September 11, 2025

Register today to engage and connect at a Lean event like no other. We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 LCI Congress, October 20-24, in Arlington, Texas. Take advantage of discounted rates before prices go up tomorrow on September 12!

Congress is more than an event; it’s where 2,000+ Lean practitioners come together to learn, share, and build lasting relationships that strengthen our industry. Here are some of Chris’s top tips for networking at Congress. For much more, check out our interview with Chris:

• Use the Congress App to plan your sessions and connect directly with other attendees
• Don’t hesitate to start conversations—introduce yourself at networking events like the Kick-Off Social and the Exhibitor Reception
• Visit the Exhibit Hall to meet vendors and network with new colleagues
• Take advantage of the whole Congress week—the Golf Tournament, Learning Days, Gemba Day, meals, coffee breaks, and the time before and after sessions—to build relationships
• Plan ahead to maximize who you meet and what you learn

Note: Keep in mind you’ll register for the Core Program (Wednesday/Thursday), then have the option to add on the Golf Tournament (Monday), Learning Day(s) (Monday afternoon and Tuesday), and Gemba Day (Friday).

Need to make the case for Congress to your leadership or team?
Check out our easy-to-use, customizable Make the Case for Congress resource!

Interested in sponsoring at this year’s Congress? Contact Ilene Goldberg by email or (703) 785-9087 for more information.

Questions about the Congress program? Contact Joan Piccariello for more information.

Register Now

• Identify Milestone Conditions of Satisfaction – Build your own conditions of satisfaction into the plan.
  • What preparation, mindset, or support needs do you have for each milestone?
• Identify Actions and Pull Plan – Plan backwards from the next milestone to outline necessary actions, constraints, and handoffs, allowing you to build a realistic timeline.
  • What actions do you need to take to complete the milestones, and what could get in the way?
• Make Work Ready and Work the Plan – Make your plan ready, schedule time to review your upcoming activities, and schedule them on your calendar.
  • What actions will you take each week to move the plan forward?
• Establish Regular Check-ins and PDCA – Take time to reflect. Before you plan your next week(s) of tasks, check your progress and act on what you’ve learned.
  • What did you complete? What did not work as planned, and why? Where can you adjust your plan or plan differently?

View Refresher Resources

Her favorite CoP event or activity so far:
“The Gemba Walks – I love seeing how companies in completely different segments of the industry apply Lean in creative ways to improve operations and the everyday experience of their people.”

How the Nashville CoP has impacted her professional growth:
“The relationships I’ve built through LCI and our CoP have been incredibly meaningful. This work has become a consistent source of mentorship, support, and camaraderie. Collaborating with other Core Team leaders and participating in our planning ‘Big Rooms’ has been one of the most rewarding parts of helping the Nashville CoP take root and grow.”

Her biggest Lean challenge:
“For me, the challenge is slowing down enough to ask thoughtful questions rather than immediately offering advice the moment I think I know how to help!”

Favorite Lean success story:
“One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was a co-located Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) replacement hospital. Like any complex project, it had its challenges, but what set it apart was the incredible culture we built as a team. At one point, the owner, project executive, general superintendent, and lead inspector even got behind the bar to serve drinks to the entire team – a simple but powerful moment of unity and mutual respect. That project wrapped up seven years ago, and I still keep in touch with many of the people I worked alongside, from trade partners and designers to fellow general contractors.”

Her advice to someone new to a CoP or considering joining:
“Just jump in! You don’t need to be a Lean expert to get involved – you only need curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to contribute.”

What she’s most excited about for the future of her CoP:
“I’m excited to see our CoP continue to grow and evolve. We have a fantastic lineup of events this year, and I’m excited to keep building momentum in our Lean community.”

Favorite Lean Construction Institute events:
“I’ve attended Congress four times in different roles: as a presenter, a speaker’s champion, and participant. I always walk away with fresh insights and valuable new connections. It’s also a great opportunity to reconnect with past colleagues and mentors – and meet new ones – who continue to shape my Lean journey!”

Want to explore how our Community of Practice can contribute to your projects? Join one and find out!

Find Your Community

LCI is pleased to announce that the LCI-funded research project, University Adoption of Lean Education in Accredited Design and Construction Curricula, is now active!

This important initiative aims to expand the teaching, and ultimately the application, of Lean practices across the design and construction industry.

We would love to have your support and participation in this endeavor!

• Faculty/Academic Participation: If you are interested in learning more or nominating a colleague, please contact Dr. Sagata Bhawani.
• Industry Participation: If you would like to get involved as an industry coach or partner, please complete this interest survey by Friday, October 10.

Dr. Thais Alves and Dr. Bhawani will follow up with additional information and are also available to schedule one-on-one conversations to answer any questions.

Your engagement will play a key role in advancing Lean education and preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Thanks for your support!

To RSVP, please email Maryann Fiala by September 17, 2025, and include the topic you would like to propose for discussion. Hope you can join us!

Not a member yet? These sessions, and on-demand access to current and past webinars, are part of LCI membership benefits designed to accelerate your Lean adoption. Join to unlock member-only learning and more. Reach out to Maryann Fiala to discuss how your company can build better with LCI corporate membership.

Have a win to share? If your team has a repeatable practice or case study that’s moved the needle, we’d love to feature you in a future member-to-member session. Share your idea and we’ll follow up with the next steps.

A3 Thinking goes beyond filling out a form—it’s a structured approach that builds shared understanding, drives collaboration, and supports better outcomes. In this 90-minute webinar, you’ll explore how to move beyond using A3s as static reports and instead apply the full thinking process as a tool for leadership, communication, and continuous improvement. With practical examples and insights, this session will help you strengthen your problem-solving, coaching, and facilitation skills—whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your practice.

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