Thanks to the generous support of the Past Presidents Council, I had the incredible honor of attending EDSymposium25 in Lexington, Kentucky, as a recipient of the 2025 PPC Professional Development Grant. This was my first national SDA event, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect— but I came home feeling inspired, energized, and deeply connected to a community of administrative professionals who understand exactly what it means to work in the AEC industry.

The sessions I attended weren’t just informative, they were transformational. I walked away with insights I can use right away, and I made connections that reminded me just how powerful our professional network can be. Below are reflections on four sessions that really stayed with me.

Critical Thinking: Think People Are Born with the Ability to Think Critically? Think Again

Presented by Carla Howard

This pre-conference workshop kicked off the week with a bang. Carla Howard guided us through what she called the Critical Thinking Skill Stack, and I was amazed at how immediately useful and relevant it all felt. One of the most empowering things she said was, “None of us were born with a critical thinking gene”—which means this is something we can all get better at.

The session broke down the elements of strong critical thinking: being curious, listening intently, analyzing information, offering solutions, making decisions, and communicating crisply. Each one came with actionable habits and self-reflection questions. I also appreciated the reminder to question assumptions and stay open-minded.

The workshop didn’t just stay theoretical—it included simple strategies, like incorporating mindful observation or even playing puzzle games, to build those skills over time. It was a great reminder that everyday moments are opportunities to sharpen our thinking, and that will help us lead and contribute more effectively at work.

What resonated most with me was the concept of focusing on the idea, not the path. Too often, I find myself getting caught up in how I got to a conclusion, wanting to justify or defend it. Carla reminded us that this tendency can actually distract from the value of the idea itself. That really hit home. I tend to want to explain how I arrived at a decision, but sometimes that can overshadow the idea itself. That insight made me realize how often I can get in my own way. Since coming home, I’ve been trying to notice those moments—when I’m tempted to dig in or defend, and instead, lean into curiosity. That shift feels small but powerful.

R(AI)sing Your AI IQ

Presented by Kristin Kautz

Kristin Kautz’s workshop was fast-paced, exciting, and eye-opening. She talked about how AI is changing the AEC industry, and challenged us to think not just about what tools we’re using—but how we’re using them. One of her core messages was that AI can generate ideas and content, but it’s our human judgment that gives it meaning. That really connected back to the earlier sessions on critical thinking.

Of all the smart strategies and best practices Kristin shared, the most memorable takeaway for me was the idea of an office “safeword” or emoji. With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated voices and videos, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real. I never expected a professional development conference to include a cybersecurity epiphany—but there it was. This simple idea gave me a concrete way to bring safety and clarity into our digital communication practices at work.

Kristin also encouraged us to audit our firm’s tech stack—to evaluate where we’re wasting time, what tools we’re underutilizing, and what we can automate. It was a call to action I didn’t know I needed. I left this session feeling ready to not only embrace new tools, but also help lead smarter conversations around how we use them.

Courageous Conversations: Your Key to Career Success

Keynote by Carla Howard

Carla’s keynote the following morning built beautifully on the critical thinking session. Her framework for handling difficult conversations gave me a roadmap for how to speak up when it matters most. We discussed how to navigate conversations where opinions differ, emotions run high, or the outcome really matters to us—scenarios that are all too familiar in our professional lives.

Two specific takeaways really stuck with me: stop overexplaining, and remember that silence is part of the conversation. I’ve always felt a need to fill the air, to explain every angle, but Carla reminded us that influence doesn’t come from talking more—it comes from being clear and confident. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause and let the other person speak.

Another big shift for me? Replacing the word “but” with “and.” It’s such a small change, but it transforms the tone of a conversation from confrontational to collaborative. That one word swap will help me communicate in a way that feels more respectful and effective. This session made me braver—and more mindful—in how I advocate for myself and others.

Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction

Presented by Diane Mika

If Kristin’s session was about the potential of AI, Diane Mika’s was a clear-eyed look at the responsibilities and risks that come with it. She walked us through how to create thoughtful AI policies and made a strong case for why firms need to start documenting their AI strategies now—not later. Legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities are shifting fast, and this session helped me see how crucial it is that our policies keep up.

What stuck with me most was the concept of the “evolving standard of care.” Diane posed a powerful question: If most firms are using AI tools and you’re not, are you still meeting the standard of care? That one question reframed the conversation for me. It’s not just about innovation—it’s about liability, credibility, and the future of professional practice. The idea that what’s considered “ordinary” is changing really emphasized the urgency of not just reacting to AI trends, but leading with thoughtful, proactive policies.

Diane’s framework emphasized human oversight, documentation, and staying informed as regulations and professional standards continue to shift. This session helped me see that having a clear, written policy isn’t just best practice—it’s a necessity, and one I plan to help develop within our office.

How It All Came Together

What made these sessions especially powerful was how interconnected they were. The conference felt less like a collection of isolated workshops and more like a cohesive learning journey. Critical thinking laid the foundation for assessing information. Courageous Conversations taught me how to use that judgment to communicate with integrity. The AI sessions showed me how to apply those skills in a fast-changing digital world—balancing opportunity with responsibility.

Each session reinforced the others in meaningful ways. Together, they gave me new tools, a new mindset, and a stronger voice. I came home not just with ideas, but with a sense of clarity and confidence about where I want to grow professionally—and how I can help guide others in my firm to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Attending EdSymposium25 wasn’t just a great professional experience—it was a moment of growth. I’m so thankful to the Past Presidents Council for the support, and to the SDA community for creating a space where learning, connection, and encouragement are always front and center. I left Lexington inspired, informed, and ready to keep moving forward.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Carrie’s EDSymposium25 experience resonated most with you? Leave a comment below to let her know! And while you're at it—think back to your own EDSymposium experience. What session, speaker, or moment made a lasting impact? Or if you haven’t attended yet, what are you hoping to gain when you do? Let’s keep the inspiration (and conversation) going!