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 continuing education credits.

Register for the Event

Registration (8:00 - 8:30 a.m.)

DFD Opening Session - What’s New at DFD (8:30 - 10:00 a.m.)

Speakers: DOA / DFD Leadership Team

Hear from Department of Administration (DOA) and 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 DOA Secretary’s Office, 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:

  • Hear about the status of capital project delivery at DFD.
  • Understand how activities are proceeding for the 2027-2029 Capital Budget preparation. 
  • Learn about current initiatives and process improvement updates withing the Bureau of Architecture and Engineering. 
  • Hear specifics of select projects delivered by DFD and partners over the prior year. 

Lessons Learned on DFD Projects (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Speakers: DFD Team

This session will review situations in recent DFD projects that were learning experiences to be utilized for future project delivery.  Selected examples will cover a variety of project types, disciplines, and agencies. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Hear about real project situations that DFD has experienced during the management of the State of Wisconsin Building program. 
  • Evaluate processes and strategies to avoid detrimental impacts during project delivery.
  • Identify common challenges on DFD projects that have contributed to negative impacts to project schedule and budget.
  • Learn what to implement and include into DFD bidding documents to increase the likelihood of project success.

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

Special Inspections in Practice: Clarifying Roles, Requirements, and Implementation (12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD Team

This presentation explores the evolving requirements, responsibilities, and practical implementation considerations associated with special inspections and related code compliance processes. Through a panel-style discussion and project-based walkthrough, attendees will gain insight into how the process can work in practice from initial planning through execution and review. Participants will also hear perspectives on how other states are handling similar requirements. The session will also address common misconceptions, areas of confusion in the field, and the impact of varying project delivery methods on inspection planning and pricing.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the owner, designer, contractor, inspector, and reviewing authority in the special inspection process.
  • Identify common points of confusion in current inspection requirements and code interpretation.
  • Recognize the importance of early coordination and clear project-specific information for accurate inspection planning and pricing.
  • Examine examples and perspectives from other states to compare approaches and identify potential best practices.

Breakout Sessions (1:45 - 2:45 p.m.)

A. Ethics

Speaker: Rick Kyte, Viterbo University

In this session, we will explore the vital role of ethics in the daily decisions of Design Professionals. With unclear ethical boundaries often leading to significant consequences, it’s essential to understand core principles. This course offers practical tools to enhance your ethical decision-making skills.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review what professional standards apply to the design industry.
  • Understand the core principles behind the work that you do.
  • Discover some practical decision-making tools.
  • Learn why it's important to practice ethical decision-making and what possible consequences could be.

B. Energy Efficient to Net-Zero: Advancing Sustainability & Energy Solutions Through Collaboration & Innovation

Speaker: Brian Adesso, Mensha Joint School District; Dale Garfield, EUA; Jesse Michalski, Eland Electric & Theresa Lehamn, Miron

What does it take to move a public school from energy efficient to truly net-zero? The Menasha Maplewood Intermediate & Middle School provides a real-world case study of how ambitious energy and sustainability goals can become reality through collaboration, innovation, and integrated project delivery.

This presentation will explore the strategies, technologies, decision-making, and incentives that transformed Maplewood from an energy-efficient school into a net-zero energy school—demonstrating how the owner, responsible for the tax-payer funded project, architects, engineers, contractors, and facility stakeholders can work together to achieve measurable energy and sustainability outcomes. The project incorporates high-performance building design, electrification, energy efficiency, advanced mechanical systems, and a 1.2 MW roof-mounted photovoltaic system to produce as much energy annually as the school consumes.

The Maplewood case study demonstrates that net-zero is not simply an end goal—it is the result of early collaboration, integrated decision-making, and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches to designing and constructing public facilities.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discover the unique elements of Menasha Maplewood and how those elements can apply to other projects.
  • Review the importance of energy efficiency in design and innovations.
  • Learn what tactics the design team used to achieve their aggressive sustainability goals.
  • Hear what lessons were learned from this project and how future projects can avoid common pitfalls.

DFD Project Case Studies (3:00 - 4:30 p.m.)

Speakers: DFD Project Managers and Project Teams

This session will give an overview of three recently completed DFD projects.  The presentations will be facilitated by members of each respective project team.  The three projects planned to be highlighted include the Science and Technology Innovation Center at UW-River Falls, the Wild Animal House 2 Restoration at Circus World Museum, and the Stewart Tunnel Repair project along the Badger State Trail. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Hear a project overview of each selected project and what agency specific need was 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 the 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.