Are you a young professional in the AEC industry looking to level up your career, gain industry insights, and expand your network? The DBIA Southwest Regional Conference + Golf Tournament happening on April 14-15, 2025, in Austin, TX is the perfect event to help you do just that.
This isn’t just another conference—it’s an opportunity to accelerate your career, connect with industry leaders, and gain real-world knowledge that you can’t get from textbooks or webinars. Whether you’re new to the design-build world or looking to deepen your expertise, here’s why you’ll want to be there (and how to convince your boss to send you).
Top 5 Reasons to Attend the DBIA-SW Regional Conference + Golf Tournament
Learn from Industry Experts Hear from thought leaders, executives, and project managers who’ve been at the forefront of transformative infrastructure projects across transportation, aviation, water/wastewater, and commercial sectors. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies you can apply immediately in your role.
Get Hands-On, Real-World Experience From case studies like “Design-Build Done Wrong” to an exclusive Austin Light Rail Tour, you’ll see how projects succeed (and where they can fail), giving you insights that go beyond theory.
Network with the Right People Whether it’s during the Golf Tournament, the Conference Reception, or breakout sessions, you’ll meet peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can open doors for future collaborations or career opportunities.
Build Skills That Set You Apart Sessions on progressive design-build, VDC integration, ethical leadership, and collaborative project delivery will help you develop both technical and soft skills—making you a more well-rounded professional.
It’s Fun! Yes, you’ll learn a lot, but you’ll also have a blast. The Golf Tournament and Opening Reception offer a relaxed environment to build relationships while enjoying some downtime.
How to Ask Your Boss for Approval to Attend
We get it—asking for time off (and possibly conference funding) can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s two easy-to-use email templates you can send to your supervisor to make your case.
Email Templates to Request Time Off for the DBIA-SW Regional Conference
Template 1: Fill-in-the-blanks
Hi [Insert Boss’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out and request time off to attend the DBIA Southwest Regional Conference & Golf Tournament on April 14-15, 2025, in Austin, TX.
This event is a valuable opportunity for me to gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in the AEC industry, particularly in areas like [Insert specific topics of interest, e.g., progressive design-build, VDC integration, project management, etc.]. The conference features keynotes from industry leaders, real-world case studies on major infrastructure projects, and sessions designed to enhance both technical skills and leadership development.
In addition to the educational sessions, the networking opportunities are exceptional. I’ll have the chance to connect with professionals across the Southwest region, including [Insert relevant groups, e.g., project owners, designers, contractors, regulatory officials, etc.], which could be beneficial for [Insert how this applies to your role or company, e.g., supporting our current projects, exploring partnership opportunities, expanding our industry presence, etc.].
Here’s what I hope to bring back to the team:
Actionable insights on [Insert specific learning goals, e.g., design-build best practices, lessons learned from case studies, etc.].
Emerging trends in [Insert relevant industry trends, e.g., technology, project delivery methods, sustainability practices, etc.].
A stronger professional network that could support [Insert specific projects, future opportunities, or team goals].
I believe this conference will not only support my professional development but also provide ideas and strategies that could benefit our team and organization as a whole.
Please let me know if you’d be open to discussing this further. I’d be happy to provide more details or outline how I plan to apply what I learn to my role.
Thank you for considering my request!
Best,
[Insert Your Name]
Template 2: Use our pre-filled Template
Final Thoughts
Attending the DBIA-SW Regional Conference + Golf Tournament is more than just a professional event—it’s an opportunity to invest in your future. You’ll gain knowledge, build meaningful connections, and return to work with fresh ideas to contribute to your team’s success.
So, what are you waiting for? Send that email, pack your bags, and get ready to take your career to the next level!