Attendees will receive five (5) AIA LU | Elective for Day 1

NOTE: This page is still under construction

September 15th | DAY ONE – Sessions

9am – 10:30am

Welcome to the 2026 Cogence Town Hall

Cogence National President

Jennifer Son, RA Director of Projects, The Ohio State University, Facilities Design and Construction

Jennifer Son serves as Director of Projects for Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) at The Ohio State University. In this role, she leads a team of project managers responsible for delivering design and construction projects for the Wexner Medical Center (ambulatory services, rehabilitative and behavioral health), the university’s health sciences colleges, and the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK). Jennifer also plays a key role in shaping FDC’s strategic direction, advancing processes, and fostering leadership and project management excellence within the organization.

Joining Ohio State in 2024, Jennifer brought more than 25 years of experience in architecture and construction, including her tenure as a project architect with a local design firm. She is a Registered Architect in Ohio and a proud veteran, retiring from the United States Army Reserves in 1999.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Michigan, followed by a Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Kent State University. Her portfolio includes notable projects such as the Heritage College of Medicine at Ohio University, The James Outpatient Care facility at the Wexner Medical Center, and the award-winning renovation of Hopkins Hall at Ohio State, recipient of the AIA Ohio Gold Medal.

Celebrating 10 Years. Sharing The Cogence Way. Forward, Together

Help us launch the 2026 Cogence Town Hall with a special celebration of Cogence’s 10-year anniversary. Together, we’ll reflect on a decade of achievements, hear an update on the current State of Cogence, and participate in a dynamic discussion about what makes our projects successful.

At the center of the session is The Cogence Way: a model of the behaviors, mindsets, and approaches that create stronger partnerships and better project outcomes. Developed from insights across our community of owners, designers, constructors, and project affiliates, The Cogence Way captures the principles that define how we work and succeed together.

Join us for this interactive opening session that will celebrate where we’ve been, examine where we are today, and explore where we’re headed next.

Moderator: Jerry Klanac

Panelist: Jennifer Son, The Ohio State University, Adrienne Sraver, Barton Malow, Carter Edman, Marous Brothers Construction, Sean McDermott, Cleveland Metroparks, Scott Wagner, Regency Construction

10:45 pm – 11:45am

Taking the long view on interorganizational construction projects: Insights from a ten-year research journey in an evolving field

Brief Summary: In this talk, Stephens will synthesize insights from his ten-year program of research on large interorganizational construction projects. The key theme across these insights is how project team members manage change. Across five major projects, Stephens and his team have used multiple methods, such as surveys, interviews and observation, to learn about how project team members build and sustain relationships, leverage frequent and timely communication and collectively address the persistent challenges of project work to maintain resilience. Drawing on these rich sets of data, Stephens will present three key insights: 1) industry-level change involves project team members paying attention to their everyday talk and actions to truly empower each other; 2) visual materials help smooth cross-functional and interorganizational dialogue and conflict management; and 3) leadership shifts over time and across multiple individuals and organizations in a project, requiring planning for effective handoffs between key phases. These research-backed insights illustrate how project team members already possess many of the resources needed to effectively manage change and deliver successful projects.

John Paul  (J.P.) Stephens, PhD., Case Western Reserve University

John Paul (J.P.) Stephens, Ph.D. is the Theodore M. and Catherine C. Alfred Professor in Management, and Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, John Paul completed degrees in Psychology at Morgan State University (B.S.) and in Organizational Psychology (M.S. and Ph.D.) at the University of Michigan. J.P. studies work relationships and coordination in groups, focusing on how what individuals and teams perceive about their behaviors shapes complex interdependent work. His research has delved into what people think, feel and do in real time as they pursue excellent, even beautiful collective performances. While he has conducted research in a variety of settings, his main funded research focuses on the strategic structures and practices used to develop a culture of teamwork on large construction sites. JP is also an Associate Editor at the Academy of Management Review, the top journal in the field of management and thoroughly enjoys teaching and mentoring his undergraduate and graduate students.

