policies, drug testing and leave laws. He is a frequent speaker on labor and employment topics.

Network Smarter: The New Rules of Business Development

Diane Darling Keynote Speaker, Author, Consultant  

Business development succeeds or fails on the strength of your relationships, but most professionals were never taught how to build them intentionally. In this session, Diane Darling shares a practical, human-centered approach to expanding your network, nurturing key connections, and turning conversations into meaningful business opportunities. You’ll explore proven strategies for staying top-of-mind, communicating your value clearly, and building trust both in person and online. Whether you’re new to business development or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave with actionable techniques to grow your pipeline, strengthen client loyalty, and position yourself for long-term success.

Learn About Diane

BIM in Practice: Misconceptions, Value and Real-World Outcomes

A Panel Discussion


Dan Audette, GWWO Architects

Carlos Zuluaga, Harkins Builders

David Kim, Washington Fire Protection

Matt Harraka, Arkance USA

Patrick Scarpati (moderator) 

Aligning Operations for Growth: The CEO-COO Mindset

Diane Mentzer COO, Diane Integrates, LLC


Details coming soon!

Learn About Diane

BREAKOUT SESSIONS (#2) 11:45am

Hierarchy of Controls/JHA Hazard Assessment

A Panel Discussion


Jon Moseback, L.R. Wilson & Sons

Edward Arthur, Sales Solutions

Gene Cobb, ABC Greater Baltimore

Building Your Team: Strategies to Strengthen Tomorrow’s Workforce

DeAnna Thomas VP, Human Resources, ABC National


As labor shortages continue to challenge the construction industry, employers must rethink how they recruit, support, and sustain a strong workforce. This breakout session focuses on building organizational resilience through intentional workforce planning, talent development, and supportive workplace practices. Participants will learn strategies for creating talent pipelines, enhancing retention, and strategies to support overall workforce well-being. This session provides forward-looking, practical guidance to help companies prepare for the future and effectively “build the bench” needed for long-term success.

DC Insider: Federal Policy Outlook and What It Means for Your Business

Ben Brubeck CEO, Government Affairs Solutions

ABC National alumnus Ben Brubeck, principal and CEO of Government Affairs Solutions – a multi-client lobbying firm - will provide insights and updates to help you prepare your business for policies pushed by the Trump administration and Congress related to workforce development, labor and employment, taxes, tariffs, permitting, and energy that will affect your bottom line. Learn about the 2026 mid-term elections and why ABC members need to Get Into Politics or Get Out of Business.

Building Intelligence: Generative AI’s Role, Risks, and the Future of the Built Environment

Andrew Gregg Real Estate & Land Use Attorney, Bean, Kinney & Korman, P.C.


More details coming soon!

Lunch & Keynote Speaker

From Contacts to Clients: Networking Skills That Fuel Business Development

Diane Darling, CGSP Author, Keynote Speaker, Consultant

Today’s workforce spans multiple generations, each bringing different expectations, communication styles, and approaches to work - yet leaders are still expected to keep teams focused, productive, and collaborative. In this keynote, Diane Darling breaks down why difficult behaviors emerge across age groups and how leaders can respond with clarity, confidence, and composure. Attendees will learn practical strategies for defusing tension, improving communication, and creating an environment where people of every generation can thrive. You’ll walk away with real-world tools to strengthen relationships, reduce friction, and turn challenging interactions into opportunities for better teamwork.

Legacy of Leadership Fireside Chat

Main Ballroom (2:00PM)

From tech shifts to leadership transitions, our industry doesn’t slow down. Leadership from some of the most recognized names in construction will reveal how they’ve grown, adapted, and maintained company strength across generations - proving that real leadership is built over time. 


Dolores Navia JBG Smith, Vice President of Real Estate Development

Jerry Shapiro President, Shapiro & Duncan

Lynn Stith Bennett CEO, Coakley & Williams Construction

TBA Milwaukee Tool

Michael Bellaman CEO, ABC National

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