IN THIS SECTION
Program
Welcome to the 2026
Design-Build for Water/Wastewater
Conference Program Schedule
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapevine, Texas (Dallas area)
Plan your schedule! Please view the real-time full conference program below or click here for conference brochure.
The track themes for this year's conference are as follows:
| Track 1 | Owners Empowered. Discover how owner leadership, advisory support, and integrated teaming unlock better outcomes in design-build. |
| Track 2 | Speed Strategized. Explore how design-build transforms schedule pressure into disciplined execution through collaborative sequencing and optimization. |
| Track 3 | Collaboration Elevated. Gain insight into how early collaboration and open communication drive cost certainty, schedule confidence, and consistent project success. |
| Track 4 | Innovation Delivered. Learn how forward-looking technologies and adaptive approaches are shaping the next generation of water and wastewater design-build. |
| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041507:1508:00 000 | WED, APR 15 | |||
| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
7:00 AM - 1:30 PM CDT
|
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041507:0013:30 000 | WED, APR 15 |
A61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
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Joint General Session: Progressive Design-Build Landmark Study: What the Data Reveals
Get exclusive insights from this first-of-its-kind study on Progressive Design-Build (PDB). DBIA, the Charles Pankow Foundation, the ACEC Research Institute and the University of Colorado Boulder partnered to evaluate how Qualifications-Based Selection, target pricing and other PDB practices address risk and insurance challenges for the engineering and design community.
Although the full published report will release later in Spring 2026, this session offers a first look at the findings — well before they’re released anywhere else! Moderator Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, will discuss the study’s outcomes followed by a panel of Owners and design-build professionals from the research project’s Steering Committee who will offer insights and recommendations that will shape how the industry tackles risk, insurance and project performance moving forward.
General Session
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041512:1513:30 000 | WED, APR 15 |
A21B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
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Beyond the Blueprint: Navigating Design-Build for Optimal Stakeholder Benefits at Morris-Delair WTP
To combat elevated PFAS and prepare for future 1,4-Dioxane regulations, the Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plant in Pennsauken, NJ, implemented a state-of-the-art treatment system including 16 GAC vessels and three UV reactors. While the project successfully restored the plant's capacity to a level need by the City of Camden, its true success lies in the collaborative Design-Build process that made it possible. Our presentation will detail how all project stakeholders—Owner, Engineer, and Contractor—operated as a cohesive team to navigate complex challenges, maintain an aggressive schedule, and foster a truly agile working environment. We will spotlight a pivotal moment when a design revision, initiated shortly before the 60% deliverable, was leveraged to achieve unforeseen operational improvements and cost efficiencies. Attendees will gain insights into the criteria for selecting the right Design-Build partners and the tangible benefits of a collaborative project delivery model. This presentation will provide a brief technical discussion on the treatment process implemented for the removal of PFAS and treatment of 1,4-Dioxane from the groundwater sources. However, the primary focus and the "real story" is how teamwork and a flexible mindsets can transform unexpected challenges into successful project outcomes.
Speaker(s): Andrew R. Bock, PE, DBIA, American Water Anthony Tomasello, PE, DBIA, CCM, Mott MacDonald Richard Bowen, DBIA, Bowen Engineering Corporation
Track 1: Owners Empowered. Discover how owner leadership, advisory support, and integrated teaming unlock better outcomes in design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041413:4515:00 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
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Building at the Speed of Industry: Design-Build Solutions for Private Water Infrastructure
What happens when a billion-dollar private investment demands critical water infrastructure—and there’s no time for business as usual? As private developers drive aggressive schedules and complex utility needs, progressive design-build partnerships are emerging as a vital tool for aligning owner urgency with infrastructure delivery. This session explores how a collaborative team—including a global food processor, a regional water district, and a progressive design-build joint venture—delivered a greenfield wastewater treatment plant under intense time and budget constraints. The case highlights how early contractor involvement, flexible phasing, and trust-based teaming enabled the project to meet industrial-scale expectations while seamlessly integrating with long-term public utility goals.