Noon – 12:50pm

Lunch | Networking | Emerging Leader brief presentation

TRACK SESSIONS

Times: Track One 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Track Two 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm | Track Three 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

TRACK 1 – INTERACTING WITH RESOURCES

(people and things)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Track 1A: Safe Enough to Disagree: The Superpower of Conversation

Brief Summary: Candor and honest conversation, backed by psychological safety and delegated authority, will produce productive and collaborative real joint problem solving.

Amy Bertleff, Ph.D. | Case Western Reserve University

Amy Bertleff, Ph.D., is a Research Associate at Case Western Reserve University. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology from Kent State University and previously spent 10 years teaching middle school students in public schools. Her research interests include motivation, attention, and psychological safety. At Case Western Reserve University, Amy has expanded her expertise to include project coordination, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement within the construction sector. She is passionate about translating complex information into practical insights that support informed decision-making. Through her work, she has contributed to cross-functional initiatives, process improvement efforts, and collaborative problem-solving across diverse teams. Outside of her research, Amy enjoys tackling complex problems and working with diverse teams. Though she began her career as a band director and middle school educator, she never expected to develop such an appreciation for the construction industry, an environment whose complexity, collaboration, and constant problem-solving she finds both challenging and rewarding.

John McCreary | Cleveland Clinic

John McCreary is a Senior Owners Representative at the Cleveland Clinic’s Building + Design Department. He represents the Construction Interests of the Cleveland Clinic across their global enterprise. John has formal training in all disciplines of construction and has been actively running projects for over 40 years delivering projects in over 15 states. He is a member of ASHE, (American Society for Health Care Engineers).

John’s current project is the Cleveland Innovation District, which consists of (2) new buildings on Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. The new (296,000 sf) buildings will be the Home to the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health. This new complex marks the largest research initiative in Cleveland Clinic’s more than 100 year history. These new buildings will have research labs, both wet and dry, with computational and office spaces.

The Cleveland Innovation District project is using the (IPD) Integrated Project Delivery contract structure to much success. This process aligns Owners, Designers and Constructors under a single contract, integrating all of the team at the start of the project. This enables the project to reduce risk, reduce waste, boost efficiency and maximize value through shared goals, risks and rewards. This delivery process combines lean principles with early team involvement that helps the team continuously communicate from first designs through construction leading to a more innovative construction process that enables faster delivery and enhanced quality.

Ben Frederiksen | Lighthouse Electric Company

Ben Frederiksen is a Senior Project Manager at Lighthouse Electric, an electrical contractor specializing in healthcare, commercial, industrial, and mission-critical electrical construction. An Electrical Engineer with experience in power generation, data centers, controls systems, and healthcare facilities, Ben leads complex projects from planning through closeout, driving collaboration, innovation, and successful project delivery for clients and stakeholders.

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Track 1B: Don’t Go with the Flow – Lead It: Cogence Solutions

Brief Summary: Exploring the practical differences of the CMAR construction delivery process in a regional market still dominated by traditional design-bid-build practices.

Alex Shaw | Shook Construction

Alex Shaw is an experienced project manager with expertise in water resources projects. During his more than 10 years with Shook Construction, he has progressed from project engineer to project manager, a role he has held for the past six years. Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron and is an active member of the Ohio Contractors Association, serving on the executive committee of its Cleveland Chapter.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Track 1C: Leveraging Cogence: Scaling Success Across Regions

Brief Summary: We will facilitate a panel discussion featuring industry partners from each of our chapters, offering insights into the regional similarities and unique project challenges addressed by implementing the Cogence tools and methodologies across diverse project scales and regions. It is essential that we maintain consistency in our methodology while adapting to the unique cultural and operational nuances of each region.

Moderator: Joanne Brown | Case Western Reserve University

Joanne S. Brown, AIA, ASID, MPOD currently serves as Assistant Director of Planning and Design within the division of Campus Planning and Facilities Management at Case Western Reserve University. Ms. Brown has been employed with the university since June 2008.

