FULL SCHEDULE

Explore the full schedule to see general sessions, roundtables, networking events, and special activities designed to inform, inspire, and connect. Check back often—updates will be added as the conference approaches.

Easily find sessions and events with our updated, interactive schedule.

Browse by Day – Use the date tabs at the top to view the schedule for that specific day’s offerings.
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Open to All Attendees – Includes Full and Daily registrations. Guest registration includes evening receptions and Exhibit Hall breakfasts but does not include access to General sessions, education sessions, or Committee/Coalition meetings.
Learn More – Click any session title to view full details about that offering.

October 4 October 5 October 6 October 7 October 8

October 4

October 4, 2025

Time
12:00 pm–5:00 pm	Registration
1:00 pm–5:00 pm	Pathways to Executive Leadership Open to registered Pathways to Executive Leadership attendees only. The only leadership program for mid-career design professionals. Pathways to Executive Leadership prepares participants to take on new management roles within their firm while equipping them with a close national network of peers in the A/E/C industry.
2:00 pm–4:30 pm	NAECE Meeting I Open to members of NAECE and invited guests only. The National Association of Engineering Council Executives (NAECE) is comprised of the chief staff executives from each of the 51 Member Organizations across ACEC's federation. NAECE's goal is to provide opportunities to enhance their abilities to deliver high quality service to their respective member firms.
4:30 pm–6:00 pm	Planning Cabinet Meeting Open to Planning Cabinet members only. The Planning Cabinet advises the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors on strategies and implementation steps to strengthen ACEC's governance and programs.
5:00 pm–6:00 pm	ACEC/NAECE Staff Reception Open to members of NAECE and invited guests only. The National Association of Engineering Council Executives (NAECE) is comprised of the chief staff executives from each of the 51 Member Organizations across ACEC's federation. NAECE's goal is to provide opportunities to enhance their abilities to deliver high quality service to their respective member firms.

