2026 Convention: Blueprints & Building Dreams

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Breakouts

From Blueprints to Bytes: AI in Action on the Jobsite
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

This breakout features a panel discussion with contractors currently using AI to advance their work in the construction industry. Moderated by Lucas Hayden from Unanet, panelists will describe their first hand experience about the benefits, challenges, safety, and future of AI in the construction industry.

Presenter: Lucas Hayden

The Path to Leadership: Transforming New Managers Who Were Former Top Performers into High-Performing Leaders 
For New Managers and the Leaders Who Guide Them 
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Many first-time managers in construction are promoted because they were standout performers in the field, but quickly realize the skills that made them great workers don’t automatically make them effective leaders.

This breakout session speaks directly to both new managers and the leaders who support them, offering a practical, proven framework to help new managers move from task-focused supervision to confident, influence-based leadership.

Attendees will walk away with tools, language, and a step-by-step approach to support leadership growth on the job site and beyond.

Presenter: Christopher R. Jones

Reimagining Blue-Collar Recruitment with Fastflo
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Struggling to fill roles fast? Losing great candidates to competitors?

Fastflo is transforming how blue-collar employers hire — letting applicants apply, pre-qualify, schedule interviews, and even onboard directly through chat in their favorite messaging apps. Developed by a team from the University of Virginia and the Harvard Innovation Labs, Fastflo is designed for fast-paced industries like construction and logistics. By replacing endless email threads and clunky forms with quick, intuitive chat conversations, Fastflo cuts drop-off rates, accelerates hiring, and gives recruiters back their time — so they can focus on people, not paperwork. See how these emerging leaders are redefining hiring where it happens most: on your phone.

Presenters: Jenks Currie, Saragrace Minnig, Francisco Shirazi

Foundations Podcast LIVE with Ed Stelter, LEED AP, DBIA
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

This breakout session, recorded live as part of the Foundations podcast series, features host Ed Stelter in conversation with a leading voice from Virginia’s construction industry. Together they explore the real stories behind building a successful company — from humble beginnings and early challenges to defining moments of growth and change. Through candid discussion, the session highlights how culture, leadership, and innovation shape long-term success in construction. Attendees will gain both inspiration and practical insights into what it truly takes to build and sustain a thriving business in a demanding industry.

Presenter: Ed Stelter, Faulconer Construction

Crafting Unforgettable Client Experiences: Your Blueprint for Business Growth.
Saturday, 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

This breakout session explores how empathetic, personalized service can transform client relationships and drive business success. Drawing on insights from *Turning Tables*, participants will learn actionable strategies to enhance client satisfaction, foster loyalty, and strengthen both their company's reputation and personal brand. Attendees will identify opportunities to deepen relationships, develop a customized service approach suited to their organization or style, and better understand how extraordinary service impacts client loyalty. The session will conclude with practical steps participants can immediately apply to elevate their professional and personal relationships.

Presenter: Bruce Bryan 

Friday Night Events

Celestial Ball
Friday, 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM

Drift into a night where dreams and starlight intertwine for the Chair's Installation. Attendees are invited to embrace the elegance of a black tie banquet with a hint of celestial sparkle. Gentlemen are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Formal evening gowns and cocktail-length dresses are encouraged for women, with touches of shimmer, midnight hues, or star-inspired accessories to reflect the night sky. REGISTRATION FOR THE BANQUET IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND. 

Dueling Pianos & Dancing
Friday, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

As the banquet concludes, the night soars featuring dueling pianos and dancing. The sky's the limit for song requests and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Nightcap Lounge
Friday, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Slip away to the Nightcap Lounge where you can unwind with a cocktail and savor the after party connecting with others.

General Session Lunch

Icons of Industry: The Women Who Build Virginia
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

This general session is a powerful and engaging conversation featuring three of the Commonwealth’s most influential construction leaders. Arlene Lee, CEO of The Lee Construction Group; Lydia Miller, CEO of MILLER Brothers, Inc.; and Blair Williamson, President of S.L. Williamson Company, Inc., will share their journeys, lessons learned, and perspectives on leadership in the construction industry. From navigating challenges to driving innovation and building enduring company cultures, these trailblazers are shaping the future of Virginia’s construction landscape. Over lunch, attendees will gain insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways from these women who are not just building structures — they’re building the future of our industry.

Presenters: Arlene Lee, Lydia Miller, Blair Williamson

Fun Sessions

Lavender Wreath Workshop
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Create your own Lavender Wreath with Moseymore Lavender Farm.

Art on the Rocks
Friday, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM & Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

This guided painting class will use an alternative to canvas, painting on slate. Enjoy a cocktail while brushing up on your art skills.

Taste of Virginia Wines
Friday, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Join the Homestead’s Sommelier as they go over details and notes on four different Virginia wines.

Wool Felting
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to transform soft, fluffy wool into a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece.

Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Explore the Homestead Resort by solving clues during this friendly competition.

Cooking Demo
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Chef led cooking demonstration with active volunteer participation and small bites.

Cornhole Tournament
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

The Cornhole tournament returns with us at the Homestead. Pick your partner, or sign up solo and we will pair teams.

Thank you to the 2026 Annual Convention Sponsors!

If you wish to join this growing list of sponsors, click here.

