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2026 Summer Convention

Presented by SAIF

The Biggest Event of the Year!

Oregon’s Premier Construction Industry Event

Get ready for the ultimate gathering of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s construction community! The AGC Summer Convention presented by SAIF brings together contractors, project managers, owners, suppliers, and industry leaders for three days of learning, networking, and unforgettable experiences.

 

Why You Should Attend:

  • Insightful Keynote Sessions: Inspiring and motivating education designed for leadership growth.
  • Powerful Learning Opportunities: Expanded breakout sessions cover key industry topics, trends, and CEU-eligible education to keep you ahead of the curve.
  • Industry-Wide Networking: Meet and connect with peers, decision-makers, and industry influencers in a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere.
  • Team Building and Celebration: Strengthen relationships and have fun with evening entertainment, interactive activities, and memorable social events for the whole family.
  • Central Oregon Getaway: Bring the whole family to enjoy one of Oregon’s most beautiful settings.
  • Signature Tournaments: Test your skills in the Summer Scramble Tournament presented by Anchor Insurance & Surety or try your luck at the Poker Tournament presented by Sokol & Larkin (separate registration required).

From thoughtful education to high-energy social events, the AGC Summer Convention presented by SAIF is designed for anyone in the construction industry who wants to learn more, connect more, and do more. Join the biggest, most exciting industry event of the year—open to all commercial construction professionals!

AUG
12-14

Riverhouse Lodge

3075 N Business 97
Bend, OR 97701
Register Now

Convention Information

Wednesday, August 12

10 am–4 pm

Summer Scramble Golf Tournament presented by Anchor Insurance & Surety

register now

5–7 pm

Welcome Reception

8–11 pm

Summer Convention Poker Tournament presented by Sokol & Larkin

register now

Thursday, August 13

8 am

Breakfast Service Begins

8:45 am

Opening Remarks

AGC Summer Convention Hosts

9–10 am

Opening Keynote 
Dancing In The Rain
Lou Radja

Presented by IMA Oregon

session details

10 am–12 pm

Family/Guest Activity

Yoga by The River

Details coming soon

10:15–11:15 am

Breakout Sessions

Business Development for Everyone
Wendy Simmons, Middle of 6

Build Your Financial Plan for Surety Success
Carrie Fortier, CPA and Evan Dickens, CPA, Jones and Roth CPAs & Business Advisors

Cost Impacts of Re-Work
Brian Clarke, CSP, Quality Safety Times

session details
session details
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11:30 am–1 pm

Lunch Service Begins

AGC of America Guest Speakers presented by Sundt Construction

1:15–2:15pm

Breakout Sessions

Managing Supply Chain Risk in Construction: Standardized Prequalification, AI Oversight and Data Security
Michael Ho, Bespoke Metrics

Partnering Success: Connecting Education to Employer Needs
Caitlin Russell, InterMountain Educational Service District and John Stroup, Malheur Educational Service District

AI In Action
Tim Altbaum, Vario Productions

session details
session details
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2:30–3:30 pm

General Session

Public Affairs Updates

4–5:30 pm

Family/Guest Activity

 

Details coming soon

5–7 pm

Activity

CLC Networking Mixer powered by Milwaukee Tool

Boneyard Pub hosted by  Construction Leadership Council

7 pm

Dinner Service Begins

Dessert Dash presented by the Professional and Industry Associates Council

7–9 pm

Evening Entertainment

presented by Stoel Rives LLP

Details Coming Soon

Friday, August 14

8 am

Light Breakfast Service

8–9 am

Breakout Sessions

iLead
Lou Radja

Managing Health Plan Risk: ICHRA vs Captive Strategies
Chad Kjemhus and Case Escher, The Partners Group

session details
session details

9:30–10:30 am

Closing Keynote
AI For General Contractors
Tim Altbaum
session details

11:00 am–1:00 pm

AGC Oregon-Columbia chapter board meeting
 
Details Coming soon
smiling man

KEYNOTE Speaker

Lou Radja

Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises ; Executive Director and Co-Founder, EduCongo

