This Academy session, taught by Anthony “AJ” Jeffers of Hensel Phelps, explores what it really takes to be a strong and successful project manager in today’s construction environment. Project management requires a mix of leadership, organization, and technical knowledge, and this course is designed to help attendees strengthen those skills. Whether you’re newer to the […]
Project Manager Series – Full Program Registration Strengthen your leadership, communication, and technical decision-making skills by enrolling in the full Project Manager Series. This seven-part program is designed specifically for construction project managers and covers the critical competencies needed to successfully lead projects, teams, and client relationships from pursuit through closeout. By registering for […]
This Academy session provides an introduction to reading and understanding electrical plans. Attendees will learn: How to interpret electrical symbols, notes, and abbreviations How to read lighting plans How to understand branch power layouts How to follow single-line (one-line) diagrams How to use panel and fixture schedules How special systems are shown on plans (audio-visual, […]
This Academy session invites attendees to take an intentional look at their influence as mentors. Attendees will explore what it means to guide and support others in their professional journey, and how to approach mentorship with purpose and authenticity. Attendees will identify who may view them as a mentor, learn strategies for meaningful outreach to […]
Communication is the foundation for all relationships, both professional and personal. In this class, attendees will explore important components for effective and confident interactions. Attend this class to learn how to speak with confidence as you share your ideas in a variety of settings. What attendees will learn: The importance of eye contact Various speaking […]
This session walks through how a construction project takes shape — from planning and execution to completion and facility management. Attendees will explore each phase of a project, including early project planning, construction execution, and the post-construction steps involved in facility management. Learn how each stage connects, what happens at key milestones, and who’s involved […]
This Academy session teaches attendees how to read construction drawings related to low-voltage systems that support building operations, safety, and communication. These systems are increasingly critical in commercial buildings and often require coordination across trades. Attendees will learn: What is considered a special system Fire alarm systems Security systems (CCTV, card access, intrusion detection) Data/telecom […]
Taught by Brandon Montero of CHASSE Building Team, this Academy session helps project managers build confidence and skill in speaking clearly and effectively in front of any audience, from internal teams to clients and stakeholders. Strong presentation and communication skills are essential for leading projects successfully, and this class provides practical strategies to make every […]
This is a two-part class. Register for Leadership DNA: Part 1 on 1/15. This Academy session helps attendees take a deeper look at their personal leadership style and effectiveness. Attendees will explore their natural leadership tendencies, identify blind spots that may impact their teams, and understand how to work well with other leaders and leadership […]
Taught by Danielle Feroleto of Small Giants, this Academy session helps attendees build confidence and approach networking with intention. Attendees will learn how to prepare for an industry event, enter a room with confidence, identify the key “must-meets” that make an event productive, and understand the different levels of business development that help turn conversations […]
Taught by Nicole Matt and Noah Klaus of Small Giants, this Academy session helps attendees strengthen their social media strategy and better manage their organization’s online presence. Attendees will explore the different types of social media, platform-specific best practices, and how to interpret back-end analytics for reporting and performance tracking. The session will also introduce […]
This class introduces the development process for land prior to vertical construction. Using a real project case study, attendees will explore the critical preparation steps that make commercial construction possible — including zoning, surveying, and engineering. Hear directly from experts who navigate these early stages to set projects up for success. This Academy session is […]
Career advancement has the foundation of drive, eagerness, commitment, and a desire to learn. After establishing themselves at a company that matches priorities and goals, professionals often find that a growth mind-set prepares them for opportunities and leadership. Being a self-advocate means communicating goals, interests, and needs. Attend this class to determine short and long term […]
Taught by Danielle Feroleto of Small Giants, this Academy session helps attendees understand how to effectively balance business development with project execution. Attendees will explore the seller-doer model and its relevance in the construction industry, learn techniques for managing both relationship-building and project responsibilities, identify key skills needed to succeed in a seller-doer role, and […]
