Ohio Valley Construction Conference - 2-Day - IN-PERSON ONLY

20 selected sessions
Louisville

16.00 credits
Member price: $599
Non-member price: $599
(discounts available)
OVERVIEW

The Ohio Valley Construction Conference will provide insightful information for financial professionals in construction-oriented businesses and CPAs in firms with construction clients. 

Designed for: Any financial professional working in construction or advising clients in the construction industry.

Guests can use this link to make hotel reservations or call Hilton at 800-445-8667 and reference group cpde "GCFMA".  Reservations must be made by September 30, 2026. https://link.edgepilot.com/x/d9A9UxXtl-eh463OXPILxhY?u=https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/sdfshhf-gcfma-3e09517f-5a7c-4b56-8d18-52290d7bcf24/

 


DESIGNED FOR

Any financial professional working in construction or advising clients in the construction industry.

DISCOUNTS
Early Registration Discount:
$50
(expires: Oct 08, 2026)
CREDITS
Accounting
0.00 credits
Business management
0.00 credits
Economics
0.00 credits
Information technology
0.00 credits
Specialized Knowledge and Applications
0.00 credits
Tax
0.00 credits
LEVEL
Basic
SESSIONS

10-22-2026

001-Leading Operational Excellence

Start: 8:10AM

End:  9:25AM

“Best of class” is a phrase reserved for the elite performers. Whether it is the Super Bowl winner or the National Champion, the BEST is the ideal at to be in. However, there are no trophies in the construction industry. Businesses strive for operational excellence every day. What separates the middle of the pack from the top performers? How does a construction organization create greatness on every project, every time? What do the best managers, superintendents, and business leaders do to create operational excellence? The elements of this session will look at the drivers and behaviors of the most successful project teams and businesses. Ultimately, the best field leaders have an “Operational Toolbox” that consists of firm-wide proactive processes, tools and KPI’s. In this session, the attendees will learn the following:
  • Understand the difference between a “Project Leader” and a “Project Witness”.
  • Examine the key processes, tools and accountability metrics that truly influence performance on any project.
  • Drive better project performance through an effective understanding of productivity, profitability, production and the difference in all three.
  • Examine how best of class firms BECOME best of class.

 

002-Blueprint for Cybersecurity: Practical Strategies to Protect Your Business

Start: 9:25AM

End:  10:15AM

Technology is transforming the construction industry, but every new tool, application, and connected device creates new opportunities—and new risks. Learn how construction leaders can
embrace innovation while strengthening the cybersecurity fundamentals that keep their businesses secure and resilient.

Key takeaways:

  • The most common cyber threats targeting construction companies today.
  • Security capabilities many organizations already own through Microsoft.
  • Practical steps leaders can take to reduce risk without disrupting operations.
SPEAKERS:
Barnett, Joel

BR1-Break

Start: 10:15AM

End:  10:30AM

003-2026 Federal Tax Update

Start: 10:30AM

End:  11:45AM

This presentation will discuss 2026 Federal Tax updates concerning the construction industry.

004-Lunch

Start: 11:45AM

End:  12:35PM

005-A&A Update

Start: 12:35PM

End:  1:25PM

This program with discuss the Audit and Assurance updates will be discussed in this presentation.

006-AI in the Construction Lifecycle

Start: 1:25PM

End:  2:15PM

AI is already being used across the construction lifecycle, from estimating and contract review to jobsite progess tracking and safety insights.  This session focuses on real-world AI use cases construction teams are actually using today, where they show up across the lifecycle, and what it takes to move from experimentation to adoption.  Attendees will gain practical examples and a simple framework for deciding where AI can deliver value, and where to start.

BR2-Break

Start: 2:15PM

End:  2:25PM

007-Building the Blueprint for Employee Engagement: Key Insights and Strategies

Start: 2:25PM

End:  3:15PM

Employee engagement does not happen by accident—it is intentionally designed through culture, leadership, communication, and the employee experience. In this session, participants will explore the essential building blocks of an engaged workforce and discover practical strategies for creating an workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and motivated to contribute. Attendees will leave with ideas to strengthen retention, improve workplace culture, and build a sustainable engagement strategy that drives business success.

008-Emerging Trends in Financial Crime

Start: 3:15PM

End:  4:05PM

This presentation will focus on current financial crime trends impacting construction companies and those who own and/or work for them.  Agent Roby will discuss case successes and failures and provide safeguards you can employ to protect your company and its assets from fraudsters domestic and abroad.

009-Real Estate Developers - Navigating Today's Construction-Driven Development Landscape

Start: 4:05PM

End:  4:55PM

This panel brings together experienced real estate developers active across commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects to discuss how current market dynamics are shaping development decisions. Panelists will address project feasibility in a higher-interest-rate environment, capital stack considerations, contractor and material cost volatility, and risk allocation between owners, lenders, and builders. The discussion will also explore how developers are adapting deal structures, leveraging public-private partnerships, and evaluating geographic and sector-specific
opportunities to keep projects moving forward despite ongoing economic and regulatory pressures.

REC-Reception

Start: 5:15PM

End:  6:15PM

Please join us for a drinks, snacks & conversation immediatley following the last session of the day!