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October 5

October 5, 2025

Time
7:30 am–5:30 pm	Pathways to Executive Leadership Open to registered Pathways to Executive Leadership attendees only. The only leadership program for mid-career design professionals. Pathways to Executive Leadership prepares participants to take on new management roles within their firm while equipping them with a close national network of peers in the A/E/C industry.
8:00 am–6:15 pm	Registration
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Central: KS, NE, ND, OK, SD, TX Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: KS, NE, ND, OK, SD, TX
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Mid-Atlantic: DE, MD, MW, NC, PA, VA, WV Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: DE, MD, MW, NC, PA, VA, WV
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Mid-West: IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Northeast: CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Northwest: AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Southeast: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, SC, TN Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, SC, TN
8:30 am–10:00 am	Leadership Breakfast Southwest: AZ, CO, HI, NV, NM, UT Open to members of the ACEC Board of Directors from the following states: AZ, CO, HI, NV, NM, UT
9:00 am–12:00 pm	Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Coalition Executive Committee Open to members of the Executive Committee for the Coalition of American Mechanical and Electrical Engineers and invited guests only. If you are interested in joining this meeting, contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org
10:00 am–1:00 pm	Board of Directors Meeting Open to all Conference attendees.
12:00 pm–1:00 pm	Coalition of American Structural Engineers (CASE) Executive Committee Open to members of the Executive Committee for the Coalition of American Structural Engineers and invited guests only. If you are interested in joining this meeting, contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org
1:15 pm–2:15 pm	ACEC Board and New Attendee Lunch Open to members of the Board of Directors, Past Chairs, NAECE, and all registered First Time Attendees. Navigate and maximize your ACEC Fall Conference Experience and join us for some fun to kick start your week in San Diego, CA.
2:30 pm–4:30 pm	Large Firm CEO Roundtable(201-500 employees) Open to all Full and Sunday Daily Attendees. Join large firm (201-500 employees) CEOs and other top executives for an interactive discussion of best practices, business management concerns and other industry issues. Open to all registered attendees.
2:30 pm–4:30 pm	Medium Firm CEO Roundtable(51-200 employees) Open to all Full and Sunday Daily Attendees. Join medium firm (51-200 employees) CEOs and other top executives for an interactive discussion of best practices, business management concerns and other industry issues. Open to all registered attendees.
2:30 pm–4:30 pm	NAECE Meeting II Open to members of NAECE and invited guests only. The National Association of Engineering Council Executives (NAECE) is comprised of the chief staff executives from each of the 51 Member Organizations across ACEC's federation. NAECE's goal is to provide opportunities to enhance their abilities to deliver high quality service to their respective member firms.
2:30 pm–4:30 pm	Small Firm CEO Roundtable (1-50 employees) Moderated by SFC Open to all Full and Sunday Daily Attendees. Join small firm (1-50 employees) CEOs and other top executives for an interactive discussion of best practices, business management concerns and other industry issues. Open to all registered attendees. Hosted by the Small Firm Coalition.
2:30 pm–4:30 pm	Very Large Firm CEO Roundtable(501+ employees) Moderated by DPC Open to all Full and Sunday Daily Attendees. Join large firm (500 + employees) CEOs and other top executives for an interactive discussion of best practices, business management concerns and other industry issues. Open to all registered attendees. Hosted by the Design Professionals Coalition.
4:45 pm–5:45 pm	Coalition of Professional Surveyors (COPS) Executive Committee Open to members of the Executive Committee for the Coalition of Professional Surveyors and invited guests only. If you are interested in joining this meeting, contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org
4:45 pm–5:45 pm	DPC Reception This private event is only open to the individual DPC member, Alternate with their plus ones, and invited guests.
4:45 pm–5:45 pm	Engineering Excellence Awards Committee Open to members of the Engineering Excellence Awards Committee only.
4:45 pm–5:45 pm	Fellows Connect: New Fellows Orientation & Business Meeting Open to all New Fellows Inductees and members of the Fellows Committee only. This combined session—bringing together two previously separate meetings—welcomes new Fellows to the College, provides guidance for those interested in becoming Fellows, and offers updates from Committee leadership on current initiatives. It’s an opportunity to connect, contribute, and stay engaged in the evolving work of the College of Fellows.
5:15 pm–6:15 pm	Women’s Leadership Forum Reception Open to all Full and Sunday Daily attendees.
6:00 pm–7:30 pm	Welcome Reception Open to all Full, Sunday Daily, and Guest attendees.

