AEC Small Business and Entrepreneurship Forum

2024 AEC Small Firm & Entrepreneurship Forum

A gathering of AEC industry leaders of small firms to discuss the unique issues of managing and growing a small firms in the AEC industry.

Icon | 2024 AEC Small Firm & Entrepreneurship Forum
Exclusive Focus on Small Firms
This event is specially designed for AEC businesses like yours. You'll engage in discussions and sessions that directly address the challenges and opportunities unique to firms of your size.
Expert Insights and Strategies
With keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions led by industry experts, you’ll gain invaluable insights into managing and growing your business in today’s competitive environment.
Practical, Implementable Solutions
Walk away with real-world strategies and tactics to better prepare your firm for the future. From recruiting and retention challenges to compensation strategies and tax planning, every aspect of running a small AEC firm will be covered.

How will the Forum help my business?

The 2024 Small Firm and Entrepreneurship Forum is a gathering of AEC industry leaders of small firms (75 full-time employees, and/or $20 million in gross revenue) to discuss the unique issues of managing and growing a small business in the AEC industry. The one-day event will include keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables, and breakout sessions.

Mark Zweig
Chairman & Founder, Zweig Group
Chad Clinehens
President & CEO, Zweig Group
Will Swearingen
Vice President, Zweig Group
Ying Liu, LEED AP BD+C
Strategy Advisor, Zweig Group
Jeremy Clarke
Director of Executive Search & Recruitment, Zweig Group
Stuart McLendon
CEO
Dawson Fercho
Co-Founder & VP Business Development
Jordan Wilson
Director of Business Development
Kristin Kautz
Artificial Intelligence Consultant, Zweig Group
Chad Coldiron
Principal & Director of Development, Zweig Group

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

7:30 am
Small Firm and Entrepreneurship Forum Breakfast
8:30 am
Welcome and Overview

with Chad Clinehens

8:45 am
Opening Keynote: Essential Things That Can Transform Your Day and Your Firm

with Mark Zweig

10:00 am
Networking Break
10:15 am
Power Lap One

LLCs, Inc's, and other corporate structure considerations – with Mark Zweig and Will Swearingen

10:45 am
Power Lap Two

Ownership Transition, Firm Valuation, and M&A for smaller firms – with Mark Zweig and Will Swearingen

11:15 am
Power Lap Three

The great equalizer: Utilizing AI to gain a competitive advantage over firms of any size – with Kristin Kautz and Will Swearingen

11:45 am
Networking Break
12:00 pm
Forum Luncheon - Latest News and Future of the R&D Tax Credits

with Dawson Fercho and Jordan Wilson

1:00 pm
Power Lap Four

Accessible executive leadership when you need it: Using fractional officers to build and manage business infrastructure at a fraction of the cost - with Stuart McLendon

1:30 pm
Power Lap Five

Growing margin: Important tax and accounting strategies for small firms – with Dawson Fercho and Jordan Wilson

2:00 pm
Power Lap Six

War on talent: Competing with larger firms to recruit and retain staff – with Jeremy Clarke and Chad Coldiron

2:30 pm
Networking Break
2:45 pm
Power Lap Seven

Managing a growing firm: Board, C-Suite roles, and governance insights – with Chad Clinehens and Mark Zweig

3:15 pm
Power Lap Eight

Strategic growth planning: The essentials for every small firm – with Ying Liu

3:45 pm
Power Lap Roundtables
5:00 pm
Happy Hour Reception at The Rooftop at the Overland

Wrap up the day with light bites and libations while taking in panoramic views of the Porsche Experience Center handling courses.

*Participants of this 1-day event will receive a certificate of completion indicating 8 LU/ 8PDH/0.8 CEU earned. Zweig Group is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS