AGENDA

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Sponsored By:

7:30 am - 8:15 am

8:15 am - 8:30 am

8:30 am - 9:45 am

Presentation by: Michael Gregory- BMO

Session Overview:

This session will cover the economic outlook, with an emphasis on where inflation and interest rates are headed. The Federal Reserve will probably have started to reduce policy rates by this year’s conference. But, by late September, the total reduction and how quickly rates are being cut are uncertain. To start the year, the Fed shifted its forward guidance to signal further rate hikes were unlikely, but it was careful not to stoke expectations of early easing. While good inflation performance as measured by the targeted PCE price index pushed the Fed closer to starting rate cuts, CPI inflation was more stubborn, keeping it cautious about commencing them too soon. Meanwhile, the economy was continuing to show resiliency, partly due to industrial policy actions supporting investment in infrastructure, semiconductors, and clean energy products. The construction sector was particularly strong. And, financial conditions were easing, with some major equity indices hitting record highs. All of these lessened the Fed’s sense of easing urgency. Although policy rates had a steep ascent, their descent seems destined to be a prolonged process.

After this session, participants will be better able to understand:

• The factors affecting the timing and magnitude of Fed rate cuts.

• The reasons why the economy remains resilient which is lifting the chances of achieving a coveted ‘soft landing’.

• The specific roles investment and construction activity are having in promoting economic resiliency.

• The risks surrounding the inflation outlook which will influence what the Fed does.

• The risks surrounding the policy outlook and their economic impacts, with the November elections looming.

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Economics

9:45 am - 10:00 am

10:00 am - 11:15 am

Presentation by: Russell Emig- Hoop5 Networks

Session Overview:

In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, this session is your guide to understanding threats, defenses, and compliance. Whether you're an experienced IT professional or someone looking to bolster your understanding of the digital security landscape, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies essential for navigating the complexities of cybersecurity.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding Cybersecurity:

  • Decoding the jargon: Understand the significance of common acronyms like EDR, VPN, TA, IPS, C2/C&C and more.

  • Identifying Threats vs Threat Actors: Gain real-world insights into AI threats, social engineering, ransomware, data breaches, data theft, and physical security threats.

  • Unmasking Cyber Threat Actors (the bad guys): Identify tools and techniques used by malicious actors to compromise systems and data.

• Identifying What’s at Stake:

  • Understanding the risk: Learn real-world examples of damage caused by cyber security incidents, including unintended physical consequences, cyber insurance costs, downtime expenses, data loss impacts, and legal impacts.

• Cybersecurity Basics- Where to Start:

  • Understanding basic “cyber hygiene”: Learn the essentials of password management, network security, email security, remote data access security and disaster planning to protect yourself and your data.

• Understanding Your Defense Strategies:

  • Building a cyber toolbox: Explore the latest tools and technologies to mitigate cyber threats and protect digital assets.

  • Best Practices: Understand how to fortify defenses, detect threats early, and respond effectively to mitigate potential damage.

• Compliance and Regulations:

  • CMMC, NIST, CIS18: Learn key compliance standards and understand their implications for your business.

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Information Technology

11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Presentation by: John Murdough- Baker Tilly

Session Overview:

We’ll hear from a long-time consultant who has been able to get through to owners and CEO’s so they recognize the importance of financial analysis and key indicators and red flags.

Learning Objectives:

• How to Teach non-financial people the importance of financial analysis and indicators

• Understand five red flags of the industry

• Identify ways Construction Financial Managers can help CEO’s and owners

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Presentation by:

Russell Rigler- CLA

Ryan Spriggs, Old Republic Surety Company

Session Overview:

In this session, we will look at the WIP Schedule from both a CPA perspective and a Surety Underwriting perspective. We will draw attention to common risks indicators on the WIP and where we focus our questions, discuss best practices for monthly WIP preparation, and review how the WIP affects the financial statements and the users of those financial statements.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify potentially risky jobs on the WIP

• Review best practices for WIP preparation

• Discuss potential pitfalls to avoid

• Discuss how the WIP affects financial statements

• Understand how external users of the financial statements interpret the WIP

• Dealing with inflation and project contract increases but not necessarily scope

• Debt – refinancing, too much of it, credit availability

• Increases in overhead and wages, keeping already scarce labor

• CPA statements taking longer to be issued due to increase in reporting requirements and already time-stretched CPAs

• Most likely a rough economic environment coming down the road and sureties tightening up in anticipation.

