Practice Area Summit

Bringing together discipline-specific groups in a collaborative environment.

The Practice Area Summit is a day and a half of focused, peer-to-peer conversation for engineering professionals seeking practical insight, shared experience, and meaningful connection with others doing the same work.

Bringing together experienced practitioners and emerging leaders, the Summit encourages direct engagement with peers and presenters and delivers practical takeaways that translate directly to firm operations and decision-making.

Designed for MEP, Structural, Geoprofessional, Land Development, and Professional Surveying leaders and practitioners.

close up photo of a speaker's back facing his audiences

Agenda Highlights

Coalition Leadership Strategy Sessions
Luncheon Keynote: Inside the Digital Engine of the Houston Airport System
Presentation on AI & Digital Delivery from Jim Jacobi, Walter P. Moore
Peer-Led Coalition Roundtables
Interactive AI Experience: Real Tools You Can Use Today

Working Agenda

Speakers

Paxton Anderson
STRATA

Paul Carey
MEDINA VALLEY SURVEYS

Darryl Daniel
HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM

Lawrence Dean
COMMUNITY BUILDERS ADVISORY SERVICES

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Vic Donald
TERRACON

Mark Dornak
TERRACON

Karen Erger
LOCKTON COMPANIES

Nando Gomez
ACEC NATIONAL ADVOCACY

Roger Guilian
GREYLING

Jim Jacobi
WALTER P. MOORE

Matthew Meier
BURNS ENGINEERING

Gabriel Ornelas
RABA KISTNER

Andrew Pennoni
PENNONI

Josh Politte
ACT SOLUTIONS & CONSULTING

Bill Swope
OLSSON

Network with professionals in your discipline

Connect with industry peers at our roundtables and evening reception and trade insights and practical approaches to some of today’s more pressing topics.

Meet with Committees

Join the leadership of the Coalitions and your fellow Coalition members from across the country for strategic planning, knowledge sharing, and professional collaboration helping influence the direction and impact of the Coalitions programming.

Grow Your Knowledge

Participate in education sessions tailored to your discipline and industry and walk away with best practices and new ideas to bring home.

“My first Small Firms Coalition CEO Roundtable at the ACEC Annual Conference set the stage for 15 years of meaningful growth for our firm. The insights, relationships, and ongoing networking through the SFC have delivered daily value and directly supported our success. In my experience, active engagement in ACEC Coalitions greatly amplifies the return on your ACEC investment..“

Bill Lloyd, PE
Great West Engineering

“Being part of the ACEC Land Development Coalition has truly transformed my career. It has opened doors to connect with land development professionals nationwide, fostering invaluable peer-to-peer learning. The insights, shared experiences, and practical advice from coalition members have been instrumental to my growth. Beyond personal benefits, the coalition has greatly supported our firm and team; offering resources and perspectives for professional success.“

Travis Perry, PE
Psomas

"Being involved with the GeoCoalition has truly transformed my professional journey. The opportunities for collaboration have connected me with some of the brightest minds in the field, allowing me to learn, grow, and contribute in ways I never imagined. The support and shared expertise within this group have accelerated my development, opened doors to new possibilities, and deepened my commitment to advancing our industry together.."

Rebecca Smith-Zakowicz, PG, PE Terracon

"Our involvement in the LDC has provided extremely valuable networking opportunities and helped us grow as a company and serve our clients better."

Len Swartz
Olsson

"One of the key strengths of ACEC lies in its diverse membership and shared experiences. Through the MEP Coalition, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with leaders from engineering firms across the nation to discuss best practices and address the challenges we face more effectively.."

Brad Lentz, PE, GPCP, LEED AP
P2S

"SFC convenes the most experienced A/E small firm professionals of any association that I belong. The connections I have made have been invaluable to the success of my firm.."

Bill Lloyd
Great West Engineering

Interested in sponsoring? Click Below to learn more, or email ewander@acec.org

Learn More

Registration

ACEC Member Rate

$599

Young Professionals

$399

Non-Member Rate

$899

Not an ACEC Member? Click here to join!

Get bonus savings on your registration two ways:

BIT Member Benefit: BIT member firms receive a $350 registration reimbursement for the Practice Area Summit.
Coalition Member Discount: Join any ACEC Coalition before January 15 and receive 10% off your Practice Area Summit registration. Just follow these steps:
1. Join any Coalition.
2. Register for the Practice Area Summit—the 10% discount will apply automatically.

Join a Coalition

Hotel

InterContinental Hotel Houston

The ACEC room rate is $229 per night with tax for a standard room. Reservations must be made by February 4, 2026. Reservations received after this date, or after the group block sells out prior to this date, will be on a space and rate available basis. The hotel is expected to sell out over our event dates so please reserve your room as soon as possible.

Reserve Your Room