All times listed are Pacific Standard Time.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Registration open from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

1:00 PM –
1:15 PM

Opening Remarks

Sponsored by:

1:15 PM –
2:30 PM

CFO Roundtable

Opening General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Join us for an enlightening and interactive panel discussion on the dynamic landscape of construction financial management. Our esteemed panel of experts brings together a diverse range of perspectives, insights, and strategies to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the greatest risks and challenges that construction companies face, as seen through the lens of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
  • Identify the strategies used by leading construction organizations and their CFOs to manage financial and business risks and opportunities in the current economic environment.
  • Explain how the evolving responsibilities and expectations of the CFO role have influenced the career paths and experiences that prepare individuals for this position.

Sponsored by:

2:30 PM –
2:50 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

2:50 PM –
4:05 PM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Tracey Smith, FMI

FMI’s 2023 Talent Survey revealed that 93% of companies struggle to hire qualified candidates. This challenge is acutely felt at the executive level, with a 22% turnover rate anticipated over the next five years. In addition, research from DDI’s Leadership Transitions Report indicates significant acclimation challenges at the executive level, with a failure rate of 47% for external hires and 35% for internal promotions. With the rate of growth & change within the industry, there is a need to accelerate senior-level leadership development and future leaders’ ability to understand the business from an enterprise level.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the key challenges associated with transitioning to executive leadership roles in the AEC environment.
  • Define the core attributes that allow individuals to successfully transition to higher levels of leadership.
  • Outline the skill development and experiences that facilitate effective transitions to higher levels of leadership.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speakers: Tim Mikolajewski, Liberty Mutual Security; Mike Zahn, MarshMcLennan Agency

Tim Mikolajewski, President of Global Surety at Liberty Mutual and Mike Zahn, Surety Sales Executive at MarshMcLennan Agency will be covering several timely and relevant topics to the current surety market, including but not limited to claim and reinsurance trends, labor challenges and their impacts, the rise of the megaproject, and other topics.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand timely and relevant content related to the current state of the surety marketplace
  • Recognize reinsurance trends and increased awareness of claim activity.
  • Apply your knowledge of emerging risks as seen by surety professionals.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speakers: Roger Yang, KPMG; Michael Mehanna, KPMG; Michael Cowen, KPMG

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the commercial real estate landscape, exploring investment and construction trends, identifying key challenges and opportunities, reviewing the potential impact on commercial lending, and examining incentives for commercial-to-residential conversions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand current macroeconomic and commercial real estate trends across property types.
  • Identify available credits, grants, and incentives.
  • Explain strategies to address underperforming assets and commercial real estate conversions to residential and other property types.

4:05 PM –
4:30 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

4:30 PM –
5:45 PM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Ed Shill, QCI Wealth Enhancement Group

Find out more about the overall state of the economy, financial markets, and how best to structure your investment strategy. Topics for discussion will include the stock market, interest rates, individual stocks, and selected investment ideas for the balance of 2024 and into 2025.

Learning Objectives:

  • Candid, up-to-the-minute conversations about the state of the economy and the outlook for financial markets.
  • Learn to contain risk in investment portfolios whether they be in individual IRAs, 401k plans, or company plans with fiduciary responsibilities.
  • How to avoid typical money-losing behaviors.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speakers: Kelli Franco, Moss Adams; Jim Lundy, CBIZ

The Session will be an interactive discussion of the prospects of changes to Federal and State taxes after the election, a review of any tax legislative and regulatory updates during 2024, and a practical primer on Federal and State pre-year end tax planning.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand pending or proposed tax legislation that will impact construction companies and those that advise them.
  • Understand and discuss current tax issues and apply best practices available in the industry.
  • Identify pre-year end tax planning opportunities to ensure that the most beneficial strategies and techniques are in place.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Bryan Callahan, ForvisMazars

There is a lot of change going on. Cyber threats, geo-political instability, the AI boom, etc. So many distractions and things to focus on. Fraudsters love it when you are distracted. See how the more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to fraud.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore and identify the latest fraud trends through detailed case studies.
  • Review and analyze key findings from the 2024 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud & Abuse.
  • Understand strategies and techniques to mitigate and detect fraud early, enabling you to prevent potential losses effectively.