Ms. Brown has over 35 years of experience in project management leadership with a strong background in architecture, interior design, and facilities and construction management. Previous experience includes having been a partner within an architectural firm, vice president of a construction company and facility planning director of a bank. Having worked in a variety of fields, with various degrees of resources and capital allocation, Ms. Brown offers diverse knowledge and expertise in successfully managing areas of design, planning and project oversight.

Ms. Brown is also active in numerous civic and professional organizations. Including AIA (American Institute of Architects), ASID (American Society of Interior Design), Cleveland City Planning Commission – Euclid Corridor Design Review and Liverpool Township Zoning Board.

Ms. Brown is a State of Ohio Registered Architect and NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer.

Ms. Brown, in May 2020, received a Masters in Positive Organizational Development and Change (MPOD) from the Weatherhead School of Business, Case Western Reserve University.

John A. Brownrigg | Premier Health

John Brownrigg is the System Director of Facility Planning, Construction, and Real Estate for Premier Health in Dayton, Ohio. He leads the strategic planning and execution of real estate initiatives, capital construction projects, and facility management across the health system. John’s expertise in project management, construction oversight, and long-range facility planning has been shaped by leadership roles across multiple industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, mining, and professional services, with project experience spanning the United States and international markets.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. John has been a Registered Professional Engineer in both Wyoming and Texas.

Jeffrey Vavrek | Independence Construction

Jeff Vavrek, LEED AP, is a Senior Superintendent for Independence Construction. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and Technology from Bowling Green State University and has more than 20 years of construction industry experience. Throughout his career, Jeff has progressed through a variety of field leadership roles and is responsible for managing day-to-day construction operations, coordinating trade partners, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Jeff has played a key role in the successful delivery of numerous healthcare, higher education, and public projects, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa), Summa Health’s Williams Tower, Ohio University’s Heritage Hall, and multiple projects for the Cleveland Clinic. Most recently, he completed Case Western Reserve University’s South Residential Village project. Known for his collaborative approach and practical field expertise, Jeff is passionate about fostering strong partnerships between owners, designers, and trade contractors to achieve successful project outcomes.

Brad Carson | Valley Interiors

Brad Carson is the Director of Preconstruction at Valley Interior Systems, where he leads preconstruction efforts for complex commercial projects with a focus on exterior wall systems and the building envelope. With nearly 30 years of construction industry experience spanning field operations, project management, estimating, and leadership, Brad collaborates with owners, architects, engineers, and construction managers to develop high-performance, cost-effective building solutions. He is passionate about leveraging design-assist and offsite prefabrication to improve project quality, efficiency, and schedule.

TRACK 2 – LEARNING WITH TOOLS

(things you use to do your job)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Track 2A: The Tools are the Problem

(challenge assumptions)

Brief Summary: A session challenging the assumption that more tools mean better outcomes, examining whether the industry’s growing toolset is actually solving problems or simply becoming one itself. It will take a candid look at how tool sprawl can add complexity, cost, and training burden without a clear return, and prompt attendees to rethink which tools genuinely earn a place in their workflow.

Jeff Meyers | DS Architecture

Jeffrey Meyers is CEO and Owner of DS Architecture, a 23-person Cleveland-based architecture and design firm that has served Northeast Ohio for more than 40 years. Their portfolio is split almost evenly between publicly funded and privately funded developments. In addition to serving private developers, DS Architecture is also proud to serve as an on-call architect for both the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

While the firm has built its reputation on decades of experience and trusted client relationships, DS Architecture also remains committed to staying at the forefront of industry innovation. The team leverages advanced design technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D visualization tools, and collaborative digital workflows to enhance project coordination, improve accuracy, and deliver greater value to clients. By embracing emerging technologies and continuously refining its processes, DS Architecture is able to provide efficient, forward-thinking solutions that meet the evolving needs of both public and private sector projects.

Stephanie Drenten Ferro | Heapy Engineering

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Track 2B: Planning & Scheduling: What Is Working, What Is Not, and Where Are We Going

Brief Summary: A panel discussion bringing together owner, contractor, and design perspectives on the current state of planning and scheduling practice. The session will open with a live poll to help steer the conversation, followed by discussion and simple demonstrations of improved planning and scheduling approaches, covering topics such as interactive and pull planning, progress scheduling specs, schedule review techniques, schedule risk analysis, executive scheduling, and delay analysis.

