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Highlights from the 2024 MWH Breckenridge Conference

The MWH Breckenridge Conference made a strong return this year, bringing together employees from across the company to share innovative ideas and practical solutions in quality, engineering, safety, and technology. With 13 presentations from 20 presenters, the conference demonstrated the depth of talent and expertise within MWH.

A key outcome of the event was the selection of two teams to represent MWH in Obayashi's National Staff Exchange Program. These teams will spend four weeks in Tokyo, Japan, participating in training alongside construction and engineering professionals from around the world.

Recognizing Excellence

  • Building a Better World Award – Best Presentation Winners
    • Rob Bechtloff & Shannon Johnson (Slayden Constructors): Presented “BIM Today for a Better Tomorrow,” showcasing their work on the Willow Lake WPCF Hydraulic Improvements Project.
    • Joe Giammichele & Alec Nicotra (Methuen Construction): Presented “Specification Tolerance Review Utilizing AI,” focusing on using AI to identify discrepancies between specification sections.    
    Photo 1: Rob Bechtloff and Shannon  Johnson, representing Slayden Constructors.
    Photo 2: Joe Giammichele and Alec Nicotra, representing Methuen Construction.

Additional Awards

  • Thomas Hawksley – Innovation Award: Imman Qazilbash for “AI Powered Productivity and Excellence.”
  • James M. Montgomery – Engineering Excellence Award: Lindsey Rafter for “Blind Spots Inside the Black Box – A Guide to Vendor Package Systems Design Coordination.”
  • Pioneer of Progress Award: Curtis Fenner & Keith Beckman for “CHARGE Forward with Effective Startup and Commissioning Led with Whole Project Team Effort.”

Honorable Mentions:

  • Best Presentation Slides: David Dutkiewicz & Ryan Daley
  • Standout Presenter: Kane Bortega

The conference highlighted the thoughtful work being done across MWH, celebrating the creativity and leadership of employees who are helping to push the company forward.

Photo 3: Breckenridge Awardees from Left to Right
Shannon Johnson, Rob Bechtloff, Kane Bortega, Lindsey Rafter, David Dutkiewicz, Ryan Daley, Keith Beckman, Curtis Fenner, Joe Giammichele, and Alec Nicotra.

Looking Ahead

Congratulations to all presenters and awardees for their contributions. The ideas shared at this year’s conference serve as a foundation for continued growth and improvement across MWH.

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