5:45 PM –
6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Registration open from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

7:30 AM –
8:15 AM

Continental Breakfast

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

8:15 AM –
8:25 AM

Opening Remarks

8:25 AM –
9:40 AM

How AI Will Change Construction

Morning General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

This session will begin with a brief overview of the remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) over the past ten years. With this historical foundation in place, the discussion will then shift to an exploration of the multifaceted impacts of AI – both the significant benefits as well as the potential risks and challenges. Finally, the focus will narrow to examine how AI is poised to transform the construction sector specifically.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze the diverse impacts of AI, including both the significant benefits and potential risks/challenges.
  • Explain how AI is positioned to transform the construction industry.
  • Explore how leading construction companies are strategically responding to AI.

9:40 AM –
10:00 AM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

10:00 AM –
11:15 AM

Concurrent Sessions

Repeated Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Ed Shill, QCI Wealth Enhancement Group

Find out more about the overall state of the economy, financial markets, and how best to structure your investment strategy. Topics for discussion will include the stock market, interest rates, individual stocks, and selected investment ideas for the balance of 2024 and into 2025.

Learning Objectives:

  • Candid, up-to-the-minute conversations about the state of the economy and the outlook for financial markets.
  • Learn to contain risk in investment portfolios whether they be in individual IRAs, 401k plans, or company plans with fiduciary responsibilities.
  • How to avoid typical money-losing behaviors.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speakers: Kelli Franco, Moss Adams; Jim Lundy, Marcum, LLP

The Session will be an interactive discussion of the prospects of changes to Federal and State taxes after the election, a review of any tax legislative and regulatory updates during 2024, and a practical primer on Federal and State pre-year end tax planning.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand pending or proposed tax legislation that will impact construction companies and those that advise them.
  • Understand and discuss current tax issues and apply best practices available in the industry.
  • Identify pre-year end tax planning opportunities to ensure that the most beneficial strategies and techniques are in place.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Bryan Callahan, ForvisMazars

There is a lot of change going on. Cyber threats, geo-political instability, the AI boom, etc. So many distractions and things to focus on. Fraudsters love it when you are distracted. See how the more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to fraud.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore and identify the latest fraud trends through detailed case studies.
  • Review and analyze key findings from the 2024 Report to the Nations on Occupational Fraud & Abuse.
  • Understand strategies and techniques to mitigate and detect fraud early, enabling you to prevent potential losses effectively.

11:15 AM –
11:35 AM

Networking Break and Lunch Pickup

Grab your lunch in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

11:35 AM –
12:50 PM

Has Using RIR and EMR Hindered Our Industry from Stopping the Real S#*! That Can Kill You?

Lunch General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Adam Mack, Sundt

Sundt is enhancing its traditional rules-based compliance program by incorporating the principles of energy-based safety and human performance. Our STOP The STCKY program (STCKY – S#*! That Can Kill You) is specifically designed to identify and mitigate high-energy hazards through the identification, implementation, and execution of direct controls and safeguards. This approach ensures that our safety efforts target the most significant risks, moving beyond compliance to actively prevent incidents with the most severe consequences.

In this session, you will explore how the Sundt Safety Team leverages metrics and data-driven strategies to effectively reduce high-energy hazards. We will also discuss how relying solely on traditional safety metrics, such as Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) and Experience Modification Rate (EMR), may fall short in addressing the most critical risks in our industry—those that pose severe and life-threatening dangers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the Limitations of Traditional Safety Metrics: Participants will learn how relying solely on traditional safety metrics such as Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) and Experience Modification Rate (EMR) may fail to address the most critical and life-threatening hazards in the industry.
  • Apply Data-Driven Strategies to Improve Safety Outcomes: Attendees will explore how Sundt’s Safety Team uses metrics and data-driven approaches to reduce high-energy hazards, ensuring that safety efforts are focused on preventing incidents with the most severe consequences.
  • Identify High-Energy Hazards and Mitigation Strategies: Participants will learn how to recognize high-energy hazards—referred to as STCKY (S#*! That Can Kill You)—and implement direct controls and safeguards to effectively mitigate these risks.
  • Implement the STOP The STCKY Program: Participants will be equipped with practical knowledge on how to apply the STOP The STCKY Program to their own safety programs, moving beyond compliance to actively prevent serious incidents and protect workers from the most dangerous risks.