Moderator: Jerry Klanac | PMA Consultants

Jerry Klanac is Consultant Emeritus, PMA Consultants LLC and Retired Faculty of Practice, University of Dayton, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics and has been involved with construction projects for almost fifty years. First as a cost/schedule engineer for Exxon Research and Engineering Company and then as project management consultant with PMA. Jerry’s consulting practice has focused on project management processes, cost estimating, project planning & scheduling, project controls, risk analysis, and contract strategy development for a wide variety of projects, but most frequently in the energy sector. Over the decades of his practice, Jerry had been involved with more than 100 projects around the globe with cumulative value over $100 billion.

In addition to his consulting efforts, Jerry has been teaching at University of Dayton since 2003 – first as adjunct faculty member and then as full-time faculty of practice with a goal to launch construction engineering and management courses at UD. Known as Professor Uncle Jerry and very popular among UD’s civil and mechanical engineering students, Jerry has just retired from teaching in June 2026. In addition to teaching in an academic environment, Jerry has developed and delivered project management courses for a variety of clients such as BP, Marathon Petroleum, SKOLKOVO (Moscow School of Business), Abbott, Hoffman LaRoche, and Astra Zeneca.

Jerry has civil engineering degree from University of Dayton and MBA from University of Chicago.

Jerry Klanac has been involved with Cogence since 2021 and helped launch the Southwest Ohio chapter and has served on the National Board for the past three years.

Panelist: Brian Smith | Health Tech Development

Brian J. Smith is a leading international expert in healthcare real estate development and construction. As an active board member and volunteer for nonprofit organizations that provide humanitarian aid (healthcare and education) to developing countries around the world has a special interest in offering aid to Honduras. For decades, Brian directed construction and real estate development for the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Brian has two undergraduate degrees in Construction Technology as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University. He is active on several not-for-profit boards (Medwish International, Medworks, Helping Hand to Honduras) that provide humanitarian aid to developing countries around the world with most of his efforts focused on Honduras, Central America. Brian has led many of the Medical and Construction Mission trips to Honduras since 2001.

Steve Lawson | Shook Construction

Steve Lawson is a Cincinnati native and graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He brings over 21 years of expertise driving complex projects from inception to completion. Steve has spent the last 20 years at Shook Construction, where he manages large-scale industrial projects for clients such as onMain, Dayton Phoenix Group, GE Aerospace, the City of Blue Ash, Honda Motor Company, and Ford Motor Company. As a Senior Project Manager, he leads project management teams and serves as the primary liaison among owners, designers, and stakeholders throughout all phases of a project. Steve has extensive experience with design-build, construction management, and general contracting project delivery methods and is a leader in strategic growth in Southwest Ohio. He currently serves as President of the Cogence Alliance Southwest Ohio Chapter Board of Directors.

Amanda DavyRomano, PMA Rep

Bios coming soon…

Jenny Han, Modular Design Integration, Bildt

Bios coming soon…

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Track 2C: The Next Jobsite

Brief Summary: A forward-looking panel imagining what the jobsite of tomorrow could look like, from how teams collaborate and communicate to how work actually gets built in the field. Panelists will share their perspectives on where the industry is headed, the trends and technologies most likely to reshape day-to-day construction, and what it will take for the workforce and processes of today to keep pace with the jobsite of the future.

Marvin Echols and Jason Gebhart | Whiting-Turner

Bios coming soon…

Brenden Shea | Next Generation Construction

Bios coming soon…

Aaron Lobas | Osborn Engineering

Bios coming soon…

Dave Audie | Lake Erie Electric

Dave Audie began his career in electrical construction as an electrician’s apprentice, building his foundation in the trade from the ground up. Today, he celebrates 20 years as Vice President of Lake Erie Electric, bringing decades of hands-on experience, leadership, and industry knowledge to some of the most complex electrical construction projects in the region.

