Join Us for the 20th Annual KC Construction Estimating Academy!
Hosted by ASPE Kansas City Chapter 32
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ASPE Chapter 32 is thrilled to announce the 20th Annual KC Construction Estimating Academy, a premier event designed to bring together Construction Estimators, Project Managers, and Industry Professionals for a day of learning, networking, and professional growth.
This prestigious event offers an immersive exploration of cutting-edge tools, techniques, and strategies to help attendees:
Enhance profitability.
Streamline estimating processes.
Win more projects.
Achieve operational excellence.
What to Expect:
Expert-Led Educational Sessions
Learn from top industry experts on topics ranging from the latest construction estimating technologies to legal insights and essential soft skills for estimators.Interactive Networking Opportunities
Connect with peers throughout the day during breakfast, lunch, and a lively happy hour with an open bar. Participate in raffle draws and expand your professional network in a relaxed setting.Professional Development Credit
Attendees can earn 5 PDUs in one day, advancing their professional qualifications while gaining invaluable knowledge.
Who Should Attend?
This event is perfect for General Contractors, Subcontractors, Construction Estimators, Project Managers, and Suppliers looking to build expertise, network with peers, and gain insights into the latest industry trends.
Why Attend?
This one-day event provides:
Exclusive access to innovative strategies for boosting profitability and efficiency.
Opportunities to engage with like-minded industry leaders.
A chance to enhance your skills and take your estimating expertise to the next level.
Location:
Ball Event Center, 21350 W 153rd St Olathe, KS 66061
Don’t miss this all-day educational and networking event. Take your knowledge and connections to new heights at the 20th Annual KC Construction Estimating Academy!
Mark your calendar and register today!
Event Sponsors
Gold Sponsors:
Coreslab Structures - Precast Concrete Building Solutions, Brian Goebel
iPlanTables - iProjectSolutions, Changing your Plans Forever, Kevin Rowe
Oldscastle APG, Craig Folkers
PreconSuite, Software to Build On, Rick Dill
Temporary Wall Sytems, The Experts In Temporary Wall Containment, Brett Gilgus
Happy Hour Sponsor:
Oldscastle APG, Craig Folkers
Printing Sponsor:
Drexel Technologies, Inc.
2025 KC Estimating Academy is Hosted by American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Heartland Chapter #32
Schedule for the 2025 KC Estimating Academy All Day on Thursday February 6, 2025
7:OOAM-8:00AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
Kick off the day with a warm welcome at the 2025 KC Construction Estimating Academy! Begin your morning with:
Continental Breakfast: Enjoy fresh pastries, coffee, and juice to start the day right.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow construction professionals, estimators, and project managers.
Vendor Booths: Explore cutting-edge tools, technologies, and services from industry-leading vendors.
This hour sets the stage for a productive and engaging day of learning, collaboration, and growth. Make the most of this time to build connections and gain insights from industry peers and exhibitors!
Welcome Address and Introductions
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Presented by Eric Soriano, ASPE Chapter 32 President
Kick off the 2025 KC Construction Estimating Academy with a warm welcome from Eric Soriano, President of ASPE Chapter 32. Eric will introduce the day's agenda, highlight the value of this annual event, and set the stage for a day packed with insightful presentations, expert speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities.
With a passion for advancing the construction estimating profession, Eric will share how this Academy empowers estimators, project managers, and industry professionals to drive profitability, efficiency, and growth. Prepare to be inspired and energized as we begin this incredible day of learning and collaboration!
Keynote Address: Greg Harrelson, Vice President of Estimating, Fogel Anderson Construction
8:10 AM – 8:30 AM
"Superintendent to Vice President: 30 Years of Estimating Success in General Contracting"
Join us as Greg Harrelson, Vice President of Fogel Anderson Construction, kicks off the 2025 KC Construction Estimating Academy with an inspiring keynote address. With 30 years of hands-on experience in estimating, Greg has navigated a remarkable career journey—from Superintendent to Construction Company Vice President.
In this motivating session, Greg will share how his deep expertise in estimating played a pivotal role in his professional growth and in driving the success of Fogel Anderson Construction. Attendees will gain unique insights into:
The evolution of estimating in general contracting over the past three decades.