Speaker(s): Jon Himlan, Woodard and Curran Reid Abbott, Est. Completion - Feb 2026, Alberici Constructors, Inc. John A. Grib, Alberici Constructors, Inc. Jeffrey Jones, American Foods Group
Track 2: Speed Strategized. Explore how design-build transforms schedule pressure into disciplined execution through collaborative sequencing and optimization.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041410:4511:45 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9F1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
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Comprehensive VDC/BIM integration drives Best Value procurement for Mega Project
The Kokosing/Plocher (KP) team leaned heavily on Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)/Building Information Modeling (BIM) to propose our design to St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD - Owner) and Black & Veatch (Owner Advisor). MSD provided conceptual 3D design models of new similar but unique Solids Processing Buildings at both Bissell WWTF and Lemay WWTF to shortlisted teams; teams could update the models to advance the design and present alternative technical concepts for feedback during multiple confidential meetings with MSD. Models served to coordinate design progression for all disciplines as well as track issues for the team. The models assisted KP in assessing risk for completing elements of the design, allowing KP and subcontractors to confidently submit a fixed price proposal with the technical proposal for this mega-project. Our team collaborated to incorporate design information for all aspects of the project including foundations, building, process equipment, electrical, controls, and HVAC. Once selected by MSD, the model helped the KP team through negotiations by creating a platform for collaborating possible changes to achieve best value for MSD. Overall, the model was a complete success during the procurement and design and continues to be used by the team to coordinate ongoing construction.
Speaker(s): Peter Kube, P.E., Arcadis U.S., Inc. Anthony Eckinger, Kokosing Jay Sigmund, DBIA, PE, KAI Design & Build Raed Armouti, PE, Crawford, Murphy, Tilley, Inc.
Track 4: Innovation Delivered. Learn how forward-looking technologies and adaptive approaches are shaping the next generation of water and wastewater design-build.
Advanced
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041410:4511:45 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D51B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
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Cost Certainty & Transparency in Design-Build: Building Trust Through Data and Collaboration
Achieving true cost certainty in Design-Build requires more than accurate estimating—it demands continuous collaboration, transparent communication, and disciplined validation from concept to completion. This session explores how owners, design-builders, and independent cost estimators can align evolving designs with target budgets while maintaining confidence in the numbers. Through real-world examples, we’ll unpack how progressive validation milestones, open-book pricing, and risk-informed cost modeling can transform cost management from a transactional task into a shared decision-making framework. Attendees will gain practical insight into how transparency fosters trust—internally within the design-build team and externally with stakeholders and funding partners. The session will highlight proven approaches to managing escalation, contingency, and design development risk while preserving flexibility and accountability. As design-build delivery continues to expand across complex infrastructure programs, cost transparency has become essential not only to financial stewardship but also to sustaining the collaborative culture that drives innovation and performance. This discussion offers actionable strategies to strengthen that foundation and deliver predictable, defensible outcomes for all project partners.
Speaker(s): CJ J Barker, Innovative Contracting and Engineering Tyler Poole, Innovative Contracting and Engineering Kyle Norseth, Innovative Contracting and Engineering Christopher T. Wilson, DBIA, Innovative Contracting and Engineering
Track 3: Collaboration Elevated. Gain insight into how early collaboration and open communication drive cost certainty, schedule confidence, and consistent project success.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041410:4511:45 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
|
Delivering Compliance Through Collaboration: HRSD’s High Priority Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program
This session explores the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s (HRSD) strategic decision to reduce capacity-related sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) mandated by federal Consent Decree across its service area through a collaborative delivery method utilizing Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) procedures. PPEA enables public agencies to form partnerships with the private sector to complete major educational and infrastructure projects. HRSD provides sewer conveyance and treatment services for 20 cities and counties (Localities) and nearly two million people in Southeastern Virginia. Faced with regulatory mandates and complex infrastructure needs, HRSD selected Progressive Design-Build to provide flexibility, innovation, and alignment with stakeholder goals throughout the program's complex, interrelated, and geographically diverse projects As a part of the program, the engineering-led design-build team conducted extensive efforts including studies, designs, and is now rehabilitating locality and privately owned sewer systems to reduce inflow and infiltration and eliminate SSOs. The presentation will highlight unique aspects of the inflow and infiltration reduction program that made collaborative delivery the right fit, including team formation, early engagement, risk management, and schedule optimization. Attendees will gain insight into how HRSD’s approach fosters transparency, optimizes SSO reduction, and sets a precedent for future programs under similar regulatory constraints.
