Unconscious Bias is a learned stereotype that is automatic, unintentional, deeply
ingrained, universal, and able to influence behavior. Unconscious bias seeps into
decisions that affect recruitment, retention, hiring, access to healthcare, banking,
housing, education, the justice system, providing services, interpersonal
interactions, and outcomes in ways that can disadvantage both individuals and
groups of people. We all have some form of unconscious bias, and the key is to
recognize that we have it and employ techniques to mitigate it.

In this session you will:

1. Learn to assess and measure your unconscious bias
2. Be able to define unconscious bias
3. Learn the history of unconscious bias in America
4. Learn how subconsciously, decisions are being made in your mind
5. Learn how unconscious bias affects everyday life
6. Finally, learn ways to mitigate your bias

The entrepreneurial journey of a DBE Contractor can seem like a rollercoaster ride with ebbs and flows ranging from the excitement and pride of being a business owner, to appropriately estimating and bidding projects, to making payroll, to overcoming the challenges of procuring contracts, to hiring the right staff, to properly financing mobilization costs and more. In our NAMC-WI DBE Contracting: Real Talk Panel discussion, we’ll candidly explore the ups and downs of DBE Contracting and provide insights and lessons learned that ultimately help to contribute to business success for diverse businesses.

How do you develop trust and shared focus in an organization so that constructive conversations about what is right and wrong can take place easily and effectively? Dr. Richard Kyte addresses some of the barriers to building trust, including generational perspectives. He also talks about some of the greatest challenges organizational leaders are facing right now, which includes rising levels of anxiety, stress, and burnout, especially among younger employees.

Most entrepreneurs need to access capital when starting or growing a business. This panel will share their resources and programs available to small businesses, common documents to have in place, and what makes you stronger in the eyes of the lender.

A dynamic workshop where civil engineers gain tools to conquer burnout. Engaging discussions help participants recognize signs, understand impacts, and acquire practical strategies for mitigation. The focus is on fostering resilience, providing concrete prevention methods, and building a supportive civil engineering community. Attendees will leave with actionable steps for a healthier, more sustainable approach to their engineering careers and life balance.

Prime contractors in the Highway Construction Industry will share their best practices, resources, and tools to be successful as a WisDOT bidders, and address any related questions from the audience. 

Panel speakers include:  Matt Grove, WTBA – Moderator, Eric Bertram, Edgerton Contractors , Neil Bakke, Mathy Construction and Jeff Parisi, Parisi – A Walbec Company

In this session WisDOT will give an overview on how a project is developed from its concept to scoping to project design delivery resourcing. You will also get an overview of the consultant solicitation process from NOI previews through selection. Includes a discussion of project construction delivery resourcing including consultant solicitations and selections.

Hear from government-funded project managers regarding their state and local requirements and opportunities for small, diverse and women-owned businesses.

Hot Topics will be split into two sessions. First, get the latest news in the industry right from ACEC National Chair-Elect John Rathke. He will provide on update on the current issues that affect small and DBE firms right now, locally and nationally from the perspective of the business voice of America’s engineering industry. Next, a fireside chat discussing the Design-Build (DB) process with an experienced contractor and engineering firm representatives. Hear about the advantages and challenges that Design-Build projects present, how DBE firms can get involved and the status of a current WisDOT project in Wisconsin.

The DOT Workforce Panel will present on the connection between WisDOT, DBE and the HCST Program and how they tie together to prepare HCST graduates for networking with industry contractors and employment in the road construction industry.