AGENDA

5:00PM - 7:00PM

Location: Arcadia Terrace @ The Higgins Hotel

7:30AM - 8:15AM

8:15AM - 8:30AM

8:30AM - 9:30AM

Presentation by: Donnie Campbell

Session Overview:
Coach Donnie Campbell is not just an inspirational coach, but also in part, the impetus for the wise and ever so cheerful lead character of the Emmy Award Winning show, Ted Lasso. At a time when embracing your uniqueness is a rare quality, he shows how to define your core values while forming your mission, values and plan.

This one-of-a-kind keynote is a real treat for the audience as it combines heartfelt storytelling with specific lessons in leadership that are just as successful on the basketball court as they are when applied in the real world. Donnie weaves together his personal stories of inspiration with tactical take-aways that are more than applicable and welcomed in today's challenging environment.

Donnie’s presentation hits on the following leadership principles and more:

Believe: In a world that seems to be defeating each person in some way,  that there is a reason that people are attracted to kindness and good.

MVP: You are your own most "valuable" player - but it's important to know your MVP - (mission/values/plan) as it builds the foundation for everything else.

Motivation and Mentoring: if you are open to it, mentors can provide some of the most meaningful lessons, ones that you will carry with you for years (Donnie shares the invaluable advice he learned from others, how he still carries the knowledge with him today and uses it to motivate his players)

Leadership: You continue to learn when you have a leader and then you learn even more when you become one

Confidence: A simple premise in theory, but it really has many layers - Donnie shares how to build it in yourself and others

Know Your Why: When you are a great leader and you are clear on your “why” - the rest will take care of itself and you will get results beyond what you ever imagined.

Success: Many ways to define success - but it all boils down to how you define it and what matters to you.

Note: Throughout his presentation, there are several quick references to the Ted Lasso show and how Donnie feels about being the inspiration for the show.

Learning Objectives:

·       How to establish your own MVP. When you have a mission, values and a plan, you can be clear on your purpose, focus and make better decisions. This will help you succeed both personally and professionally.

·       Leadership comes in all forms. When you realize what each person brings to the team, you can find ways to motivate each of them individually, while also having them realize the importance of working together to reach their goals.

·       Recognize the importance of supporting future leaders as they learn the ropes and form their own set of values. It’s easy enough to tell them to have self-confidence and know their “why," but you also have to appreciate that it takes years of experience for someone to accomplish this.

·       Having a sense of inner humility can positively affect how you lead. It’s not found in big words, but rather it is found in character, how you look at life and how you treat others.

·       Developing people first through building character and trust will result in long-term success beyond short-term wins.

·       Purposeful and challenging practice builds communication, resilience, and improvement through managed failure.

·       Accountability starts from the top: admit mistakes, learn from them, and improve together to move forward.

·       A culture of respect, hard work, and teamwork unleashes potential where people value and support one another.

Level: Overview
1.0 CPE Credits in Specialized Knowledge

9:30AM - 9:45AM

9:45AM - 11:00AM

Presentation by: Mark DeVerges & Ryan Kauzlick, Forvis Mazars

Session Overview:
In today's dynamic business environment, the role of the Finance Professional (FP) is evolving from traditional finance functions to a digital-first approach. This presentation will delve into the transformation of the FP from a historian to a visionary, utilizing automation to drive strategic decision-making and actionable insights. We'll explore the concept of hyperautomation, its applications, and the substantial benefits it offers to companies using tools that you may already own. The session will cover various aspects of hyperautomation, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and other advanced technologies to streamline processes.  Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the tools and strategies necessary to embrace digital process automation, empowering finance, HR, and operations teams to lead their organizations into the future. 

Learning Objectives:

·       Understand how finance professionals can transition from traditional roles to strategic leaders by leveraging digital technologies and automation.

·       Gain a clear understanding of hyperautomation—its components (AI, ML, RPA), practical applications, and how these tools can transform business processes.

·       Learn actionable strategies for implementing hyperautomation to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance employee satisfaction, supported by real-world examples. 

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credit in Specialized Knowledge

11:00AM - 12:15PM

Presentation by: Ryan Foley, FMI Capital Advisors

Session Overview:.

