AGENDA

8:00am - 8:45am

9:00am - 9:10am

9:10am - 10:00am

Kathryn Schneider, Director, Forvis Mazars
Steve Maddox, Managing Director, Forvis Mazars

Session Overview:
In the ever-evolving landscape of construction technology, change is the only constant. Join us as we delve into the role of CFOs in shaping this new era, leveraging data and emerging technologies to create a vision for the future. Learn to harness technology for better data, streamlined workflows, improved decision-making, and effective leadership, securing a strategic seat at the executive table.

Learning Objectives:
• Recognize what it means to be a forward-looking CFO in the construction industry
• Evaluate whether your organization exemplifies best-in-class characteristics
• Understand how to leverage construction technology and data to influence decisions and drive change
• Employ strategies and processes to help elevate your role in the organization and enhance business outcomes

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management & Organization

10:00am - 10:20am

10:20am - 11:10am

Ashlie Forum, Partner, CBIZ

Session Overview:
Gain a better understanding of the current tax environment and the potential impact to the construction industry of any new tax changes.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the latest tax consequences affecting contractors.
• Learn about what planning opportunities exist.
• Implement key strategies to position their business for success and take full advantage of opportunities available.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Taxes

11:10am - 12:00pm

Jay Snyder, President, Big Blue Innovations

Session Overview:
Over the past 10 years, the amount of technology available in the construction industry has become overwhelming. Executives receive 60 to 70 emails and phone calls from technology sales professionals EACH WEEK. Some Executives are thankful for spam filtering while others are concerned that they may miss out on game changing software. All of this confusion and frenzy have developed some of the worst habits for selecting and negotiating software which increases the likelihood of poor outcomes. We will share the most common mistakes contractors continue to make in the software selection process.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the common mistakes contractors consistently make when selecting software.
• Learn why these mistakes continue to happen and how to avoid or mitigate them from happening to you
• Be able to execute a comprehensive software selection process from the time you determine new software is needed, to the time you sign the vendor contract.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Computer Software & Applications

12:00pm - 1:10pm

1:10pm - 2:25pm

Donelle Belway Wright,Executive Coach, Exceptional Leaders

Session Overview:
The research shows that 77% of a leader's effectiveness comes from being Inwardly Sound and Other's Focused. This session will highlight the leadership journey and components of these two essential dynamics and behaviors that support them.

Learning Objectives:
• Be able to identify the key compents of the leadrership model and what the characteristics mean in action.
• Recognize inwardly sound behaviors in action and recognized other focused behaviors in action.
• Recognize others focused behaviors in action
• Assess where you are on the leadership journey and consider what's next for you as leaders.
• Introduce how this model provides the foundation for the CFMA Emerging Leaders Program.

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credit in Business Management & Organization

2:25pm - 2:45pm

2:45pm - 3:35pm

Jason Keen (Moderator), CFO, Mills & Nebraska

Session Overview:
Many businesses today do not have enough outside perspective to really improve and grow. Either a company does not have a board at all or the board is only comprised of internal company employees. This session will cover key factors of forming a board, the different types of boards, and why having outside board members matter.

Learning Objectives:
• Key factors of a company boards including types of boards.
• Why having a board of directors matters.
• Why your board should include outside members.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Specialized Skills

3:35pm - 5:00pm

Michael Gregory, CFA, Deputy Chief Economist & Head of U.S. Economics, BMO
Carloline Donolin, Head of Engineering and Construction, BMO

Session Overview:
Session aims to provide the Construction Financial Management Professional with information to help them successfully manage the financial condition and processes of their company considering the current economic conditions. In a climate marked by economic volatility, shifting capital costs, and persistent labor and supply chain challenges, construction companies are navigating more complex financial decisions than ever. This session will explore how banks are responding to today’s market forces—and how contractors can position themselves for resilience, growth, and stronger financial partnerships.

