Conference Program

Monday
2024-06-10
Tuesday
2024-06-11
Wednesday
2024-06-12
15:00 - 17:30 (EST)
Opening General Session

Join WiMI Chair Stacy Johnson as we kick off the 4th annual WiMI Conference with a lively and exhilarating team-building experience. Our Team Anthem activity will feature a group of renowned musicians who will guide attendees through a collaborative songwriting process, culminating in a concert-style performance that features this custom created anthem, WiMI 2024 will start with an experience that is not only memorable and energizing, but will inspire attendees to find their voice, both professionally and personally.

Speakers
Opening General Session image
Stacy Johnson
Chair, MCAA's Women in the Mechanical Industry
17:30 - 19:00 (EST)
Opening Reception

Start the conference right with a reception to meet and engage with fellow attendees. Stay tuned for a fun finale.

07:45 - 08:30 (EST)
Breakfast
08:30 - 10:00 (EST)
General Session

Join WiMI Chair Stacy Johnson for day two of the WiMI 2024 conference. Today’s general session feature incoming MCAA President Rick Gopffarth as he shares his insights for the current state of mechanical contracting in the U.S. Then, be inspired by industry leader Demi Clark. With a background ranging from hands-on construction to leadership in publicly-traded companies, she will ignite conversations on how to achieve professional goals, empowering individuals and organizations to dream big and make impactful changes.

Speakers
General Session image
Demi Clark
Spark Building Group, Founder
General Session image
Stacy Johnson
Chair, MCAA's Women in the Mechanical Industry
General Session image
Rick Gopffarth
VP of Preconstruction, Dynamic Systems, Inc. | MCAA President Elect
10:00 - 10:15 (EST)
Refreshment Break
10:15 - 11:45 (EST)
Education Session: Navigating the Uncomfortable – Building Skills for Difficult Conversations

Join Alex Willis as he leads this educational session aimed at empowering participants with the essential skills and strategies required to both navigate and effectively engage in difficult and uncomfortable conversations. The session will cover topics such as active listening, empathy, assertiveness, and conflict resolution, providing practical guidance on navigating challenging interactions with confidence and professionalism.

Speakers
Education Session: Navigating the Uncomfortable – Building Skills for Difficult Conversations image
Alex Willis
Founder & CEO, Leadership Surge
10:15 - 11:45 (EST)
Communicate with Confidence, Clarity & Charisma

Learn to find your voice with Rebecca and Keith of TALLsmall in this session where attendees will learn practical tools and strategies to enhance their communication skills while also building their confidence. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will learn how to express themselves clearly and effectively so their voice cuts through the noise in the office and on jobsites. Additionally, the session will focus on techniques to boost self-esteem and develop a positive mindset, empowering participants to communicate with greater assertiveness and authenticity.

Speakers
Communicate with Confidence, Clarity & Charisma image
TALLsmall
10:15 - 11:45 (EST)
Education Session: Negotiation Essentials

Whether you are new to negotiations or seeking to refine your approach, this class offers valuable insights and strategies to excel in the complex and often intimidating world of construction negotiations. Join industry insider Shaabini Alford for an interactive workshop to explore and understand the physiological responses of the “fight or flight” instinct, and how it impacts negotiations. Then dive into practical tips and tricks for navigating contract discussions and successful change order negotiations.

Speakers
Education Session: Negotiation Essentials image
Shaabini Alford
Consultant, Speaker, and Facilitator
11:45 - 12:00 (EST)
Break
12:00 - 13:30 (EST)
Lunch
13:45 - 15:15 (EST)
Education Session: Navigating the Uncomfortable – Building Skills for Difficult Conversations

Join Alex Willis as he leads this educational session aimed at empowering participants with the essential skills and strategies required to both navigate and effectively engage in difficult and uncomfortable conversations. The session will cover topics such as active listening, empathy, assertiveness, and conflict resolution, providing practical guidance on navigating challenging interactions with confidence and professionalism.