A year after a new Administration, tariff wars, and unprecedented levels of private equity activity in construction - this presentation will explore the latest trends in construction M&A.  What are the hottest end markets and verticals?  Where are financial sponsors spending their time within the Built Environment?  What are we seeing internationally from an M&A perspective?  Join Ryan Foley, a senior investment banker with FMI Capital, as he discusses the latest trends in construction M&A and what that means for owners and their advisors.

Learning Objectives:

·       Understand current trends in today’s construction M&A environment

·       Identify which valuation multiples are appropriate for different types of contractors

·       Understand the unique challenges faced by owners of contractors trying to exit their businesses vs. other industries

·       What can we expect from this year 2 of the Trump Administration?

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credit in Finance

12:15PM - 1:05PM

1:05PM - 1:20PM

Presentation by:

Ron Barry - Customer Service Manager

Bryce McDermott - 2026-2027 Vice Chair

1:20PM - 2:10PM

Presentation by: Matt Calvano, CPA, Adaptive Technologies

Session Overview

The most dangerous phrase in construction finance is "I think we’re 75% complete." For decades, the WIP report has relied on manual entries and gut feelings from the field, often leading to late-stage profit fade that takes the executive team by surprise. But what if your WIP could "talk" to your project data?

In this session, we will demonstrate how Large Language Models (LLMs) can now ingest "unstructured" operational data to sense-check what your financials say is the % complete vs. what the operational data says (plus more). Attendees will learn how to identify discrepancies between field data and financial data weeks before they hit the P&L.

Learning Objectives:

·       Identify how AI can map disparate data sources.

·       Develop a framework for "Predictive Profit Fade" alerts within your current accounting workflow.

·       Learn how to use AI as a control mechanism to detect WIP risk and profit fade earlier in the month-end close cycle.

Level: Overview
1.0 CPE Credits in Specialized Knowledge

2:10PM - 3:25PM

Presentation by: Andy Hall‍ & ‍Sierre Norton, Corpay

Session Overview:
Fraud in construction payments is a growing threat, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting financial transactions. This presentation explores key risks and strategies to safeguard payment processes.

Key topics include:

• Fraud Vulnerabilities: Accounts Payable faces the highest incidence of BEC fraud. • Financial Impact: Fraud losses, vendor disruptions, and mitigation costs.

• Prevention Strategies: Internal controls, multi-factor authentication, and secure payment channels.

• Vendor Validation: Ensuring legitimacy before payments are processed.

• Technology Solutions: Automation, encryption, and AI-driven risk management. With fraud threats evolving, businesses must adopt a layered security approach. We will examine tools to enhance payment security, reduce risk, and ensure seamless transactions.

Learning Objectives:

·       Identify Key Fraud Risks in Construction Payments: Understand the most common fraud threats impacting construction payments, including Business Email Compromise (BEC), check fraud, and vendor payment fraud.

·       Implement Layered Fraud Prevention Strategies: Learn how to strengthen internal controls, leverage advanced technology solutions, and establish vendor validation processes to mitigate fraud risks effectively.

·       Optimize Payment Security Through Automation: Explore how transitioning from manual to automated payment processes can reduce fraud exposure, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency.

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credits in Information Technology

3:25PM - 3:45PM

‍ 3:45PM - 5:00PM

Presentation by: Greg Stefan, Arch Insurance

Session Overview:
Fleet operations present one of the largest liability and worker's compensation severity risks any contractor faces.  This risk extends beyond regulated commercial vehicles and heavy equipment to the “white fleet” – everyday vehicles like pickup trucks and employee-owned vehicles used for company business. Many firms overlook these exposures, even as an accident in an employee’s personal truck on the job can result in severe liability claims and “nuclear verdicts".  This session shines a spotlight on managing fleet risks that continue to drive up insurance rates  and out-of-pocket costs.

Learning Objectives:

·       Recognize key liability exposures that can negatively impact your commercial auto liability loss experience arising from company-owned, 3rd party trucking, and non-owned vehicles.   Discuss industry trends leading to catastrophic claims that your company may not be prepared to fully absorb.