Throughout his career, Dave has progressed through nearly every level of the electrical construction industry—from Apprentice and Journeyman to Foreman, Project Manager, Group Manager, Operations Manager, and ultimately Vice President. This progression has provided him with a unique perspective and firsthand understanding of every phase of a project, from field installation and project execution to operations, client relationships, and organizational leadership.

Dave has developed extensive experience leading highly complex projects across the healthcare, automotive, industrial, and specialized power distribution sectors. His work has involved challenging environments where safety, reliability, precision, and coordination are critical to project success. He is particularly passionate about developing strong teams, solving complex construction challenges, and ensuring that projects are delivered with the highest standards of quality.

TRACK 3 – ADVANCING CULTURE

(where people and ideas dare to thrive)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Track 3A: What If You Trusted First? How the Cleveland Metroparks Sailing Center got built on trust, not control

(Giving Trust)

Brief Summary: Are we managing risk—or managing around a lack of trust? Through the story of the Cleveland Metroparks’ Patrick S. Parker Sailing Center, this session will examine how a project built on trust, not control, challenged industry assumptions about leadership, decision-making, and accountability. Discover how leaders who extend trust create environments where people speak up sooner, solve problems faster, and take ownership of project outcomes. Expect to leave with a fresh perspective on how trust may be the most underutilized advantage in project delivery, and questioning whether the biggest risk on your projects is not trusting too little—but trusting too late.

Moderator: Tori Bias | The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Tori Bias is a Project Manager with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and has spent the past 9 years helping to deliver construction projects across a variety of markets, including healthcare, entertainment, federal, hospitality, and warehousing and distribution facilities. She earned a degree in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University, and while not originally from Cleveland, Tori quickly grew to appreciate the city and chose to make it her home. As an Emerging Leader within the Cogence NEO chapter, Tori is committed to the continued connection, development, and advancement of the organization’s values that strengthen this professional community.

Sean McDermott | Cleveland Metroparks

As the Chief Planning and Design Officer, Sean McDermott is responsible for long range strategic planning in concert with design and construction of the Metroparks capital improvements throughout the Park District and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  Prior to joining the Metroparks in 2013, Sean managed retail, commercial and multi-family projects nationwide for a Cleveland based real estate developer.

Sean holds a Bachelors of Civil Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Urban Planning, Design and Development from Cleveland State University, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs.  He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio, a volunteer and past president of LakewoodAlive, Chair of New Village Corporation board, a COGENCE Alliance board member, former Chair of the City of Lakewood Planning Commission and a Board member of Lakewood Catholic Academy

Ryan Denker | Cleveland Metroparks

As an Architect within Cleveland Metroparks’ Planning and Design Department, Ryan Denker has spent the past 12 years serving as both Architect of Record and Owner’s Representative for numerous capital improvement projects across the Cleveland Metroparks system. He leverages extensive experience in planning, design, project management, and construction administration, leading projects of varying scales, complexity, and scope.

Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University and a Master of Architecture, with a concentration in Urban Design, from Kent State University. During his tenure with Cleveland Metroparks, he has played a key role in the successful delivery of several significant projects, including the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center, Wallace Lake Improvements, the Noshery and Sunset Picnic Garden at Huntington Beach, and the Trailside Program Center in the Brecksville Reservation.

Prior to joining Cleveland Metroparks, Ryan has built a diverse portfolio of projects nationwide, including medical, religious, industrial, commercial, and residential developments

Brad Berkowitz | The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Brad Berkowitz is a Vice President with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company with more than 22 years of industry experience. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. A native Clevelander, Brad is proud to have led many construction projects that have helped revitalize Northeast Ohio. He is passionate about building high-performing teams that deliver transformative projects and create lasting value for the communities they serve.

Colton Kaufman | The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Colton Kaufman is a Project Manager with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and has spent the past 8 years helping bring complex projects to life across Northeast Ohio and beyond. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Ohio University and has worked in a variety of sectors including entertainment, warehousing and distribution, federal, and cultural facilities. As a Cleveland native, Colton takes pride in building strong relationships in and around this industry, understanding what matters most to project partners, and delivering results that reflect their vision and objectives.

