CSI DENVER CHAPTER - 2025 BUILD DENVER
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
FEATURE:
"Why Mentorship?" by Samantha Harris, Prouty Project
In today’s dynamic professional landscape, mentorship is more than a tradition—it’s a strategic advantage. This presentation explores the profound impact that mentorship can have across every level of a firm, from new hires to seasoned leadership. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and personal motivation, this talk unpacks the multifaceted benefits of mentorship: how it accelerates development, strengthens retention, fosters inclusive culture, and builds leadership pipelines.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of why mentorship matters now more than ever—and how to take practical, scalable steps toward implementing or revitalizing a mentorship program within their organization. Whether you’re a potential mentor, mentee, or decision-maker, this session will offer the tools and inspiration to build a culture of growth, connection, and shared success.
PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVE PATHWAY:
Session R1, Panel "Interacting with the Design Community"
Join us for a panel discussion just for product representatives on interacting with the design community. The panel will be moderated by Ryan Randel of Siplast (Product Representative), with panelists including Suzanne Minear of Anderson Mason Dale, CSI Denver President (Specifier), Matt Porta of HCM (Architect), Mike Young of DEN (Owner's Rep), and Mike Hocket of W.E. O'Neil Construction (Contractor).
ENTRY PATHWAY:
Session E1, Panel "Introduction to Industry Licensure and Certifications"
Join us for a panel discussion on the benefits of licensure and certifications. The panel will be moderated by Morayma Bittle with Cuningham, with panelists including Linsey Grace of EUA Architecture (Architects), Eric Hansen with Anchor Engineering (Engineers), and Dean Leschak with Pittsburgh Paints (Product Representatives).
Session E3, "Clear Out Your "Head Trash" - Managing Emotions at Work" by Kendra Prospero, Turning the Corner HR
We all have moments where we wish we had reacted differently at work. Emotions can shape decisions, impact productivity, and influence relationships - but ignoring them isn't the answer. In this interactive session, Kendra will introduce a practical framework to help you recognize and regulate emotions in a way that enhances communication, decision-making, and workplace relationships. You'll leave with real-world tools to handle challenges more effectively - both at work and in life.
Session E4, "Risk Concerns in Project Changes" by Peter Armstrong, Delta Consulting Group
Join us for a discussion of risk concerns in project changes. Learn about the various contract components and mechanisms utilized in Risk Management, general Change notice requirements, and the Time Impact Analysis utilized. Peter will also discuss the potential cost and schedule impacts of Changes to a project scope of work, and how early organization of Change and other project correspondence can assist in the resolution of disputes.
MID-CAREER PATHWAY:
Session M1, "Building Referral Partnerships" by Debbie Junge, Junge + Associates
Enhance your close ratio by following a strategic process for networking, identifying and establishing 'true referral partnerships.' Learn how to overcome obstacles by preparation and having a process to qualify your referral sources to create 'Win-Win' relationships. Acquire the skill sets to give, ask and get more qualified referrals!
Session M2, "Risk Management in Checking Specs" by Peter Armstrong, Delta Consulting Group
Join us for a discussion of risk concerns in reviewing specifications. Participants will learn about the obligations of all project parties in general specifications and contract documents, and how to analyze general specifications for areas of potential risk and areas of risk mitigation. Peter will also discuss the utilization of general specification reporting requirements to manage and mitigate risk.
Session M4, "Get Off the Recruiting Treadmill - Managing Great People Who Stay" by Kendra Prospero, Turning the Corner HR
The talent war is real, and hiring the right people has never been more challenging. If you're struggling with turnover, overwhelmed by recruiting, or questioning your hiring process, this workshop is for you. Kendra draws from over a decade of experience as a CEO and recruiter, sharing proven methods to attract top talent, hire with confidence, and build a company culture that retains great employees. She has successfully built a company with low turnover, a steady talent pipeline, and a thriving culture - without burnout. Learn how you can do the same.
PRINCIPAL PATHWAY:
Session P1, "Aligning Values to Build a Thriving Team" by Samantha Harris, Prouty Project
This session explores the role company values play in shaping culture, driving performance, and building trust. Participants will learn how clearly defined values influence employee behavior, guide decision-making, and align teams with the company’s mission and vision. Through discussions and interactive exercises, participants will gain insights into how to embody and promote core values in their everyday work, and why this alignment is essential for long-term success. Whether you're a leader aiming to reinforce a value-driven culture or an employee seeking to understand your organization's ethos, this course provides the tools to connect values with purpose and performance.
Session P2, "Creating an Effective Business Plan" by Debbie Junge, Junge + Associates
Effective annual planning with a simple format to success is formulated to share with your management team and key stakeholders. Clearly define your vision and mission. Establish the goals and objectives to drive desired results. Identify the essential marketing and sales strategies. Determine the action plans and resources needed to support your plan and engage your employees.
Session P3, "Risk Management in Reviewing Bid Documents" by Peter Armstrong, Delta Consulting Group
Join us for a discussion of risk management in reviewing bid documents. Risk review is an important part of the bidding process. We will discuss planned project overhead for the bid stage, execution of work, and commissioning/close-out, as well as initial budget development and the use of contingency budgets. Peter will also discuss how to review project reporting requirements included in the bid documents, and subcontractor and supplier due diligence during the bidding process.