A Social Entrepreneur, Lou Radja continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of many across the globe. A recognized and award-winning Inspirational Speaker and founder of Lou Radja Enterprises, Mr. Radja has addressed and engaged global citizens all over the world on Leadership, Diversity, Service and Personal Development. As Co-founder and Executive Director of EduCongo, a U.S. based nonprofit organization; Lou’s energy is devoted to generating awareness and support to provide quality education for over 2,000 underprivileged children in the Congo. Lou is a member and Past President of the Portland Pearl Rotary Club, an active member of the World Oregon. Lou and his wife Stacy are proud parents of two boys, Yenga and Senda.

GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER

Coming Soon

smiling man

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Tim Altbaum

CEO & Co-Founder, Vario Productions

Tim Altbaum is a technology strategist, entrepreneur, and CEO operating at the intersection of business operations, risk management, and applied artificial intelligence. As Co-Founder of a national production and technology firm, he leads complex, high-stakes initiatives across the country, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, contract negotiations, labor strategy, and enterprise vendor partnerships.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology and Neuroscience and a Master’s degree in Network Security, Tim brings a rare blend of scientific insight and operational discipline to emerging technologies. Through his own business ventures and work alongside general contractors and commercial developers, he understands firsthand the realities of bidding environments, scope control, compliance standards, and workforce pressures.

A recognized voice in pragmatic AI adoption, Tim focuses on translating advanced technology into measurable business advantage. His keynotes equip leaders with clear, actionable frameworks to reduce risk, safeguard margins, strengthen documentation, and drive smarter decision-making — without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Known for his no-hype, high-impact delivery style, Tim leaves audiences with practical strategies they can implement immediately.

Riverhouse Lodge

3075 N Business 97
Bend, Oregon, 97703

Reservations

Our room block at Riverhouse Lodge is now open! Use our block to get the best price here.

Additional Accommodations

Nearby Hotels

Red Lion Inn & Suites Deschutes River Bend – 0.2 miles from Riverhouse Convention Center

Member Media Library

Access important event information and video recordings: HERE

Our Member Media Library is a hub for recordings, PowerPoints, and more! You can find recordings from Summer Conventions and Annual Business Meetings using your same login as the AGC website.

Log-In Steps

  1. Click this link to go to the platform: agc-oregon.mclms.net/en/
  2. Log in using the same credentials as used on the AGC website (username is your email). Please note: If you are having troubles with accessing the platform, please click the Forgot Password link to reset your login information.

Questions? Contact Coral Genochio

coral@agc-oregon.org

LMS phone image
man smiling while playing poker

2025 Poker Tournament presented by Sokol & Larkin Winners

1st Place – Matt Stopher, IMA Financial Group

2nd Place – Marty Phinney, Guest

3rd Place – Jude Marchessault, Modoc Contracting, Inc

Registration FEes

Registration Type Member Non-Member Early Bird

3/3-4/30

Individual $875 $1,200 $725
Guest $350 $500 X
Multi-Participant Registration (3) $2,100 $3,000 X
Multi-Participant Registration (5) $3,200 $4,500 X
Past President $650 X X

For registration questions, contact: Kc Pruneda:
971-940-6785 | kcp@agc-oregon.org

Registration Information

Full Registration
  • Welcome Reception, keynote and general sessions, breakout sessions, and meals
Guest Registration
  • Includes Welcome Reception, meals, and guest activity (registration required).
  • Must be attached to a Full Registration and not attending the conference for business purposes.

Limited capacity of 350 individuals.

Summer Scramble Golf Tournament registration is separate. Click here for golf registration.

2026 Sponsors

SPONSORSHIP Opportunities Available

Connect with chapter leaders, safety professionals, award recipients, and more.

