AUSTIN BUILD EXPO
August 16-17, 2023 | Palmer Events Center
Exhibit Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Classes Start at 9:30 a.m. Each Day




Windows that used to take 7 days in 2020 now take 7 months…maybe. Plywood that costs $11 now demands over $70! Volatility is the new certainty, and contractors must create the discipline to develop a different level of fitness in their business in order to navigate these new waters, with a more robust ship.
This life-changing and engaging 45 minute talk won’t waste your time in empty market predictions, but instead will provide you the tools to build a better business that allows you to navigate a new business reality.
You will be equipped to beat chaos with predictability, and to build a business that weathers volatile changes, and makes time for what matters most.
Learning Objectives
- Learn The 3 Foundational Layers Of EVERY Contracting Business
- Discover The 4 steps all business owners must commit to…regardless of size or scope
- Uncover The Secret To A Well-Oiled Culture
People, people, people! How do we find the right people to hire? How do we find ANY people to hire?
The Boomers retired early, and the emerging generations are much more selective in the work they choose. How can you find the right people, recruit them the right way, share the right vision, and then onboard them the right way that aligns with the right mission?
This life-changing and engaging 45 minute talk pulls from our work with hundreds of contractor owners that led to our proprietary and proven roadmap.
This roadmap will equip you to beat chaos with predictability, and to build the team that will build the business to make time for what matters most.

We’re seeing volatile pricing formats, supply chain interruption and rising interest rates. This usually ends in tough economic conditions, resulting in construction industry challenges. Knowing the best way to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward is difficult. We’ll look at the methods successful contractors use to weather shifting economic conditions. We’ll cover:
- Increasing your portion of the market pie
- Getting a competitive advantage
- Managing customer expectations
- Structuring your sales effort
- How to balance sales and marketing efforts
You’ll come away from this session with a better understanding of what it will take to grow in both revenue and profitability in these times. Sales is the most important aspect of your business. Everything else simply follows that lead.
Retaining Good Employees: How Homebuilders, Remodelers, and GC’s Can Implement A Predictable Process To Keep The Right Team
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 1



1 out of every 4 employees left their jobs in 2021…most voluntarily. The talent squeeze that contractors feel is predicted to continue well into the future.
What is true for sales, namely that repeat customers are far easier to come by than new customers, is also true for employees; retaining and growing existing employees is far easier and more effective than trying to find new ones.
This life-changing, 45 minute workshop will equip your leadership toolbelt with practical, take-home tools to provide for your team that allows each person to thrive in their role, grow to new roles, and align with the mission that you have laid out.
You will be equipped to beat chaos with predictability, and to build a business that weathers volatile changes, and makes time for what matters most.
Learning Objectives
- Learn the 3 layers of purpose that must be written and share frequently
- Discover the 4 tools every existing employee will need to know, see, and hear to gain enthusiastic, long term buy-in
- Uncover The Secret To A Well-Oiled Culture
Target Audience: Homebuilders, Remodelers, Contractors
Google Partner and Chief Marketing Officer Teaching "The Google Demands Of Your Website"
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |



Beating the Price Objection
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Room 3


Sponsored by



This topic deals specifically with the pressure to always be low. Learn the sales tools necessary to get the inside track in the bidding process. The goal being to consistently win projects and raise profitability on those projects. The most common mis-takes made in bidding are revealed and countered.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
How To Maximize Security in Construction Payments
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 4



Rapid digitization has left some construction companies' operations with increased vulnerability to cyber security threats. However, the answer isn't to shy away from technology but to embrace it while employing the latest protective measures against fraud.
In this class, you will learn what to look out for and what measures you can take to keep your construction payments safe.
Target Audience: General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Preparing for Austin's Onsite Water Reuse Ordinance | How to comply with the City of Austin code, chapter 15-13
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 5



Beginning December 1, 2023 onsite water reuse systems will be required for new commercial and multifamily development projects of 250,000 gross square feet or greater (LDC §25-9-412). These projects will have to collect and treat either rainwater and air conditioner condensate or graywater for reuse in buildings for toilet/urinal flushing, laundry, irrigation, and cooling.
Any commercial or multifamily project that uses rainwater, condensate water, stormwater, graywater or foundation drain water for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing or irrigation must obtain a permit from Austin Water.
In this workshop, attendees will learn how to comply with the new ordinance, what it means for plumbing systems and how to obtain project approval.
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will gain an appreciation for onsite water reuse and its viability as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the built environment.
- Attendees will learn what to expect during the permitting process and what resources & incentives may be available.
- Lastly, participants will gain real-life applicability of how these systems can be implemented locally.
Target Audience: Developers, Contractors, Plumbers, Engineers, Architects, Sustainability Consultants
Flooring Safety by Design | 1.0 AIA LU/HSW Credit
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 1