Key strategies for balancing cost accuracy, risk management, and profitability.
The critical role estimators play in shaping the future of construction businesses.
Whether you’re just starting your career or a seasoned professional, Greg’s story is a testament to the impact of dedication, adaptability, and the power of estimating excellence. Don’t miss this energizing start to the day!
"Senior Estimator Panel Discussion: What’s Hot in Estimating Construction Today"
8:30 AM – 8:50 AM
Moderated by Industry Experts
Dive into the latest trends and challenges in construction estimating with this engaging panel discussion featuring senior estimators from leading firms. In this fast-paced session, our panelists will share insights into:
Emerging Trends: Learn about the tools, techniques, and technologies reshaping the estimating landscape.
Key Challenges: Understand how estimators are tackling rising material costs, labor shortages, and compressed timelines.
Best Practices: Discover strategies for improving accuracy, managing risk, and driving project profitability.
Attendees will gain a snapshot of what’s driving the construction industry today and actionable ideas to take back to their teams. Whether you’re a subcontractor, general contractor, or project manager, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the pros!
9:00AM-10:30AM Break Out Estimating Educational Sessions:
1. "Protect Your Company and Get Paid: Construction Law Estimators Need to Know", Leslie Boe, Business and Construction Law Attorney, Dysart Taylor McMonigle Brumitt & Wilcox, P.C. Leslie Boe, a shareholder and director of Dysart Taylor, focuses her practice in construction law and uses her expertise to partner with her clients, educating them and developing comprehensive solutions to help achieve their business objectives.
For over two decades, Leslie has advised a wide variety of clients in the construction industry, including owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers. She has represented her clients in all aspects of construction litigation from collection matters to complex construction claims. Her experience lies in all forms of dispute resolution – mediation and arbitration – as well as jury trials in both state and federal courts.
Prior to joining Dysart Taylor, Leslie operated her own law firm for almost a decade, giving her a unique understanding of the challenges and complexities that private and family business owners face.
2. "Estimating Healthcare Operations, Understanding Hospital Workflows and What’s Not on the Drawings" Kevin Wagner, Project Executive, Hausmann Construction
Join Kevin Wagner for an in-depth discussion on important considerations to cover the total scope of budgeting and estimating work in the Healthcare environment. Many tasks required to work in a hospital do not make it on the contract documents and must be included to ensure adequate budgets for working in the challenging world of patient care. Kevin will cover these topics from both an owner and contractor perspective.
Kevin Wagner has been in the construction and real estate development industry for 29 years, starting as a Union Laborer in 1995. Kevin has served in Leadership positions as a General Contractor, Owner Representative and has overseen design and development operations. His career has been mostly focused on Healthcare and Affordable Housing projects. He currently leads Hausmann Construction’s operations in Kansas City.
3. "Basic Estimating for Beginning Estimators", Dan Frondorf, LCPE, CDT, DG Frondorf and Associates LLC Construction Estimating Consultants
4. "Uncovering the Magic of Estimating in Bluebeam Revu" by Expert Troy DeGroot Director of Bluebeam Professional Services
In this course I’ll take my experience building custom Bluebeam tools and workflows to show everyone what’s possible. Beginner users will learn tips & tricks using existing measurement tools, while being inspired by more advanced opportunities. We will show how custom toolsets are built in comparison to On Screen Takeoff (OST), how to build assemblies to maximize data with minimal markups. I’ll finish by answering specific “how would you” questions regarding custom tools and software integration.
5. "Budgeting or Estimating projects with Precast Concrete; What a Contractor needs to know" Dirk McClure Business Development Director, Enterprise Precast Concrete, Dirk will discuss recommended guidelines for budgeting or estimating projects with precast concrete. The session will cover some best practices for controlling quality and cost through early planning and strategic decision making.
Morning Break - 10:30AM-10:45AM
10:45AM-Noon Break Out Estimating Educational Sessions:
1. "Three Ways to Streamline Your Bidding Process and Win More Bids"
Presented by Rick Dill, CEO of PreconSuite™
Description:
Bid management can be a time-consuming and complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. Join Rick Dill, CEO of PreconSuite™ and an authority in preconstruction software, as he reveals three practical ways to simplify your bidding process, save time, and increase your win rate.