Speaker(s): Jeffrey H. Scarano, PE, BCEE, DBIA, Hampton Roads Sanitation District Sean William FitzGerald, PE, Assoc. DBIA, Hazen and Sawyer Christopher David Wilson, Assoc. DBIA, ENV SP, PE, Brown and Caldwell Bryan Canzoneri, Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc.
Track 2: Speed Strategized. Explore how design-build transforms schedule pressure into disciplined execution through collaborative sequencing and optimization.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041509:4511:00 001 | WED, APR 15 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9F1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
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Extreme Collaboration: Driving Vendor Engagement at Conceptual Design for Project Success
The Design-Build team for the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) Mainland Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) project selected an emerging treatment process system for their 8MGD plant. Due to the proprietary nature of this new system, the team sought early engagement from key stakeholders with both the Utility and the supplier. The team utilized best practices of progressive design-build to eliminate unknowns in design which lowered contingencies, escalation potential and drove early cost certainty. Attendees will learn about elevating the partnership aspect of progressive design-build (PDB) delivery. The team fostered early collaboration between owner, design-builder, and vendor to create a truly integrated team by authorizing early release packages at conceptual design (instead of during the submittal phase) to engage the supplier’s design team. The Progressive Design-Build team will show how the owner and integrated construction team benefited from early design collaboration by being able to reduce costs, schedule, contingencies, provide value engineering and construability feedback prior to establishing the guaranteed maximum price and drive early cost certainty. Attendees will also hear how fast-tracking certain project scopes enabled the owner to secure additional grant funding due to effective project spending.
Speaker(s): Joseph Kantor, PE, DBIA, Haskell Michael Martin, MBA, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority Alexandra Fisher, PE, Hazen
Track 3: Collaboration Elevated. Gain insight into how early collaboration and open communication drive cost certainty, schedule confidence, and consistent project success.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041413:4515:00 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
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Fostering Collaboration: Engaging the Right Partners for the Right Project
In today’s competitive market, attracting talented Design Build teams is more challenging than ever. HRSD has embraced becoming an Owner of Choice by proactively collaborating with partners throughout every phase of the project cycle – from early planning to final delivery. HRSD exemplifies the Owner of Choice philosophy throughout the nearly $3B SWIFT program, which leveraged collaborative project delivery. Through intentional industry outreach, consistent use of standardized procurement documents, identifying staff committed to represent treatment plant Operations, and using collaborative project delivery best practices, HRSD has embraced best practices. Participants will learn how to apply the Owner of Choice mindset across all phases of a project. From planning efforts such as HRSD Industry Day that raise awareness about upcoming procurements, benefits of using standard procurement documents, and the integration of an Owners Adviser, attendees will learn how to best prepare their utility before embarking on their own journeys. The presentation will also cover design and construction practices including timely payments, assignment of dedicated Operations Liaisons, and more. By the end of the session, attendees will have insight into strategies to enhance collaboration, streamline project delivery, and the tools used to implement HRSD’s SWIFT Program- their largest capital expansion ever.
Speaker(s): Lauren Zuravnsky, PE, DBIA, Hampton Roads Sanitation District Bohdan Bodniewicz, PE, DBIA, AECOM
Track 1: Owners Empowered. Discover how owner leadership, advisory support, and integrated teaming unlock better outcomes in design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041415:1516:15 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
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From Launch to Legacy: Owners Share Their Design-Build Journey
Design-Build is more than just a project delivery method—it’s a journey that begins with a shared vision and ends with lasting impact. In From Launch to Legacy: Owners Share the Design-Build Journey, a panel of seasoned public owners will walk through their firsthand experiences in initiating, managing, and sustaining successful design-build projects. From early project planning and team selection to risk management, innovation, and lessons learned, attendees will gain candid insight into what works, what doesn’t, and how to deliver enduring value. Whether you’re an owner, practitioner, or industry partner, this session offers an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from those who have lived the design-build journey from concept to completion—and beyond.
