Attending the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) National Summit — a gathering of estimating professionals eagerly anticipated — is always a rewarding experience, but this year it felt particularly special. I arrived eager to connect with fellow estimators, gain insights from leading industry voices, and further the ongoing conversation on the future of our profession.
The summit kicked off with regional meetings where we had the chance to discuss challenges and share best practices with our peers. It was an hour of focused dialogue that set the stage for the larger discussions to come. The welcome reception that followed brought together ASPE members from across the nation, creating an environment of camaraderie and excitement for the days ahead. Conversations were buzzing with anticipation for the workshops, panels, and networking opportunities ahead. There was an energy in the room that showed a clear reflection of how critical this gathering was to our shared goals of advancing the art and science of estimating.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that this summit would not only be a place for professional development, but also a unique chance to engage with the broader estimating community, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.
First Impressions: A Summit Surrounded by Construction
Arriving at the ASPE National Summit, the first thing that caught my eye was a large construction site adjacent to the summit’s venue, the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. For a moment I chuckled to myself, knowing that any gathering of this many construction professionals would inevitably lead to a group of self-appointed “sidewalk superintendents” offering their critiques. Whether it’s the scaffolding setup or the pacing of the crews, you could already sense that, by the end of the weekend, the job site will have been the subject of countless conversations and second-guessing. After all, we estimators tend to have opinions on everything!
There was a palpable energy in the air, with attendees greeting each other like old friends, and new connections forming as we all checked in and prepared for the busy days ahead. The buzz of excitement and camaraderie reminded me why I always look forward to these events — it’s a chance to engage with the best in the business, learn new insights, and of course, share a few laughs along the way.
Key Sessions: Insights and Takeaways
Several sessions at the ASPE National Summit left a significant impact on me, each offering fresh perspectives and new ideas to take back to my work. One standout was Data Science for Estimating presented by David Hopkins, CPE, and Cameron Wilson. The presenters walked us through how data science is being integrated into the world of estimating, offering practical examples to which we could all relate. It’s clear that data science will continue to play a transformative role in our field, and I look forward to exploring its applications further.
Another session that hit home was Human Error in Estimating: Getting Past the Blame Game, presented by Lisa Nakamura. This presentation was filled with “Aha!” moments for me. It made me pause and reflect on how often we jump to place blame when mistakes are made, rather than addressing the underlying issues.
Estimating Reconciliation — A Gold Standard for Controlling Budgets presented by Karla Wursthorn, CPE, LEED AP BD+C, was another enlightening session. Hearing from a professional with a different vantage point on how they approach reconciliation was refreshing. It’s easy to get caught up in the “group think” of your own team or company, so this session provided a valuable opportunity to step outside that mindset and consider alternative methods.
Finally, Driving Blindfolded: How We Make Sense of the Data, by Will Roberson, was a powerful presentation that echoed the importance of data analysis in our field. The speaker’s breakdown of how they approach the overwhelming amount of data with which we deal daily really resonated with me. The session offered useful tips on how to sift through the noise and focus on what matters most, which is crucial for making informed decisions in estimating.
Networking and Connections: Building Relationships Beyond the Sessions
One of the most rewarding aspects of the ASPE National Summit is the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals from all over the country. Between sessions, the hallway conversations, coffee breaks, and evening events allowed for great networking moments. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by chatting with others over a cup of coffee or during lunch, sharing experiences, and exchanging ideas on how to handle estimating challenges in our respective regions.
People were eager to introduce themselves, and there was a real sense of camaraderie among the group. Whether we were discussing our local ASPE chapters or delving into the technical aspects of our work, the sense of community was fantastic. I had the opportunity to reconnect with many colleagues I hadn’t seen since the last summit, which reminded me of the value these events hold in strengthening long-term professional relationships.
There was also a great mix of formal and informal networking opportunities. During some of the breaks, I found myself in impromptu conversations with estimators from different industries, each bringing their own unique insights. These informal discussions often led to deeper, more meaningful exchanges about our profession. It’s one thing to attend a session, but it’s another to get the personal perspectives of those implementing these strategies in their own work.
Overall, the connections I made at the summit were invaluable. Whether it was swapping best practices or just talking about common challenges, every conversation was a learning opportunity. The event truly reinforced the importance of staying connected within the estimating community, and I’m excited to continue building on these relationships in the future. For more information visit The American Society of Professional Estimators.
