Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit

Registration is now open

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​The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) hosts the Annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Workshop and Networking Summit to engage highway contractors, consultants, subcontractors and laborers in effective communications and teambuilding interactions that lead to a diverse and equitable highway contracting environment.

Learn ​m​ore​​​ about the 2023 Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit.

Two Day Agenda

March 2​Two men shake hands at the 2022 Annual DBE Workshop and Networking Summit

On-site registration and exhibits open: 9:30 a.m.

Opening sessions begin: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

  • ​​​​​​​ABC's of Bonding
  • Toward Ethical Practice, 1 PDH Credit
  • Workforce Challenges and Opportunities

Secretary’s Golden Shovel Award Luncheon: 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.​​​​

  • ​​Featured speakers:  Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez,​​Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Director Glenn Fulkerson, Judge Maxine White, Wisconsin Court of Appeals​

Professional development workshops: 1:50 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.

  • ​Good Faith Effort (GFE) Best Practice
  • Uniform Certification Program (UCP) and Supplier Diversity Non-highway Opportunities
  • Cybersecurity-Selecting and Vetting your 3rd Party Service Provider
  • Deconstructing Implicit Bias in Construction
  • DBE Program in Review and WisDOT Contracting 2023 and Beyond
  • Lessons Learned from a Business Owner’s Perspective, 1 PDH credit
  • Tips and Tools for Budgeting and Securing Funding for Your Small Business
  • Emerging Technologies in Highway Construction, 1 PDH credit​
  • ​Teaming Synergy: Partnering with a Prime and Building a Win-Win Relationship, 1 PDH credit
  • ​​Let’s Talk About You: Personal Brand and Capability Statements​

Networking reception: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

March 3

Breakfast opens: 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast Power Hour Panel: 9:00 a.m.

  • Construction Business Group - Moderator
  • D K Contractors Inc.
  • JCP Construction LLC
  • RGE (Reach Grow Exceed) Engineering
  • Singh & Associates Inc.
  • ​Spann & Associates LLC
  • ​Pro Electric Inc.

Networking sessions begin: 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.​

Conference ends: 1:00 p.m.

The purpose of the Secretary’s Golden Shovel Award is to recognize DBE firms and industry leaders for their outstanding highway contracting, project performance and program participation during the year, and to highlight individuals, organizations and groups instrumental to the success and progress of the DBE program​.

Congratulations to the 2023 Secretary’s Golden Shovel Award nominees. View the nominees​.