Speaker(s): Ryan Welsh, PE, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Deborah Daugherty, PE, Assoc. DBIA, Gainesville Regional Utilities Carlos Camacho William Eugene Elledge, PE, Assoc. DBIA, DC Water
Track 1: Owners Empowered. Discover how owner leadership, advisory support, and integrated teaming unlock better outcomes in design-build.
Beginner
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041509:4511:00 001 | WED, APR 15 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 041B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
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Getting Back on Track: Overcoming Schedule Challenges with Progressive Design-Build
King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s M Street Trunk is a reinforced concrete pipeline in Auburn, Washington, conveying untreated wastewater to the South Treatment Plant in Renton. Installed in 1963, the pipeline has deteriorated due to long-term hydrogen sulfide exposure. The rehabilitation effort spans over 13,800 feet and crosses city streets, airport property, and residential neighborhoods – posing significant logistical and permitting challenges. This presentation explores how the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method helped the project team recover lost time and advance construction. Chosen for its flexibility and collaborative nature, PDB proved critical amid setbacks including key personnel changes, incomplete design deliverables, ADA-related permitting issues, and a scope change near the airport that delayed Phase 2. By applying “Design-Build Done Right” principles, the County and PDB team fostered trust, streamlined workflows, and built a cohesive team. Recognizing the tight timeline, the project was split into two packages, enabling early progress during the first seasonal construction window. Package 1 design was completed in July 2025, with construction underway as of September. This presentation will share lessons learned around transparency, role ownership, and real-time decision-making, and demonstrate how PDB’s adaptability helped deliver a solution for a critical piece of infrastructure.
Speaker(s): Kevin Kenneth Ford, Assoc. DBIA, James W. Fowler Co. Meredith Redmon Robinson, King County | Wastewater Treatment Division PPD Clifford Bradley Florentin, PE, DBIA, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc.
Track 2: Speed Strategized. Explore how design-build transforms schedule pressure into disciplined execution through collaborative sequencing and optimization.
Beginner
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041415:1516:15 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9F1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
|
How Design-Build and Best Practices Lead to Emergency Projects Success
DC Water has proactively developed an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract tailored for design-build rehabilitation of assets that are at high risk of failure. This innovative contracting mechanism enables DC Water to respond rapidly and collaboratively to urgent and technically complex rehabilitation needs. The DC Water IDIQ has been leveraged recently on the following projects successfully: the Northwest Boundary Trunk Sewer (NWBTS) Sinkhole, the Anacostia Force Main (AFM) Collapse, and the Rock Creek Main Interceptor High Priority Repairs (RCMI). The NWBTS, a 100-inch diameter brick sewer constructed in the mid-1800’s, experienced a significant sinkhole event in 2024. The AFM is a 108-inch diameter pre-stressed concrete pipe that failed in a residential area during the summer of 2025. And, lastly the RCMI, is a 72-inch diameter brick sewer with severe distress located on National Park land, directly adjacent to a creek. This presentation will explore how DC Water’s IDIQ Design-Build strategy streamlines emergent response, supports technical innovation, and delivers results through Design-Build delivery. The team will walk through the example projects in detail including contract structure, project timelines, budget management, and the lessons learned—demonstrating how Design-Build, when done right, is a powerful tool for utility owners facing urgent infrastructure challenges.