12:50 PM –
1:10 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

1:10 PM –
2:00 PM

Concurrent Sessions

1.0 CPE Credit

Speakers: Jason Myers, Forvis Mazars; Sarah Windham, Forvis Mazars; Scott Yandle, Forvis Mazars; Heather Alley, Forvis Mazars

Building off Forvis Mazars’ 3-part webinar series, “From the Ground-Up: Building Your Construction Company’s Financial Future” where the basics of Tax, Assurance, and Business Operations were covered, our speakers will provide you with the finishing touches to make your financial house a home. This will be an informative session for construction industry financial professionals alerting them to emerging issues that could have impact on their financial reporting. The session will also take a look back at previous foundational standards that have been issued and their impact on today’s construction financial professionals from a financial and tax standpoint. Lastly, we will have open discussions with the audience on how the construction financial professional can use these changes to become more forward looking and build the framework for success.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore current and past construction industry financial hot topics
  • Describe best in class ideas for being forward looking in these areas
  • Collaborate on ideas to leverage industry tools/ideas for the benefit of participants

1.0 CPE Credits

Speaker: Greg Sassi, Gilbane Insurance Group

Construction contractors are reporting a recent rise in the number of threats and violent acts from the public towards project staff sometimes resulting in serious injury or death. In many cases there are no precursors to these events. Unlike planning for typical high-hazard activities, there are usually no precursors to these unprovoked events leaving contractors unprepared. Increasingly, the responsibility for protecting project staff is falling back on the contractors. This session will discuss what a contractor’s response plan should include and how situational awareness, new developments in technology, and employing effective deterrents can better prepare you for the unforeseen.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the value of physical security.
  • How to develop a physical security plan to mitigate risk for a particular project site.
  • Establishing a response plan for incidents that occur.

1.0 CPE Credits

Speakers: Chris Gewain, Moss Adams; Dominic Cellitti, Moss Adams

Building on current economic and industry trends discussed earlier in the conference, this session will delve specifically into the topics of cash flow and treasury management for contractors in a volatile market. Join an interactive discussion that addresses the many aspects of this critical issue, including operational risk evaluation, protecting and improving cash flow, process improvement, tax efficiency and much more.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify best practices for cash flow and liquidity management
  • Understand how market variability can affect your company’s current cash management and future growth.
  • Recognize the key factors of operational risk assessment and how they impact cash flow and treasury management within your organization
  • Evaluate the components of cash flow analysis, risk management, tax efficiency and other factors to gain competitive advantage

1.0 CPE Credits

Speaker: Jefferson Chen, CBIZ

Join us for an informative session designed to provide an understanding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) focus areas that could impact your business. This session will cover critical topics including IRS exam issues on 831(b) captive insurance companies, the IRS crackdown on corporate jets, IRC Section 280A for vacation homes and the Augusta rule, and IRC Section 274 pertaining to meals and entertainment expenses. Attendees will gain valuable insights into staying compliant with the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and avoiding potential pitfalls that could lead to costly penalties.

Topics Covered:

  • 1. 831(b) Captive Insurance Companies:
    • An overview of 831(b) captive insurance companies and why they are under IRS scrutiny.
    • Common issues identified during IRS exams.
    • Best practices for compliance and risk mitigation.
  • 2. Corporate Jets:
    • Recent IRS crackdowns on the use and abuse of corporate jets.
    • Understanding the rules and documentation required for compliance.
    • How to ensure that your corporate travel and entertainment assets are in line with IRS expectations.
    • Understanding the taxable fringe benefits associated with personal usage.
  • 3. IRC Section 280A – Vacation Home and Augusta Rule:
    • Explanation of IRC Section 280A and its implications for vacation home rentals.
    • Criteria for determining rental income versus personal use.
    • Tax reporting requirements and strategies for staying compliant.
  • 4. IRC Section 274 – Meals & Entertainment:
    • Current rules and limitations under IRC Section 274 for deducting meals and entertainment expenses.
    • Key changes and updates to be aware of.
    • Practical tips for documenting and substantiating deductions to ensure compliance.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the IRS’s key focus areas, including captive insurance companies, corporate jets, vacation homes and the Augusta rule, and meals and entertainment expenses.
  • Understand how to effectively navigate the complexities of these tax code areas and implement best practices for compliance.
  • Recognize and avoid common pitfalls in these focus areas that could result in IRS penalties.

2:00 PM –
2:20 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

2:20 PM –
3:10 PM

Perspective on the Financial Accounting Standards Board

Afternoon General Session

1.0 CPE Credits

Speaker: Jim Kroeker

This session will provide an update on the activities of the FASB including its recent decisions on the accounting for government grants, software, and disaggregation of performance information.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the recent activities and decisions made by the Financial Accounting Standards.
  • Explain the FASB’s updated guidance on the accounting for software-related transactions.
  • Discuss the FASB’s new requirements for the disaggregation of performance information in financial reporting.

3:10 PM –
3:30 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

3:30 PM –
4:45 PM

Roundtable Breakouts

1.5 CPE Credits

Moderators: Jim Lundy, CBIZ; Kelli Franco, Moss Adams

Interactive panel/participant program addressing hot issues relative to income tax strategies and techniques, procedures to adopt and adapt to changes with focus on questions from conference participants.

Learning Objectives:

  • Engage in collaborative group learning on diverse tax topics relevant to their peers.
  • Identify and apply effective tax planning strategies, techniques, and potential pitfalls in an uncertain economic environment.
  • Summarize and discuss key tax issues and trends as we approach the end of 2024.

1.5 CPE Credits

Moderators: Jason Myers, Forvis Mazars; Dan Gaston, Forvis Mazars

This will be a thought-provoking roundtable session discussing a wide range of topics facing construction industry financial professionals. We will cover many areas such as Technology, Financial Processes, Human Resources, State and Local Tax (SALT), Succession Planning, and other hot topics in the industry. Come be a part of this collaborative key discussion and learn how to leverage best practices for success from your peers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore current construction industry financial/operational hot topics
  • Describe best in class ideas for being proactive in these areas
  • Collaborate on ideas to leverage industry tools/ideas for the benefit of participants

1.5 CPE Credits

Moderators: Brian Langhorst, Procore Technologies; Cindy Ly, Procore Technologies

The construction technology landscape is entering a new era – paving the way for a more connected future during the project lifecycle. Leaders see how technologies are changing the game with efficiencies, cost savings, data capture and reporting. Many of us are responsible for, or involved with, how to innovate practices for accounting, operations, security and compliance. With the next phase of the construction information technology revolution around the corner, are you ready? This roundtable discussion will focus on strategy, budget, implementation, products and the challenges of keeping up as consumer tech evolves.

Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate how technology and data can enhance project forecasting, self-performed cost management, and cash flow analysis
  • Implement best practices for managing large volumes of organizational data to support project management
  • Assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on project management and competitive advantage

1.5 CPE Credits

Moderators: Dave Allison, Crossland Construction; Richard Forrestel, Jr., Cold Spring Construction

Large or small, public or private, family or disparate ownership, all construction companies have challenges and issues unique to our industry. This roundtable discussion will cover the many facets of our industry.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore how CFOs at various companies navigate the complexities of our occasionally not very pretty industry.
  • Discuss common challenges experienced in daily operations and how others are addressing them.
  • Analyze and review current trends: inflation, staffing, contract complexity, insurance, and bonding.
  • Highlight succession planning and business continuation issues.