Key Takeaways:
Effortless Bid Invitations: Learn how to create and send bid invites in fewer clicks and steps, reducing administrative burdens.
Maximizing Your Subcontractor Database: Discover strategies to organize, maintain, and leverage your database to secure the best bids.
Winning More Bids: Gain insights into using streamlined processes to focus on what matters most—winning profitable projects.
Rick’s expertise will equip you with tools and strategies to take control of your bidding process and turn your subcontractor database into a competitive advantage. Walk away ready to implement these time-saving techniques immediately and win more bids with less hassle!
2. “ Digital Plan Review and Management – No Slide Rules Allowed!” Presented by Kevin Rowe, Chief Executive Officer iPlanTables / iProjectSolutions
In today’s construction information it’s all about time………yours. Project information from estimates, plan management and archiving are all tasks that require your time.
Printing, storing, viewing and retrieval all take hours of your time. Digital plan management eliminates hundreds of those wasted efforts, efforts that can be handled by professional software and imagery tools. 2d, 3D, video and BIM models are a part of every project, Join us on the digital information train!
3. "Construction Law for Estimators", by Heather F. Shore, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC
Ms. Shore will be speaking about the benefits and the burdens of cost plus contracts and about the shift from the traditional cost plus contract method of contracting to alternative contract methods, in light of the shrinking profit margins and smaller market for fixed price/lump sum contracts. She will also dig into questions of proof of reasonableness of the charges associated with a cost plus contract and how to fend off challenges to change order requests based on questions of reasonableness of the charges.
4."Bluebeam – The Other 85%" by Expert Troy DeGroot Director of Bluebeam Professional Services What is The Other 85%? One of the first things I hear from all the Bluebeam users I encounter every day is “I probably only use 15% of what Bluebeam can actually do.” Most are self-taught and simply don’t know what they don’t know. In this presentation, I will showcase several of the use cases I’ve come across and trained companies to get the most out of their software investment. Attendees will be inspired to do more with the tools they have, integrate with other applications, and maybe even eliminate redundant software from their tech stack.
BBQ Buffet Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Catered by Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ
Take a break and enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet lunch, catered by Kansas City’s renowned Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ. Savor mouthwatering smoked meats, classic sides, and dessert while networking with fellow construction professionals.
This is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with peers in the industry before diving back into the afternoon sessions. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy some of KC’s best barbecue while expanding your professional network!
1:00PM - 2:15PM Break Out Estimating Educational Sessions on:
1. "Estimating Stormwater Detention Systems and Underground Stormwater Detention", Dan Frondorf, LCPE, CDT, DG Frondorf and Associates LLC Construction Estimating Consultants
2. "Construction Estimating Made Clear: Geotech Testing and Special Inspections" by Dave Flessner Director of Business Development Alpha-Omega Geotech, Inc. this presentation provides practical guidance on building accurate cost estimates for geotechnical construction testing and special inspections required by local building codes. Presented from a sales engineer’s perspective, it blends technical expertise with a business-savvy approach, offering proven strategies to help estimators align project requirements with efficient and cost-effective solutions.
3. "Sales & Business Development for Estimators", Eric Soriano, Commercial Sales Rep., Hermes Landscaping, Inc. Don’t miss this groundbreaking session at the 2025 KC Construction Estimating Academy! Eric Soriano, Senior Commercial Sales Rep at Hermes Landscaping and an expert in sales and business development for estimators, will deliver actionable strategies to transform how you approach your role.
Eric champions the idea of the Estimator as a confident subject matter expert on the product they are selling, leveraging their in-depth product knowledge to gain trust, influence decisions, and close profitable deals. Learn how to position yourself as the go-to authority while generating new customers, uncovering sales leads, and winning work in an expanding construction market.
From mastering networking at key industry events and delivering persuasive presentations to earning certifications that set you apart and building unshakable customer confidence, Eric’s insights will elevate your business development game. This is a can’t-miss session for estimators looking to expand their expertise, drive growth, and secure lasting success for their firms!
