2026 MCA Winter Convention
MCA Members – thank you for your attendance and participation in this year’s 2026 Winter Convention & Annual Membership Meeting in Billings! A record-setting number of members engaged in networking and educational opportunities and recognized their peers during the “Excellence In Construction” Awards banquet.
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.
See Allan’s presentation: “Find Your Voice, Reclaim Your Power”
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.
See Brian’s presentation: “Workforce Development – Measure, Share, & Advocate”
Breakout Sessions – Thursday, January 22:
- 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.
- Montana Registered 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. Make sure to review the fraud checklist to make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself.
- Leadership Seminar: Today’s workplace brings a wide variety of workers to the job site. How are leaders supposed to work with such a broad spectrum of workers? Craig Crawford, Training Director for MCA, will take participants through a variety of exercises to develop leadership skills to help manage and lead in the workforce of today. Participants will learn some skill sets to add to their toolbox and will be encouraged to share best practices that work for them in the workplace.
- 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 and More: 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
Taylor, Nicastro & Browne LLC 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.
- Associates Annual Meeting: The MCA Associates Division represents the associate members of the MCA.
- 4:15-5:00pm: 406 Jobs: Montana Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson will present a comprehensive report prepared by DLI. MTDLI estimates over 3,700 annual job openings in construction over the next ten years in a variety of different roles, primarily to replace workers who leave the industry. This report outlines the needs and where to find resources.
Dessert Dash, Associates Raffle, Excellence Awards
Over $11,000 was raised during the Associates gun raffle to fund the Associates Presidential Scholarships, assisting students looking to explore a future in the trades. The MCA Education Foundation‘s Dessert Dash fundraiser raised an amazing $223,000!!! These funds provide a financial base to help support Build Montana, classroom grants, student AGC chapters, and family-focused construction events. Last, but not least, the evening concluded with the 2025 Excellence in Construction Awards presentation. The MCA recognized outstanding projects from the previous year, including the categories of Highway, Concrete, Building, Environmental, Partnering, Safety, and Workforce Development.
Vendor Show to Showcase Construction Services
Thank you to the following vendors who participated in the 2026 Winter Convention Vendor Trade Show!
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention • Ariat Crew • CPM Oldcastle • EquipmentShare • Felco Industries • 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. • U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA • United Rentals