Flooring safety by design is offered by Altro throughout North America. The seminar is led by flooring experts experienced in helping architects, interior designers, and building owners select a wide variety of floor covering. Altro encourages participation and discussion during this interactive seminar.
Learning objectives
- Identify the legislative guidelines and legal tests relating to the specification of slip resistant flooring.
- Define the Static Coefficient of Friction as it relates to the specification of slip resistant flooring.
- Undertake a needs analysis to determine the slip resistant floor to suit your requirements.
Target Audience: Commercial Architects/Designers, Flooring Contractors, General Contractors, Business Owners.
Estimating Direct and Indirect Costs in Construction
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 2


Direct and indirect expenses in construction projects: This presentation takes a quick and comprehensive look at all expenses expected in a typical construction project. We identify direct and indirect expenses and list all types of categories under each type. The presentation makes a brief analysis of labor, materials, equipment, overhead, bonds and insurance, profit, contingency, and other expenses. Knowing and estimating these expenses can make or break the contractor’s business. This presentation is a must for contractors and anyone in the construction industry.
Target Audience: Builders and Contractors
Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 3



This class introduces Geotechnical Engineering and why the Geotechnical Report is important in construction of any foundation. Below is an overview of topics that will be covered as part of the presentation:
- Why is Geotechnical Engineering important?
- When is the Geotechnical Engineering report needed?
- How is the scope of services determined?
- Project Fee
- Drilling operations and field services
- Laboratory testing methods
- An overview of the Geotechnical Report
- Types of foundations and mitigation techniques
- Construction methods and quality control
- Liability and Protection
- Case studies and lessons learned
- Open discussion and questions
At the conclusion of the presentation, builders, developers, architects and engineers should have a better understanding of the Geotechnical Engineering process and the importance of having a Geotechnical Engineer on the team.
Target Audience: Builders, Developers, and Engineers
Tree to Table | 1.0 AIA LU/HSW Credit
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 4



This course serves as a guide to selecting quality, sustainable hardwoods for bespoke furniture and design products by explaining the process of sourcing, harvesting, milling, drying, surfacing, and finishing hardwood materials.
At the end of this course attendees will be able to:
- Understand the origins, importance, and reward of utilizing sustainable resources. Committing to environmentally conscious hardwoods increases the welfare of future generations.
- Identify properly milled and dried hardwoods. Safety risks are minimized when properly dried wood is selected for projects.
- Recognize best practices, treatments, and finishes to maximize longevity of hardwood furnishings. Durable and harmless treatments are important to the health of the clients.
- Ask knowledgeable questions and recognize hardwoods that incorporate sustainability into design.
Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications
Leveraging Tech to Improve Profitability
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 5



"Leveraging tech" doesn't need to mean a complete overhaul of systems. There are actionable technologies that you can likely leverage this week that streamline payroll, communication, automation strategies to enhance your billing processes to save time & more.
Target Audience: All building and construction professionals
Photo-realistic vs. artificial-looking CGI Renders - how to spot the difference?
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 1



CGI Renders have fast become the solution for marketing off-the-plan properties - helping potential buyers visualize what the finished build will look like while the foundations are being laid. The challenge in visualization often lies in presenting an image that accurately represents the end result, in a way that doesn't detract from the overall presentation with cartoony or unrealistic details. From considering the lighting source, angles, textures, materials, and background, to checking the edges and making sure there aren't any unrealistic shadows - an expert eye is vital in presenting professional marketing. In this seminar, we discuss some of the most common problems we see in renders and how to avoid them when marketing your property and help to fetch that higher sale price.
Target Audience: Builders, Real Estate Agents, Developers, Architects
Materials Mgmt. & Procurement: Navigating Broken Supply-Chain
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 5





This session format is a round table discussion that specifically tackles Supply Chain Management and addresses a wide range of topics:
- What are the main material issues affecting projects right now?
- How has Covid impacted Supply Chains?
- What are companies currently doing to manage this process?
- What can they do to manage this process more effectively?
- What stakeholders are being affected and how are they reacting?
- What challenges come with introducing new technology? How to manage?
- What are some of the ROI of Material Management & Procurement software? What about software in general?
- What is an ideal material management & procurement process?
- What is the future Supply Chain outlook?
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
Creative Solutions for Internet Problems in Construction Trailers and Sales Offices
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 3



Jon and his teammate, Bryan Gifford will take attendees through challenges with internet connectivity that almost every single home builder face at sales office and construction trailers.
Target Audience: All building and construction professionals
Your Pathway to ZEROs - $2,500 or $5,000 Per Residence
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 4