10-23-2026

010-Legal Update

Start: 8:10AM

End:  9:00AM

This presentation will discuss important legal updates concerning the construction industry.
SPEAKERS:
Shull, Mike

011-Bitcoin: Rethinking Monetary Freedom

Start: 9:00AM

End:  9:50AM

This session traces Bitcoin's evolution from a revolutionary digital currency concept to mainstream corporate adoption. Attendees will explore Bitcoin's place in monetary history, understand its blockchain technology foundation, and analyze current market developments and institutional integration in the financial ecosystem.
SPEAKERS:
Mast, Chris

Br3-Break

Start: 9:50AM

End:  10:00AM

012-Closely Held Construction Companies: Succession & Ownership Strategies

Start: 10:00AM

End:  11:15AM

This executive-level panel features leaders from closely held construction businesses who have pursued three distinct ownership transition paths: an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a family or management buyout, and a private equity transaction. Panelists will share first-hand perspectives on the strategic, financial, and cultural considerations that drove their decisions, including
legacy planning, liquidity needs, governance changes, and long-term growth objectives. The discussion will provide practical insights into transaction readiness, valuation expectations, timing considerations, and lessons learned—offering firm owners and advisors a comparative framework for evaluating succession options in the construction industry.
SPEAKERS:
Darby, Sheri

013-CFO Roundtable

Start: 11:15AM

End:  12:05PM

014-Lunch

Start: 12:05PM

End:  1:00PM

015-Surety Discussion on the Current Marketplace

Start: 1:00PM

End:  1:50PM

Panel Discission with surety underwriters on hot topics in the industry.
SPEAKERS:
Ayres, Brian

016-First Brood

Start: 1:50PM

End:  3:20PM

As 2026 unfolds, the U.S. economy continues to defy expectations while raising new questions about what comes next. In this fast-paced, data-driven presentation, we will examine the latest trends in employment, housing, commercial real estate, financial markets, and economic output to better understand where the economy is headed through the balance of 2026 and beyond. Expect fresh insights, a few surprises, and maybe even a laugh or two as we make sense of today’s economy and tomorrow’s risks.
SPEAKERS:
Basu, Anirban
SPEAKERS

Ayres, Brian

 
Brian Ayres is a Senior Partner with L A Surety Solutions LLC, and currently the Co-Chair of the Government Relations committee for the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP). Brian has 12 years of experience in the surety industry. He is veteran of the United States Marine Corps (1994-1998), where he was honorably discharged with awards. While in the Marine Corps, Brian served in numerous US Embassies operations in Africa. After his service to his country, he attended the University of Kentucky where he graduated in 2003 with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. In 2005, Brian started his career in the industry with Federated Insurance Company. After two years with Federated, Brian accepted an offer and took a position with Wells Fargo in June, 2007. In April, 2013 Brian partnered with Todd Loehnert and helped form what is now L A Surety Solutions LLC. Brian currently serves as the Chair for the NASBP's Government Relations committee, Brian has helped advocate for the surety product to ensure the protection of taxpayer money. Brian resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Lisa and two daughters.

Barnett, Joel

 
Joel Barnett is a Technical Account Executive with Blue Pioneer Consulting, the technology consulting and managed services affiliate of Blue & Co., one of the Midwest's most respected CPA and advisory firms serving the construction industry. Joel works with construction companies, general contractors, manufacturers, and other closely held businesses to align technology investments with business objectives. He advises leadership teams on cybersecurity, operational efficiency, technology strategy, business continuity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Drawing on experience supporting organizations across multiple industries, Blue Pioneer Consulting helps business owners and executives navigate common challenges such as cybersecurity risk, workforce productivity, project collaboration, technology planning, and maximizing the value of existing technology investments. Their practical, business-focused approach helps organizations leverage technology to strengthen operations, reduce risk, and support long-term growth. Based in the Chattanooga, TN, Blue Pioneer Consulting serves clients in 38 states and regularly collaborates with Blue & Co.'s construction and advisory professionals to help clients address both business and technology challenges.

Basu, Anirban

 
Anirban Basu is Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., a Baltimore-based economic and policy consultancy he founded in 2004. He serves the Chief Economist function for many organizations, including the Maryland Bankers Association and Associated Builders and Contractors. The Baltimore Business Journal named him one of the region’s 20 most powerful business leaders in 2010. In 2022, he entered the Daily Record newspaper’s Circle of Influence. He is the Distinguished Economist in Residence at Goucher College, where he teaches History of Economic Thought. He holds four graduate degrees, including a J.D. and a Ph.D.

Darby, Sheri

 
Sheri has served in a leadership capacity in ESOP companies for almost 15 years. She joined Team Walker in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer and in 2023, Sheri accepted the role of President. Honing in on her passion for employee-ownership, Sheri has also served as an officer for the Ohio/Kentucky Chapter for the ESOP Association. Sheri completed her bachelor's degree from Midway University and completed her MBA with a concentration in Accounting while living abroad. Sheri, her husband Rusty, and their dog Karma enjoy traveling in their RV, the glamping life and bonfires with good friends. Favorite Food - Anything that Rusty cooks Favorite Music - Southern Rock Dream Vacation - World cruise

Doyle, Kevin

 
Kevin Doyle, CPA, is the CFO with Congelton-Hacker Co. in Lexington.

