DFD Collaborative Conference Agenda

Please use this page to learn more about the sessions at the DFD Collaborative Conference. Each session has a title, description, speaker and learning objectives. Full conference attendance is eligible for 5 PDH credits. 5 CES credits are available for AIA members. Click here to download a PDF version of the agenda.

Register for the Event
Registration (8:00 - 8:30 a.m.)
DFD Opening Session (8:30 - 10:00 a.m.)

Speakers: DFD Program Leaders

Hear from Division of Facilities Development (DFD) leadership to get an update on various initiatives as well as the status of capital project delivery.  This session will include members of the DFD Administrator’s Office, as well as representatives from the Bureau of Capital Budget and Construction (BCBCA) and the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering (BAE).

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the status of capital project delivery at DFD.
  • Hear updates on the development of the 2023-2025 Capital Budget, as well as how the overall budget process is anticipated to progress.
  • Understand current initiatives and process improvement updates withing the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering. 
  • Get an update on the current DFD Sustainability Guidelines for Capital Projects and hear examples of how these guidelines are being implemented into State projects.
Breakout Sessions (10:25 - 11:25 a.m.)
A. Truth, Friendship and Social Capital: How to Build an Ethical Society

Speaker: Richard Kyte, Viterbo University

For the past few years we have been experiencing severe political and social disruption. But it is a mistake to look only at recent causes. The tension has been building in our society gradually, over the past two hundred years. Scientific and technological advances have been making the world better, decade by decade. But technology has costs. It gives us power and freedom, but it erodes our social connections. As a result, we have longer life expectancy, less poverty, less famine, but more anxiety and burnout. The answer, if we want to live in an ethical society that maximizes the well-being of everyone, is to work within our organizations and communities to intentionally develop strong social connections.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review the root causes of societal changes and the effects on ethics.
  • Discover how the past few years have accelerated ethical changes.
  • Learn the importance of developing strong social connections to create an ethical world.
  • Understand what role you can play in an ethical decision-making process.
B. DFD Expectations for A/E Teams During Construction

Speaker: Wendy von Below, DFD

In this session, hear from leadership in the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering (BAE).  BAE staff will discuss what is expected from consultants in the Construction Administration phase of the projects. This session will discuss how A/E teams can better support DFD projects to improve overall project delivery efficiency and success. This session will discuss examples, both positive and negative, of A/E performance on DFD projects.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discover what DFD expects from their A/E consultant teams during the Construction Administration phase of projects.
  • Understand the impact of the design decisions and documentation on the Construction Administration of the project.
  • Learn what tools are necessary from the A/E team to support successful construction and project delivery.
  • Hear examples projects successes and lessons learned based on A/E team performance during construction.
Networking Lunch (11:25 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
How Will a Weakening Economy Impact the Recovering Construction Sector? (12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Speaker: Kermit Baker, AIA

High rates of inflation, rising interest rates, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and falling consumer and business confidence have all weighted heavily on prospects for the national economy. On the other hand, the nonresidential construction sector has just recently emerged from its pandemic induced recession and is poised for healthy growth in coming quarters. How will these conflicting trends reconcile?

This presentation will touch on key trends in our economy and how they will affect the construction industry – nationally, regionally, and more specifically for Wisconsin. It will focus on strategic issues that architecture firms and construction contractors will be dealing with over the coming years, including developing and maintaining a workforce, sustainable construction trends, renovating existing buildings, and emerging technologies that affect the design and construction process.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop a better understanding of forces shaping our economy.
  • Interpret economic trends and apply them to construction-related business decisions.
  • Understand implications of evolving issues related to the construction industry, and how they will shape the industry over the coming years.
  • Discuss what how different nonresidential building sectors are likely to perform over the coming year.
DFD Project Case Studies (1:50 - 3:10 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD Project Teams

This session will give an overview of recently completed DFD projects.  The presentations will be facilitated by members of each respective project team.

Learning Objectives:

  • Hear a project overview of each selected project and what agency specific need was being addressed with project implementation. 
  • Understand the challenges during delivery of each project.
  • Learn how creative solutions were utilized in the delivery of the projects.
  • Review “lessons learned” and primary takeaways from project team following completion.
eBuilder Overview (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Speaker: Josh Bernardini, DFD

In this session, DFD will be providing attendees with an update on the status of the eBuilder project. DFD is currently teaming with eBuilder to develop a project management software to meet DFD needs. This system will replace WisBuild, which had been utilized for two decades.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review why an updated project management software is critical in the success and the delivery of DFD capital projects.
  • Hear the process that DFD utilized to tailor a new project management software to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Understand the current stage of software development, and when software is planned to be online.
  • Learn what to expect for roll out and training of this new platform.
Networking Reception (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Wind down after the event and continue your networking at the reception. Each attendee will receive a drink ticket. It's a great way to cap off a full day!

Emerging Professionals Happy Hour (4:30 - 6:30 p.m.)

Our Emerging Professionals Committee is hosting its inaugural Happy Hour. Meet and network with other professionals within consulting engineering firms. All are welcome but our targeted age range is under 35.