This Is Where California Builds the Future, Together.
The Summit isn't just a conference — it's the annual gathering where decisions get made, partnerships are forged, and the people building California show up for each other.
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Build the Relationships That Matter
Meet face-to-face with public agencies, decision-makers, and industry leaders in a trusted, neutral environment.
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Direct Insight from Public Agencies
Hear directly from agencies about priorities, programs, funding outlooks, and upcoming opportunities.
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Stay Ahead of Industry Change
Policy shifts, workforce challenges, market constraints — the Summit equips attendees with timely, actionable insight.
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See and Be Seen as a Leader
The Summit attracts a senior, influential audience across contractors, agencies, unions, and partners.
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Walk Away with Practical Value
Every session is designed with intention. You'll leave with clear takeaways you can bring back to your team.
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A Forum Built for Unity & Trust
Competitors and collaborators come together to elevate dialogue, foster alignment, and strengthen trust.
Stay steps from the venue at the official hotel of the 2026 Public Works Summit. A discounted room block has been reserved exclusively for Summit attendees.
$203 / night
⚠️ Room block closes May 6, 2026. Reserve early — rooms will sell out.
"I have attended the UCON Public Works Summit for the last four years, and I learn different things every time I go. Public Works is an important part of the Southern California construction market, and all contractors can benefit from the information gained there."
— Dave Sorem · Mike Bubalo Construction
"Great speakers and topics. I was able to do a lot of networking with various Unions, Contractors and Consultants and get the word out about our upcoming work."
— SANDAG
"The event was filled with folks from different trades and with different levels of expertise, but there was such a sense of unity among all. Working hand-in-hand is the only way to have continued growth."
— Laborers Training School and Apprenticeship
"Outstanding event with great opportunities to connect with leadership at various public entities and to preview upcoming work across California. Well worth the investment and a day's time."
— MasTec / American Civil Constructors West
"The opportunity to network with both industry and Agency leaders while learning about what's on the horizon was fantastic. UCON always puts on a well-worthwhile event."
— GLA Partnering
"Thanks to UCON for putting together these high-quality events with well respected speakers, interesting topics, and networking opportunities!"
May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim · 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
Full Day Agenda
2026 Summit Schedule
Breakfast and lunch provided. 10 sessions delivering actionable insights from California's leading agencies and industry experts.
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Hosted breakfast while connecting with contractors, agency reps, and partners before the day's programming begins.
8:00 – 8:55 AM
Public Works Summit Plenary Session
Welcome remarks & keynote address. Setting the stage for the day ahead with insights on California's public works ecosystem.
9:00 – 10:20 AM
Recruitment & Retention Strategies in Construction
Construction faces a workforce crunch—labor shortages, an aging workforce, and 20–30%+ turnover—putting schedules and profitability at risk. To compete, companies must pair modern recruitment with retention: strengthen employer brand, pay and benefits, and a safety-first culture; use technology; and offer clear career paths and inclusive workplaces.
Bill Boyd · Sully-MillerSarah Tacker
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Session ACalifornia's Water Future
California water providers must deliver safe, reliable, affordable service amid recurring floods and droughts. This discussion explores how smarter planning, approval, and construction of water projects can capture more water in wet years, reduce flooding, and lessen shortages and rate spikes in dry years.
Adan Ortega · MWD (Chair)Charley Wilson · SoCal Water CoalitionSusan Kennedy · Cadiz
This panel breaks down how California funds roads, bridges, and transit through a complex mix of federal, state, and local sources. It highlights major drivers such as the federal IIJA, state fuel taxes, and SB 1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017).
Jon Switalski · Rebuild SoCal PartnershipKiana Valentine · Politico Group
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Networking Lunch
Hosted lunch with structured networking opportunities with agency reps and peers.
12:45 – 1:35 PM
California's Economic Future
California's 2026–2030 outlook shifts from rapid, tech-led expansion to steadier, innovation-driven growth. The state aims to lead in AI, clean tech, and aerospace while confronting high living costs, regional gaps, and a cooling labor market—driving more "bottom-up" regional development strategies.
