PRIME AE’s Top 4 Takeaways from 2022 SAME Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo

The PRIME AE team just returned from the 2022 Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) annual Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo (JETC). Held in Aurora, Colorado at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center from May 10th to 12th, this was the first in-person conference in three years. Here are our top four takeaways from this year’s conference:

1. Networking, Networking, Networking!

There is nothing better than in-person networking! JETC attracted over 2,000 attendees and featured more than 45 education sessions. PRIME AE was among the 190 exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall, which gave us the opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas and insights, and network with those who are equally as dedicated to serving our nation’s interests from across the A/E/C community. The PRIME AE and Prosser team also made their debut together in a shared booth opportunity.

Kumar Buvanendaran, Ed Chamberlayne, Mike Geer, Bob Schlesinger, Kerrianne Jensen, Jenny Urcan,
Giles Yokel, Mike Mitchell

2. “The War on Talent is Over, and Talent Won”

Keynote speaker Peter Sheahan, Author and CEO of The Karrikins Group led an inspiring and provocative address that focused on the disruptive environment that the A/E/C industry is currently facing in the form of labor and talent shortages, inflationary pressures, and competition as a result of the pandemic. He stated that the world has been turned upside down and that we must remain open to ideas that break the status quo. PRIME AE sees this as an amazing opportunity to adapt faster than the pace of change that surrounds us.

Keynote speaker Peter Sheahan, Author and CEO of The Karrikins Group

3. Exceptional Dedication of SAME Members and Posts

The breadth of activities and engagements being carried out at the Post level shows the perseverance of the Society in the face of the pandemic.

• The Academy of Fellows officially welcomed its newest 21 members during the Investiture Luncheon, which included PRIME AE’s Senior Marketing Advisor Mindy Hinsley with the Baltimore Post.
• Underwritten by the SAME Foundation, the 2021-2022 Leadership Development Program (LDP) class was presented with certifications of completion, and the incoming class was introduced. Vice President, Army Market Lead Ed Chamberlayne is mentoring a participant in the new LDP class and Senior Vice President, Federal programs Bob Schlesinger previously mentored a graduate of the 2020-2021 class.
• The Post Presidents Breakfast was held, where many of the Post Presidents from across the society gathered to get updated on new developments and changes. At the breakfast, 48 of the 98 Posts were recognized as “distinguished” for exceptional achievements and contributions during the year. PRIME AE’s Ed Chamberlayne, who currently serves as the SAME NoVa Post President, attended and was among the groups to be recognized.

The Academy of Fellows officially welcomed its newest 21 members during the Investiture Luncheon, which included PRIME AE’s Senior Marketing Advisor Mindy Hinsley (third from right) with the Baltimore Post.

4. Top-Notch Educational and Training Opportunities

The conference was jam-packed with so many phenomenal presentations. Here are some of the insightful sessions our group attended:

• Solutions for Wind-Induced Fabric Structure Failures with Case Studies
• De-Mystifying DoD Installations of the Future
• Women in Leadership: Energizing for Success
• Land Ports of Entry Integrated Planning, Design, & Construction
• Qualifications Based Selection and Fair Compensation – The 6% Interpretation
• Engaging with Government Clients
• Attracting & Retaining Talent Despite the “Great Resignation”
  • PRIME AE’s Vice President of Federal Programs Ed Chamberlayne presented alongside a panel that included Heather Wishart-Smith (Past SAME National President), Steve Hill (SES at HQ USACE), Kevin Lovell (KPMG), and Christine Tsai (Siemens Government Technologies). This session focused on how retaining talented people isn’t about avoiding difficult conversations but having them – give honest feedback to those that need it; the other employees are watching how you handle these situations to decide if they will remain in the firm.

PRIME AE’s Vice President of Federal Programs Ed Chamberlayne (second from right) presented in the “Attracting & Retaining Talent Despite the “Great Resignation.”

Even though 2022 JETC has ended, the PRIME AE remains open to connecting with though leaders, decision-makers, solution providers, federal contracting officers, and colleagues from across the A/E/C industry. Please reach out to Bob Schlesinger at bob.schlesinger@primeeng.com or Ed Chamberlayne at ed.chamberlayne@primeeng.com to connect.

We are looking forward to attending the SAME 2022 Federal Small Business Conference later this year in Nashville, TN.