The 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo is just weeks away, and this year’s program is bringing new perspectives, fresh conversations and opportunities to connect with the people shaping the future of design-build.
In the latest episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA Executive Director and CEO Lisa Washington joins Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairs Jennie Gonzalez and Jennifer Macks for a preview of what’s ahead November 4–6 in Cleveland.
From Owner Readiness and progressive design-build to AI, leadership and workforce challenges, the conversation explores the issues driving this year’s conference program. The guests also share what’s new, including a more interactive Practitioners’ Forum, and offer practical advice for both first-time and returning attendees.
And while the education is a major draw, the Jenns and Lisa agree that some of the most valuable experiences happen through the conversations and relationships built along the way.
Guest(s)
Jennie Gonzalez, MBA, Assoc. DBIA
Business Development Manager
National Design Build Services
Garden Grove, CA
Jennie brings more than a decade of business development experience to the design-build industry. She serves as Chair of DBIA’s National Conference Planning Committee and is passionate about industry collaboration, education and developing the next generation of professionals.
Jennifer Macks, P.E., LEED AP, DBIA
Vice President and Business Unit Leader
HITT Contracting
Austin, TX
Jennifer leads HITT Contracting’s Austin office and brings more than 30 years of construction industry experience. A longtime DBIA member, instructor and National Conference Planning Committee Co-Chair, she is passionate about mentorship, innovation and developing future industry leaders.
Lisa Washington, CAE
Executive Director/CEO
DBIA
Washington, DC
Lisa has led DBIA since 2009, overseeing significant growth in the organization’s education, certification and membership programs while establishing DBIA as the nation’s leading resource for design-build advocacy, research and training.
Cleveland Is Calling. Are You Ready?: Previewing the 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo
Resources
Want to learn more? Check out these resources mentioned in the episode:
Chapters
00:00 – Cleveland Calling: Your 2026 Conference Preview
01:16 – Why This Year’s Conference Matters
06:05 – Bringing the Entire Design-Build Team to the Table
09:43 – Owner Readiness Takes Center Stage
13:24 – What’s New at This Year’s Conference
21:45 – Making the Most of Your Conference Experience
28:47 – Industry Challenges and Emerging Trends
36:30 – Connections, Celebrations and Cleveland
The Design-Build Delivers Podcast is sponsored by ARKANCE.
ARKANCE is a global partner for digital and operational transformation across the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing sectors. Operating across more than 20 countries with 1,200 experts worldwide, ARKANCE helps organizations connect workflows, systems, data and teams to reduce complexity, improve performance and realize greater value from their digital investments.
Learn more at arkance.us/dbia
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