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 6 PDH credits and 6 AIA CES credits.

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

Speakers: DFD Team

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 specifics of the 2023-2025 Capital Budget, which was enacted in early July.
  • Understand current initiatives and process improvement updates withing the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering. 
  • Get an update on the current status of WisBuild replacement and when DFD’s new project management software is expected to “go live.”
Breakout Sessions (10:25 - 11:25 a.m.)
A. DFD Expectations During Project Delivery

Speakers: DFD Team

In this session, hear from Bureau of Architecture and Engineering staff discuss what is expected from A/E firms on projects and what makes a DFD project successful. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what DFD expects from consultants throughout the project delivery process.
  • Hear about frequently missed items that often create challenges and impacts to the scope, schedule, and budget of DFD projects.
  • Understand where to find critical guidelines, standards, and requirements that must be incorporated into DFD plans and specifications to improve the likelihood of DFD project success. 
  • Hear case studies and lessons learned (both positive and negative) from recently completed DFD projects.
B. Getting Work with DFD

Speaker: Audra Jervey, DFD

In this session, hear DFD Bureau of Capital Budget and Construction Administration staff detail DFD consultant requirements and how to increase your firm’s chances of getting work with the State.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand A/E Selection procedures, and how to pursue projects based on anticipated total project budget.  This includes understanding the Small Project A/E Selection process, Monthly Selection through Letter of Interest Submission, and Major Project Interviews. 
  • Hear where to find DFD contracting specifics, bidding document front end requirements, and other standards and guidelines for State projects. 
  • Understand roles and responsibilities of the various entities at DFD, and duties of those participants involved in individual projects.
  • Hear feedback on what makes a DFD project successful.
Networking Lunch (11:25 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Discipline-Specific Roundtables (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD Team

This is a breakout session where you can join a discipline specific discussion led by DFD technical specialists.  Disciplines include Architectural/Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Fire Protection, and Construction Administration.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn the challenges DFD project managers and technical reviewers face on capital projects.
  • Understand DFD performance expectations relative to design of specific technical disciplines.
  • Learn how to minimize rework during design development and when and how to involve DFD technical teams. 
  • Discuss best practices and lessons learned.
DFD Project Case Studies (2:15 - 3:15 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD Project Teams

This session will give an overview of two 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.
  • Hear “lessons learned” and primary takeaways from project team following completion.
Resiliency in Building Design (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Speakers: Adam McMillen, IMEG & Michael Ryan, HDR

Join us to learn how design professionals are changing the game when it comes to our vertical infrastructure. Through smart design, these professionals are saving money and being climate-conscious. IMEG & HDR will each showcase a unique project that incorporates resiliency and sustainability into every aspect. We're capping off our day by looking to the future - you don't want to miss this!

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand what designers are doing now to create sustainable infrastructure.
  • Learn what pitfalls should be avoided when focusing on resiliency in design.
  • Discover how every project can incorporate aspects of the featured projects.
  • Find out where the design profession is heading and what you can do now to prepare.
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 (5:00 - 6:30 p.m.)

Our Emerging Professionals Committee is hosting another Happy Hour. Meet and network with other professionals within consulting engineering firms. All are welcome but our targeted group is folks within the first third of their careers.