Alfred State students Kari Annunziato and Erica Jackson joined Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Reza Yadollahi at the Associated General Contractors of America Contractors (AGC) Convention in Orlando, FL.
Each year 200-250 students and educators from thirty to forty universities meet to network, exchange ideas, become inspired, and learn the latest industry trends and challenges.
Kari and Erica discuss their trip to the AGC Convention
Jackson, a second-year construction management major, felt blessed to have the opportunity to attend. “It helped us learn how to build leaders by using focused leadership panels that explore the future of construction, workforce development, and industry innovation. Students that were attending from different chapters had the chance to learn directly from industry professionals. During the convention I learned construction needs both transactional and transformational teaching methods for people on and off the jobsite to be successful.”
Annunziato, another second-year construction management major, added, "Experiencing the construction convention as a student just starting my construction career was an incredible opportunity to get a glimpse into what the future holds. One of my favorite parts was being able to talk to and listen to successful professionals in positions I hope to be in one day. Hearing their stories of how they got to where they are today was inspiring and made the journey feel possible for me. I also had the chance to speak with other student chapter members from all over the country and collaborate with them, sharing ideas and events they have done at their schools that I plan to use to grow our own student chapter at Alfred State.”
Both enjoyed going to panels and hearing stories from project engineers, project managers, and CEOs. They also enjoyed seeing innovative technology in the field at the Expo and felt they learned valuable tips and tricks to be a valuable member on a job site.
Dr. Yadollahi is excited to bring back the ideas that he learned at the convention into the classrooms at Alfred State. “Attending the AGC Convention with our student chapter was a great experience. We had the chance to meet faculty, industry professionals, and leaders from across the country and have meaningful conversations with them. It was helpful to learn more about what is happening now and what is coming next in the industry.”
Yadollahi also added, “Participating in the Lean Construction Committee meeting was also valuable. The discussion focused on building a stronger, more collaborative community and sharing real experiences across the industry.”
AGC of America is the leading association for the construction industry. With over 27,000 member firms, AGC provides a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, thereby improving the quality of construction, and protecting the public interest.