Speakers
Education Session: Navigating the Uncomfortable – Building Skills for Difficult Conversations image
Alex Willis
Founder & CEO, Leadership Surge
13:45 - 15:15 (EST)
Communicate with Confidence, Clarity & Charisma

Learn to find your voice with Rebecca and Keith of TALLsmall in this session where attendees will learn practical tools and strategies to enhance their communication skills while also building their confidence. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will learn how to express themselves clearly and effectively so their voice cuts through the noise in the office and on jobsites. Additionally, the session will focus on techniques to boost self-esteem and develop a positive mindset, empowering participants to communicate with greater assertiveness and authenticity.

Speakers
Communicate with Confidence, Clarity & Charisma image
TALLsmall
13:45 - 15:15 (EST)
Education Session: Negotiation Essentials

Whether you are new to negotiations or seeking to refine your approach, this class offers valuable insights and strategies to excel in the complex and often intimidating world of construction negotiations. Join industry insider Shaabini Alford for an interactive workshop to explore and understand the physiological responses of the “fight or flight” instinct, and how it impacts negotiations. Then dive into practical tips and tricks for navigating contract discussions and successful change order negotiations.

Speakers
Education Session: Negotiation Essentials image
Shaabini Alford
Consultant, Speaker, and Facilitator
15:15 - 15:30 (EST)
Break
15:30 - 16:30 (EST)
Roundtables

Join us for an engaging series of roundtable discussions covering a diverse range of topics crucial to success in the mechanical industry. From leveraging technology to navigating human resources challenges and redefining fear, these sessions offer valuable insights and practical strategies for professionals at all levels. Whether you’re focused on sales, project delivery, or senior leadership, seize the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and enhance your skills in a collaborative environment tailored to your specific interests and goals.

Sales
Leveraging Technology
MCAA & WiMI 101
Human Resources
The Service Side of WiMI
Redefining Fear
Your Voice in the Field
Project Delivery
Senior Leadership
Project Management Challenges

17:45 (EST)
Shuttle to Offsite Reception
18:00 - 21:00 (EST)
Offsite Reception at the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame

Celebrate night two of the WiMI Conference in style at the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. MCA of Cleveland will host an unforgettable networking event in the iconic atmosphere of rock history against the backdrop of legendary music memorabilia.

07:45 - 08:45 (EST)
Breakfast
08:45 - 09:00 (EST)
Break
09:00 - 10:00 (EST)
Roundtables

Join us for an engaging series of roundtable discussions covering a diverse range of topics crucial to success in the mechanical industry. From leveraging technology to navigating human resources challenges and redefining fear, these sessions offer valuable insights and practical strategies for professionals at all levels. Whether you’re focused on sales, project delivery, or senior leadership, seize the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and enhance your skills in a collaborative environment tailored to your specific interests and goals.

Sales
Leveraging Technology
MCAA & WiMI 101
Human Resources
The Service Side of WiMI
Redefining Fear
Your Voice in the Field
Project Delivery
Senior Leadership
Project Management Challenges

10:15 - 11:45 (EST)
Closing General Session

In this closing general session we will have a changing of the guard as WiMI Chair Stacy Johnson passes the torch to Wendy Glauber. Then watch our featured keynote speaker, Princess Sarah Culberson, as she shares her remarkable journey from fear to fabulous, exploring themes of self-discovery, courage, and embracing cultural identity. Join us as we close the fourth annual WiMI conference with an empowering session that will inspire you to  overcome fear,  pursue your dreams, while becoming an advocating for yourself in both professional and personal spheres.

 

Speakers
Closing General Session image
Princess Sarah Culberson
Humanitarian, Author, and Keynote Speaker
Closing General Session image
Wendy Glauber
Vice President, HR & General Counsel, John W. Danforth Company
Closing General Session image
Stacy Johnson
Chair, MCAA's Women in the Mechanical Industry
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