How can I continue to safely network in person amid the recent surge in coronavirus cases?

Networking builds relationships, provides an avenue for exchanging ideas, makes you more noticeable and can serve as a launchpad for new opportunities, but to do so safely to avoid putting yourself or others at risk is a challenge these days. The Builders’ event manager has received Pandemic On-Site Protocol certification to ensure any in-person events we host are held to the highest safety standards.

With that training in mind, Builders’ has adapted events to maximize the networking opportunities for members, while minimizing risk. Adaptations include ensuring hand sanitizer and masks are readily available at all events, creating hybrid or virtual attendance experiences and shifting to outdoor events when possible.

Visit www.buildersassociation.com to see a full listing of construction industry networking events you can attend, including a local, hybrid attendance opportunity for “Transformation: Builders’ Professional Development Conference,” and a free outdoor family friendly fall fest on Oct. 12.

Meet the Expert

Miles Boyer is the Springfield Office Manager for The Builders' Association, which is a nonprofit commercial construction trade association serving hundreds of member companies that employ over 25,000 people in mid-America. Founded in 1887, The Builders’ Association has advanced the construction industry by delivering safety, craft and management training; employment, labor and government relations; and construction plans and technology tools.

Four service and training centers operate in Kansas City, Jefferson City and Springfield to serve both union and nonunion member companies and to aid collaboration by connecting passionate people and businesses, with a vision of improving lives through construction.

This is accomplished in several ways, including:

• 3,000+ safety trainees annually. 

• Community outreach. 

• 1,500+ apprentices in cosponsored programs. 

• Delivery of business education and professional development. 

• Negotiation of 27 collective bargaining agreements. 

• Coadministration and trustee-appointment authority for 28 fringe funds with over $3 billion in assets. 

• Government relations services at the local and state level, as well as federally through AGC Kansas City, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America and the association’s sister organization.