Building Connections and Elevating Standards: Reflections from the ASPE National Summit

Introduction to the ASPE National Summit: A Gathering of Estimating Professionals

Attending the ASPE National Summit is always a rewarding experience, but this year, held in Cincinnati, OH between September 12th and 14th, 2024, it felt particularly special. As this is my last year as President of the Orlando Chapter, I arrived eager to connect with fellow estimators, gain insights from leading industry voices, and further the ongoing conversation on the future of our profession.

The summit kicked off on the evening of September 12th with the Regional Governors' Sessions from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, where we had the chance to discuss challenges and share best practices with our peers across the country. It was an hour of focused dialogue that set the stage for the larger discussions to come.

Immediately following, we transitioned to the Welcome Session, which ran from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This opening event brought together ASPE members from across the nation, creating an environment of camaraderie and excitement for the days ahead. Conversations were buzzing with anticipation for the workshops, panels, and networking opportunities to come. There was an energy in the room that showed a clear reflection of how critical this gathering is to our shared goals in advancing the art and science of estimating.

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that this summit would not only be a place for professional development but also a unique chance to engage with the broader estimating community, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.

First Impressions: A Summit Surrounded by Construction

Arriving at the ASPE National Summit, the first thing that caught my eye was a large construction site adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. For a moment, I chuckled to myself, knowing that any gathering of this many construction professionals would inevitably lead to a group of self-appointed "sidewalk superintendents" offering their critiques. Whether it’s the scaffolding setup or the pacing of the crews, you could already sense that by the end of the weekend, that jobsite would have been the subject of countless conversations and second-guessing. After all, we estimators tend to have opinions on everything!

The Hyatt Regency itself was an excellent choice for the venue. Its spacious meeting areas, comfortable accommodations, and central location in downtown Cincinnati made it a fantastic hub for the summit. The proximity to restaurants and local attractions also allowed for some relaxation and networking outside of the official events.

Upon entering, I was immediately impressed by how well-organized everything was. The ASPE staff and Planning Committee had clearly gone above and beyond in setting up the event. From the signage directing us to various sessions to the information packets outlining the agenda, it was evident that great care had been taken to ensure that attendees knew exactly what to expect. The attention to detail—from the welcome banners to the neatly arranged registration desks—set a positive tone for the summit.

There was a palpable energy in the air, with attendees greeting each other like old friends, and new connections forming as we all checked in and prepared for the busy days ahead. The buzz of excitement and camaraderie reminded me why I always look forward to these events—it’s a chance to engage with the best in the business, learn new insights, and of course, share a few laughs along the way.

Key Sessions: Insights and Takeaways

Several sessions at the ASPE National Summit left a significant impact on me, each offering fresh perspectives and new ideas to take back to my work. One standout was Data Science for Estimating presented by David Hopkins, CPE, and Cameron Wilson, which was both well-executed and incredibly informative. The presenters walked us through how data science is being integrated into the world of estimating, offering practical examples that we could all relate to. I left the session eager to dive deeper into the material, thanks to the helpful links and resources that were provided. It’s clear that data science will continue to play a transformative role in our field, and I look forward to exploring its applications further.

Another session that hit home was Human Error in Estimating: Getting Past the Blame Game presented by Lisa Nakamura. This presentation was filled with “Aha!” moments for me. It made me pause and reflect on how often we jump to place blame when mistakes are made, rather than addressing the underlying issues. The session focused on strategies to minimize human error and create a culture of accountability without finger-pointing. It gave me some actionable ideas to implement back at work, especially in team environments where accuracy is critical.

Estimating Reconciliation – A Gold Standard for Controlling Budgets presented by Karla Wursthorn, CPE, LEED AP BD+C, was another enlightening session. Hearing from a professional with a different vantage point on how they approach reconciliation was refreshing. It’s easy to get caught up in the “group think” of your own team or company, so this session provided a valuable opportunity to step outside that mindset and consider alternative methods. The speaker’s approach to breaking down differences between estimates and how to move forward was both insightful and practical.

Finally, Driving Blindfolded: How We Make Sense of the Data presented by Will Roberson was a powerful presentation that echoed the importance of data analysis in our field. The speaker’s breakdown of how they approach the overwhelming amount of data we deal with daily really resonated with me. The session offered useful tips on how to sift through the noise and focus on what matters most, which is crucial for making informed decisions in estimating.

Networking and Connections: Building Relationships Beyond the Sessions

One of the most rewarding aspects of the ASPE National Summit is the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals from all over the country. Between sessions, the hallway conversations, coffee breaks, and evening events allowed for great networking moments. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by chatting with others over a cup of coffee or during lunch, sharing experiences, and exchanging ideas on how we handle estimating challenges in our respective regions.

The Welcome Reception on the first night set the tone for a lot of the networking to come. People were eager to introduce themselves, and there was a real sense of camaraderie among the group. Whether we were discussing our local ASPE chapters or delving into the technical aspects of our work, the sense of community was fantastic. I had the opportunity to reconnect with many colleagues I hadn’t seen since the last summit, which reminded me of the value these events hold in strengthening long-term professional relationships.