Click here or contact Kc Pruneda for more information.

company logo with name and tagline
Presenting Sponsor

Photos

room full of people at tables
man with a microphone and smiling woman
room full of people looking at screen
people standing around talking
room full of people sitting at tables looking at screen
men sitting at table talking
women sitting at table talking
two men talking
Click here to view all photos

We're in for another spectacular year!

The 2023 Summer Convention presented by SAIF was a year for the books! With fantastic speakers, breakout sessions, networking events, and special guests, it was an event to remember! Check out this quick overview of the event.

Photo Policy:

  • By attending an AGC Oregon-Columbia chapter event you consent and acknowledge that the event will be photographed and/or recorded for promotional purposes.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellations must be received in writing (email or mail) and received by July 19, 2024. A full refund less a $50 processing fee will be accepted if written cancellation is received prior to the deadline date. No refunds will be processed if a written cancellation is received after the deadline, however, substitutes will always be accepted.

Questions

Kc Pruneda, Events Manager

kcp@agc-oregon.org | 971-940-6785

Jordan Wicklund, Engagement Specialist

jordanw@agc-oregon.org |503-951-1897

Become a Member

Experience the many benefits of membership with AGC…contact us today!

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Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 9:00 –10:00 AM

Opening Keynote: Dancing In the Rain

Lou Radja, Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises; Executive Director and Co-Founder, EduCongo

There’s no question, we are operating in a time defined by disruption, pressure, and rapid change. From workforce shortages and burnout to evolving client expectations and economic uncertainty, the challenges facing the commercial construction industry are real, and they’re not slowing down. But within every storm lies an opportunity for those prepared to lead differently.

Dancing in the Rain is a powerful keynote designed to help AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter members rise above the noise, reconnect with purpose, and lead with clarity in uncertain times. This session invites attendees to step away from the day-to-day grind and refocus on what truly drives sustainable success: people, mindset, and meaningful leadership.

Through a dynamic and engaging experience, participants will explore proven, people-centric strategies to strengthen resilience, foster connection, and unlock new opportunities, both personally and professionally. This keynote will equip leaders with practical tools to navigate today’s challenges while building a culture that thrives in the face of change.

Key takeaways include:

  • Harnessing the power of gratitude and appreciative inquiry to shift mindset and culture.
  • Reconnecting with your “WHY” to lead with intention and clarity.
  • Embracing and leading change with confidence and adaptability.
  • Leveraging the strength of the AGC community – because we are stronger together.
  • Elevating performance by going the extra mile for your team and your clients.

Now more than ever, your team, your clients, and your industry need strong, grounded leaders. This keynote will challenge, inspire, and equip you not just to weather the storm, but to truly dance in the rain.

Thursday, August 13, 2025 | 10:15–11:15 am

Breakout Session 1: Business Development for Everyone: Tactics by Skill Set and Comfort Level

Wendy Simmons, Middle of 6

Wendy is the founder of Middle of Six and the host of The Shortlist, an award winning podcast about all things A/E/C marketing. She presents at conferences and industry associations regularly and was recognized as Marketer of the Year by SMPS Seattle.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:15–11:15 am

Breakout Session 2: Build Your Financial Plan for Surety Success

In this session we will discuss how bond agents assess the financial viability of your company and calculate important ratios that determines your bonding capacity. We will look at the metrics for increasing bonding capacity, we examine the working capital calculation, and examine best practices for reporting financial information that presents your company is the best light.

Carrier Fortier, CPA

Carrie is a Partner & Shareholder and is a leader of the Jones & Roth Construction Team serving general contractors and sub-contractors. Her practice focuses on contractor profit improvement, proactive tax planning, and evaluating financial strength to maximize bonding and credit. Carrie’s passion is helping construction businesses and their owners maximize the potential of their companies.

