Women in Construction Annual Conference

The Women in Construction Annual Conference, held at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Washington DC, is set to explore pivotal trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry, including the cyclical nature of market downturns, workforce shortages, and the ongoing demand for innovation. Industry leaders will share insights on how their organizations are adapting to these pressing issues and preparing for future challenges.

Notable speakers include Kia Weatherspoon from Determined by Design and Jeremiah Watts from D|Watts Construction, who will lead discussions around seizing opportunities in the booming construction market, particularly in the data center sector, which is experiencing unprecedented global demand.

The conference features a diverse range of sessions aimed at empowering attendees, particularly women in construction, through strategic decision-making, risk management in mega projects, negotiation skills, and personal well-being. Key sessions include Build Your Foundation, Frame Your Decision-Making Strategy presented by Ankura, where a panel of exceptional women will share their experiences in leadership and decision-making, and Navigating Complexity and Risk in the Era of Mega Projects sponsored by AON, which will delve into the unique challenges and risk profiles of large-scale construction endeavors.

Another critical session, Hard Hats & Hard Conversations: The Art of Career Negotiation, led by Hinckley Allen, will provide strategies for effective negotiation in both fieldwork and office settings.

Additionally, the conference will tackle the issue of 'invisible labor' in the session titled It’s all on me! – How to Manage Your Invisible Labor, presented by Cozen O'Connor, which aims to address the balance between professional and domestic responsibilities many women face. You’re the Blueprint: How to Build Yourself First by Whiting-Turner emphasizes the importance of self-care in leadership roles, while the workshop Speak, Connect, Build: Storytelling for Women in Construction by Hensel Phelps encourages participants to explore the value of storytelling in building community and shared experiences.

The event will also feature a panel, Hard Hats, Big Dreams: Inspiring Stories from Women Business Owners, where trailblazing women will share their entrepreneurial journeys and the challenges they have faced in reshaping the construction industry. With a target audience that includes architects, project managers, and interior designers, the Women in Construction Annual Conference aims to foster a supportive environment for professional growth and advancement in the construction sector.