SUPPORT EDUCATING OUR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS 

Thursday, December 3, 2026
The Aviator Cleveland
10:30 AM – 5:30 PM

CEA MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
Registration Fee: $40.00 per person

Build Your Career. Strengthen Your Relationships. Learn from Experience.

Back by popular demand, join us for CEA's annual 2026 Young Professionals Development Forum Event, an interactive day designed to give the next generation of construction professionals practical insight they can use throughout their careers.

Hear directly from respected industry leaders and professionals as they share candid perspectives on building successful contractor/subcontractor relationships, navigating conflict and difficult conversations, and bridging the gap between the field and office.

The day begins with Lunch with an Industry Leader, followed by three engaging educational sessions and concludes with a networking social.

Come ready to ask questions, share experiences and make connections!

CEA MEMBER FEE: $40.00

For additional questions please contact Jackie Ruhlin at [email protected]

To view additional details from our 2024 event, see the following link: 2024 YP EVENT

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

Lunch with an Industry Leader

What Do Industry Leaders Look for in the Next Generation?

Start the day with a unique opportunity to connect directly with experienced leaders from across the construction industry.

Attendees will be assigned to small tables of approximately 5–6 participants, with an industry leader joining each table for lunch and conversation. Hear candid perspectives on career development, leadership and what experienced professionals look for in the next generation of industry leaders.

Bring your questions and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from those who have built successful careers in construction.

SESSION 1

Contractor–Subcontractor Relationships & Lessons Learned

Strong contractor/subcontractor relationships are critical to successful projects—but even the best relationships can be tested by competing priorities, communication breakdowns and difficult project situations.

Hear perspectives from both sides of the relationship as panelists discuss what makes these partnerships work, where they commonly break down and what young professionals can do to establish trust and credibility early in their careers.

Moderator
Greg Thompson - Partner - Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Panelists
Tom FitzGerald - Project Manager - Precision Environmental Co.
Terry Diltz - General Manager - Valley Interiors
Elise Clark - Project Manager - Turner Construction
Andy Hudak - Senior Regional Vice President - Higley Construction

SESSION 2

Conflict Resolution & Difficult Conversations

Conflict is inevitable. Knowing how to handle it professionally can make all the difference.

This interactive "fireside chat" style session will tackle the uncomfortable workplace situations young professionals may encounter as they grow in their careers.

What would you do if...A coworker repeatedly talks over you in meetings? You receive conflicting direction from two people above you? A peer isn’t pulling their weight and it’s affecting your work? 

Through practical guidance, real-world scenarios and candid conversation, attendees will explore how to approach conflict confidently and productively.

Featuring
Jennifer Comella - CBIZ

Fireside Chat
Greg Wisniewski - Vice President of Operations - The Great Lakes Construction Co.
Jason Anderson - General Superintendent - Regency Construction Services

SESSION 3

Field vs. Office — Balancing Your Time in Both

What can you learn in the field that you simply can’t learn sitting behind a desk? And what does someone in the field benefit from understanding about what happens in the office?

This panel will explore how experience on both sides of the business can make you a stronger communicator, problem-solver and future leader.

Networking Social

Stick around after the final session for drinks, conversation and networking with fellow young professionals, speakers and industry leaders.

Continue the day’s conversations, make new connections and build relationships with professionals from across the industry.

Plus, You Could Win!

Complete the event survey for your chance to be entered into a raffle drawing during the networking social.