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. 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. Join this important discussion and learn what top industry leaders are doing to keep ahead of these trends.
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.
Elizabeth Torrez · ModeratorCharley Wilson · SoCal Water CoalitionAdan Ortega · MWD (Chair)Susan Kennedy · Cadiz
California's transportation funding conversation is no longer just about where the money comes from – it's also about how the state balances infrastructure needs, public opinion, environmental policy, and long-term fiscal sustainability. In this moderated discussion, panelists will touch on the current mix of federal, state, and local transportation funding, while also examining the broader policy questions shaping the future of transportation investment. The conversation will include alternative funding proposals, voter attitudes toward transportation investment and user-fee funding concepts, and policy issues such as CEQA, VMT, and the challenges of delivering projects in a changing fiscal and regulatory environment.
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.
Abbigail Brown · ModeratorBonny Nyaga · Caltrans, District 4Alexander Santamaria · Santamaria ConcreteAnthony Lino · Sully-Miller Contracting Co.Nicole England · Teichert Construction
Session BSmall Business Participation in Public Works Construction
In California, Caltrans and LA Metro offer opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses through SBE programs, providing mentoring, workshops, and support to help small firms secure contracts for major infrastructure projects.
Anna Carno · ModeratorDavid DeLuz · CaltransLorraine Aldridge · LA Metro
Session CBuilding a Better Safety System
This session covers how to comply with and exceed Cal/OSHA requirements by building a proactive safety system that prevents injuries and protects workers. We will discuss the California Safety Orders and how they differ and often exceed federal OSHA requirements, and how the 1973 Cal/OSHA Act supports enforcement, training, and education.
Jennifer Galenti · ModeratorMichael Donlon · MD Safety Service
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Session AAgency Programs (Caltrans 7, 8, 12)
This panel highlights upcoming infrastructure projects in the Caltrans tri-district region (Districts 7, 8, 12). It is your opportunity to gain a clear view into the vast construction potential of Southern California and get an inside look at billions of dollars of projects coming down the pipeline.
Anna Carno · ModeratorJohn Yang · Caltrans, District 7Christy Connors · Caltrans, District 8Son Nguyen · Caltrans, District 12
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 of Southern California and get an inside look at billions of dollars of projects coming down the pipeline.
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.
Derek Borghi · ModeratorAmy Fong · Caltrans
Speakers
2026 Summit Speakers
Lorraine Aldridge
LA Metro
Bill Boyd
Sully-Miller
Christy Connors
Caltrans District 8
David DeLuz
Caltrans
Michael Donlon
United Contractors
Nicole England
Amy Fong
Caltrans
Curtis Germany II
LADWP
Susan Kennedy
Cadiz
David Kim
LAWA
Anthony Lino
Sully-Miller
Armond Morad
Port of Long Beach
Son Nguyen
Caltrans District 12
Bonny Nyaga
Caltrans District 4
Adan Ortega Jr.
Metropolitan Water District
Louis Rubalcaba
LADWP
Alexander Santamaria
Santamaria Concrete
Mark Schniepp PhD
California Forecast
Shaun Shahrestani
Port of Los Angeles
Jon Switalski
Rebuild SoCal Partnership
Sarah Tacker
Shimmick Construction Company, Inc.
Kiana Valentine
Transportation California
Charley Wilson
SoCal Water Coalition
John Yang
Caltrans District 7
Summit Moderators
2026 Summit Moderators
Derek Borghi
United Contractors
Abbigail Brown
CPM Logistics
Anna Carno
Carno Law Group
Emily Cohen
United Contractors
Gus Flores
United Contractors
Jennifer Galenti
United Contractors
Clay O'Neal
United Contractors
Elizabeth Torrez
Tenna
Refund Policy
For a full refund of your event ticket, please submit a written cancellation request to Luke at lhardy@unitedcontractors.org one week before the event (by May 21). After May 21, cancellations can occur, but refunds are no longer eligible.
Refunds are available up to 14 days before the event. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable but transferable to another attendee from the same company. For refund requests or transfers, contact Luke Hardy at lhardy@unitedcontractors.org or (657) 439-4320.
Position your brand with California's senior public works audience · Deadline: May 7, 2026
Why Sponsor
Reach California's Public Works Decision-Makers
The Public Works Summit delivers unmatched access to a senior, influential audience. Sponsorships sell out — act early.
⚠ Sponsorships Closed
Thank You to All Our 2026 Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Public Works Summit are now closed. We are deeply grateful to every sponsor who is making this year's Summit possible — your support and partnership are what bring California's public works community together.
Thank you! 🙏
Welcome Sponsor
$10,000
CLOSED
6 event tickets
Welcome attendees during Opening Session
Company logo on all session room signage
Full-page ad in the program
Display table with branded items
Hospitality Sponsor
$10,000
SOLD OUT
6 event tickets
Exclusive recognition at breakfast and lunch
Opportunity to introduce 1 session
Full-page ad in the program
Display table with branded items
LECET Southwest
Registration Sponsor
$10,000
SOLD OUT
6 event tickets
Company logo at registration table & signage
Logo on all attendees' lanyards
Opportunity to introduce 1 session
Full-page ad in the program
SoCal Cement Masons Negotiating Committee
WiFi Sponsor
$5,000
CLOSED
2 event tickets
Company name used as WiFi password
½ page ad in the Summit program
Recognition in Know Before You Go email
To Go Snack Sponsor
$5,000
CLOSED
2 event tickets
Logo on to-go snack bag
½ page ad in the Summit program
Vendor Display Table
$3,000
SOLD OUT
3 event tickets
Display table with branded items
6-ft table, black linen, 2 chairs, pop-up display space
Dedicated visibility during high-traffic breaks and networking periods, ideal for meaningful, face-to-face engagement with attendees
Available to non-members for $4,000
Quarter Page Ad Sponsor
$2,500
CLOSED
2 event tickets
Quarter page ad in the Summit program
Refreshment Sponsor
$1,500
SOLD OUT
Business card sized ad in the Summit program
Company logo on hydration and coffee stations
Business Card Sponsor
$850
CLOSED
Business card sized ad in the Summit program
Sponsorship Policy: Sponsorship is available to UCON members and partners only. Sponsorships close 3 weeks prior to the event.
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 events@unitedcontractors.org.
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
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 →
LA County Public Works
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
