Bassford Remele | Upcoming Events and Newsletters
February 18, 2026
BASSFORD REMELE 2026 ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION LAW SUMMIT
Turning Industry Change into Competitive Advantage
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 -12:30 Registration & Lunch | 12:30-4:00 Summit | 4:00-5:00 Social
Construction Summit 2026: Turning Industry Change into Competitive Advantage is a half-day executive summit built for construction leaders who want more than just continuing education credits. This program delivers a concise, forward-looking briefing on the most important trends shaping the industry – and, more importantly, practical strategies to get in front of them.
Attendees will walk away with clear insight into where the industry is headed, how legal and business decisions intersect, and what proactive steps leaders can take now to strengthen operations, reduce friction, and position their companies for sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.
12:30–1:10 PM | The 2026 Construction Landscape: Trends, Pressure Points, and Strategic Advantage
This opening session sets the stage for 2026 by identifying the structural, economic, legal, and operational shifts reshaping the construction industry. Drawing on current data and real-world experience, we will explain which trends matter most, why they are accelerating, and how leading companies are responding. The focus is on actionable insight—how to reassess contracts, advisors, internal teams, and decision-making processes to stay ahead of change and position your company for smarter, more resilient growth.
Presenter(s): Kyle Willems, Shareholder and Construction Litigator, Bassford Remele
1:10–1:40 PM | Policy, Regulation, and the Courts: Navigating Change Before It Becomes Disruption
Legislative and regulatory developments can either create friction or open doors, depending on how early leaders engage. This session provides a practical, forward-looking update on key state and federal initiatives affecting construction in 2026, with candid insight into what is likely to pass, what is not, and what is already influencing enforcement and project risk. We will also discuss how upcoming court decisions may reshape the landscape—and how companies can track, plan for, and adapt to change proactively rather than reactively.
Presenter(s): Beth LaCanne, Shareholder and Employment Attorney, Bassford Remele; Laura Ziegler: Director of Government Affairs, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
1:50–2:20 PM | Cybersecurity as a Business Asset: Protecting Projects, Data, and Growth
Cybersecurity is no longer just about defense—it is increasingly a differentiator for companies seeking stability, insurability, and trust. This session explains why construction firms are expected to be prime targets in 2026, how cyber incidents actually unfold, and where business, legal, and insurance issues intersect. Attendees will learn practical strategies to strengthen systems, align insurance coverage, manage vendors, and build incident-response plans that reduce exposure while supporting growth in an increasingly digital construction environment.
Presenter(s): Beth LaCanne, Shareholder and Employment Attorney, Bassford Remele; Laura Ziegler: Director of Government Affairs, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
2:20–2:50 | Insurance Strategy in 2026: Aligning Coverage with the Risks You’re Actually Taking
As insurance markets tighten and coverage terms evolve, companies that understand and adapt gain a measurable advantage. This session explores current and emerging insurance trends, including coverage restrictions, pricing pressure, and changing underwriting priorities. We will also examine how courts are interpreting key policy provisions and what those decisions mean for risk allocation, claims recovery, and long-term planning — with a focus on structuring insurance programs that support business objectives in 2026.
Presenter(s): Bryce Riddle, Shareholder and Cyber Security Attorney, Bassford Remele; Jeff Olejnik, Cybersecurity expert and consultant, Wipfli, LLP
3:00–3:30 PM | Capital, Succession, and Scale: Planning for Sustainable Growth in 2026 and Beyond
Growth, capital access, and leadership transition are increasingly intertwined in today’s construction market. This session examines financing and ownership trends affecting contractors, developers, and investors, including what structures are gaining traction and where companies are encountering friction. We will also discuss succession and continuity planning — not as an exit strategy, but as a tool to preserve value, attract capital, and position companies for long-term success in a changing industry.
Presenter(s): Jeff Mulder, Shareholder and Insurance Coverage and Litigation Attorney, Bassford Remele
3:30–4:00 PM | Litigation Signals: What Today’s Disputes Reveal About 2026’s Opportunities and Pitfalls
Litigation trends offer a clear window into where construction risk is heading — and how companies can avoid costly missteps. This session analyzes the disputes most frequently arising in the industry and explains what they reveal about contract drafting, project management, documentation, and communication breakdowns. Attendees will gain insight into targeted changes that can reduce disputes, shorten resolution timelines, and free leadership to focus on operations and growth rather than litigation.for long-term success in a changing industry
Presenter(s): Casey Marshall, Shareholder and Succession Planning, Trusts, and Estates attorney, Bassford Remele
4:00–5:00 | Social
We will end the day networking with industry peers.
Location:
Oak Ridge Country Club
700 Oak Ridge Rd
Hopkins, MN 55305
No fee to attend | In-Person Only
Continuing Education Credit:
- Lawyers: This course is pending approval for 3.00 Continuing Legal Education credits in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- Contractors: This course is pending approval by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for 3.00 (3 CEUs) of Continuing Education for Residential Contractors and includes the Business Management requirement.
Construction and Real Estate Newsletter: Legal Foundations
Legal Foundations is a publication of the Construction and Real Estate Practice Group. To subscribe, please contact Janet Nelson, Marketing Director.
Employment Newsletter: The Work Week with Bassford Remele
Each Monday, the Bassford Remele Employment Team publishes and sends an article on a timely topic to your inbox to hopefully assist you in jumpstarting your work week. To subscribe to The Work Week, please contact Janet Nelson, Marketing Director.
