Each year, NAWIC holds a nationwide conference gathering members from all over the country to learn, network, and develop skills. This year, the 69th Annual Conference was held in Houston, TX on August 14-17th.
The Salt Lake chapter had 12 members attend Annual Conference this year, and we are excited to share a few of their experiences:
“I’m really pleased to have attended the NAWIC Annual Conference 2024 in Houston. It was a valuable opportunity to both learn from and network with many outstanding professionals in the industry. The Construction Documentation Training course by NEF was particularly excellent, and I would highly recommend it, especially for those who are just beginning their careers in construction.
The job site tour of SH 99 Fort Bend County offered insightful perspectives on horizontal construction, which was especially interesting for me given my background in vertical construction. Additionally, visiting Dig World and operating various types of construction equipment was both enjoyable and informative.
And, of course, the best part was the exceptional speakers. Their motivational and inspiring presentations truly left a lasting impression. I’m already looking forward to attending the 2025 NAWIC Conference in Boston."
-Puja Rao Kurupathi
"Attending the NAWIC Annual Conference was an incredible experience that enriched both my personal and professional life. I had the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of women in the construction industry, each bringing unique perspectives and insights. The workshops and keynote sessions provided me with invaluable knowledge on the latest trends in the construction industry for women as well as some leadership strategies and solutions. I'm particularly glad I attended because it allowed me to strengthen my network, gain new skills, and feel empowered by the collective strength and determination of the NAWIC community. This experience has left me more inspired than ever to contribute to our chapter's success and advocate for women in construction.
Attending the session "Why Can't Everybody Just Get Along" with Cristine Cashen at the NAWIC Annual Conference was a highlight of the event for me. Cristine's dynamic and engaging presentation style made the session both informative and entertaining. She provided practical strategies for improving communication, managing conflict, and fostering positive relationships in the workplace. The insights I gained from this session are incredibly valuable, not just in my professional interactions, but in all aspects of life."
-Jennifer Montague
"I'm often the one encouraging others to stay positive or shift their mindset, but if I'm honest, I'm really hard on myself, both in my personal life and work. I've been told by others and have read books or listened to podcasts about changing my habits, but it's tough! The keynote speaker at the conference really struck a chord with me. The way she speaks to herself resonated deeply. It made me realize how can I expect others to be positive or to think differently when I'm not practicing what I preach? She offered tools that can help me start making that change.
I'm so glad I attended the conference for so many reasons. Our chapter has been nothing but accepting and welcoming, and getting to know everyone on a more personal level—more than just an hour once a month—has really deepened my appreciation for them. I learned so much from the incredible women I met at the conference. It's amazing to see so many women in one space, filled with passion, excitement, acceptance, and love. Experiences like this don't happen often."
-Marti Deveraux
"Attending the NAWIC Conference 2024 in Houston, TX, was immensely valuable, particularly through Christine Cashen’s keynote, "Why Can't Everyone Just Get Along?" Her session on improving communication in confrontational workplace and personal situations was profoundly impactful. Christine’s live demonstration, where one person tried to open a closed fist, vividly illustrated how resistance and defensiveness hinder effective collaboration. Her emphasis on shifting our language from accusatory "you" statements to inclusive "I" statements is crucial in fostering a more cooperative and understanding work environment. This approach not only enhances individual interactions but also strengthens overall team dynamics, making it a key takeaway for anyone aiming to improve workplace harmony and productivity.
I am glad our company attended because it provided important insights into enhancing workplace communication and conflict resolution. The conference not only broadened our understanding of these essential skills but also connected you with others who share your commitment to improving the professional environment, making it a worthwhile and enriching experience.
I am looking forward to the NAWIC Conference in Boston, MA 2025!!"
-Dawn Mason
Annual Conference is always an amazing experience, and we can't wait for the 70th Annual Conference in 2025 in Boston!
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