·       Understand contractual risk transfer techniques and fleet policy elements that must be incorporated into all 3rd party owned and operated vehicles.  Discuss common pitfalls, from an insurance carrier perspective, that drive severe loss trends.

·       Implement practical controls and best practices to manage these risks.  Consider a logical flow to implement controls from driver screening to driver monitoring and use of available technology.  Discuss "driver risk profiles" to reward good performing drivers and correct poor performance.

·       Obtain useful examples of driver policies to address MVR criteria, personal use restrictions, training, accident reporting, and other critical elements of a comprehensive fleet policy.  Learn about third party trucking and rental vehicle controls and contractual risk transfer techniques.

‍ ‍

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credits in Risk Management

5:00PM - 6:45PM

Location: Kilroy’s Lounge @ The Higgins Hotel Lobby

7:00AM - 8:00AM

8:00AM - 8:15AM

‍8:15AM - 9:30AM

Presentation by: Tyler Enslin, Tyler Enslin International

Session Overview:
The human brain possesses an incredible amount of power to store and recall information. Unfortunately most people are never taught how to fully access this ability. In this fun and highly engaging training, attendees will learn unique and exciting methods to increase their memory skills to extraordinary levels. Most importantly, this program teaches participants how to use these concepts in daily life. Instantly recalling people’s names, giving presentations without notes, increased focus, and improved mental organization are just a few of the practical benefits of this intriguing program. Tyler delivers this session in energetic fashion with no notes or PowerPoint to encourage maximum audience participation in order to impart as much value as possible to all who attend.

.Learning Objectives:

·       Learn 3 actionable techniques to instantly recall names

·       Increase overall memory skills

·       Discover new methods to recall lists in order

·       Lead meetings and give presentations without notes

·       Discover 4 habits to improve cognitive function and focus

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credits in Specialized Knowledge

9:30AM - 9:45AM

‍ 9:45AM - 10:35AM

Presentation by: Brent Ullrich, Mauldin & Jenkins + LaPorte

Session Overview:
The construction industry depends on mobility, but moving teams and equipment across state and parish lines introduces a complex layer of tax risk. This session provides a high-level overview of the 2025–2026 tax landscape, focusing on how contractors can effectively manage the costs of a mobile workforce while maintaining compliance  Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to identify audit red flags and implement practical procedures for vehicle valuation and expense management that protect the organization and its employees.

Learning Objectives: 

·       Evaluate the impact of workforce mobility on corporate tax liability, including the specific criteria that distinguish deductible business expenses from taxable compensation.

·       Formulate comprehensive internal policies for expense management that align with IRS accountable plan requirements, focusing on effective substantiation methods.

·       Identify potential multi-state tax exposures and opportunities by examining the principles of economic nexus and physical presence, including (Louisiana's parish-level sales tax system) 

Level: Overview
1.0 CPE Credit in Taxes

‍ ‍

10:35AM - 10:45PM

‍ 10:45AM - 12:00PM

Presentation by:
Moderator – Steve Maddox, Forvis Mazars
Panelists:
Stuart Bileaud -JB Mouton (fifth generation)
Derek Fife - Arkel Constructors (second generation)
Anne Teague Landis- Landis Construction (third generation)

Thad Rispone – ISC Constructors (second generation)

Session Overview:
This panel discussion, set for the Louisiana CFMA Construction Conference, will explore the critical challenges and best practices for the next generation of owners in the construction industry. Moderated by Steve Maddox of Forvis Mazars, the conversation will feature a highly accomplished panel of next-generation leaders from family-owned construction firms.

Learning Objectives:

·        Recognize common pitfalls that cause next generation owners to fail or struggle.

·        Understand how successful transitions actually happen.

·        Identify leadership skills unique to successful construction ownership.

·        Learn how to earn credibility with field teams and long-term employees.

·        Gain practical strategies for managing growth, risk and industry disruption.

Statistics: 

·        30% of family businesses successfully transition to second generation.

·        Only 12-13% survive to the third generation.

·        70% fail or are sold before second generation takes over.

·        58% of construction owners have no formal succession plan.

Level: Overview
1.5 CPE Credits in Management Services

‍ ‍

12:00PM