2027 AGC Annual Convention

Call for Proposals Guidelines and Instructions

Purpose. The 2027 AGC Annual Convention is seeking interactive, practical, and role-specific learning experiences that help construction leaders solve real-world challenges, learn from peers, and return to work with ideas they can apply immediately.

What’s new for 2027. This CFP is intentionally designed to align the education program to AGC’s four attendee personas, expand the number of submissions relevant to mid-level managers and project managers, and invite proposals for multiple formats—including pre-convention Learning Labs, 90-minute Workshops, 60-minute Breakout Sessions, Plenary Sessions, and curated executive experiences.

Range of Voices
AGC is committed to a program that reflects the full breadth of our membership. We encourage proposals from contractors of all sizes and regions, and we actively want to hear from rising and mid-level professionals — not just C-suite executives — as presenters and panelists. A strong program features a range of company types, career stages, and perspectives, not the same names and firms session after session.

CFP Priorities for 2027

• Design sessions with a clearly defined primary attendee persona in mind, while ensuring relevance and value for a broader convention audience.

• Prioritize interaction, application, peer exchange, and contractor-relevant examples.

• Focus on practical takeaways rather than high-level theory or product promotion.

• Encourage contractor-led or contractor-inclusive presentations, especially when consultants, suppliers, or service providers are involved.

• Create stronger content for mid-level leaders, project managers, and other rising construction professionals—an audience AGC aims to engage more intentionally.

2027 Educational Formats

Learning Labs (Pre-Convention | 2.5–3 hours)

Hands-on, highly interactive working sessions held prior to the Tuesday opening general session. Participants actively apply concepts to realistic scenarios and leave with a concrete deliverable, such as a roadmap, plan, checklist, template, or strategy.

Workshops (90 minutes)

Skill-building sessions with guided practice, case work, structured discussion, and applied exercises. Workshops should move beyond lecture and help participants practice a skill, framework, or decision-making approach.

Breakout Sessions (60 minutes)

Focused learning sessions that introduce practical ideas, case studies, tools, or lessons learned. Proposals must include audience engagement throughout the session.

Plenary Sessions (45–60 minutes)

High-impact sessions designed for a broad audience. Formats may include keynote-style presentations, executive interviews, industry panels, or cross-track discussions. Proposals should still emphasize relevance, clarity, and actionability.

Attendee Personas

Foundations

Students and entry-level professionals who are building industry awareness, career confidence, and professional skills.

Project Execution

Mid-level managers, project managers, and rising professionals who want practical tools for leading projects, navigating jobsite challenges, and improving decision-making.

Operational Leadership

Functional leaders responsible for safety, HR, risk, operations, or related business areas who are focused on scaling systems, driving adoption, and improving organizational performance.

Strategy & Enterprise

CEOs, owners, presidents, and senior executives who are focused on growth, culture, resilience, leadership, market positioning, and firm strategy.

Audience Level of Experience

Introductory

Intermediate

Advanced

Submission Requirements

1. Select one primary session format: Learning Lab, Workshop, Breakout Session, or Plenary Session.

2. Select one primary attendee persona. Proposals may also identify one secondary audience if relevant, but submissions must be designed for a clear primary audience.

3. Provide a session title and short abstract.

4. State the real-world problem your session addresses and why it matters now.

5. Explain how the session will engage participants through discussion, exercises, peer exchange, scenarios, case studies, polling, or other interactive methods.

6. List four learning objectives written from the participant’s point of view.

7. Describe the participant takeaway or output. For Labs and Workshops, this is required and should be tangible.

8. Limit of four (4) total submissions per company or individual to encourage a diverse range of perspectives and speakers.

9. Identify all presenters and one primary point of contact. Sessions are limited to a maximum of four presenters, including a moderator if applicable.

10. If the proposal includes a consultant, supplier, sponsor, or service provider, include at least one AGC contractor member as a co-presenter or case example contributor.

11. Confirm that all presenters are available to present in person at the 2027 AGC Annual Convention and can meet all speaker deadlines if selected.

Proposal Review Criteria

• Audience relevance and clarity of persona fit

• Practical application and value to contractors

• Strength of interaction and participant engagement design

• Quality and relevance of contractor voice or contractor example

• Clear outcomes, takeaways, or deliverables

• Strength of presenter expertise and ability to deliver the selected format

• Alignment with AGC’s education priorities and convention needs

Presenter Criteria and Expectations

• All presentations must be educational and non-promotional. Sessions promoting specific brands, services, or technologies will not be considered. Please no sales pitches.

• Selected speakers must deliver their session in person.

• All presenters must sign AGC’s Speaker Agreement and meet all deadlines for bios, headshots, agreements, materials, and rehearsal requirements.

• All presentation materials must use AGC-designated slide templates when slides are required.

• AGC may record certain sessions and will communicate permissions and expectations in the Speaker Agreement.

• Selected speakers should be prepared to work with AGC staff to refine session flow, strengthen interaction, and meet any continuing education requirements.

Format-Specific Guidance

Learning Labs

Labs must be hands-on, scenario-based, and output-focused. Submissions should identify the exercise design, facilitator role, materials needed, and final participant deliverable.

Workshops

Workshops should build a practical skill or decision-making capability and should include guided practice or structured discussion.

Breakout Sessions

Breakouts must include interaction throughout the hour—polls, cases, Q&A, discussion prompts, examples, or peer exchange.

Plenary Sessions

Plenary proposals should demonstrate broad relevance, strong speaking presence, and a clear “why now” message for the AGC audience.

Submission Timeline

• CFP opens: August 12, 2026

• Submission deadline: September 16, 2026

• Review period closes: October 16, 2026

• Notifications sent: November 9, 2026

• Speaker confirmations due: November 16, 2026

Selection Process & Notification

All proposals will undergo a peer review process conducted by AGC subject matter experts and members of the Convention Education Review Group, representing a diverse range of industry perspectives.

Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with CFP priorities, relevance to AGC audiences, and overall session design and engagement approach. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee selection.

Primary contacts will be notified of proposal decisions by November 9, 2026.

Speaker Expectations & Expenses

Selected speakers will receive a complimentary, non-transferable, full standard Convention registration (valued at $1,799).

A limited number of speaker honorariums may be available; additional details will be provided upon notification of selection.

Speakers are responsible for all travel-related expenses, including airfare, lodging, and incidental costs. AGC does not reimburse expenses related to session development or presentation materials.

Submission Guidelines

All proposals must be submitted through the AGC OpenWater platform. Submissions sent via email or other methods will not be considered.

Proposals must be received by September 16, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.