Evan Dickens, CPA

Evan is a Jones & Roth Partner & Shareholder. He works with small and mid-size businesses in the areas of financial statement assurance, retirement plan design & consulting, and tax planning and preparation. He has a specialty focus working with medium to large construction contractors on contractor profit improvement, evaluating financial strength, and proactive tax planning.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:15 -11:15 am

Breakout Session 3: Cost Impacts of Re-Work

This class will challenge the attendee in the contractor’s allocation of loss control resources.  The course will initially use an attendee’s recent craft injury identing the ‘hidden’ costs of incidents, providing the attendee with a tool to teach field supervisors the total costs of craft injuries.

Research projects will be reviewed identifying the cost impacts of Re-work to commercial construction projects both finically as well as schedule.  Attendees will be provided with a tool for tracking Re-work finical costs. 

The audience will be challenged identifying the loss and loss potential on their current projects and where the attending Contractor Manager is allocating loss control resources and how this could influence insurance underwriting renewals.

Lastly the attendees will be provided with loss control steps/procedures to assist the Commercial Contractor in reducing Re-work costs, which according to some researchers can exceed 20% of total project costs.

 

Brian Clarke, CSP, Quality Safety Times

Brians work history in the commercial construction risk management/loss control stretches over 40 years.  Work history includes managing large lines accounts with Continental Insurance (1987-1993), Corporate Safety Director Hoffman Construction (1993-2011), GEWllc Risk/Safety Consulting and Quality Safety Times (2025) founder. Brian has been published in various national & international publications; is a testifying expert in WA, OR and Federal court for construction safety.  Brian has presented at various professional development conferences throughout USA and Canada.

 

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 1:15–2:15 pm

Breakout Session 4: Managing Supply Chain Risk in Construction: Standardized Prequalification, AI Oversight, and Data Security

Michael Ho, CEO, Bespoke Metrics

Supply chain pressure impacts everyone in construction — general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers alike. This session explores how standardized data, structured prequalification, and responsible use of AI strengthen partnerships, reduce disruption, and protect margins. Attendees will gain practical insight into improving supply chain visibility, protecting subcontractor data, and creating more consistent decision-making across projects.

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand how standardized prequalification reduces friction for subcontractors working across multiple general contractors while improving supply chain visibility.
  • Evaluate how AI and analytics can support risk detection while maintaining human oversight when reviewing subcontractor financial health and capacity.
  • Identify practical safeguards for protecting sensitive subcontractor financial information when AI and data analytics are applied to prequalification systems

 

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 1:15–2:15 pm

Breakout Session 5: Partnering Success: Connecting Education to Employer Needs

Caitlin Russell, CTE Regional Coordinator, InterMountain Educational Service District
John Stroup, CTE Regional Coordinator, Malheur Educational Service District

The construction industry’s workforce needs extend far beyond the jobsite. Learn how Career and Technical Education (CTE) can help employers build a pipeline of future talent across skilled trades, project management, business operations, technology, and other critical roles. This session will explore effective partnerships between industry and education, showcasing practical strategies to engage students, influence workforce development, and strengthen local talent pipelines. Participants will gain ideas they can implement immediately to support both their workforce needs and student career success.

Thursday, August 13, 2025 | 1:15–2:15 pm

Breakout Session 6: AI In Action: A "Hands-On" Workshop for General Contractors

This interactive workshop builds directly on the keynote by moving from strategy to application. Designed specifically for commercial general contractors, this session provides participants with guided, hands-on experience using AI to analyze “real-world” construction scenarios, including RFP summaries, contract clauses, bid narratives, safety documentation, and internal communications.

Participants will work through practical exercises that demonstrate how AI can serve as a support tool, not a replacement for experience, helping contractors make clearer decisions, communicate more effectively, and identify potential risks faster.

No technical background required. No coding. No complicated systems. Just practical workflows contractors can begin using immediately.

Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Vario Productions

Tim Altbaum is a technology strategist, entrepreneur, and CEO operating at the intersection of business operations, risk management, and applied artificial intelligence. Through his own business ventures and work alongside general contractors and commercial developers, he understands firsthand the realities of bidding environments, scope control, compliance standards, and workforce pressures.