4. "Get ready to discover how AI is transforming image takeoff into something far beyond just dealing with points on a line!" by Kevin Edgington Senior Consultant, Bangert Computer Systems, Inc. In this session, we'll dive into how AI is reshaping the landscape, delivering faster, more accurate estimating results while saving valuable time. We’ll explore two cutting-edge AI takeoff tools—Snap AI and Togal.AI. Snap AI takes the guesswork out of estimating, predicting your next moves for points, logical lines, and polylines with remarkable precision. Togal.AI, on the other hand, brings architectural plans to life by analyzing drawings and instantly calculating room areas—multiple rooms, interior walls, or exterior footprints—with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to tedious manual measurements and hello to efficiency like never before!
Afternoon Break - 2:15PM-2:45PM
2:45PM-4:00 PM Break Out Estimating Educational Sessions on:
1. Negotiating Skills for Estimators & Project Managers, Dan Stalp, President Sandler Training Overland Park Kansas City
Often, we believe negotiating is only for the owners or business development roles within the construction industry. What if we expanded our thinking into change orders, landing/expanding a project, or presenting to a prospective client.
During this interactive session, you will discover:
• How personality and style influence negotiating.
• How asking better questions leads to better negotiating.
• Other best practices when negotiating.
While this session has a business angle to it, this information is transferable to your personal life. You won’t want to miss this session!
2. Excel Skills for Estimators
Presented by Kelly Jarman, Senior Estimator, JE Dunn Construction
Unlock the full potential of Excel in construction estimating with this must-attend session led by Kelly Jarman, a seasoned Senior Estimator from JE Dunn Construction. Kelly will share advanced tips and techniques that every estimator can use to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. This session is ideal for estimators at all levels looking to sharpen their Excel skills and leverage this powerful tool to enhance their workflows. Attendees will leave with actionable insights they can implement immediately to maximize their estimating capabilities.
3. Bid Solicitation Methods That Increase Bid Coverage
Presented by Rick Dill, CEO of PreconSuite™
Description:
Having strong bid coverage is crucial for a successful and competitive bid. Join Rick Dill, CEO of PreconSuite™ and a global leader in preconstruction software, as he shares proven methods to enhance your bid solicitation process and drive more responses from subcontractors.
What You’ll Learn:
Optimizing Bid Invitations: Discover how to craft bid invitations that stand out and generate more responses.
Removing Roadblocks: Identify and eliminate common barriers preventing subcontractors from accessing your projects.
Best Practices for Bid Coverage: Learn strategies to ensure your project receives the bids you need to stay competitive.
Rick’s expertise in preconstruction software and his deep understanding of the challenges faced in bid management make this session a must-attend for anyone looking to improve their bid coverage and streamline their preconstruction process. Walk away with actionable strategies you can implement immediately!
4:00PM-5:00PM Networking Happy Hour at with Beer, Wine, Appetizers and Give Aways Open to All Attendees, Sponsors, and Presenters
(Classes and Presenters subject to change)
Top 10 Reasons to Attend the 2025 KC Construction Estimating Academy
10. Sharpen Your Skills
Master new strategies and techniques for using Excel, Bluebeam, eTakeoff with AI Technology, PreconSuite™ and other estimating software to elevate your game.
9. Learn from the Best
Meet and learn from some of the leading construction estimators in Kansas City and across the USA.
8. Learn in One Day
Gain more knowledge about tools, techniques, and technologies in one day than you would in a year at the office, keeping you competitive in a fast-changing market.
7. Network Locally
Connect with Kansas City’s top General Contractors, Subcontractors, Estimators, Project Managers, and Vendors.
6. Work Smarter
Discover ways to Estimate Construction faster and more efficiently to improve productivity.
5. Legal Insights
Get your Construction Law questions answered by an experienced construction attorney.
4. Tackle Pricing Instability
Gain strategies for managing construction material pricing and availability challenges.
3. Learn from Experts
Hear insights on the state of the art and future of construction estimating from key stakeholders.
2. Meet the Best
Engage with leading-edge vendors of construction estimating tools and software.
1. Stay Ahead
Discover the latest Construction Estimating Tools & Technologies shaping the industry.
This event is packed with valuable insights and opportunities—don’t miss it! Register today!
Dress Code: Business Casual (blue jeans are acceptable)
(Refunds are available up until 7 days before the event because we have Signed Contracts with head counts with 2 Caterers, Ball Event Center, Table Rental Vendor and Bartending Services Company. Within 7 days of event you are welcome to send someone else in your place).