2025 ACEC Virginia Annual Summer Conference Sessions

This presentation by Kristin Kautz, FSMPS, CPSM delves into the transformative journey of artificial intelligence (AI), covering its historical roots, current capabilities, and future possibilities. It combines real-world examples, technical insights, and practical strategies to empower businesses and individuals to navigate AI's seismic impact on our industry and roles. From understanding narrow AI and generative tools to exploring advanced applications in the built environment, this resource equips attendees to implement AI effectively.

Join Mike Matthews from PSMJ Resources for a comprehensive exploration of high-profitability in A/E firms. Profitability drives shareholder returns, employee rewards, and long-term stability. This session will explore key financial metrics, strategic planning approaches, and industry benchmarks that high-performing firms use to maximize profit. We will discuss the factors that influence profitability, from goal setting and performance measurement to firm culture and competitive positioning. Attendees will gain insights from PSMJ’s Financial Benchmark survey and best practices top firms use to strengthen financial performance and ensure sustainable growth.

'''Every system is perfectly designed to get the result that it does.'' – Edward Deming. Great performance doesn’t happen by chance—it’s designed by leaders who shape the systems, culture, and structures that drive success. In this session, we’ll explore the key characteristics of high-performing organizations and how leaders can intentionally design and inspire their teams to achieve exceptional results. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to transform their organizations, departments, or teams into high-performance environments where people thrive and results follow.'

Join Gregory Hart from PSMJ Resources for a look at the state of the A/E industry going into the second half of 2025 and beyond. He shares PSMJ’s latest Quarterly Market Forecast data indicating which client markets are poised to heat up and cool down as well as the macro-economic trends that are likely to impact A/E markets in the coming 12-24 months. Building on this, Greg explains how broader shifts in capitalization, technology, and culture are changing the formula for success in today’s operating environment. He leaves you with specific trends and metrics to watch along with strategies and tactics that A/E firms are using right now to achieve best-in-class levels of growth, employee engagement, and client satisfaction.

Stay ahead of the curve with ACEC’s advocacy team as they provide an exclusive briefing on the latest policy developments in Washington, D.C.. This session will cover key legislative priorities, including tax policy, immigration reform, regulatory streamlining, and other critical issues impacting the engineering industry. Gain insight into how the President’s executive actions, and policy agenda are shaping the business landscape and where major industry initiatives stand in Congress. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the decisions that affect your firm.