When ConExpo-Con/AGG unveiled the world's largest 3D-printed statue of a woman who works in construction during the 2020 show, the show was already a leader in recognizing the growing role women play in the construction industry and encouraging more women to explore construction careers.
With Women in Construction Week happening now (March 5-11), the largest trade show in North America is highlighting the events at ConExpo-Con/AGG that feature women working in the construction industry.
"As North America's largest construction show, we recognize the important and growing role women play in our industry, and ConExpo-Con/AGG has invited a number of influential women to share their experiences working in construction," said ConExpo-Con/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff.
"There's a big need for more people to enter the construction trades and industry. These are jobs that pay solid, living wages without the need to take on large amounts of debt to enter, and we want to encourage more women to explore these opportunities."
This year, Alexandra Smith, known as "Al the Little Operator," will host a meetup in the new ConExpo-Con/AGG Community Zone entitled "Collaborating with Women in Construction," March 14, at 2:30 p.m.
Smith, who has been promoting women in construction for years, most recently on an episode of the ConExpo-Con/AGG Podcast, grew up in Haverhill, Mass., and has been working with her father in the septic system business since she was 14 years old. She thought her dream was to become a congresswoman, but ultimately realized she was happiest working with the dirt.
She has been running equipment full-time for the past five years and couldn't be happier as she pursues a career in septic design.
Additionally, Missy Guerrero Scherber will be joined in the Community Zone by Kayti Bjorklund-Strandlund and Ry Bostrom for a discussion called "Changing Culture with Professional Development: How a School Teacher Duo is Changing the Industry as We Know It" on March 16 from 1-2 p.m.
When two educators left the public school system and repurposed themselves in the world of construction, they were shocked with the dated approaches of team development and the ugly construction stigma that came with the industry. To battle the stigma, the two are implementing personal and professional development (just like in the world of education!) with their team at DW Companies.
Additional Education, Community Zone Sessions
- Women in the Workforce: Recruit, Retain, and Promote (Rachel Quam, Ashly Rieman, Latrell Cates, Maty Katherine Harbin, Shawn Boyce) — West Hall. Diversity and inclusion are key to future sustainability as an industry. This session will discuss management efforts to recruit, retain and promote women in the industry. A panel of industry leaders will address the importance of attracting qualified women and addressing the needs of women to keep them in the industry while developing a culture of inclusivity.
- Bold Leadership for Women (Kristina Mahler McMillan, Alicia Brentzel, Amanda Kurt, Katherine Freeman, Stephanie Scott) — West Hall. A panel discussion including female business leaders across the industry discussing real-life experiences and advice for how to not just make it in a male-dominated industry, but how to discover your own voice and power.
- Ask The Influencers — Panel Discussion & Meetup With the Most Popular Construction Minds (Missy Guerrero Scherber, James Starbuck, Katie Kelleher, Matthew Stanley, Taylor White) — West Hall. Featuring five of some of the most well-known industry personalities on social media, this 2-hour session will allow you to understand how they got to where they are and the trends they see that will impact the industry going forward. They will provide tips and tricks on how to better your social media skills, build relationships online, and much more. This is a panel discussion so be sure to come and ask them questions.
- Viva Las Asphalt Mixer (Hosted by Women of Asphalt, National Asphalt Pavement Assoc.) — Silver Lot 3, near Las Vegas Monorail Entrance. Join Viva Las Asphalt for a thrilling collaboration between WofA and NAPA's Associate Member Council. This one-of-a-kind opportunity will connect like-minded individuals from across the asphalt industry. Jam with their special guest appearance from the King of Rock and Roll himself. To attend, be sure to pick up your complimentary wristband available at the WofA (GL-12596) and NAPA (GL-20707) booths while they last.
For more information, visit www.conexpoconagg.com.
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