The PHCC Educational Foundation held its four-day Essentials of Project Management class March 19 - 22, 2025, at the Viega Seminar Center in Broomfield, Colo., with a theme centered on disruptions in the industry.

Leading the class of 23 attendees through interactive discussions was Purdue University Professor Emeritus Kirk Alter. The attendees examined examples of what happens when everyday construction disruptions cause delays or extra costs. Planning remains the best way to head off these disruptions.

“For every dollar you spend in pre-construction planning, you will recover an additional four to six dollars in productivity. That time before the job starts represents your best opportunity to make the project successful,” said Alter.

“During the Covid supply chain disruptions, some companies took the opportunity to hike their materials pricing for contractors far beyond what their inputs costs would merit. Watch for the same with tariffs – you will be getting notices about price increases from your suppliers,” said Alter. “Your job as a project manager and leader in your company is to know how to find the real input costs and negotiate on those price increases to protect your company.” 

The class also discussed artificial intelligence and its impact on energy demands for the country. “A project manager’s job is to ask good questions and manage with numbers,” said Alter. “If you know that we are not going to have enough energy available to run all the data centers required for A.I., what should you be doing right now? Find those opportunities to build what is going to be in demand so that you and your company are in good shape, regardless of whatever disruptions we may see to the economy.”

Viega has provided classrooms and logistical support for this PHCC program since 2016 at their Broomfield, Colo., and Nashua, N.H., Seminar Center locations. "Viega was delighted to host PHCC's project management class, providing space for industry thought leaders to share their knowledge with contractors from across the country,” said Michele Passaretti, manager, associations and events for Viega.