Sponsored by:

4:45 PM –
5:30 PM

Networking Reception

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

Friday, November 8, 2024

Registration open from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

7:30 AM –
8:00 AM

Continental Breakfast

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

8:00 AM –
9:15 AM

Inside the Political Circus: AGC Political Update

Morning General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Our panelists from AGC of America will be providing an update regarding the current political and economic landscape surrounding the construction industry.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand political trends driving decision making in Washington, D.C. and the country in general.
  • Identify policy priorities of the Biden administration and Congress.
  • Understand the impact of fiscal and regulatory policies on construction employers.

9:15 AM –
9:35 AM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

9:35 AM –
10:50 AM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Tony Ivener, Ivener Group

This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview on various issues, initiatives, and solutions that encompass management succession and ownership transfer in a construction environment. Essentially, we will explore a comprehensive approach that will teach the attendee ways to properly plan, identify techniques and suggest alternative approaches to accomplish goals and objectives pertaining to ownership transfer matters, initiatives, and solutions that encompass management succession and ownership transfer

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify obstacles to succession planning.
  • Define goals and objectives.
  • Implement the succession plan.
  • Apply different approaches to Value.
  • Identify alternative approaches to include if an ESOP is the right transfer technique for a Construction Company.

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Cal Beyer, SAFE Project

Intensifying weather. Flooding. Utility disruptions. Wildfires. What looming disaster threatens to disrupt your business? The frequency and severity of unplanned business disruptions continues to rise, and the stakes for businesses are higher. Unplanned disruptions threaten the vitality and survivability of your business. The need for effective disaster response and business continuity is essential in today’s increasingly volatile world. A business continuity plan protects the strategic assets of your company, including people, processes, property, projects, and profits. You need to be prepared with business survival strategies. Without a business continuity plan, your business is rolling the dice in a game of chance with severe to catastrophic consequences. Are you prepared?

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand business continuity planning as a proactive approach to strategic risk management
  • Conduct a vulnerability assessment for emergency preparedness and disaster response
  • Institute a simple planning process to develop functional plans
  • Share resources for business continuity planning

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Laura Cataldo, Baker Tilly

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created game-changing opportunities for many projects to capitalize on the largest energy investment in US history through tax credits. Complying with prevailing wage & apprenticeship (PW&A) under IRA can significantly enhance credit value by 5x and therefore many project owners are asking contractors to comply. It took nearly two years for the prevailing wage & apprenticeship requirement final rule – leaving many contractors in a state of flux as project owners are pushing penalties and/or loss of credit to contractors. Yet, this is also a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the $270B of tax credits and incentives in the longest running US energy policy.

Unfortunately, being ‘in accordance with’ Davis-Bacon but not a covered act, has created significant confusion for both credit seekers and contractors. This is tax credit compliance for the IRS and there are record-keeping requirements for an extended period of time. Baker Tilly will review fundamentals of the IRA base and adder credits, including domestic content, energy community and prevailing wage. This session will review the final PWA rule, explain recordkeeping and provide recommendations on how contractors can help their projects comply.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the significance of the IRA in creating opportunities for energy projects through tax credits.
  • Understand the compliance requirements of the IRA prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirement final rule.
  • Acknowledge he IRS’s record-keeping requirements related to tax credit compliance and maintaining records to defend under IRS audit.

10:50 AM –
11:00 AM

Transition Break

11:00 AM –
11:50 AM

Will Construction Thrive or Dive in ’25?

Closing General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Speaker: Ken Simonson, AGC of America

The U.S. economy for construction has experienced historic growth in recent years, but has recently showed signs of slowing. This session will present current trends regarding construction employment by segment and location; spending by project type; and materials cost and supply-chain issues. The speaker will discuss how the industry might be affected by enactment of various types of spending and tax legislation, and policy initiatives regrading trade and labor.

Learning Objectives:

  • How construction employment trends compare across states and industry segments
  • Trends and outlook for nonresidential project types
  • Recent changes in materials costs and availability, and prospects for 2025
  • Possible impacts on labor supply and project demand from federal regulatory, funding, tariff, and tax initiatives

* Select sessions marked with an asterisk will be offered through webinars to conference attendees for free following the conference.

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org.

The Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation is the only standard to recognize financial professionals who truly know the business of construction. Credits earned at this conference are eligible toward CCIFP recertification requirements.