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.

Register for the Event

Registration (8:00 - 8:30 a.m.)

DFD Opening Session (8:30 - 10:00 a.m.)

Speakers: DOA / DFD Leadership 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 enacted 2025-2027 capital budget.
• Understand current initiatives and process improvement updates withing the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering. 
• Hear from DOA’s Director of Supplier Diversity regarding efforts and accomplishments over the last year.

DFD Project Cost Estimating and Lessons Learned (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Speaker: Kevin Trinastic, DFD

This session will review the specific needs of DFD during cost estimating at various points of capital project delivery.  Additionally, the session will also review various lessons learned on DFD projects and how these items can be utilized to increase the success of future projects.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what DFD needs for project cost estimates prior to capital budget enumeration, State Building Commission approval, bidding, and other milestones in delivery.
• Learn how soft costs should be calculated and displayed on deliverables provided to DFD.
• Hear examples of project challenges and lessons learned on previous DFD projects, and how these can be used to promote increased success on future projects.
• Understand additional DFD perspectives and needs during capital project delivery.

Networking Lunch (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

DFD’s Transition to eBuilder Project Management Software (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD eBuilder Core Team

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

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. 

Breakout Sessions (2:15 - 3:15 p.m.)
A. Ethics

Speaker: TBD

B. AI

Speaker: TBD

DFD Project Case Studies (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD Project Managers and 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.  The two projects planned to be highlighted include the State Fair Park Track Safety Improvements, as well as the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center Expansion. 

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.

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.