October 6

October 6, 2025

Time
6:00 am–7:00 am	Fellows Charity Walk The College of Fellows Charity Walk raises money for the ACEC Scholarship Fund and is open to all attendees and guests. Registration Required.
7:00 am–8:00 am	Networking Breakfast with Exhibitors Open to all Full, Monday Daily, and Guest Attendees.
7:00 am–5:00 pm	Registration
8:00 am–9:45 am	Opening General Session Kaihan Krippendorff Open to all Full and Monday Daily attendees. More information coming soon!
8:00 am–11:30 am	Legal Counsel Forum In-House Counsel Roundtable Open to registered In-house counsel members of the Legal Counsel Forum only. The Legal Counsel Forum brings together in-house and outside counsel of Member Firms to share information about legal issues in the engineering industry. The Roundtable is a meeting for in-housel counsel to Member Firms.
9:45 am–10:30 am	Networking Break with Exhibitors Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees.
10:30 am–11:30 am	Bridging Generations: Leadership Best Practices for Multigenerational Teams This session explores best practices for fostering collaboration, leveraging generational strengths, and...
10:30 am–11:30 am	Data-Driven Power Plays: How AEC Leaders Are Building AI-Ready Firms AI is only as powerful as the data behind it. Hear trailblazing AEC leaders share...
10:30 am–11:30 am	Geoprofessional Coalition Executive Committee Open to members of the Geoprofessional Executive Committee and invited guests only. If you are interested in joining this meeting, contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org.
10:30 am–11:30 am	International Committee Open to all Full and Sunday Daily Attendees. The purpose of this Open Committee is to assist member companies and others in developing and carrying out ACEC’s advocacy agenda in international markets.
10:30 am–11:30 am	Member Engagement and Belonging Committee Open to all Full and Monday Daily attendees. All conference attendees are invited to join the Member Engagement and Belonging Committee as it discusses ways to increase engagement of all ACEC members in the Council and in leadership roles.
10:30 am–11:30 am	Small Firm Coalition (SFC) Executive Committee Open to members of the Executive Committee for the Small Firms Coalition and invited guests only. If you are interested in joining this meeting, contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org
10:30 am–11:30 am	Water & Environment Committee Open to all Full and Monday Daily attendees. Meeting of the Water & Environment Committee to discuss the committee's advocacy priorities.
11:45 am–1:30 pm	General Session Lunch Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees. More information coming soon!
1:30 pm–2:15 pm	Networking Break with Exhibitors Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees
2:00 pm–5:30 pm	Pathways to Executive Leadership Open to registered Pathways to Executive Leadership attendees only. The only leadership program for mid-career design professionals. Pathways to Executive Leadership prepares participants to take on new management roles within their firm while equipping them with a close national network of peers in the A/E/C industry.
2:00 pm–6:00 pm	Legal Counsel Forum I Open to registered members of the Legal Counsel Forum only. The Legal Counsel Forum brings together in-house and outside counsel to Member Firms to share information about legal issues in the engineering industry.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Committee of Past Chairs Open to members of the Committee of Past Chairs only.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Contracting in the Age of Trump: How Will Federal Government Contracting Be Impacted by the Change In Administration? Since January 20, 2025, changes in the federal acquisition process—both implemented and planned— have been seismic....
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Designing Your Firm for the Modern Workforce: Moving Beyond the Era of “More for Less” Building an agile and adaptive workforce has never been more important. This session will offer actionable suggestions on...