Speaker(s): Yonas Tsige Kidanemariam, Assoc. DBIA, DC Water James Ball, DBIA, Brown and Caldwell Joseph Patrick Conti, PE, Assoc. DBIA, Hazen and Sawyer Anna Pridmore, PhD, PE, DBIA, Structural Technologies
Track 4: Innovation Delivered. Learn how forward-looking technologies and adaptive approaches are shaping the next generation of water and wastewater design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041413:4515:00 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
|
Mega Project Insights Guide Small Project Success
Baytown, Texas is delivering a 6 MGD expansion to their East Surface Water Treatment Plant (ESWTP) via Progressive Design-Build (PDB). Several project team members were recently involved in helping deliver Houston’s 320 MGD expansion to the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP), which is nearing completion. This $2B project offers a variety of lessons learned on planning the work, negotiating the guaranteed maximum price amendments, designing and building the facilities, resolving conflicts, and finishing strong. While the ESWTP is more than on order of magnitude smaller than the NEWPP Expansion, the best practices that were critical to the success of the NEWPP project are just as important for the Baytown project. Scaling the lessons learned and then applying them to Baytown’s project will be the focus shared by team members involved in both projects who will be joined by the Director for Baytown.
Speaker(s): Paul Walker, PE, Carollo Engineers Jacob Stones, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Lindsay Kovar, PE, BGE, Inc. Sterling Beaver, City of Baytown
Track 3: Collaboration Elevated. Gain insight into how early collaboration and open communication drive cost certainty, schedule confidence, and consistent project success.
Advanced
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041415:1516:15 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D51B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
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Owner Advisors: What, When, Where & Why
The Owner Advisor’s (OA) role in Design-Build is not universally understood and varies significantly. FMI’s recently released study highlighted polarizing opinions about effective implementation of OAs. The panel will share best practices and lessons learned on the what, where, when, and why of OAs – all aimed increasing success on projects. What? Explore DBIA’s primer on OAs from all angles through the lens of Design-Build Done Right. The panelists bring perspectives from different roles in the industry including owner, design-builder, and owner advisors from both small and large firms. When? Examine when OAs are engaged based on project complexity and owner readiness leveraging DBIA’s Owner Assessment resources. This will include detailed discussion on owner readiness as a key driver of success. Where? Learn where OAs are effectively engaged across a range of owners with varying sizes and levels of experience in Design-Build. The panel will dive into DBIA’s OA primer and new Universal Best Practices. Why? Discover the value OAs can drive at each stage of the project. Starting with owner mindset, budget development, and project delivery system selection– and through construction. Insights from panelists and audience participation will guide this interactive session on OAs focused on Design-Build Done Right.
Speaker(s): William Eugene Elledge, PE, Assoc. DBIA, DC Water Jennifer Lee Manuszak, PE, PMP, Assoc. DBIA, Carollo Engineers Molly A. Jones, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, GGP, GPCP, Jones Design Studio, PLLC Anna Pridmore, PhD, PE, DBIA, Structural Technologies
Track 1: Owners Empowered. Discover how owner leadership, advisory support, and integrated teaming unlock better outcomes in design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041410:4511:45 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
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Passing the Baton: Lessons from Starting Up a 320 MGD Water Plant
After eight years of construction and millions of man-hours, the successful startup of Houston’s 320MGD surface water treatment plant marks not only a significant milestone in large-scale infrastructure delivery but also a critical transition—from construction to long-term operations. As the largest progressive Design-Build water treatment project in the region, the $2 billion facility offers valuable lessons in project execution, risk mitigation, and operational readiness. This presentation shares key insights gained during the startup phase, drawn from the lived experience of the project team. These lessons are intended to guide future owners, engineers, design consultants, advisors, and constructors to navigate megaprojects during the complexities of delivering a fully functional plant that performs on day one.
Speaker(s): Jasmin D. Zambrano, Assoc. DBIA, Brown & Caldwell
Track 4: Innovation Delivered. Learn how forward-looking technologies and adaptive approaches are shaping the next generation of water and wastewater design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041415:1516:15 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
681B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 021B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
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Pilots, Playbooks, and Performance: Preparing for Collaborative Delivery at HCFCD
On the Gulf Coast, storms and disasters arrive with certainty. For a major flood control agency, waiting until after the next hurricane to experiment with collaborative delivery would be politically and operationally untenable. The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) instead chose to prepare in advance, embracing the principle that Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance—“P5.” In 2025, the Executive Director established a Collaborative Delivery Task Force that brought together Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure & Operations, Procurement, Operations & Maintenance, and the County Attorney’s office. This group achieved tangible results: • County-compliant contract templates adapted from DBIA/WCDA standards; • Procurement workflows vetted through Purchasing and Legal, minimizing political friction; • Staff training programs and industry engagement to build organizational fluency. In early 2026, HCFCD will launch two pilot projects—one PDB and one CMAR—as laboratories to stress-test these playbooks and refine processes before scaling. This proactive, politically aware approach ensures that when federal disaster recovery funds arrive, the District is ready to deliver competitively, transparently, and at speed.
Speaker(s): Chitra Foster, PE, ENV SP, DBIA, Carollo Engineers Scott Elmer, P.E., Harris County Flood Control District
Track 3: Collaboration Elevated. Gain insight into how early collaboration and open communication drive cost certainty, schedule confidence, and consistent project success.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041509:4511:00 001 | WED, APR 15 |
681B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 021B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
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Redefining the Starting Line: Procuring the Largest Wastewater PDB in the Country
Design-build teams are typically brought on early to a project, often before significant design has begun. For the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), that journey began earlier than typical in the planning phase of a projected $1.5 billion project to reduce nutrient loads from 85 million gallons per day average flow at the Southeast Plant, the largest of three treatment plants in San Francisco. The intent was to leverage collaboration and innovation to address challenges earlier together and meet an aggressive compliance-driven schedule. To accomplish this, SFPUC acted quickly to (1) achieve stakeholder consensus on progressive design-build (PDB), among the largest to date in the wastewater industry, as the optimal delivery method using the Analytical Hierarchy Process; (2) implement lessons learned from past experiences on large- and small projects alike to adapt how cost, schedule and risk can be collaboratively shared early and progressed during delivery; and (3) adapt the procurement process by integrating early market feedback to begin delivery at the alternative analysis phase.
Speaker(s): Dennis Sanchez, P.E., HDR Engineering, Inc Jignesh Desai, PE, BCEE, DBIA, San Francisco Public Utilities Commisson David Wood, PE, AECOM
Track 2: Speed Strategized. Explore how design-build transforms schedule pressure into disciplined execution through collaborative sequencing and optimization.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041413:4515:00 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 9F1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
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The Art is in the Process, Innovative Microtunneling Solutions for Fort Lauderdale
The City of Ft. Lauderdale used the Design-Build approach to successfully deliver a consent decree driven project which required installation of 4,000 LF of 60-inch PCCP redundant force main between the George T. Lohmeyer WWTP and the disposal injection wells. This high-profile fixed-price design-build project, located in an extremely congested corridor, required extensive coordination with numerous stakeholders and several ongoing projects within this very compact and highly utilized area. The project’s unique location and the multiple stakeholders and users involved required the project team to embrace the collaborative culture of a Design-Build approach to ensure that the team could successfully achieve the significant coordination required and meet the challenges of additional layout and working restrictions. This presentation will walk the audience through the innovative approach and process of design for overcoming unique project challenges, including contaminated water, maintaining restrictive maintenance of traffic, accelerated intermediate milestone, while meeting the expectations, budgets and deadlines. Examples of implemented solutions were intermittent dewatering, soil stabilization, non-traditional tunnel shaft design, shaft covers for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and customized trenchless PCCP pipe skids. Buy-in from stakeholders was obtained by realigning original project sequence to meet stringent delivery goals.