A recognized voice in pragmatic artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, Tim focuses on translating advanced technology into measurable business advantage.

Known for his no-hype, high-impact delivery style, Tim leaves audiences with practical strategies they can implement immediately.

Friday, August 14, 2026 | 8–9 Am

Breakout Session 7: iLead: Leadership Requires No Title

Lou Radja
Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises; Executive Director and Co-Founder, EduCongo

A deeper dive into proven leadership strategies, frameworks, and tools to help equip members to drive higher performance for their respective companies! Since everything rises and falls on leadership, it is paramount that AGC members and leaders continue to sharpen their leadership skills and commit to constant, never-ending improvement; this is what iLEAD is all about!

Friday, August 14, 2026 | 8–9 am

Breakout Session 8: Managing Health Plan Risk: ICHRA vs. Captive Strategies

Chad Kjemhus, CSFC, Employee Benefits Consultant, The Partners Group
Case Escher, MBA, Employer Services Consultant, The Partners Group

Rising insurance premiums are moving employer health plans from a recruitment & retention tool to one of the most volatile financial risks small to mid-sized companies face. Annual renewals force leaders into reactive decisions of bidding carrier coverage and shifting costs to employees all while gaining no transparency or meaningful control. The traditional fully insured market is becoming unsustainable and new strategies are emerging.

This session examines two strategic alternatives that most mid-sized business leaders will need to evaluate: Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) and self-funded group health captives. Through a risk-management lens, we’ll explore how each model reallocates financial exposure, changes the employer’s role in providing coverage, and addresses the practical realities of diverse workforce demographics and bargained groups.

This discussion will bring clarity to these strategies and provide a useful framework for how business leaders can turn their benefits plans back into a strategic asset instead of a growing financial liability.

Friday, August 14, 2025 | 9:30 – 10:30 am

Closing Keynote: AI For General Contractors: Winning More Bids, Reducing Risk, and Protecting your Margin

Tim Altbaum, CMP, CMM
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Vario Productions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping how commercial construction decisions are made, from how bids are evaluated to how risk is analyzed. In this practical keynote, Tim Altbaum presents a real-world look at how general contractors can use AI to work smarter, protect margins, improve safety documentation, and stay competitive without adding complexity to existing workflows.

Owners are using AI to compare proposals. Legal teams are analyzing contract language faster than ever. Insurance providers and stakeholders are increasingly relying on data-driven insights to assess risk and performance. For general contractors, this isn’t about replacing experience or changing how you build; it’s about gaining a competitive edge by working smarter.

In this no-hype keynote, Tim shares real-world ways AI can support the everyday realities of commercial construction, from bid preparation and contract review to safety documentation, workforce training, and operational efficiency.

Designed specifically for general contractors and construction leaders, this session focuses on tools and strategies that are accessible, immediately applicable, and aligned with how construction businesses actually operate. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of where AI fits into their workflows today, and how to use it to strengthen decision-making, reduce risk exposure, and stay competitive in an evolving industry landscape.

—–

Tim Altbaum is a technology strategist, entrepreneur, and CEO operating at the intersection of business operations, risk management, and applied artificial intelligence. As co-founder of a national production and technology firm, he leads complex, high-stakes initiatives nationwide, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, contract negotiations, labor strategy, and enterprise vendor partnerships.

With a bachelor’s degree in physiology and neuroscience and a master’s degree in network security, Tim brings a rare blend of scientific insight and operational discipline to emerging technologies. Through his own business ventures and work alongside general contractors and commercial developers, he understands firsthand the realities of bidding environments, scope control, compliance standards, and workforce pressures.

A recognized voice in pragmatic artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, Tim focuses on translating advanced technology into measurable business advantage. His keynotes equip leaders with clear, actionable frameworks to reduce risk, safeguard margins, strengthen documentation, and drive smarter decision-making—without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Known for his no-hype, high-impact delivery style, Tim leaves audiences with practical strategies they can implement immediately.