There was also a great mix of formal and informal networking opportunities. During some of the breaks, I found myself in impromptu conversations with estimators from different industries, each bringing their own unique insights. These informal discussions often led to deeper, more meaningful exchanges about our profession. It’s one thing to attend a session, but it’s another to get the personal perspectives of those implementing these strategies in their own work.

Overall, the connections I made at the summit were invaluable. Whether it was swapping best practices or just talking about common challenges, every conversation was a learning opportunity. The event truly reinforced the importance of staying connected within the estimating community, and I’m excited to continue building on these relationships in the future.

Memorable Moments: Celebrating Achievements and Recognition

The ASPE National Summit was not only a time for learning and networking but also for recognizing the exceptional contributions of members and chapters across the country. It was inspiring to witness so many deserving recipients being honored for their hard work and dedication to the profession.

One of the highlights for me was seeing Roadrunner Chapter 47 take home the Platinum Chapter Achievement Award. It was a proud moment for all chapters, as their win set a high bar for us to strive toward. Their achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished with dedication and a strong chapter, and it serves as motivation for all of us to make our local chapters the best they can be.

Another standout moment was watching Rob Muir have an impressive day, receiving both the Chapter President of the Year and Estimator of the Year Awards. These accolades were well-deserved, and it was great to see his hard work recognized. Rob has been incredibly supportive of our Orlando chapter, always offering valuable guidance and resources as we work toward continuous improvement. His success serves as a reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can have, not just on their own chapter, but on the wider ASPE community.

For me personally, a memorable moment was seeing our upcoming Chapter President, Dustin Reinhart, receive the Orlando 50 GOLD Chapter Achievement Award. This recognition was a reflection of the hard (and rewarding) work we’ve all put in as we aim to elevate Orlando Chapter 50 to Platinum status. It’s a proud milestone for all of us, and I know Dustin will continue to lead us forward with the same commitment and vision.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to ASPE for my own award. It was both humbling and unexpected, and I’m incredibly grateful to the ASPE Board and Staff for their support. Moments like this remind me of why I remain so passionate about this organization and the work we do together.

Summit’s Impact on My Work: Bringing New Energy Back to Orlando and the Office

The ASPE National Summit had a lasting effect on me, both personally and professionally. From the moment I arrived, I was reminded of how valuable it is to be surrounded by peers who share the same passion for estimating and construction. The sense of community and collaboration at the summit left me inspired and motivated to bring that energy back to Orlando Chapter 50.

One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of networking and maintaining strong connections within the industry. Throughout the summit, I had the chance to meet and reconnect with professionals from all over the country, many of whom provided fresh perspectives and ideas that I hadn’t considered before. These interactions reinforced the idea that we grow stronger as estimators when we engage with others outside our immediate circles. I’m excited to continue building those relationships and leveraging them for the benefit of our chapter.

The summit also served as a powerful reminder of the significance of teamwork. Watching our upcoming Chapter President, Dustin Reinhart, receive the Orlando Chapter 50 GOLD Chapter Achievement Award was a proud moment. It represented all of the hard work and dedication that our team has put into building a stronger chapter. This recognition was a motivator to push even further, with the goal of achieving Platinum status firmly in our sights. Seeing the success of other chapters like Roadrunner Chapter 47 showed me what’s possible when we work together with a shared vision.

On a personal note, receiving my own award was both humbling and unexpected. It made me realize how much support I’ve had from my peers, and how important it is to give back to the organization that has given me so much. The ASPE Board and Staff have been instrumental in helping us achieve our chapter goals, and their continued support means a great deal.

Beyond the chapter, the summit provided me with actionable insights that I’m eager to implement in my day job. The discussions around collaboration, especially hearing diverse perspectives from other estimators, really reinforced the importance of stepping out of the “silo” mentality. I plan to take this back to my own team, encouraging more cross-team communication and fostering a culture where we regularly share insights and best practices from various projects.

Overall, the summit wasn’t just an event for professional development—it was a recharge for my commitment to this profession and our chapter. The relationships built, the goals set, and the inspiration gained from being around like-minded professionals will have a lasting impact as we move forward in Orlando and as I continue to grow in my day job. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and work toward making both my chapter and workplace stronger.

Conclusion: A Memorable and Inspiring Experience

Attending the ASPE National Summit was an invaluable experience, one that left me with new insights, lasting connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. From the impactful sessions to the recognition of achievements, the summit provided countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It reminded me of the importance of not only advancing my own skills but also contributing to the growth of my local chapter and the broader ASPE community.

The energy and collaboration I felt throughout the event have inspired me to take new ideas back to Orlando Chapter 50, with a clear focus on pushing toward Platinum status. Likewise, I’m eager to apply the leadership lessons and teamwork strategies I learned to my day-to-day work, ensuring that my team continues to improve and thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

The ASPE National Summit was more than just an event—it was a reminder of the value of our profession, the importance of staying connected, and the impact we can have when we work together. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend, and I look forward to continuing the momentum as we move forward in both our chapter and our professional journey.

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