2027 AGC Annual Convention
Speaker Guidelines for Learning Labs
Purpose of Learning Labs
Learning Labs are pre-convention, high-engagement sessions designed to help participants apply concepts to a realistic challenge and leave with a concrete output they can use on the job. Labs should feel like facilitated working sessions—not extended lectures.
Core Design Principles
• Start with the output. Design the session backward from what participants should leave with.
• Use realistic scenarios, examples, or case studies grounded in commercial construction.
• Keep participants active through discussion, exercises, peer exchange, decision-making, and facilitator coaching.
• Minimize lecture time. Short framing segments are encouraged; long presentations are not.
• Build in reflection, synthesis, and a clear close that helps participants translate learning into action.
• Designed for a group size of approximately 50–60 participants to support meaningful interaction and facilitator engagement. Select labs may accommodate up to 75 participants with appropriate facilitation design.
Recommended 3-Hour Lab Structure
1. Welcome and framing (10–20 minutes): state the challenge, learning goals, and final deliverable.
2. Working Session 1 (35–50 minutes): participants begin applying a tool, framework, or scenario.
3. Debrief and compare approaches (15–20 minutes).
4. Working Session 2 (35–50 minutes): introduce additional complexity, make decisions, refine ideas, or build the deliverable.
5. Output development (20–30 minutes): participants finalize their plan, roadmap, checklist, or strategy.
6. Report out and action planning (15–25 minutes): close with takeaways, commitments, and practical next steps.
What to include in your lab proposal
• A clear title and one-sentence promise of value
• The primary persona the lab is designed for
• The real-world challenge or scenario participants will work on
• The final participant output or deliverable
• A description of the exercises, discussion prompts, or scenario design
• Any materials or room setup needs (flip charts, worksheets, round tables, etc.)
• Facilitator qualifications and relevant construction experience
Facilitator expectations
• Facilitators should guide discussion, keep participants moving, and create space for peer learning.
• Facilitators should use examples and language relevant to AGC’s commercial construction audience.
• Facilitators should avoid sales language or promotional examples.
• Facilitators must collaborate with AGC staff on session design, timing, and materials.
• Facilitators should submit worksheets, templates, or handouts in advance if these materials are part of the lab experience.
Examples of strong lab outputs
• Project recovery plan
• Leadership action plan
• Workforce recruitment or retention framework
• Functional implementation roadmap
• Risk assessment checklist
• Client strategy or market positioning outline
Common pitfalls to avoid
• Too much presentation and not enough working time
• No clearly defined output or takeaway
• Examples that are too generic or not relevant to contractors
• Overly large panels or unclear facilitator roles
• Activities that do not connect back to the central challenge
Sessions promoting specific brands, services or technologies
AGC support
AGC staff will work with selected facilitators to refine timing, strengthen the participant experience, coordinate materials, and ensure the session aligns with the convention’s learning goals and any continuing education requirements.