⚠ ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED
Onsite registration available May 28, 2026 · $245 Member / $345 Non-Member
Program
About
Online ClosedOnsite May 28
United Contractors · Annual Flagship Event
UCON Public Works Summit
Where California's contractors, agencies, labor, and partners come together to lead, connect, and shape the industry's future.
📅 May 28, 2026  ·  Hilton Anaheim, CA
Online Registration Closed
Onsite Available May 28
May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim · 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT · Member $195 · Non-Member $295 · Sponsorship Deadline May 7 · Hotel Block Closes May 6 · 14 Agencies Attending · 5th Annual Summit · May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim · 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT · Member $195 · Non-Member $295 · Sponsorship Deadline May 7 · Hotel Block Closes May 6 · 14 Agencies Attending · 5th Annual Summit ·
300+
Attendees
14
Agency Partners
20+
Industry Speakers
10
Sessions
#1
Public Works Event in CA
Summit Countdown
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May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim, CA
Breakfast and lunch provided · 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
Online Registration Closed
Onsite Available May 28

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.

🤝

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.

See and Be Seen as a Leader

The Summit attracts a senior, influential audience across contractors, agencies, unions, and partners.

💡

Walk Away with Practical Value

Every session is designed with intention. You'll leave with clear takeaways you can bring back to your team.

🌉

A Forum Built for Unity & Trust

Competitors and collaborators come together to elevate dialogue, foster alignment, and strengthen trust.

Who You'll Be in the Room With

Owners & PrincipalsBusiness Development LeadersEstimators & PreconstructionHR, Labor Relations & ComplianceUnion Leaders & RepresentativesPublic Works DirectorsAgency RepresentativesIndustry Suppliers & VendorsConstruction AttorneysInsurance & Risk ProfessionalsSmall, Emerging & DBE BusinessesLarge ENR-Level Contractors

Hilton Anaheim

777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

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.

Hotel Block Closed
Hilton Anaheim

Voices from the Summit

"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!"

— Labor Management Compliance Council

Ready to Be Part of It?

May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim · Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Online Registration Closed
Onsite Available May 28
Anna Carno, Event Chair

Event Chair

Anna Carno · Carno Law Group

Program & Agenda

May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim · 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT

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.

Emily Cohen · ModeratorBill Boyd · Sully-MillerCurtis Germany II · LADWPSarah Tacker · Shimmick
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.

Elizabeth Torrez · ModeratorCharley Wilson · SoCal Water CoalitionAdan Ortega · MWD (Chair)Susan Kennedy · Cadiz
Session BCalifornia's Infrastructure: Transportation Funding

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.

Gus Flores · ModeratorJon Switalski · Rebuild SoCal PartnershipKiana Valentine · Transportation California
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.

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
Session BAgency Programs (LAWA, POLB, POLA, LADWP)

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.

Gus Flores · ModeratorDavid Kim · LAWAArmond Morad · POLBShaun Shahrestani · POLALouis Rubalcaba · LADWP
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.

Victor Sella · ModeratorAmy Fong · Caltrans

2026 Summit Speakers

Lorraine Aldridge

Lorraine Aldridge

LA Metro
Bill Boyd

Bill Boyd

Sully-Miller
Christy Connors

Christy Connors

Caltrans District 8
David DeLuz

David DeLuz

Caltrans
Michael Donlon

Michael Donlon

United Contractors
Nicole England

Nicole England

Amy Fong

Amy Fong

Caltrans
Curtis Germany II

Curtis Germany II

LADWP
Susan Kennedy

Susan Kennedy

Cadiz
David Kim

David Kim

LAWA
Anthony Lino

Anthony Lino

Sully-Miller
Armond Morad

Armond Morad

Port of Long Beach
Son Nguyen

Son Nguyen

Caltrans District 12
Bonny Nyaga

Bonny Nyaga

Caltrans District 4
Adan Ortega

Adan Ortega Jr.