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits Business Management & Organization

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm

3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Presentation by: Julie Pace- PSGM Law

Session Overview:

Construction companies face a number of challenges with the labor force, and staying current with the changes employment laws and implementing strategies for compliance and risk management can be daunting. In this session, learn the latest changes to the statutes, regulations, and court interpretations relating to discrimination, harassment and retaliation, wage and hour compliance, immigration compliance, and that National Labor Relations Act. Join Employment and OSHA, Construction, and Litigation Attorney Julie Pace as she shares the latest employment law updates and compliance strategies and tools for companies to utilize to help ensure you are prepared if the government comes knocking. With more than 30 years of experience as an attorney, Julie Pace has handled a wide variety of government audits and can share real life stories and cases. Attendees will come away with the tools and insights to manage risks and build and strengthen employment compliance strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• Update on national employment law and OSHA developments in laws, regulations, standards, and court interpretations

• Preventing and responding to EEOC discrimination or harassment charges

• Complying with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

• Conducting your own internal wage and hour audit and the biggest issues that DOL is auditing, including:

  • minimum wage, overtime, piece rate pay, and time cards

  • travel time

  • deductions from pay

  • classifying workers as employees versus independent contractors

  • classifying employees as exempt or non-exempt from overtime

• Conducting your own internal I-9 and E-Verify Audit, including the most common mistakes made on the I-9 form and how to correct them;

• NLRB Updates, including new handbook policy interpretation and enforcement.

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

7:30 am - 8:15 am

8:15 am - 8:30 am

8:30 am - 9:45 am

Presentation by: Ben Walnum- Griffith Company

Session Overview:

On November 11, 2023 a portion of Interstate 10 running through downtown Los Angeles was severely damaged by fire underneath the elevated highway. With more than 300,000 vehicles passing through this section daily, getting the freeway reopened was critical to avoid severe congestion, economic impacts for local businesses and disruptions in the supply chain of goods flowing from the Port of LA and Long Beach. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) was able to quickly mobilize contractors Griffith Company and Security paving to begin restoration efforts of clearing and testing for hazardous materials, and to install shoring of the structure. The initial estimates for reopening the freeway was 3-5 months, then 3-5 weeks after further assessment, yet thanks to the efforts of Caltrans and the contractors, the freeway was reopened on November 19, 2023 just 8 days after the initial fire. This session will walk you through the event and how the teams were able to collaborate and respond to an emergency in record time.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the cause and safety issues around the emergency.

  • What were the factors that contributed to the fire?

  • What the safety issues to address prior to the start of work?

  • How did the agency and contractors develop the plan to ensure everyone responding to the emergency remained safe at all times?

• Understand the contracting process for Caltrans Emergency projects.

  • Why was Griffith and Security paving selected to perform the work?

  • How did the process differ from the standard Caltrans construction contract?

  • What financial considerations were taken prior to accepting the contract?

  • How was Griffith Company able to assess its resources quickly?

  • How was Griffith Company able to get its subcontractors and vendors to mobilize quickly without a formal contract in place?

• Understand how the various agencies were able to effectively collaborate to achieve the goal of quickly reopening the freeway.

  • Chain of custody of the jobsite from LAFD, LAPD, to Caltrans.

  • Utilization of City of LA traffic division and CHP

• Understand the scope of work performed to get the freeway reopened.

  • Learn how the site was tested and cleared.

  • Learn about the testing performed to ensure the integrity of the rebar exposed to the fire.

  • Learn about the shoring process. What types of materials and equipment were needed to stabilize the freeway?

• Understand how the work was eventually billed and paid through the emergency contract

  • Understand Caltrans Time and Material (T&M) billing process for emergency contracts and the system used to submit

  • Understand Griffith Company’s process for ensuring the tickets accurately capture all T&M costs.

  • Understand the best practices for submitting billing packages to expedite the cash flow.

  • Understand the best practices for resolving billing issues to ensure no delays in payment.

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

9:45 am - 10:00 am

10:00 am - 11:15 am

Presentation by:

Alan Villanueva- Moss Adams

Charlie Maurer- Moss Adams

Join Alan Villanueva and Charlie Maurer of Moss Adams to learn the key tax updates you need to know at every level. As you prepare your business for the future, you'll walk away with insight on recent legislative updates, credits and incentives, and considerations for year-end tax planning. Come ready with questions and join Alan and Charlie as they expand on the following topics:

• Credits and incentives overview

• Considerations for year-end tax planning

• Key tax provisions and legislative updates

Whether you're a project manager, financial analyst, or business leader, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to drive greater profitability and success.

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Moderated By: Danielle Puente- DP Electric

Panelists:

Harry Schirer- Brady West Inc

Steve Ruelas- Griffith Company

Frances Mirabella- Tovey Shultz

Session Overview:

Rapid growth and economic uncertainty are posing unique challenges for financial executives and the companies they are leading. How are construction companies addressing current obstacles while planning for the future?

Join us for an interactive conversation with three top regional construction executives as they discuss how they are currently addressing issues impacting their businesses, and how they are preparing themselves for success in the future. Among other topics, this conversation will include:

Learning Objectives:

• Expense tracking and reducing unnecessary spend

• Experience with captive

• Identifying the right partners at the beginning

• Contract negotiations

• Monitoring progress of the project and identifying warning signs/KPI’s

• Vision/Mission/Values

• Team buy-in towards a common goal/engagement

• Approach to succession planning

• Experience in CFMA peer group

• Leveraging knowledge from the right partners (insurance, attorney, CPA, etc.)

Level: Overview

1.5 CPE Credits in Business Management & Organization

12:30 pm - 12:45 pm