Learning Objectives:
• Current economic climate.
• Updates on current and forecasted market conditions in respects to labor, interest rates and inflation and Impacts of a recession and preparation for the cycle.
• How tighter credit conditions and rising costs are reshaping lending decisions and what contractors should know—and do—to strengthen their credit profile and secure financing in a competitive environment.

Level: Intermediate
1.5 CPE Credit in Economics

5:15pm - 6:15pm

6:30pm

6:30pm

6:30pm

6:30pm

6:30pm

8:00am - 8:45am

9:00am - 9:50am

Webb Shephard, Partner, James Moore
Ben Hill, Underwriting Director, CAN Surety
John Hockin, Construction Attorney & Partner, Kirwin Noris

Session Overview:
Like many construction firms, you probably hear from your subcontractors and suppliers on what’s new in the industry. But what about the picture surrounding surety loss? Contractual risk? Cash flow? Technology?

As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. In Key Insights on Surety, Accounting, and Legal Trends in a Hot Market, a panel of construction business professionals will bring their perspectives together to discuss best practices and what successful businesses are doing in these areas. The trio will discuss concerns like the key ratios considered by surety companies, solutions around contract language, changes to accounting guidelines and recommendations, and much more.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand Key Surety Metrics and Trends — Learn about the key ratios and considerations surety companies use to assess construction firms, along with current trends affecting surety loss.
• Improve Risk Management Strategies — Gain insights into effective solutions for managing contractual risks, including updates to contract language and legal best practices tailored to the construction industry.
• Adapt to Accounting and Technology Changes — Explore recent changes to accounting guidelines and recommendations, as well as innovative technological tools and strategies that can optimize cash flow and overall business operations.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Business Management & Organization

9:50am - 10:40am

Tyler Chancey,Director of Cyber Security, The Scarlett Group

Session Overview:
Join us for an insightful session where we delve into the critical signs of IT dysfunctions that can hinder organizational success. Discover the 10 common evidence of IT dysfunctions, including inefficient workflows, unmanaged risks, delayed or missing business intelligence, and poor IT project execution. Learn how to identify these dysfunctions and implement strategies to address them, ensuring your IT operations align with business goals and drive value. This session is designed to equip financial leaders with the knowledge and tools to recognize and mitigate IT dysfunctions, ultimately enhancing organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and security. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance.

Learning Objectives:
• Optimizing IT Investments for Maximum ROI: Covering best practices for efficient IT spending, including cost-benefit analysis, prioritizing investments, and leveraging mature platforms and services to maximize business value and achieve a competitive edge.
• Assessing IT Efficiency and Effectiveness: Exploring methods to evaluate IT operations, including the use of AI-driven tools to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing decision-making and operational performance.
• Strengthening Cybersecurity Posture: Gaining insights into modern cybersecurity strategies, including risk management, threat detection, and response techniques, to safeguard organizations' assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Information Technology

10:40am - 10:55am

10:55am - 11:45am

David Sprinkle,Managing Partner, Veritas Recuiting Group

Session Overview:
Best practices for attracting, hiring, and retaining employees in a constantly evolving labor market.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the challenges of the current labor market.
• Explore effective strategies to attract talent to your organization.
• Identify best practices to increase employee retention.

Level: Intermediate
1 .0 CPE Credit in Personnel/Human Resources

11:45am - 12:35pm

Modupe Akinnawonu, Senior Product Manager, Siteline

Session Overview:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is on a remarkable growth trajectory, poised to reach $407 billion by 2027. Despite this promising outlook, the construction industry lacks the knowledge and resources to effectively utilize AI applications for maximum impact. This session will explore current and future trends that offer the most potential for AI integration in construction, along with real-world case studies demonstrating AI's positive impact on project timelines, cost management, productivity, and overall financial health.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the common mistakes contractors consistently make when selecting software.
• Learn why these mistakes continue to happen and how to avoid or mitigate them from happening to you.
• Be able to execute a comprehensive software selection process from the time you determine new software is needed, to the time you sign the vendor contract.

Level: Intermediate
1.0 CPE Credit in Information Technology

12:35pm - 12:40pm