Metropolitan Water District
Louis Rubalcaba

Louis Rubalcaba

LADWP
Alexander Santamaria

Alexander Santamaria

Santamaria Concrete
Mark Schniepp PhD

Mark Schniepp PhD

California Forecast
Shaun Shahrestani

Shaun Shahrestani

Port of Los Angeles
Jon Switalski

Jon Switalski

Rebuild SoCal Partnership
Sarah Tacker

Sarah Tacker

Shimmick Construction Company, Inc.
Kiana Valentine

Kiana Valentine

Transportation California
Charley Wilson

Charley Wilson

SoCal Water Coalition
John Yang

John Yang

Caltrans District 7

2026 Summit Moderators

Abbigail Brown

Abbigail Brown

CPM Logistics
Anna Carno

Anna Carno

Carno Law Group
Emily Cohen

Emily Cohen

United Contractors
Gus Flores

Gus Flores

United Contractors
Jennifer Galenti

Jennifer Galenti

United Contractors
VS

Victor Sella

United Contractors
Elizabeth Torrez

Elizabeth Torrez

Tenna

Tickets & Registration

May 28, 2026 · Hilton Anaheim · Breakfast & Lunch Included

Onsite Registration Available

Online registration is now closed. Walk-up registration will be available at the event on May 28, 2026.

SOLD OUT
UCON Member
$195
Online registration closed
  • Full-day Summit access
  • All 10 Sessions
  • Networking Breakfast
  • Networking Lunch
  • Vendor Exhibit Access
  • Direct Agency Engagement
  • Member pricing benefit
SOLD OUT
Non-Member
$295
Online registration closed
  • Full-day Summit access
  • All 10 Sessions
  • Networking Breakfast
  • Networking Lunch
  • Vendor Exhibit Access
  • Direct Agency Engagement
  • Open to all professionals
SOLD OUT
Become a Member
Save $100
on Summit registration + year-round benefits
  • Member ticket discount
  • Labor relations support
  • Political advocacy
  • HR resources & tools
  • Safety & regulatory services
  • Industry networking events
Contact Us About Membership →

Refund Policy

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Position your brand with California's senior public works audience · Deadline: May 7, 2026

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! 🙏

Sponsorship Policy: Sponsorship is available to UCON members and partners only. Sponsorships close 3 weeks prior to the event.
Contact Us About Sponsoring
Platinum Annual Sponsors
Platinum Annual Sponsors
Gold Annual Sponsors
Gold Annual Sponsors
Silver Annual Sponsors
Silver Annual Sponsors
More Information on UCON's Annual Sponsor Program →
Anna Carno, Event Chair

Event Chair

Anna Carno · Carno Law Group

Summit Photos

Relive the energy, connections, and moments from the 2025 Public Works Summit

2025 Public Works Summit in Photos

📷 View Full Photo Album — Breslow Imaging →
📱

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Join Us May 28

Be part of the 2026 summit

Online Registration Closed
Onsite Available May 28
Anna Carno, Event Chair

Event Chair

Anna Carno · Carno Law Group

Media Kit

Assets, press releases, and branded materials for the 2026 Public Works Summit

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

Press & Promotional Materials

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Press Release
DOCX
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Press Release
PDF
📣
Event Flyer
PDF
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LinkedIn Banner
PNG · 1020×440
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Event Banner
PNG · 1020×440
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Social Graphic
JPG · 350×650
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Summit Banner
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Leaderboard Banner
JPG · 728×90
📩 To request media assets or for press inquiries, email events@unitedcontractors.org

Share On Social Media

Just copy and paste!

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

Post on LinkedIn

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

Post on LinkedIn
Anna Carno, Event Chair

Event Chair

Anna Carno · Carno Law Group

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Registration & Pricing
Online registration is now closed. Onsite registration will be available at the event on May 28, 2026 at the Hilton Anaheim — $245 for UCON Members, $345 for Non-Members. Cash, check, or card accepted at the door.
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. Hotel Block Closed

⚠️ The room block closes on May 6, 2026.
Speakers & Sponsorship
The sponsorship deadline is May 7, 2026.
Contact
📧 events@unitedcontractors.org · 📞 (925) 855-7900

Christine Traina, Events Manager — ctraina@unitedcontractors.org · (925) 309-5503

Anna Carno, Event Chair — acarno@unitedcontractors.org · (714) 293-3687

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to help

Email UsOnline Registration Closed
Onsite Available May 28
Anna Carno, Event Chair

Event Chair

Anna Carno · Carno Law Group

Online Registration Closed
Onsite Available May 28