Attendees gain a practical understanding of financial concepts that directly impact construction projects. In this Academy session taught by Matt Waller of PopeWaller, project managers will learn how money flows through a project, how budgets are built and tracked, and how financial decisions affect project performance. Topics include cost control, job cost reports, forecasting, cash […]
Led by Ben Shuck of Chasse Building Team, this beginner-level class provides attendees with solid foundation in working with construction drawings. Attendees will learn: An overview of general sheets Basic instructions on how to read a plan Common terminology, symbols, and abbreviations How to understand scales and dimensions To interpret details and callouts Taught by […]
This class introduces how finances work in the construction industry and why understanding them is essential to every project’s success. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of the accounting process in construction, learn key financial terms, explore concepts like underbillings and overbillings, and see how financial management impacts each phase of a project. The Academy […]
This Academy session provides attendees with the knowledge to interpret drawings that show how a commercial building stands up—the skeleton of the structure. Attendees will learn: The purpose and types of structural plans How to understand structural symbols, notes, and line types (“reading the code”) Foundation plans and footing layouts Structural framing plans Sections, elevations, […]
Career advancement has the foundation of drive, eagerness, commitment, and a desire to learn. After working so hard to secure a first job, young professionals are wise to shift their disposition to one of humility and open-mindedness. Being a self-advocate means communicating areas of desired growth and interest, and a young professional of this disposition […]
Taught by Kevin Estevez of Holden Willits, this Academy session helps project managers understand the key principles of prompt pay and ensure projects stay on track financially. Timely payments are critical to maintaining healthy relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and clients, and this class provides practical strategies to manage payment schedules and avoid delays. Attendees will […]
This Academy session introduces the connection between contract structures and the monthly payment application process, helping attendees understand how general contractors and subcontractors are paid throughout a project. Attendees will learn about the various contract types, how pay applications work and the role they serve, how construction companies manage payments, and how these elements work […]
Taught by Amy Houk of RCS Preliminary Lien Services, this Academy session helps project managers understand the essentials of liens and bonds and how they impact construction projects. Proper management of these tools is key to protecting your company, ensuring payment, and keeping projects running smoothly. This class provides practical strategies for managing risk and […]
This Academy session introduces the fundamentals of lien law and bond claims — key tools that protect financial rights in construction projects. Attendees will learn how to send Preliminary and Supplemental Notices, understand the basics of Arizona Lien Waivers, and know how to file Mechanics Liens, Bond Claims, and Leasehold Interest Liens. The session also […]
Taught by Margaret Kinsey of Small Giants, this Academy session helps project managers understand their critical role in the pursuit process and how their expertise impacts winning projects. Project managers are essential contributors — from building the job plan and managing funds to ensuring successful execution. More and more, project managers are expected to be […]
Taught by Mandel McDonnell, Architect and Project Executive at Willmeng Construction, this Academy session helps attendees understand how architectural plans communicate the functional and spatial design of a building. Attendees will learn how to interpret design intent, layout, and aesthetics through architectural drawings, define interior and exterior spaces including finishes and fixtures, coordinate architectural plans […]
This Academy session walks attendees through the lifecycle of the two most common legal proceedings in the construction industry: civil lawsuits and arbitrations. The goal is to equip attendees with a clear understanding of both types of dispute resolution — what they are, how they differ, and what to expect if a dispute arises. Attendees […]
Taught by Danielle Feroleto of Small Giants, this Academy session helps project managers understand the importance of building and maintaining strong client relationships to secure repeat business. Project managers play a key role in client satisfaction by managing expectations, communicating effectively, and delivering projects successfully. This class provides practical strategies to strengthen client trust and […]
This Academy session provides an introduction to reading and understanding electrical plans. Attendees will learn: How to interpret electrical symbols, notes, and abbreviations How to read lighting plans How to understand branch power layouts How to follow single-line (one-line) diagrams How to use panel and fixture schedules How special systems are shown on plans (audio-visual, […]