Don’t leave money on the table!
From single-family, to multifamily high-rises, let us help you navigate The Federal Energy Efficiency Incentives.
Target Audience: Homebuilders, Retrofitters/Remodelers, and Residential Real Estate Investors.
10 Minute Marketing Strategy Plan
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |



A fractional CMO that ranks on page one in your city for the term, "Fractional CMO __(add your city name here)___" is coming to teach and tell you exactly how to rank on page one and also give you a 10 min action plan that will propel your business forward exponentially.Get your own 10 minute action plan that will drastically improve your marketing. Then stay for the round table of other businesses similar to your industry on what they are doing and how they can improve through new techniques taught by Joshua Ramsey.
Target Audience: All building and construction professionals
How to Conduct an Effective JSA
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 1



A brief overview of JSA purpose, and how the are to be accurately utilized in all aspects of job performance.
- Purpose of JSA
- Establishing proper job procedures
- Ensuring that all employees are properly trained
- Identifying previously unnoticed hazards
- Reducing workers' compensation costs
- Increasing worker productivity
- Assisting with regulatory compliance
- Maintaining a healthier workforce
Target Audience: Safety Managers for Construction and Manufacturing companies
QuickBooks for Contractors - Beginner
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 2



This class is an overview of how contractors can utilize the QuickBooks functionality to facilitate job costing, payroll, receivables and the overall benefits of either the online or desktop applications.
Target Audience: Contractors, Subcontractors, and anyone curious about the features & benefits of QuickBooks.
Turn Google Reviews, Messaging and Social Media to Revenue
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 3



If you're looking to improve your business' ranking on Google, you've come to the right place. John will share the Birdeye guide on using reviews, messaging and social media to grow your local reputation and SEO. You should expect to take away a page of notes on everything you need to know about attracting, converting and delighting your customers and prospects that interact with your business.
Target Audience: Owners, Management, Soloprenuers, Supporting Staff
Burning cash advertising online and struggling to find customers?
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 4



WARNING: I am not selling anything. Learn how to improve your digital marketing, find more customers, and generate more ROAS. Actual tips to build an inbound strategy, and the tactics to weave Facebook, PPC, SEO, and email into a comprehensive omnichannel sales machine. Heavy on Q&A.
Target Audience: Owners looking to find more customers by improving digital marketing campaigns
Common Construction Sales Mistakes
9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Room 3


Sponsored by



Many in the construction industry consistently make the same mistakes that kill their opportunity. There are many common errors and mentalities that hinder sales success. We'll put a light on these problems and give the behaviors that counter them. Make sure your approach to the customer base is the most effective possible. These errors are often made without the contractor even realizing they're making them. This cripples their chances of winning profitable projects.
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers.
Google Partner and Chief Marketing Officer Teaching "The Google Demands Of Your Website"
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. |



Simple finance tips for construction company that can make a big difference
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 5



We're talking really simple things. Like understanding how your current company credit card(s) are either helping or hurting your business. How your bank account might be providing 0% interest earnings when another account could be making your business interest on your idle cash while you sleep. A couple of simple changes could yield ongoing financial improvements.
Target Audience: All building and construction professionals
A Better Way to Manage Your Jobs From Start to Finish - JobTread Demo
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 1



Get organized, complete your projects on time, and increase your profits. JobTread is end- to-end construction management software that helps you manage all of your business processes, from sales and estimating through to project completion. Learn why contractors give JobTread a 5-star review and consider adding JobTread to your toolkit.
Target Audience: Builders, Contractors, Remodelers, Specialty Contractors, Business Owners
Your Pathway to ZEROs - $2,500 or $5,000 Per Residence
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 4



Don’t leave money on the table!
From single-family, to multifamily high-rises, let us help you navigate The Federal Energy Efficiency Incentives.
Target Audience: Homebuilders, Retrofitters/Remodelers, and Residential Real Estate Investors.
Productivity adjustments and its impact on cost and duration
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 2


Productivity adjustments and its impact on cost and duration. Estimating crew (labor and equipment) productivity is crucial to both the cost and duration of the project. This is why the contractor must make proper adjustments to estimated productivity for each work activity, taking into account all impacting factors such as weather conditions. But adjustments must also be considered with schedule updates because things rarely, if ever, go as planned. This presentation takes a quick look at this process with valuable tips for more accurate cost estimates and schedules.
Target Audience: Builders and Contractors
Tree to Table | 1.0 AIA LU/HSW Credit
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 4



