CONEXPO-CON/AGG showcases the women in construction with events, panels, and discussions
Back in 2020, CONEXPO-CON/AGG unveiled the world's largest 3D-printed statue of a woman who works in construction. At the time of its unveiling, CONEXPO-CON/AGG had a track record of recognizing the growing role women play in the construction industry. Since then, the trade show has continued to encourage more women to explore construction careers. With Women in Construction Week happening March 5 to 11, here are the events at CONEXPO-CON/AGG that feature women working in the construction industry.
This year, Alexandra Smith, known as "Al the Little Operator," will host a meetup in the new CONEXPO-CON/AGG Community Zone entitled "Collaborating with Women in Construction," on Tuesday, March 14, at 2:30 p.m.
Smith, who has been promoting women in construction for years, most recently on an episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Podcast, grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and has been working with her father in the septic system business since she was 14 years old. She thought her dream was to become a congresswoman, but ultimately realized she was happiest working with the dirt. She has been running equipment full-time for the past five years and couldn't be happier as she pursues a career in septic design.
Additionally, Missy Guerrero Scherber will be joined in the Community Zone by Kayti Bjorklund-Strandlund and Ry Bostrom for a discussion called "Changing Culture with Professional Development: How a School Teacher Duo is Changing the Industry as We Know It" on Thursday, March 16, from 1 to 2 p.m.
When two educators left the public school system and repurposed themselves in the world of construction, they were shocked by the dated approaches to team development and the ugly construction stigma that came with the industry. To battle the stigma, the two are implementing personal and professional development with their team at DW Companies.
Additional education and community zone sessions at CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Women in the Workforce: Recruit, Retain, and Promote – West Hall
Diversity and inclusion are key to future sustainability as an industry. This session will discuss management efforts to recruit, retain, and promote women in the industry. A panel (Rachel Quam, Ashly Rieman, Latrell Cates, Maty Katherine Harbin, and Shawn Boyce) will address the importance of attracting qualified women and addressing the needs of women to keep them in the industry while developing a culture of inclusivity.
Bold Leadership for Women – West Hall
A panel discussion including female business leaders (Kristina Mahler McMillan, Alicia Brentzel, Amanda Kurt, Katherine Freeman, and Stephanie Scott) across the industry discussing real-life experiences and advice for how to not just make it in a male-dominated industry, but how to discover your own voice and power.
Ask The Influencers – Panel Discussion and Meetup with the Most Popular Construction Minds – West Hall
Featuring five of some of the most well-known industry personalities on social media (Missy Guerrero Scherber, James Starbuck, Katie Kelleher, Matthew Stanley, and Taylor White), this 2-hour session will allow you to understand how they got to where they are and the trends they see that will impact the industry going forward. They will provide tips and tricks on how to better your social media skills, build relationships online, and more.
Viva Las Asphalt Mixer – Silver Lot 3, near Las Vegas Monorail Entrance
Join Viva Las Asphalt for a collaboration between Women of Asphalt and NAPA's Associate Member Council. This opportunity will connect like-minded individuals from across the asphalt industry. Jam with their special guest appearance from the King of Rock and Roll himself. To attend, be sure to pick up your complimentary wristband available at the WofA (GL-12596) and NAPA (GL-20707) booths while they last.