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Energy Committee Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees. This open committee meeting will discuss the latest policy objectives including engagement strategies of key agencies like FERC, EPA, and DOE. Also, discussion of the energy outlook for the next Congress and White House.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Geoprofessional Roundtable Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Guardrails for AI: Why Data Classification is Your First Line of Defense This eye-opening session breaks down how large language models (LLMs) process data—and how that can go wrong.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Risk Management Committee Open to all Full and Monday Daily attendees. Engineers, Attorneys, and Professional Liability Insurance specialists meet to discuss the pressing risk management issues of the day.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Surveyors Roundtable Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Workforce Committee Open to all Full and Monday Daily attendees. The purpose of this committee is to consolidate and organize all the various elements of ACEC’s workforce program from early education through workforce development, advocacy initiatives, and communications. The Committee will help drive the engineering industry’s workforce agenda through identification, development, and execution of workforce related priorities, programs, and legislative advocacy efforts.
3:15 pm–4:00 pm	Networking Break with Exhibitors Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees.
4:00 pm–5:00 pm	ACEC Three Trusts Meeting A meeting of representatives of the three ACEC Trusts: the ACEC Business Insurance Trust, the ACEC Life/Health Trust, and the ACEC Retirement Trust. Only trustees and other representatives of the Trusts are eligible to attend.
4:00 pm–5:00 pm	Alternative Ownership Transition Strategies: Finding the Right Fit at the Right Time Join this practical presentation on how to assess the needs of your company, potential ownership structures, and...
4:00 pm–5:00 pm	Future-Ready Teams: Leading Digital Transformation Change Management That Works This session reveals how one firm launched a full-scale digital transformation and upskilling initiative...
4:00 pm–5:00 pm	Government Advocacy Coordinating Committee Open to members of the Government Advocacy Coordinating Committee only.
4:00 pm–5:00 pm	Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) and Structural Roundtable Open to all Full and Monday Daily Attendees.
4:00 pm–5:00 pm	NAECE Meeting III Open to members of NAECE and invited guests only. The National Association of Engineering Council Executives (NAECE) is comprised of the chief staff executives from each of the 51 Member Organizations across ACEC's federation. NAECE's goal is to provide opportunities to enhance their abilities to deliver high quality service to their respective member firms.
4:15 pm–5:15 pm	Fellows Honorees Reception This celebratory reception welcomes all ACEC Award Honorees, Scholarship Recipients, new and current Fellows, and their invited guests. Join us for an evening of recognition, connection, and shared achievement.
5:00 pm–6:00 pm	Reception with Exhibitors Open to all registered Full, Monday Daily, and Guest Attendees.
5:15 pm–6:15 pm	Committee of Past Chairs Reception Open to members of the Committee of Past Chairs and invited guests only.
5:30 pm–6:30 pm	SEI/Pathways Reception Open to registered Pathways to Executive Leadership attendees and past Pathways and Senior Executive Institute (SEI) graduates only.
6:00 pm–7:15 pm	ACEC/PAC Pinewood Rally Open to all Full, Monday Daily, and Guest Attendees. Don’t miss the Annual ACEC/PAC Pinewood Rally in San Diego! See champions face off against tough new competition and vote for your favorite cars at this popular event!
6:00 pm–9:00 pm	Member Organization State Dinners Reach out to your state Member Organization for more information.

