2021 Agenda

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Expo Hall Open

Welcome Introductions

Keynote:
Monica Ortega, Mindset Coach & Author @The Power of Pivoting

2020 was the year of the pivot. But the truth is we're always pivoting, changing and evolving. The sooner we can learn how to pivot with purpose, the less scary change becomes and the more opportunity these moments can hold. How do we start to see these so-called "setbacks" as "setups" instead?

Host: Christopher Fronsoe, National Architectural Manager @Vitro Architectural Glass

Grab a glass and join National Architect Manager, Chris Fronsoe, for a tour through Italy's wine regions. Developed for design professionals, this free virtual drink-and-learn event will review foundational wine tasting concepts used by experts in the field. Our Northwest region National Architectural Manager — and resident sommelier — Chris Fronsoe, will explore three Vitro-curated Italian wines, from their compositions to origins to aromas and beyond.

*First 100 registrations get a $50 wine gift card.

Sponsored by Vitro

Day One Wrap Up & Prizes

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Expo Hall opens for the day — Closes at 5:00 PM

How to Act Like You're Not the Only Woman in the Room — Even When you Are

Maria Tice, Construction Project Manager @Burns Burns & McDonnell
Lori Jones, Regional Global Facilities Manager @Burns Burns & McDonnell

When you think of male-dominated industries, there's a good chance engineering and construction comes to mind. The physically demanding labor needed on a construction site, along with other roles in the construction industry, are often associated with males. Lori Jones and Maria Tice are working hard to break down those stereotypes. During this presentation, hear from them about their current roles with Burns & McDonnell, how they embraced being the "Only Woman in the Room", and the current state of women in construction.

Danielle Feroleto, CPSM, Founder @Small Giants

Danielle Feroleto, CPSM, will present proven strategies and tactics for mentoring and training junior and mid-level AEC team members to help them reach "A-list" status. She will also provide advice for seasoned AEC professionals who are looking to advance to senior-level status.

Roundtable Sessions

Introduced and moderated by some of the most knowledgeable women in the industry, these fast-paced roundtable discussions will give you the opportunity to ask questions, learn best practices and share your ideas with your peers. Choose the topic that's right for you:

Moderator: Rebecca Udell, Executive Director of Marketing Strategy @KSS Architects and WIDC Advisory Board Member

Moderator: Brenda Radmacher, Partner @Akerman LLP and WIDC Advisory Board Member

Moderator: Rita S. Carter, AIA, Client Leader, Senior Associate @DLR Group and WIDC Advisory Board Member

Amy Gilbertson, Principal @Trivers

As the AEC industry continues to place greater emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion, organizations need to develop ongoing, measurable practice improvement that becomes ingrained in workplace culture. As a Principal at Trivers, Amy Gilbertson has led the in-house EDI committee for the past two years placing emphasis on transparency and honest communication. This session will explore how Gilbertson and her team combined two industry tools, the International Living Future Institute's Just Label and the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice to identify and prioritize practice improvement opportunities. Specific examples will be shared with the intent that attendees will be able to apply these tools in a meaningful way to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion at their own organizations.

Let's Talk Partner Roundtables

Closing Keynote:
Gilli Aliotti, SVP, Program Management, Agile Coach @ViacomCBS/Paramount+

As an entrepreneur, artist and now C-Level executive at a Fortune 500 corporation, I've experienced first-hand how hard it is for a female entrepreneur/leader to be taken seriously in a male dominated business, and as also as a mom of twins, I want to share my top 10 steps to accelerate your career growth, all the while have work-life balance and enjoying the journey. It takes courage, fearlessness and heart. These steps I took were a game changer for me and my career and I am excited to share them with this audience. Step into The Warrior EntreprenHER Zone with me.

Day Two Wrap Up

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Keynote:
Lynn Catalano, Founder & CEO @Lynn Catalano Speaks

Learning how to read the room is key to building better relationships. Koreans think it's so important they have a term for it - nunchi. Relationships are the cornerstone to improving business and building your network. If you can quickly read the room, you will improve your chances of success in any environment! The differences between high emotional intelligence and narcissism can be destructive to your organization if you are not aware. What are the characteristics of a toxic boss? How do we cope with them? Lynn will show you how to practice reflective listening and exhibit high emotional intelligence.

Expo Hall opens for the day — Closes at 3:30 PM

Roundtable Sessions

Introduced and moderated by some of the most knowledgeable women in the industry, these fast-paced roundtable discussions will give you the opportunity to ask questions, learn best practices and share your ideas with your peers. Choose the topic that's right for you:

Moderator: Gilli Aliotti, SVP, Program Management, Agile Coach @ViacomCBS/Paramount+s

Moderator: Cathy Sewell, Principal @Rider Levett Bucknall and WIDC Advisory Board Member

Moderator: Sarah Weissman Dirsa, AIA, LEED AP, SEED, NOMA @KG+D Architects and WIDC Advisory Board Member

Hannah Hackathorn, Regional Principal, Design @Unispace
Chely Wright, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer @Unispace

Dropped in the middle of Connecticut at age 13 and unable to speak a word of English was Hannah Hackathorn's first formative experience in the United States. With a lot of grit and the help of mentors, she was able to leverage her love of art to build a career in interior design. From her perspective as both a foreigner and minority (Asian woman), she can discuss her approach to seeking out and mentoring women to advance in the industry at a time when they have been disproportionately impacted in balancing personal and professional commitments during the pandemic.

Let's Talk Partner Roundtables

Satpal Kaur, Founder & Principal @Satpalkaaur.com

Who are we really designing for as Professionals? As our own expertise builds, so do our biases, preconceptions, beliefs and even ego. The culmination of these can be a tendency to narrow our own thinking. Let's instead move the pendulum from the expert area that many of us strive towards in the AEC industry and explore the Beginner's mind. A place away from presumptions and organizational thinking to curiosity and need to ask questions, research and constantly evolving to push the boundaries. Satpal Kaur will share an interactive that deconstructs the design process using the monopoly game that digs deeper into self-reflective questions on status quo, implicit biases and restructuring the politics of space and code regulations to create cutting edge just buildings as part of the AEC profession.