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Track 3B: It’s Not What You Said. It’s What You Didn’t.

(Cost of Silence)

Brief Summary: The thing that derailed the project usually wasn’t a surprise. Someone knew. Maybe it was you. Maybe you told someone and nothing happened. Maybe you learned early that certain rooms don’t welcome that kind of news. This session looks honestly at why information stays bottled up on project teams, and what it takes to be the person — and the leader — who changes that dynamic.

Chris Orlando | VOC Associates

Chris Orlando, RN, BSN is a healthcare professional turned entrepreneur with a passion for turning complex ideas into practical, high-impact solutions. A dual-degree graduate from the University of Toledo in Biology and Nursing, Chris is the co-founder of VOC Associates, LLC—a leading healthcare consulting firm specializing in planning and activation services for hospitals, laboratories, and clinics. With a hands-on, results-oriented leadership style, he helps project teams streamline design and construction processes while ensuring clinical teams are fully prepared to operate efficiently from day one.

Beyond his work in healthcare, Chris is deeply committed to mentorship, community engagement, and supporting nonprofit initiatives. He thrives on fueling innovation in others and giving back through meaningful partnerships. An adventurer at heart, Chris embraces challenges with enthusiasm—whether he’s hiking a mountain, cycling long-distance routes, or camping under the stars—all while inspiring others to push boundaries and pursue excellence.

Joe Kapitan | Higley Construction

Joe Kapitan is a military veteran with 35+ years of management experience in the design and construction industry, specializing in proactive, risk-mitigation-based construction management, schedule management, and owner representation. Since 2013, he has focused on the Healthcare sector, gaining extensive experience leading projects up to $236M in size. As Senior Director of Ohio Operations and Healthcare for Higley Construction, Joe’s diverse role includes staff development, strategic planning, healthcare sector business development, risk management oversight of all Ohio region projects, and high-level oversight of healthcare construction projects across all Higley offices.

Phil Truax | Truax Law Group

Phil Truax is a construction lawyer headquartered in Avon, Ohio.  Phil spent the first 15 years of his career developing his practice with some of the top construction law firms in Ohio before starting the Truax Law Group in 2021.  Truax Law serves contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, owners, and developers throughout the state.  Phil counsels clients in the negotiation and review of contract forms and front-end project documents, as well as bidding and bid protest matters. His previous experience working in the field for general contractors and specialty trades provides him with a depth of practical construction knowledge in advising and counseling clients in the management, prosecution, and defense of claims during construction projects. These claims range from extra work scope claims and insurance coverage issues to claims for differing site conditions, extended general conditions, lost productivity, acceleration and delay. Phil also routinely files and defends against mechanic’s lien, public lien, and payment bond claims in Ohio and other states. He’s spent the bulk of his career pursuing and defending construction cases in litigation and arbitration.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Track 3C: Trust the Machine, Trust the Team: The Culture Behind AI Adoption

(Embracing AI)

Brief Summary: AI adoption succeeds or fails on culture, not technology. This fully interactive session explores where AI is already creating real opportunity in design and construction workflows — and where human judgment must stay non-negotiable. Through table-round exercises, participants surface the upside they may be leaving on the table, then work through the trust, disclosure, and no-blame behaviors that let teams use AI confidently without hiding its limits or their own uncertainty.

Pam Neckar | Impact Project Development

Pamela Neckar is the founder and CEO of Impact Project Development, a company dedicated to fostering a positive culture that promotes financial strength. With 25 years of experience in the design industry, she has held roles as Owner, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Human Resources. Pamela understands the importance of details, but emphasizes that it’s the connection to those details that truly drives success. As a founding board member of the Cogence Alliance, she is committed to leading the industry towards better outcomes for all stakeholders involved in the ownership, design, and construction of the built environment.

4:30/5:30pm – 9:00pm

Social Event at Patrick S. Parker Sailing Center (E.55th Street Marina)