2026 Leadership Summit
FORGE Ahead: Construction Leadership Summit
The 2026 Construction Leadership Summit delivers an evening of connection, inspiration, and practical leadership development for today’s construction professionals. The event opens with an optional 2-hour Pre-Summit Leadership Workshop designed specifically for Project Managers and Superintendents, providing hands-on tools to create flow, improve communication, and build stronger alignment across teams.
Following the workshop, the Summit brings together expert speakers who will share powerful, real-world insights on leading people well, navigating today’s construction challenges, and building healthy, high-performing teams. This experience is designed to help leaders elevate their influence, strengthen their approach, and return to their projects with actionable tools that create meaningful impact on and off the jobsite.
Summit Sponsors
We are grateful for the sponsors whose investment makes the FORGE Ahead Construction Leadership Summit possible and helps strengthen leadership across our construction ecosystem.
We welcome additional sponsors who share our commitment to developing strong leaders and a strong workforce. Please contact Melinda Lowe to learn more.
Summit Speakers & Master of Ceremonies
Master of Ceremonies — Jody Fuller
Nationally recognized speaker, storyteller, and humorist
Jody Fuller brings authenticity, humor, and heartfelt leadership insights shaped by his military service and life experiences. His engaging presence sets the tone for the Summit by creating connection, energy, and inspiration.
Featured Speaker — Adam Hoots
The Lean Builder & Construction ACHE Solutions
Adam Hoots is a champion of people-centered, respectful construction practices. Through his work with The Lean Builder movement, he helps project teams improve communication, strengthen collaboration, and create flow on the job site.
Featured Speaker — Matt Verderamo
Well Built Construction Consulting
Matt Verderamo specializes in communication, alignment, and trust-building within construction organizations. His work helps leaders build healthy cultures, enhance clarity, and strengthen performance across teams.
Pre-Summit Workshop for PMs and Superintendents
Leading People to Create a Flow Experience
Join us for a high-impact, 2-hour Pre-Summit Leadership Workshop designed exclusively for project managers and superintendents. Leading People to Create a Flow Experience equips construction leaders with practical tools to strengthen communication, reduce friction, and build real buy-in across their teams.
Through relatable jobsite examples and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to create clarity, surface issues early, and lead in ways that keep work flowing. This workshop provides field-ready strategies to build trust, remove barriers, and elevate team performance—all grounded in the understanding that true flow starts with people.
Registration Fee*: $100 per participant
Capacity: Limited to 50 attendees
*You may reserve your workshop seat when completing your Summit registration.
*Workshop registration is separate from Summit registration. Purchasing a workshop seat does not include admission to the FORGE Ahead Construction Leadership Summit. A Summit ticket must be purchased separately to attend the evening Summit.
Event Details
Thursday, March 19, 2026
The Mill • Starkville, MS
Dinner provided by Harding Catering
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Leading People to Create a Flow Experience
(PM & Superintendent Leadership Workshop)
A focused, high-impact training session designed to equip leaders with tools that enhance communication, elevate team culture, and strengthen jobsite performance.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Connections & Conversations
A relaxed networking hour open to all attendees, including workshop participants and Summit guests. This time is designed to bring together sponsors, industry leaders, educators, and community partners for meaningful connection and conversation.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
FORGE Ahead: Construction Leadership Summit
An evening of inspiration, leadership development, and industry collaboration.
Summit Registration & Pricing
Secure your seat for the 2026 FORGE Ahead Construction Leadership Summit by choosing from the Early Bird or Final Pricing options below. Space is limited, and pricing increases monthly.
December Early Bird
- Full Table (8 seats): $1,100
- Half Table (4 seats): $660
- Individual Seat: $165
January Early Bird
- Full Table (8 seats): $1,320
- Half Table (4 seats): $792
- Individual Seat: $198
February Final Pricing
- Full Table (8 seats): $1,540
- Half Table (4 seats): $924
- Individual Seat: $231
Ready to Register?
Click below to access the registration form and secure your table, half table, seat, or workshop add-on for the 2026 FORGE Ahead Construction Leadership Summit.
Hotel Accommodations
A limited room block has been reserved for attendees at Courtyard by Marriott Starkville MSU at The Mill Conference Center.
📅 Stay Dates:
Thursday, March 19 – Friday, March 20, 2026
💲 Group Rate:
$189 per night
⏰ Booking Deadline:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (12:00 AM)
We encourage attendees to book early, as availability is limited. Rooms will be released to the public after the cutoff date, and reservations made after this date are not guaranteed the group rate.
Organizations Registered to Attend
Companies and partners from across the construction ecosystem are joining us this year. Below are some of the organizations already registered to attend.
| Financial Concepts |
| FireSeeds |
| McCrary-West Construction |
| Falcon Contracting |
| CAC Group – Construction Insurance |
| Cadence Bank |
| Hannon, LLC |
| Empire Truck Sales |
| Stribling Equipment |
| Century Construction Group |
| Burns Dirt |
| Burns Waste |
| Burns Logistics |
| Galloway Chandler McKinney Insurance |
| Thompson Machinery |
| Travelers – Bond & Specialty Insurance |
| Kline Mechanical |
| Cash and Carry Building Supply Inc |
| Econ Construction |
| MMC Materials |
| Lee’s Precast Concrete, Inc. |
| ICM Construction |
| West Brothers Construction, Inc. |
| JESCO, Inc. |
| Guerry Electric LLC |
| APAC – Mississippi, Inc. |
| Phillips Contracting |
| Oakbridge Insurance Agency |
| Golden Triangle Development LINK |
*This list reflects registrations received as of January 15, 2026.