Mark Schniepp, Ph.D. · California Forecast
1:45 – 2:45 PM
Session ACaltrans Mentor Protégé Program
The Caltrans Construction Mentor Protégé Program helps small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned firms build Caltrans fluency and technical capacity to compete for and deliver Caltrans projects. It pairs eligible protégés (licensed contractors in business at least one year) with experienced mentors through workshops and mentoring sessions.
Bonny Nyaga · Caltrans 4
Session BSmall Business Participation in Public Works Construction
In Southern California, Caltrans and LA Metro offer opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses through SBE programs. Caltrans provides mentoring and workshops, while LA Metro sets SBE/DBE goals and offers support to help small firms secure contracts for major infrastructure projects.
David DeLuz · Caltrans
Session CNavigating OSHA: Following the Rules, Keeping it Safe
This session covers how to comply with Cal/OSHA by building a proactive safety program, anchored by the required Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to identify and correct hazards. It also reviews how California standards often exceed federal OSHA and how the 1973 Act supports enforcement, training, and education.
Michael Donlon · United Contractors
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Session ACaltrans Agency Programs
This panel highlights upcoming infrastructure projects among Southern California regional agencies. It is your opportunity to gain a clear view into the vast construction potential and gain an inside look at billions of dollars of projects coming down the pipeline.
John Yang · Caltrans 7Christy Connors · Caltrans 8Son Nguyen · Caltrans 12
Session BAgency Programs — LAWA & Port of LA
Upcoming capital programs and opportunities from LAWA and the Port of Los Angeles.
Shaun Shahrestani · Port of LAArmond Morad · POLB
Session CBuilding Information Modeling for Infrastructure, BIM4I
This presentation introduces BIM for Infrastructure (BIM4I): using digital 3D models to plan, design, build, and manage assets such as roads, bridges, and utilities. It focuses on adopting BIM in design and construction and carrying model data forward to operations, maintenance, and asset management to support full lifecycle performance.
Assets, press releases, and branded materials for the 2026 Public Works Summit
Press & Media
2026 Public Works Summit Media Resources
All media assets for press coverage, social sharing, and event promotion. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].
About the Event
On May 28, 2026, California's contractors, public works agencies, and industry leaders converge at the Hilton Anaheim for UCON's 5th Annual Public Works Summit — the state's premier one-day event connecting the people who plan, fund, and build California's infrastructure.
"The Public Works Summit puts California's contractors face-to-face with the agencies shaping the state's infrastructure future." — Emily Cohen, CEO, United Contractors
📩 To request media assets or for press inquiries, email [email protected]
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Proud to participate in @United Contractors 2026 Public Works Summit on May 28 at the Hilton Anaheim. Join California's public works leaders, agencies, and contractors for a day focused on connection, collaboration, and the future of our industry. #PublicWorksSummit #UCON #CaliforniaBuilds
We're heading to @United Contractors 2026 Public Works Summit. Looking forward to connecting face to face with the agencies and contractors building California's infrastructure on May 28 in Anaheim. #PublicWorks #Infrastructure #CaliforniaBuilds
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Public Works Summit
About the Summit
The UCON Public Works Summit is a premier convening of California's public works community, bringing together contractors, public agencies, unions, and industry partners for insight, collaboration, and relationship building. Now in its 5th year, it is the state's must-attend event for anyone working in California's public infrastructure sector.
Thursday, May 28, 2026 · 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
Hilton Anaheim · 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
Breakfast and lunch are provided.
No. The Summit is open to members and non-members alike. However, UCON members enjoy a discounted ticket price of $195 vs. $295 for non-members.
UCON Member tickets are $195 per person. Non-member pricing is $295 per person. Public agency representatives may be eligible for complimentary attendance.
Full-day access to all Summit programming, sessions, networking, hosted breakfast and lunch, and vendor exhibit.
Travel & Accommodations
Yes! A discounted room block is available at the Hilton Anaheim for $203/night. Reserve your room here →