Speaker(s): Freddie Betancourt, PE, LEED AP, Wade Trim, Inc. Dan LaCross, DBIA, Ric Man Construction of Florida Christopher Mancini, Ric Man Construction of Florida Gabriel Bork, PE, City of Ft. Lauderdale
Track 4: Innovation Delivered. Learn how forward-looking technologies and adaptive approaches are shaping the next generation of water and wastewater design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041509:4511:00 001 | WED, APR 15 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Monday, Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday, Apr 13, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM CDT
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Opening Keynote: Anirban Basu
Anirban founded Sage Policy Group in 2004. He has been called an economist with a sense of humor, which is considered high praise in the dismal science. He has twice been recognized as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people and also been named one of the Baltimore region’s 20 most powerful business leaders. In 2014, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed Dr. Basu as Chairman of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, a position he held through 2021. He serves the Chief Economist function for a number of organizations around the country and currently lectures at Goucher College as their distinguished Economist in Residence. Speaker(s): Anirban Basu, JD, Sage Policy GroupLocation: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041315:1516:30 000 | MON, APR 13 | |||
| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
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General Session - Project Reviews and Industry Exchange
This session brings together Owners and industry for a focused exchange designed to strengthen collaboration and share critical insight on upcoming design-build projects. Multiple agencies will provide concise briefings on their project pipelines, procurement timelines, delivery approaches, and priority challenges, with opportunities for interactive discussion and Q&A that promote clarity and alignment across the planning and delivery process.
Whether you are an Owner or a practitioner, this session offers actionable intelligence and meaningful connections that will equip you for upcoming opportunities and the delivery of successful design-build projects across the Water/Wastewater sector.
General Session
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041408:0010:30 000 | TUE, APR 14 |
A21B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT
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General Session - Beyond the Limits: Charting the Future of Water Design-Build
As design-build project delivery continues its rapid growth, current legislation restricts many municipalities from utilizing the project delivery model that has proven to be the most efficient and collaborative method that delivers the best value for their water and wastewater projects. This session is designed to empower Owners and their advisors to navigate and influence the changing legislative landscape. Our expert panel—featuring a key legislative sponsor, a municipal Owner, and national leaders in design, construction, and collaborative delivery advocacy—will move beyond theory to provide a practical roadmap. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of pending legislative changes, the potential impacts on their communities, and the actionable steps they can take now to prepare their organizations. The discussion will focus on delivering best-value solutions and leveraging Design-Build Done Right® to better serve ratepayers and build the future of water infrastructure.
Speaker(s): Scott Phillips, DBIA, Garney Construction Barbara Martin, Water Collaborative Delivery Association David Kinchen, DBIA, Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. Tyler Hjorth, PE, City of San Marcos
General Session
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041508:0009:30 001 | WED, APR 15 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
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Making Fixed-Price Design-Build Progressive for KC Water Biosolids: Part 2
In mid-2019, Kansas City, Missouri with support of an Owner’s Advisor (Carollo Engineers/Jacobs), embarked on a fixed-price design-build (FPDB) project to upgrade existing biosolids handling at the Blue River WWTP through a THP addition to anaerobic digestion. The Design-Builder (Goodwin Brothers/Black & Veatch) received NTP for the $140M project in January 2021. Construction activities are now concluding and commissioning is underway. As design completed and construction ramped up this team presented at the 2022 DBIA Water/Wastewater Conference how they incorporated DB best practices into the DB procurement and their strategies for leveraging the FPDB delivery with elements of progressive, such as encouraging innovation and value-based decisions. The same panel as in 2022 will focus on the experiences and lessons learned over the ensuing years of the project as commissioning wraps up and project completion approaches. The panel will discuss “success” from various perspectives and the activities considered critical for achieving it. Valuable lessons learned for managing schedule and lump-sum budget, and for risk-sharing especially related to pre-pandemic price commitments, will be shared. The panel will reflect on how the project DB/Owner/OA team used trust, collaboration, and cooperative pragmatic decision making to successfully deliver this complex project at a working WWTP.
Speaker(s): Hannah Fodor, DBIA, Carollo Engineers Blake W. Anderson, PE, KC Water Services Suzie Gayle Carpenter, DBIA, Black and Veatch Doug Wachsnicht, Goodwin Brothers Construction Company
Track 4: Innovation Delivered. Learn how forward-looking technologies and adaptive approaches are shaping the next generation of water and wastewater design-build.
