A Word From AGCVA Convention Chair, Patrick Barbier

Hello, AGCVA! My name is Patrick Barbier, and I’m proud to serve as chair of the 2024 Convention Committee. Last week, I had a little fun with fellow board member Rob Kerr filming a video about the convention moving to February this year. If you haven’t seen it, check it out here.

Now, I am standing in for our Chair, Don Sproul, to share a bit more with you about convention. 

First, as we humorously mention in the video, the convention will take place in February, not January. The reason for the move was to help us focus on our advocacy work at the General Assembly during the busy month of January, and to give members more time in the office between the holidays and convention. We hope even more of you will be able to join us as a result. And here’s what we’ve got in store:

Year after year, members tell us the biggest value of the convention is the opportunity to network. Whether negotiating a business deal, meeting new trade partners or just growing a professional network, AGCVA's convention is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with fellow contractors and industry professionals across the state. There are 10 different networking opportunities included with your registration, as well as the many informal opportunities that pop up throughout our time at The Greenbrier. Typically, the convention attracts representatives from 200-plus different companies from eight local districts across the commonwealth. You can even enhance your company’s presence and exposure to potential clients through a sponsorship. There are still sponsorship opportunities available, and I encourage you to seize the chance for both company visibility and support of AGCVA's signature event. 

In addition to great networking, the convention provides top-notch content to help you grow your business. This year’s convention kicks off with a keynote presentation from Gene Marks. Marks will provide you with tactics and strategies from proven business leaders on how you can succeed in 2024 and beyond. You will walk away from the session with real tangible takeaways to grow your business. Marks will also present a breakout on the use of artificial intelligence and technology in construction. Other breakout topics include preparing for the next generation of company leaders, an important discussion on how to address mental health challenges in the workforce, gaining a better understanding of VOSH and how to transform compliance into safety excellence. There will also be breakouts on workforce development and a panel discussion among women leaders in the industry. This wide variety of topics provides you an opportunity to gain tools to grow your company.

Finally, the convention is just a lot of fun, and by fun, we mean an absolute blast. Held at The Greenbrier Resort where there is no lack of fun resort activities, even in the cold winter months, the convention provides a great place for you, your spouse and your whole family to enjoy some time away from home and the office. There are fun sessions on seasonal wreath making, a craps 101 demonstration, craft beer tasting, bourbon with former VT defensive coordinator Bud Foster, and new to 2024, a tour of the famous Greenbrier bunker. AGCVA will also continue the tradition of a sporting clays competition. Whatever you consider “fun,” the convention will provide you an opportunity to engage with fellow attendees while having a great time.

So, whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, whether you’re looking for ways to grow your business, or you just want to have a few days of fun at an amazing resort, the 2024 AGCVA Convention is the place to be. So, register today, book your hotel room, and I will be glad to see you in February at the convention!