2020 AGC Annual Conference
Silver Linings to Hard Decisions
The Associated General Contractors of Alaska logo

2020 has been a year like no other, so it’s fitting that the Associated General Contractors of Alaska should hold an annual conference like none the organization has held in its 72-year history.

Like many work meetings, school classrooms, and even holiday celebrations throughout 2020, the AGC Annual Conference was held virtually November 10-13.

Holding a virtual conference meant fewer opportunities to network and no one donned ball gowns or tuxedos to attend the annual dinner dance at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, but AGC Executive Director Alicia Siira says there were unexpected benefits.

“As we anticipated and encouraged, we saw member participation that exceeded conference registration levels in the past, due to the accessibility of the low registration rate made available by our signature-level sponsors, who really stepped up in sponsoring the conference and helping achieve our goals, even though we were not able to conduct the conference in the regular fashion,” Siira says.

2020 Associated General Contractors of Alaska - Excellence in Construction Award
Colaska winner
Dora Hughes and Carly Fielding - Knik Construction
Klebs winner
Thea Scalise - AGC
Regina Daniels - Davis Block
Thank you text
Thank you to our 2020 AGC Conference sponsors!
Diamond & Platinum Sponsors
Marsh & McLennan Agency
Parker, Smith & Feek, Inc.
Brice, Incorporated
ConocoPhillips Alaska
Davis Constructors & Engineers, Inc.
First National Bank Alaska
Rain Proof Roofing
Spenard Builders Supply

Silver Sponsors
Alaska National Insurance Company
Anchorage Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.
BDO USA, LLP
The Brandon Skinner Group, CPAs
ChemTrack Alaska, Inc.
Construction Machinery Industrial, LLC
Denali Industrial Supply, Inc.
Dowland Bach Corporation
GHEMM Company, Inc.
Granite Construction Company
Knik Construction Co., Inc.
Matson
Southcentral Construction, Inc.
TOTE Maritime Alaska, Inc.

Bronze Sponsors
Alaska National Insurance Company
Alcan Electrical & Engineering, Inc.
Equilux
F & W Construction Co., Inc.
Mahtava, LLC
Orion Marine Contractors, Inc.
Southcentral Construction, Inc.
USI Insurance Services

Premier Vendor
TOPCON SOLUTIONS Store

AGC Events Coordinator Kimberley Gray says 290 participants registered for the 2020 conference. In a normal year, she says, about 200 people register for the conference.

During a virtual conference, some things were set aside with the hope of celebrating them when everyone is able to gather together again. The Hard Hat award, Volunteer of the Year award, and recognition for companies that have been members for a long time, were among them, Siira says.

The AGC Annual Conference Committee was able to bring in a wider array of speakers than in past years. Alaska’s full US Congressional delegation, for example, was able to attend a Zoom call to discuss legislative issues on November 12. It was easier to arrange for a speaker to attend an hour-long virtual meeting, rather than spend a few days away from their workplace to attend in person, Gray says.

Although networking opportunities were limited, conference coordinators found ways to bring the celebration to attendees. During the prestigious “Excellence in Construction” awards ceremony, for example, each nominee was presented with a gift basket from AGC of Alaska that included AGC-logoed champagne flutes or whiskey glasses, along with prosecco, salami, smoked salmon, and an assortment of local teas and cocoa. When winners were announced, representatives from Parker, Smith & Feek, the company that presents the awards, rang doorbells and knocked on doors to deliver the winners a second basket of goodies, with more champagne and chocolates.

One of the most notable benefits of holding the conference virtually, Siira says, was that Alaska-based companies around the state were able to allow more of their employees to tap into the learning opportunities available.

“We’ve learned a lot through the virtual components. We missed out on many of the in-person aspects, but there were several benefits from the virtual conference, especially being in a state as large as Alaska. I think there are a number of components we may take into consideration as we move forward, with a hybrid event as the times change and we see what 2021 brings,” Siira says.

All photos courtesy of AGC members.
Chad Wilson, SBS
Jeff Oshnack, Brice Inc.
Heather Sottosanti, Nees..
Kimberley Gray, AGC
Hal Ingalls, Denali Drillin…
Alicia Siira, AGC
Davis Constructors
Joan Hope, Turnagain M...
Joan Hope, Turnagain M…
Tim Gallagher, HDR
Tim Gallagher, HDR
Sheila Lomboy, First National Bank
Lynne Seville, Parker Sm...
Lynne Seville, Parker Sm…
Zack Steer, RECON LLC
Zack Steer, RECON LLC
Sheila Lomboy, First National Bank
Joan Hope, Turnagain M…
Tim Gallagher, HDR
Lynne Seville, Parker Sm…
Zack Steer, RECON LLC
Elisa Hitchock, Gray Seri…
Mike. T Gould, Excel Con…
Kirk Currey, CMI
Roger Hickel Contracting
Cornerstone
Pearl Grace Pantaleone, C…
Tamie Taylor, Taylored…
290 people zoom logo
2020 AGC Annual Conference