Harbeson, Patrick

 
Patrick is a Senior Manager at harding Shymanski in the Accounting and Auditing department. He holds a B.S. in accounting from Indiana University Southeast, and specializes in Accounting and Auditing, Employee Benefit Audits, ESOP, Construction, and Manufacturing.

Kaufman, Katie

 
No bio available

Kauzlick, Ryan

 
No bio available

Kraft, Daniel

 
No bio available

Mast, Chris

 
No bio available

Neely, Matt

 
Matt Neely, CPA, is a Tax Partner with Cherry Bekaert and has more than 10 years of experience in public accounting focusing on tax compliance and planning, with an emphasis on partnerships, S corporations, and individuals. During his career in public accounting, Neely has worked primarily with privately-held businesses in variety of industries, including construction, real estate, transportation, manufacturing and distribution, and business services.

Redick, Nicki

 
No bio available

Rowe, Sarah

 
As a certified public accountant, early in her professional career Sarah worked with Arthur Andersen as an auditor in Nashville, TN, and Dallas, TX. This was followed by five years at Lincoln Property Company Development in Dallas. In 2005, Sarah landed her "forever career" and joined the Gray family as manager, special project cost. She quickly adapted to the "Gray Way," eventually growing into the lead financial professional position for the company. Recently, Sarah has played a key role in Gray's Enterprise Resource Planning system and helps to facilitate the selection of Gray's charitable recipient. When she's not working, Sarah enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, reading, and watching University of Kentucky basketball.

Schoppman, Gregg

 
As a principal with FMI, Gregg specializes in the areas of productivity and project management. He also leads FMI's project management consulting practice. He also leads the consulting management group of FMI's Florida office. Prior to joining FMI, Gregg served as a senior project manager for a general contracting firm in central Florida. He has completed complex and sophisticated construction projects in the several different niches and geographic markets. He has also worked as a construction manager and managed direct labor. Furthermore, Gregg has expertise in numerous contract delivery methods. Gregg was named one of the Top 25 Consultants of 2014 by Consulting Magazine, receiving the highest number of nominations for that year's recipient group. Additionally, he was a two-time finalist for the Association of Management Consulting Firms award for "Change Management" in 2012 and 2013. Gregg has been a guest speaker for the ABC, AGC, IFMA, DBIA, NECA and CFMA. He has been the Gulf Coast Director of the Design Build Institute of America function and regularly speaks to students in the civil engineering graduate school program at the University of Florida. Gregg has also spoken to similar groups around the state of Florida. He has successfully completed project management and productivity implementation engagements for general and trade contractors across the country. In addition to his implementation engagements, Gregg facilitates strategic planning and evaluation services focused on organizational transformation. He has also been an instructor with FMI's Project Manager Academy and regularly trains individuals from foreman to CEO. Gregg holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida, and a master of business administration with a concentration in international business from the University of Tampa. He was recognized as a Beta Gamma Sigma honor graduate at the University of Tampa and Tau Beta Pi honor graduate at the University of Florida. He possesses a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University and an Executive Certificate in International Management from Thunderbird University. Gregg possesses an Engineer Intern certificate from the State of Florida as well as a Florida General Contractors license. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, International Facility Management Association, Leadership Tampa and Leadership Pasco.

Shull, Mike

 
Michael Shull, III, Frost Brown Todd LLC, focuses his practice on construction law and litigation. He has experience with claims involving delay costs, differing site conditions, defective plans and specifications, change order disputes and more.

Strange, Andrea

 
Andrea is a Vice President in the Accounting and Auditing Department at Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. She has been with the firm since 2000 and works closely with clients in the construction, manufacturing, and not-for-profit industries. Andrea also co-leads college interviewing and recruitment for the Louisville office.

Wheatley, Jennifer

 
Jennifer Wheatley, President & Co-Owner, HR Affiliates, is a Human Resources Executive with over 30 years of human resources experience in multiple industries including consulting services, manufacturing/distribution, banking, and retail. She enjoys strategizing with business owners and leaders to build HR infrastructures that ensure compliance but focus on creating the right culture to ensure organizational success. She especially enjoys working with entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining HR Affiliates, Jennifer was the President/Owner of an HR consulting firm. In addition to her consulting experience, Jennifer spent many years with JPMorgan Chase in several senior HR roles. Jennifer holds an M.A. in Human Resources Management and a B.S. in Business Administration and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) as well as a certified Senior Professional in HR (SPHR). Jennifer is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), has served on the Boards for KYSHRM and Louisville SHRM. Jennifer is a past adjunct professor at the University of Louisville and regularly speaks on HR topics and has been a presenter at multiple KYSHRM Conferences. Jennifer also serves on the Board for Kentucky NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and was the recipient of the 2020 KY NAWBO Executive of the Year and is a member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO). She also is a member of the University of Louisville Family Business Center where she is a facilitator for the HR Roundtable.

Wilkinson, Dean

 
No bio available
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