technology, but a true change-man- agement opportunity. He addressed the variety of ways leaders and teams can integrate AI into everyday work to improve organizational performance and create business value. During the October 7 general session,


AGC of America Director of Market In- sights Macrina Wilkins offered insights into the national construction trends and market forces at play today. Her address set the stage for the series of owner showcases that were a center- piece of CONSTRUCT. These owner showcase sessions previewed current and upcoming work opportunities in sectors including airport, water and utility, rail, maritime work and education sectors, offering attendees the chance to hear from and interact with owners and leaders from an array of California’s top public agencies. AGC in partnership with industry leaders also formally launched an inno- vative new initiative called the Collabo- rative Leadership Project. Developed by a group of contractors, design/CM firms, owners and trade partners, the project is rooted in the premise that collaboration is a leadership choice and should exist regardless of delivery method. AGC of California Past President Steve


Rule announced the launch, explained the focus of the new initiative and then moderated a panel of leaders from LA Metro, Caltrans, Shimmick Construction Company, Inc., and Parsons and Stacy Witbeck, who helped bring the initia- tive to life. Tey invited other industry leaders in attendance to sign a formal commitment supporting the project to advance a culture of collaboration industrywide. “Tis is bigger than any one association, company or discipline,” Rule said. “It is a place for industry to come together and advance how we work together.”


24


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026


AGC of California leadership on hand to accept the 2026 J. Howard Mock Award from AGC of America, recognizing the AGC Chapter with the largest overall net growth in contractor membership, were (from left): Juliana Almanza, chief of staff; 2026 President-Elect Allison Otto, Otto Construction; 2026 President Ryan Auker- man, Griffith Company; AGC of California CEO Peter Tateishi; and AGC of America President Rick Andritsch, VJS Construction Services.


Te closing session for CONSTRUCT


2026 featured a panel discussion on the political and policy trends driving devel- opments at all levels of government, as well as the industry’s ongoing advocacy efforts to influence outcomes. Moderated by Chris O’Connor, AGC of California senior vice president of government and industry affairs, the session featured insights from panelists Alex Etchen, vice president of construction advocacy and risk management for AGC of America, Melanie Perron, senior advocate with Pacific Coast Capitol Advisors, and Felipe Fuentes, CEO of Pacific Coast Capitol Advisors Inc.


Opportunity to Learn, Grow and Connect CONSTRUCT 2026 offered ample op- portunities for participants to learn and connect across all generations, industry roles, and sectors.


In addition to the owner showcase


sessions, more than a dozen educational sessions over three days gave student and general attendees valuable insights on everything from infrastructure funding strategies in California to jobsite security and leading from the middle. Construction safety was also front


and center with the 2026 Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) held in conjunction with the conference on October 8, as featured in this issue. Several social and networking events


provided additional opportunities to connect. These included a welcome reception, Expo with over two dozen exhibitors, Thursday Night Bash and Friday golf. Plans are already underway for Construct 2027, slated for October 5-8 again at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells. Visit AGC of California’s web- site at www.agc-ca.org for more on additional upcoming events in 2027.


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