Intermediate
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041415:1516:15 001 | TUE, APR 14 |
691B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 A11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D81B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D91B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 DA1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D41B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 601B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 611B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 621B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 631B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 031B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 AC1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CD1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CE1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 CF1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D01B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 D11B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 201B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 211B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 1E4CD597-8B8D-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 221B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 231B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 C71B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041407:0018:00 000 | TUE, APR 14 |
A61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Monday, Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday, Apr 13, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041315:0015:15 000 | MON, APR 13 | |||
| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
11:45 AM - 1:45 PM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041411:4513:45 000 | TUE, APR 14 | |||
| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041415:0015:15 000 | TUE, APR 14 | |||
| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041410:3010:45 000 | TUE, APR 14 | |||
| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041407:1508:00 000 | TUE, APR 14 | |||
| Monday, Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday, Apr 13, 2026
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM CDT
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Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall
Our exhibitors represent some of the top names in the industry offering a variety of products and services of interest to our attendees.
Don't miss the excitement! Join Us! Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041316:3018:30 271 | MON, APR 13 | |||
| Sunday, Apr 12, 2026 |
Sunday, Apr 12, 2026
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
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Leadership Academy: Building a Strong Foundation - Pre-Conference (Additional Fee Required)
Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy: Elevating Leaders — Optimizing Outcomes (CDLA)
For full details on DBIA's leadership Academy CLICK HERE Pre-Conference Course (Additional Fee) APRIL 12, 2026 8:00AM - 5:00PM Building Block: Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation-Pre-Requisite, In-Person, THIS COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE. IT MUST BE TAKEN PRIOR TO THE REMAINING 5 COURSES IN THE COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Leadership matters. Distinguishing different ways to lead is at the crux of Design-Build Done Right®. This session will focus on introducing the distinctions of Design-Build Leadership Done Right. This course will introduce the 18 competencies associated with the universal model of effective leadership and share why only 20% of all leaders demonstrate these characteristics. These 18 competencies are well researched and shown to be positively correlated to leadership effectiveness and business performance and are highly aligned with Design-Build Done Right®. Additional fee pricing: Industry Partner Member (Practitioner, Owner and Academia): $595.00 Non-Members (Practitioner, Owner and Academia): $695.00 Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Session Credits: 8.00 |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Session Credits: 8.00 |
2026041208:0017:00 273 | SUN, APR 12 |
5C1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 5C1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 5D1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 5D1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 5E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 5E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Monday, Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday, Apr 13, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
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Owners’ Forum (Owners ONLY)
Touted by Owners as a highly valuable education and networking experience, the Owners Only Forum allows open, honest discussion and provides Owner professionals the opportunity to share views, pose questions, find solutions to project delivery challenges and network with colleagues. "Owner Advisors are not allowed in the Owners Forum unless DBIA has obtained written confirmation from the Owner that the Advisor is at the conference specifically serving as an extension of the Owner. Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Session Credits: 3.00 |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Session Credits: 3.00 |
2026041313:0015:00 271 | MON, APR 13 |
5C1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 5D1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Monday, Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday, Apr 13, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
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Practitioners Forum
The Practitioners’ Forum is your opportunity to engage directly with peers and DBIA leadership on issues critical to the continued success and evolution of design-build. This interactive session invites candid input from across the industry on challenges, opportunities, and strategies to strengthen design-build delivery. A key topic this year is the growing role of Owner Advisors. As more Owners embrace design-build—many for the first time— Owner Advisors well-versed in design-build best practices are helping bridge gaps in knowledge and capacity, guiding collaborative teams toward successful outcomes. With DBIA exploring a potential specialty credential for these professionals, your insights can help shape how we recognize and support Owner Advisors in driving Owners to embrace Design-Build Done Right®, while also driving whole-team success.
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Session Credits: 3.00 |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Session Credits: 3.00 |
2026041313:0015:00 271 | MON, APR 13 |
5E1B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 |
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041509:3009:45 000 | WED, APR 15 | |||
| Monday, Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday, Apr 13, 2026
10:30 AM - 6:30 PM CDT
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Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center |
2026041310:3018:30 000 | MON, APR 13 |
A61B02EA-90DE-EF11-8101-8147A53E1DD0 |
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| Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
4:15 PM - 6:15 PM CDT
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Location: |
Location: |
2026041416:1518:15 000 | TUE, APR 14 |