Kick Off Breakfast & Keynote Speaker

Welcome Reception

Friday Night Nightcap Lounge

Chair's Reception

Lanyard Name Tag

Kick Off Breakfast Bloody Marys & Mimosas

Closing Reception

Key Card

Closing Reception Specialty Cocktail & Cup

Celestial Ball Entertainment

Hospitality & Registration

Chair's Installation Banquet Wine Service

Past Chairs Breakfast

Friday General Session Lunch

Convention Promotion Video

Back Cover of Convention Program

Cornhole Tournament Bar

Cigars for Nightcap Lounge

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Fun Activity

Sporting Clays Tournament Prize

Cornhole Tournament Prize

Irish Coffee Reception

The Omni Homestead Resort
7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia, 24445

Guestrooms
$379 Single occupancy, $539 Double occupancy. Guestrooms are subject to tax and $20 resort fee.
Rate includes room accomodations, breakfast, and dinner in all restaurants on property. This rate excludes: Dining in restaurants on Friday, Lunches, Room Service dining, and Gratuity.

Guest Room Reservations
To reserve your room, call 1-800-THE-OMNI or book online. Cut-Off date to make your reservations in the room block is Friday, January 23, 2026 by 5:00 PM. Reservations made after that time will be accepted based on hotel availability.

A refundable deposit of 1 night's room and tax is required and rooms can be cancelled without penalty up until 7 days prior to arrival. 

Parking
$15 per day valet and self parking is complimentary

Dining Options
Once you have secured your guest room reservation, please make sure to secure dinner reservations for Thursday and Saturday evenings. You can make dining reservations online through Open Table at https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia/dining. For large groups of  9 or more, please call the Concierge at (540) 839-1766.
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE MEAL PLAN* Guest room rates include breakfast and dinner daily, except on Friday when both meals will be provided at catered functions. Lunch is on your own unless you are attending a catered lunch event. Room service is not included. Gratuity and alcohol are not covered.
Dining options available for dinner include:

• American Audubon Dining Room
• Jefferson's Restaurant
• Jefferson's Taproom
• Woody's

Frequently Asked Convention Questions

When and where is the convention taking place?

The 2026 AGCVA Annual Convention will be held February 26 – March 1, 2026, at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. The address is 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia, 24445.

How do I reserve my guest room?

To reserve your room, call 1-800-THE-OMNI or book online through the AGCVA room block link.

The cut-off date to make reservations in the room block is Friday, January 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

Reservations made after this date will be accepted based on hotel availability.

How do I make dinner reservations?

Once you have secured your guest room reservation, please make sure to secure dinner reservations for Thursday and Saturday evenings. You can make dining reservations online through Open Table at https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia/dining. For large groups of  9 or more, please call the Concierge at (540) 839-1766.

Dining options available for dinner include:

• American Audubon Dining Room
• Jefferson's Restaurant
• Jefferson's Taproom
• Woody's

The breakfast buffet is included and reservations are not required. Lunch is on your own unless you are attending a catered lunch function. The breakfast and dinner on Friday are included in your room rate, any dining arrangements made outside of catered functions on Friday will be covered at your own expense.

What is included in the meal plan?

Guest room rates include breakfast and dinner daily, except on Friday when both meals will be provided at catered functions. Lunch is on your own unless you are attending a catered lunch event. Room service is not included. Gratuity and alcohol are not covered.

What is the dress code for the convention?

• Meetings & Sessions: Business Casual

• Dining: Please refer to The Homestead’s dress code, which varies by restaurant.

• Celestial Ball (Chair’s Installation Banquet):
  Attendees are invited to embrace the elegance of a black tie banquet with a hint of celestial sparkle.

  • Gentlemen: Tuxedo or dark suit

  • Ladies: Formal evening gown or cocktail-length dress

  • Accessories: Touches of shimmer, midnight hues, or star-inspired accents encouraged

Do I need to make a seating reservation for the Celestial Ball?

No seating reservations are required. There will be enough seating for everyone registered. 

Please make seating requests here.
We will do our best to honor all requests, but table assignments are subject to change. You will be notified in advance if adjustments are needed.

Please ensure everyone from your company — including spouses — is registered for the banquet if they plan to attend.

Who should attend the convention?

The convention is designed for construction industry professionals at every level, including executives, project managers, safety leaders, young professionals, and business partners. It’s also a great opportunity for spouses and guests to enjoy networking and resort amenities.

What can I expect from the event?

The 2026 convention theme, Blueprints & Building Dreams, celebrates how we turn ideas into impact. Expect:

• Engaging educational sessions and industry updates

• Inspiring keynote speakers

• Valuable networking opportunities

• Social events and entertainment

• The prestigious Celestial Ball celebrating leadership and excellence 

What is included with my registration?

Registration packages vary, but typically include:

• Access to all sessions and meetings

• Entry to networking receptions and scheduled meals

• Admission to the Celestial Ball (if registered)

• Event materials and attendee resources

Full registration details can be found on the registration tab. 

Can I bring a guest or spouse?

Yes! Guests are welcome to attend designated social events and the Celestial Ball. Please make sure your guest is registered for each event they plan to attend.

What if I need to cancel my registration or hotel reservation?

Cancellations must be made in accordance with AGCVA’s registration policy (details will be provided at checkout).

Hotel reservation cancellations must be made directly with The Omni Homestead Resort.

Who can I contact for questions?

For questions about

• Registration: registration@agcva.org
• Sponsorship: jennifer@agcva.org
• Event Details: rachel@agcva.org