2026 Winter Convention
MCA Members – please join us for our 2026 Winter Convention & Annual Membership Meeting in Billings – January 21-23, 2026! The DoubleTree by Hilton will be our host hotel & convention center, as nearly 400 members will engage in networking and educational opportunities, as well as recognize their peers during the Excellence In Construction Awards banquet. Registrations is now open!
Thank You MCA Member Sponsors!
Please help us in recognizing the sponsorship efforts of the following MCA members! Without their continued support, the MCA would not be able to continue bringing the high level of value to our Convention participants:
MCA 2026 Premier Sponsors
Convention Keynote Speakers
Check out this year’s lineup of keynote speakers! We will cover everything from communications, leadership, culture, and safety.
Allan Kehler is a leading voice in mental health, resilience, and workplace wellness. Known for his powerful
storytelling, Allan draws on his personal journey through mental illness, addiction, and suicide to deliver keynotes
that are as impactful as they are relatable. Having spent years as a college instructor, addictions counselor, and
clinical case manager, Allan offers not only heartfelt authenticity but deep professional insight, making his message resonate across every level of an organization.
As an author, business owner, business keynote speaker and columnist for The Hill, The Guardian, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Chicago Daily Herald, Gene Marks has spent two decades both running a successful business and interacting with influential leaders across industries. Gene helps business leaders understand the political, economic, operational and technological issues and trends that will impact their companies. But most importantly, Gene provides actions they need to take to continue to grow and build a valuable company.
Brian Turmail serves as the Vice President of Public Affairs & Workforce for the AGC of America. In this role, he develops and oversees all public, member, and chapter communications activities for the 27,000-member construction trade association. Brian also helps oversee the implementation of the association’s Centennial “Future Focus” plan designed to position the association to help member firms thrive amid significant technological, process, and labor transformations taking place within the industry, as well as enhance the workforce efforts within the chapters.
Associated General Contractors of America | The Construction Association
Detailed Speaker Agenda – Thursday, January 21:
- 8:00-9:30am: Keynote Speaker – Allan Kehler, “Find Your Voice, Reclaim Your Power”: For many individuals, silence has become a survival too. People hide their pain, fearing that expressing emotion might be seen as weakness. However, while silence might offer short-term protection, it also creates long-term barriers to personal healing, safety and connection. In this powerful and deeply personal keynote, Allan challenges the cultural myths around mental health, resilience, and emotional expression. Drawing from his own lived experience, Allan shares an unfiltered look at what it means to live behind a mask – and what it takes to finally remove it.
- Breakouts: 10:00-11:00am
- Allan Kehler, “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish – It’s Essential”: As contractors, you’re constantly showing up, stepping in, and offering support. But in the process of serving others, it’s easy to forget one critical truth: You matter too. This is your invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and explore how caring for your own well-being makes you even more powerful in your work. Get ready to recharge with a mix of reflection, laughter, and connection – including an interactive quiz and creative hands-on activities.
- DLI Apprenticeship: Mitchell Winter, Program Specialist with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, and Courtney George, Career Development Specialist will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a Registered Apprenticeship program.
- Cyber Security & Fraud: Contractors are increasingly being targeted for cyber theft and fraud. Barry Jeide, US Bank, gives real life examples of what’s happening, and how to gird your company against the increasingly sophisticated hackers and criminals.
- Leadership Seminar: TBD
- 11:00am: Brian Turmail, Vice President of Public Affairs & Workforce at AGC of America: Learn what the AGC of America is working on in terms of Advocacy, Workforce Development, and Communications
- 1:45-2:45pm: Keynote Speaker – Gene Marks, “Technology in Construction & Key Takeaways”: This presentation covers AI risks, back-office applications and a bunch of real-life examples of AI in the field: drones, robotics, augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, etc. Gene will also share how to build your own AI systems taking data from existing systems and leave you with 5 takeaways to take into the year.
- Breakouts: 3:00-4:00pm
- Associates Annual Meeting: The MCA Associates Division represents the associate members of the MCA. Associate members include firms that supply materials, products, equipment or services to help sustain the construction industry. The Associates Division coordinates networking events like the MCA Summer Outing and delivering scholarships to the children of MCA member company employees. This meeting serves to elect officers and new board members, as well as an update on activities.
- MCCF Annual Meeting: The Montana Contractors Compensation Fund is a self-insured fund that provides workers compensation insurance coverage for many MCA members. MCCF also offers proactive programs designed to meet the unique challenges presented to the construction industry, including early-return-to-work and safety. Since the fund’s establishment, $30 million has been refunded to participating members. This meeting provides and update on the MCCF and an opportunity to learn more.
- Workforce: Recruitment & Retention: Gain strategic ideas to transform your construction hiring process. Join Naomi Jackson, founder of Plumb HR, a consulting firm dedicated to helping small to midsize construction contractors modernize their people strategies and navigate the evolving workforce landscape. Brian Turmail, AGC of America, will also share national trends and tips that employers are using.
- Contracts: What do contractors need to make sure is in the fine print before the job starts? Learn how to resolve disputes arising from all sizes of commercial, residential and public projects. Brian Taylor and Ryan Browne from Hall & Evans present an overview of how to negotiate design and construction contracts; resolve disputes involving workmanship, delay and payment issues; analyze and assert coverage positions; handle product and general liability claims with injuries and property damage; defend malpractice claims against architects and engineers; work out mechanic’s lien, collection and title disputes; and, assist on surety and bonding issues.
Dessert Dash, Associates Raffle, Excellence Awards
Stick around on Thursday evening, January 22nd, for an evening of excitement that has something for everyone. During the reception, keep an eye open for members of the Associates board who will be working the crowd selling tickets for the gun raffle. Proceeds are used to fund the Associates Presidential Scholarships, assisting students looking to explore a future in the trades. The evening continues with the ever-popular Dessert Dash! The Dash is the primary fundraiser for the MCA’s Education Foundation and provides a financial base to help support Build Montana, classroom grants, student AGC chapters, and family-focused construction events. Last, but not least, the evening concludes with the 2025 Excellence in Construction Awards presentation. The MCA recognizes outstanding projects from the previous year, including construction projects in the categories of Highway, Concrete, Building, Environmental, Partnering, and Workforce Development.
Vendor Show to Showcase Construction Services
MCA members and programs will showcase their products and services at the Winter Convention Vendor Trade Show! Don’t forget to swing by and visit with the following vendors and thank them for their support of the MCA!
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention • Ariat Crew • CPM Oldcastle • EquipmentShare • First Call Computer Solutions • Intermountain Health, St. Vincent Regional Hospital • Joe Johnson Equipment • Montana Contractors Compensation Fund • Montana Department of Labor & Industry • Morrison Maierle • Motz Enterprises – Flexamat • RDO Equipment, Co. • Stronghold ICF • Tenna, LLC • Tractor & Equipment Co. • United Rentals