8:00 AM: Commercial Construction Update
Trent Johnson, PCL Construction Services, Inc.
Chad Rempe, Kraus Anderson
• Assessing Industry Conditions and Planning Tactics for 2027
• How elevated material and labor costs plus interest rates shape project budgets and timelines
• Key developments reshaping Minnesota’s commercial real estate landscape
• Creative staffing, apprenticeship, and training approaches to close workforce gaps
• Practical pathways and incentive programs for more sustainable, lower-impact building
• Predictive tools and processes general contractors can use to manage schedule and cost risk
• Navigating evolving codes, permitting rules, and compliance requirements
• Emerging technologies and construction methods that are changing project delivery
• 2027 outlook for commercial construction: promising markets and growth segments
9:00 AM: Subcontractors’ Perspectives and Innovations
Matt Bergmann, Laketown Electric Corporation
• Adjusting to Shifts: Obstacles and Forward-Looking Strategies for Contractors in 2027
• Persistent challenges including supply-chain variability and skilled-labor shortages
• New operating practices that help specialty contractors stay competitive and efficient
• Digital platforms and software transforming field coordination, documentation, and productivity
• Advanced tools, equipment, and techniques that improve subcontractor performance and safety
• The continuing value of strong partnerships and reliable collaboration across the project team
• Practical, subcontractor-focused risk-management approaches
• Critical 2027 trends specialty contractors should adopt to remain successful
9:55 AM: Break
10:15 AM: Strategies for Managing and Resolving Disputes
Elise Radaj, Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A.
John Holper, Bassford Remele
• Prevention, Dialogue, and Settlement Methods for 2027 Achievement
• Proactive contract administration and early risk identification to limit disputes
• Clear communication protocols and thorough documentation that keep projects aligned
• Negotiation techniques that favor practical, relationship-preserving resolutions
• Mediation and arbitration as faster, more cost-effective alternatives to litigation
• Recent legal developments and their implications for construction dispute handling
• Real-world examples and proven methods for resolving conflicts effectively
• Building effective dispute-resolution clauses and escalation procedures into contracts from the outset
11:05 AM: Women in Construction
Emily Amundson, McGough
• Promoting Women’s Contributions and Career Paths in Construction for 2027
• Current barriers and expanding opportunities for women in the industry
• Priority areas where targeted support and advancement are most needed
• Proven strategies and success stories for overcoming common obstacles
• Mentorship, networking, and structured training as pathways to greater responsibility
• Building expertise in project management, technical specialties, and leadership roles
• Understanding workplace rights, protections, and available support resources
• Intentional career planning and industry programs that accelerate women’s professional growth