Associated Builders and Contractors - ABC 21st Century Workforce Development Conference 2027
Event Date
March 9–11, 2027
Location
Denver, CO
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ABC Convention is the annual national gathering of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a trade association representing merit shop contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and related firms across the U.S. construction industry. Members from across the nation return each year to celebrate, connect and advance their businesses with the latest industry, political and technological insights.
The 2027 convention takes place March 9–11, 2027 in the Denver, CO area. Attendees include commercial and industrial contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, business owners, executives, craft professionals, apprentices and college construction-management students. With ABC representing more than 22,000 member firms nationwide, the event draws a broad cross-section of the merit shop construction community.
The convention blends competition, recognition, education and networking. Signature elements include the National Craft Championships, the Construction Management Competition, the National Excellence in Construction® Awards and the Construction Workforce Awards, alongside keynote speakers, industry insight sessions and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest construction technology, products and services. It is worth attending for the combination of high-level education, workforce recognition and the chance to network with leaders from across the U.S. construction industry.
Show Highlights
Marquee features of the ABC Convention include:
- National Craft Championships (NCC) — craft trainees and apprentices from across the country demonstrate their skills, training and safe work practices and compete for top honors in their chosen crafts.
- Construction Management Competition — university and college teams assemble a general-contracting firm to tackle a real-world construction project with unique challenges.
- National Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala — honors the nation's most innovative and high-quality construction projects and industry-leading health and safety programs.
- Construction Workforce Awards — recognizes honorees such as the Craft Instructor of the Year, Craft Professional of the Year and Young Professional of the Year.
- Industry Insight Sessions — educational tracks covering topics such as AI in construction, risk management, labor productivity, mental health, workforce development and leadership.
- Exhibit Hall — connect with exhibitors showcasing the latest construction technology, products and services.
- Keynote presentations, an economic update from ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu, and networking celebrations.
Registration
Registration is handled through the official ABC Convention website (abcconvention.abc.org). The program is built around a full convention ticket, which provides access to general sessions, keynotes, industry insight sessions, the exhibit hall and select celebrations. Additional and separately ticketed items have historically included the Opening Night Celebration, the Closing Night Celebration (with a combo option), the Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala and pre-convention events such as the Association Excellence Awards luncheon. Attendees should register early and book lodging through the official room block; check the event website for exact pass types, pricing and deadlines.
History
The ABC Convention is the long-running annual national meeting of Associated Builders and Contractors, a national trade association that advances and defends the principles of the merit shop in the construction industry. Over the years the convention has grown into a marquee industry event combining national competitions, awards programs, education and an exhibit hall. Recent host cities include Salt Lake City for the 2026 edition, with the 2027 convention moving to the Denver, CO area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the ABC Convention 2027?
The ABC Convention 2027 takes place March 9–11, 2027 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in the Denver, CO area (Aurora, CO).
Who should attend the ABC Convention?
The convention is designed for the merit shop construction community, including commercial and industrial contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, business owners and executives, craft professionals, apprentices and college construction-management students. Associated Builders and Contractors represents more than 22,000 member firms across the U.S. construction industry.
What are the main highlights of the event?
Signature features include the National Craft Championships, the Construction Management Competition, the National Excellence in Construction Awards, the Construction Workforce Awards, keynote speakers, industry insight sessions and an exhibit hall featuring the latest construction technology, products and services.
How do I register for the ABC Convention?
Registration is available through the official ABC Convention website at abcconvention.abc.org. A full convention ticket provides access to general sessions, education and the exhibit hall, with some celebrations and galas offered as separately ticketed events; check the site for current pass types, pricing and deadlines.
What is the closest airport and how do I get to the venue?
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is less than 10 minutes (about 10 miles) from Denver International Airport (DEN). Rideshare, taxis and rental cars are all convenient options, and on-site parking is available at the resort.
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