This course serves as a guide to selecting quality, sustainable hardwoods for bespoke furniture and design products by explaining the process of sourcing, harvesting, milling, drying, surfacing, and finishing hardwood materials.
At the end of this course attendees will be able to:
- Understand the origins, importance, and reward of utilizing sustainable resources. Committing to environmentally conscious hardwoods increases the welfare of future generations.
- Identify properly milled and dried hardwoods. Safety risks are minimized when properly dried wood is selected for projects.
- Recognize best practices, treatments, and finishes to maximize longevity of hardwood furnishings. Durable and harmless treatments are important to the health of the clients.
- Ask knowledgeable questions and recognize hardwoods that incorporate sustainability into design.
Target Audience: Builders, Contractors and Architects in Commercial and Residential applications
Flooring Safety by Design | 1.0 AIA LU/HSW Credit
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room 1



Flooring safety by design is offered by Altro throughout North America. The seminar is led by flooring experts experienced in helping architects, interior designers, and building owners select a wide variety of floor covering. Altro encourages participation and discussion during this interactive seminar.
Learning objectives
- Identify the legislative guidelines and legal tests relating to the specification of slip resistant flooring.
- Define the Static Coefficient of Friction as it relates to the specification of slip resistant flooring.
- Undertake a needs analysis to determine the slip resistant floor to suit your requirements.
Target Audience: Commercial Architects/Designers, Flooring Contractors, General Contractors, Business Owners.
Construction Technology Revolution & Change Management– Panel Discussion
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 5





Learn how to get company buy-in to the latest technology internally. In this session we will review the latest Construction Technology (ConTech) and explore where the industry is heading and steps to adoption. We’ll key in on Material Management, Procurement and Project Management goals that can be driven by simple or advanced technology adoption.
Learning Objectives:
- Walk away with broader understanding of the innovation taking place in the construction industry
- Industry pain points and how technology solves them (i.e., Supply Chain Software)
- How to evaluate what technologies are right for you and how they will drive ROI
- How to sell internally via Change Management Process
- VR, FTX, Blockchain and AI, OH MY!
Target Audience: Architects, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders, and Remodelers
PREPARING FOR AUSTIN’S ONSITE WATER REUSE ORDINANCE | How to comply with the City of Austin code, chapter 15-13
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 4



Beginning December 1, 2023 onsite water reuse systems will be required for new commercial and multifamily development projects of 250,000 gross square feet or greater (LDC §25-9-412). These projects will have to collect and treat either rainwater and air conditioner condensate or graywater for reuse in buildings for toilet/urinal flushing, laundry, irrigation, and cooling.
Any commercial or multifamily project that uses rainwater, condensate water, stormwater, graywater or foundation drain water for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing or irrigation must obtain a permit from Austin Water.
In this workshop, attendees will learn how to comply with the new ordinance, what it means for plumbing systems and how to obtain project approval.
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will gain an appreciation for onsite water reuse and its viability as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the built environment.
- Attendees will learn what to expect during the permitting process and what resources & incentives may be available.
- Lastly, participants will gain real-life applicability of how these systems can be implemented locally.
Target Audience: Developers, Contractors, Plumbers, Engineers, Architects, Sustainability Consultants
10 Minute Marketing Strategy Plan
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. |



A fractional CMO that ranks on page one in your city for the term, "Fractional CMO __(add your city name here)___" is coming to teach and tell you exactly how to rank on page one and also give you a 10 min action plan that will propel your business forward exponentially.Get your own 10 minute action plan that will drastically improve your marketing. Then stay for the round table of other businesses similar to your industry on what they are doing and how they can improve through new techniques taught by Joshua Ramsey.
Target Audience: All building and construction professionals
Creative Solutions for Internet Problems in Construction Trailers and Sales Offices
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 3



Jon and his teammate, Bryan Gifford will take attendees through challenges with internet connectivity that almost every single home builder face at sales office and construction trailers.
Target Audience: All building and construction professionals
Safety Training Techniques
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Room 1



Focuses on the knowledge and skills required to assess your training needs, as well as plan, organize, create, and deliver performance-based safety and health training programs. While emphasis is on developing and delivering instructor-lead/classroom training, you’ll become acquainted with other instructional methods and media used to effectively train employees on safety and health issues. This presentation will primarily fosus on an instructional design method called (ADDIE) Analysis, Design, Develpment , implementation, and evaluation with emphasis on adult learning principles.
Target Audience: Safety Trainers
QuickBooks for Contractors - Advanced
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Room 2



This class is an overview of how contractors can utilize the QuickBooks functionality to facilitate job costing, payroll, receivables and the overall benefits of either the online or desktop applications.
Target Audience: Contractors, Subcontractors, and anyone curious about the features & benefits of QuickBooks.