October 7

October 7, 2025

Time
7:00 am–8:00 am	Fellows Breakfast Open to the College of Fellows and Invited Guests. RSVP required. Join us for a special Fellows Breakfast featuring a spotlight on an innovative engineering project at the San Diego Zoo.
7:00 am–8:00 am	NCEES Scholarship Breakfast Breakfast for NCEES Scholarship Recipients with ACEC Research Institute and NCEES Leadership. Invited guest only.
7:00 am–8:00 am	Networking Breakfast with Exhibitors Open to all Full, Tuesday Daily, and Guest attendees.
7:00 am–8:00 am	Technology Committee Open to all Full and Tuesday daily attendees. The Technology Committee is committed to providing value to our members by engaging and influencing our membership, clients, and future talent on the value of adopting digital technology by listening & engagement, education, and advocacy. We will discuss these efforts and any new issues brought up by attendees.
7:00 am–5:15 pm	Registration
8:00 am–9:30 am	General Session & ACEC/PAC Sweepstakes Drawing Debra Searle Open to all Full and Tuesday daily attendees. More information coming soon! ACEC/PAC Sweepstakes Drawing Tickets are $200 each, with a limit of 5 per person. Click here for more details.
8:00 am–3:00 pm	Legal Counsel Forum II Open to registered members of the Legal Counsel Forum. The Legal Counsel Forum brings together in-house and outside counsel of Member Firms to share information on legal issues in the engineering industry.
9:30 am–10:15 am	Networking Break with Exhibitors Open to all Full and Tuesday daily attendees.
10:15 am–11:15 am	ACEC/PAC Champions Open to ACEC/PAC Champions, their alternates, and MO Executive Directors Only. The committee will consider business related to the governance of ACEC's Political Action Committee
10:15 am–11:15 am	Affiliate Advisory Committee Open to members of the Affiliate Advisory Committee only. This is an invitation only meeting for the committee to meet face-to-face and discuss goals/ideas and other business regarding affiliate members.
10:15 am–11:15 am	Climate Risk & Liability: What Every Engineering Firm Needs to Know Join this interactive benchmarking conversation with the ACEC Research Institute to explore how AEC firms are adopting, investing in, and measuring technology.
10:15 am–11:15 am	Coalition Leaders Executive Committee Open to members of the Coalition Leaders Executive Committee only.
10:15 am–11:15 am	Concrete Infrastructure Reimagined: Advanced Strategies for Extended Service Life Attendees will discover innovative methods to boost performance and longevity in concrete construction through real-world studies that...
10:15 am–11:15 am	Federal Agencies and Procurement Advocacy Committee Open to all Full and Tuesday Daily Attendees. The purpose of this Open Committee is to undertake advocacy efforts with Congress and federal agencies to promote the interests of ACEC members engaged in contracting with the federal government. Anyone from any ACEC firm that works with federal agencies or has a desire to work with federal agencies may participate.
10:15 am–11:15 am	Market Intelligence Committee Open to all registered Full and Tuesday Daily attendees. Join the market intel committee for it's second in-person meeting. We will discuss committee matters, review a market update and have a roundtable discussion.
10:15 am–11:15 am	Tech Pulse: Benchmarking AEC Innovation with the ACEC Research Institute Join this interactive benchmarking conversation with the ACEC Research Institute to explore how AEC firms are adopting, investing in, and measuring technology.
11:30 am–1:45 pm	Awards Lunch Chaunté Lowe Awards Program includes New College of Fellows Inductees, 2025 Scholarship Winners, Young Professional of the Year Awards, Coalitions Distinguished Service Award, Community Service Awards, and ACEC’s Distinguished Service Award. More information coming soon!
1:45 pm–2:15 pm	Dessert in Exhibit Hall Open to all Full and Tuesday Daily attendees.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	BD in a Box: Empowering Growth at Engineering Firms This 45-minute session provides a practical, engineer-friendly approach to BD—one that integrates seamlessly into daily workflows without disrupting project deadlines or billable hours.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Emerging Trends in Employee Ownership Discover how AEC firms are using drones, AI, and digital twins to transform bridge inspections and infrastructure monitoring.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Fellows Committee Open to members of the Fellows only. The Fellows Committee will gather to focus on advancing key priorities for the 2025–2026 committee year. This meeting will help drive continued progress on initiatives that strengthen the impact and engagement of the College of Fellows.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	From Drones to Digital Twins: Real-World AI in Infrastructure Inspections Discover how AEC firms are using drones, AI, and digital twins to transform bridge inspections and infrastructure monitoring.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Land Development Coalition (LDC) Executive Committee Open to members of the Land Development Coalition Executive Committee and invited guests only. If you are interested in joining this meeting, contact Michelle Kroeger at mkroeger@acec.org.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Tax & Regulatory Affairs Committee Open to all Full and Tuesday Daily attendees. All conference attendees are welcome to attend, celebrate ACEC's advocacy successes in the tax bill, and discuss what's next for the committee.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm	Transportation Committee Open to all Full and Tuesday Daily attendees. The Transportation Committee develops and promotes industry priorities on transportation infrastructure issues before Congress, Federal and State agencies.
3:00 pm–5:00 pm	Nominating Committee Open to members of the Nominating Committee Only.
3:15 pm–3:30 pm	Networking Break
3:30 pm–4:30 pm	AI Meets Ethics: Redefining Professional Standards in the Age of Automation This session dives into the ethical crossroads of AI adoption, where innovation meets accountability.
3:30 pm–4:30 pm	Joint Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Meeting Open to all Full and Tuesday Daily Attendees. This session is a feature with leadership from the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC). Anyone from any ACEC firm that works with federal agencies or has a desire to work with federal agencies may participate. SAME participants are also welcome.
3:30 pm–4:30 pm	Land Development Roundtable Open to all Full and Tuesday Daily attendees.
5:00 pm–6:30 pm	Celebrate San Diego Reception Open to all Full, Tuesday Daily, and Guest attendees.

October 8

October 8, 2025

Time
7:30 am–8:30 am	Continental Breakfast Open to all Full and Wednesday Daily attendees.
7:30 am–10:00 am	Registration
8:00 am–3:00 pm	ACEC/PAC Golf Tournament
9:30 am–9:45 am	Networking Break

FULL SCHEDULE

Easily find sessions and events with our updated, interactive schedule.

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October 4, 2025

October 5–8, 2025 / Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina / San Diego, CA

2025 Fall Conference