Small Firm Workshop 2026

Future Ready: Strategies & Solutions for Small Firms

ACEC's Small Firm Workshop is designed to help small firm leaders and emerging professionals prepare for the future through authentic stories, shared challenges, and practical, real-world solutions.

This highly interactive event blends panel conversations, peer discussions, and hands-on case studies to explore leadership through change, technology adoption, business growth, and long-term sustainability.

Guided by small firm owners and experienced facilitators, participants will gain implementable insights and leave with clear actions to strengthen their firms for tomorrow.

Attendees can earn up to 8 PDH’s

Agenda Highlights

Leading Through Change: Real Stories from Small Firm Owners
Redesigning a Project Process to Improve Profitability
Finding Restful Sleep: What Keeps Small Firm Owners Up at Night?
AI & Tech Tools for Small Firms
Building for the Long Term: The Blackburn Consulting Case Study
Next Steps for Future-Ready Firms
Networking Reception & Roundtables

Working Agenda

Network with small firm professionals

Candid, practical conversations led by peer firm owners.

Expert Presentations

Guidance from recognized industry professionals who specialize in firm leadership and transitions.

Member-Led Panels

Insight into growth, succession, staffing, burnout, and resilience

Thank you to our title sponsor!

FUTURE READY: STRATEGY & SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL FIRMS

Program at a Glance

Day 1 — Wednesday, February 26:

Business Change & Future Readiness

Time	Session	Focus	Key Outcomes
7:30–8:30 AM	Check-In, Registration & Breakfast	Arrival, badge pickup, networking	Early peer connections
8:30–9:00 AM	Welcome & Framing the Conversation	Business context and program orientation	Shared understanding of current pressures; clarity on program goals and expectations
9:00–10:30 AM	Leading Through Change: Real Stories of Business Transitions and Growth	Real-world perspectives on growth, ownership change, and diversification	Practical lessons from transition decisions; insight into risks, tradeoffs, and stabilizing strategies
10:30–10:45 AM	Break	—	—
10:45 AM–12:00 PM	Becoming Future-Ready: Strengthening Small Firm Business Practices	Business practices that improve resilience and performance	Examples of practices that strengthen performance; identification of priority improvement areas
12:00–1:15 PM	Luncheon Keynote: Inside the Digital Engine of the Houston Airport System	Large-group presentation during lunch	Insight into how a major owner manages complexity, scale, and operational decision-making
1:30–2:45 PM	Candid Conversations: Pressures Facing Small Firm Leaders	Peer discussion on what’s demanding attention now	Identification of common pressure points; broader perspective on leadership priorities
2:45–3:00 PM	Break	—	—
3:00–4:15 PM	The Human Side of Small Firm Leadership	Leadership demands and their impact on business performance	Peer insight into managing workload and uncertainty; approaches for remaining effective and sustainable
4:15–5:30 PM	Peer Roundtables	Facilitated synthesis and application	Translating insights into practical considerations; peer input on next-step priorities
5:30–7:00 PM	Reception & Practice Area Summit	Cross-practice networking and informal discussion	Expanded peer connections; informal exchange across practice areas

Day 2 — Thursday, February 27

Leadership Sustainability & Firm Longevity

Time	Session	Focus	Key Outcomes
7:30–8:30 AM	Breakfast	Networking and arrival	Continued peer connections and informal exchange
9:00–10:15 AM	Building for Longevity: Leaders & Emerging Leaders in Conversation	Leadership development and continuity planning	Real examples of evolving leadership roles; considerations for strengthening leadership capacity
10:15–10:30 AM	Break	—	—
10:30–11:30 AM	The Long Game: Preparing for Ownership & Leadership Transition	Succession planning and long-horizon transition realities	Understanding of realistic timelines and preparation; lessons from firms at different stages of transition
11:30 AM–12:00 PM	Closing Discussion: Defining Your Next Strategic Step	Synthesis and forward direction	Clear identification of a next-step business priority; reinforcement of shared learning

Registration

ACEC Member Rate

$1,199

Non-Member Rate

$1,399

Not an ACEC Member? Click here to join!

Hotel

InterContinental Hotel Houston

The ACEC room rate is $229 per night with tax for a standard room. Reservations must be made by January 16, 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