Thursday, November 6, 2026
Roundhouse Event Center
2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583
The 16th Annual Westcon Symposium is a day-long seminar presented by highly qualified experts in an interactive learning environment. This years conference theme is "Mastering the Defect Litigation Spectrum: Every Angle, Every Expert, One Symposium."
The Symposium panels of experts will include attorneys, insurance experts, contractors, architects, engineers, and finance representatives.
TICKET PRICING
$295 MEMBER early-bird Pricing
$375 Member (after 09/25)
$430 Non member early-bird Pricing
$525 Non-Member (after 09/25)
Don't like the Non-Member price? JOIN US!
Prorated membership from now until December 31st is $165
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Exhibitor Setup/Staff Setup
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Registration, Hot Breakfast & Exhibitor Networking
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome Address & Sponsor Recognition
9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. PHASE 1 – Building the Case
From Investigation to Litigation: Building a Defensible Construction Defect Case
Description:
Every construction defect claim begins long before a deposition or trial. This phase explores the critical role of SB 800 investigations, expert reports, and early litigation strategy in building a strong case. Learn how attorneys and experts collaborate from the outset to preserve evidence, evaluate claims, and position a case for either successful settlement or trial.
Speaker(s): Glen Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke Litigation & Trial Attorneys PC
9:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PHASE 2 – Expert Investigation
Expert Reports Part I: Investigation, Analysis & SB 800 Documentation
Description:
Effective expert reports lay the groundwork for successful defect litigation. This phase examines how industrial hygienists, structural engineers, geotechnical experts, and other consultants investigate building failures, document findings, and prepare reports that withstand legal scrutiny.
Speaker(s): Christine Diosdado, PE, SGH, Blake Schatz, Schatz Architects
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Break & Exhibitor Networking
10:50 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. PHASE 3 – Preparing for Litigation
Depositions, Trial Strategy & Making Expert Reports Work
Description:
An expert report is only as valuable as its ability to support litigation strategy. Learn how attorneys prepare experts for deposition, identify strengths and weaknesses in reports, and use technical findings to negotiate settlements or present compelling testimony at trial.
Speaker(s): Glen Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke Litigation & Trial Attorneys PC
11:25 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. PHASE 4 – Advanced Technical Analysis
Expert Reports Part II: Specialized Perspectives in Construction Defect Investigations
Description:
Continue the discussion with a deeper dive into specialized investigations, including structural engineering, geotechnical analysis, industrial hygiene, and other disciplines that frequently shape construction defect claims. Panelists will discuss how multiple expert opinions intersect to establish causation, liability, and damages.
Speaker(s): Christine Diosdado, PE, SGH, Blake Schatz, Schatz Architects
12:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch, Headshots, & Exhibitor Networking
1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. PHASE 5 – Quantifying the Damage
The Cost of Repair: Developing Credible Repair Estimates
Description:
Accurate repair estimates are essential to evaluating exposure and resolving construction defect claims. This phase explores methodologies for developing repair costs, defining appropriate scopes of work, and addressing common disputes between experts, contractors, and legal teams.
Speaker(s): Bill Mann, Paradise Pools, Michael Kennedy, Esq., Berding|Weil
1:55 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. PHASE 6 – Insurance & Risk Allocation
Insurance Coverage, Wrap Policies & Construction Defect Claims
Description:
Insurance coverage often shapes the direction of a construction defect case. This phase examines wrap policies, coverage disputes, allocation of responsibility, and the practical challenges that arise when insurers, developers, contractors, and associations disagree over liability and coverage.
Speaker(s): Dave Miller, IMA Insurance, Allison Andersen, Andersen Law
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Afternoon Break & Exhibitor Networking
2:45 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. PHASE 7 – Resolution & Repair
From Settlement to Repair: Developing and Executing the Scope of Work
Description:
Resolving a construction defect claim extends beyond settlement—it requires a practical, well-executed repair plan. This closing phase explores how repair scopes are developed, coordinated, and implemented while balancing technical recommendations, contractor expertise, insurance considerations, and owner expectations to achieve successful project outcomes.
Speaker(s): Bill Mann, Paradise Pools, Roger Grant, Fenton Grant Law Firm
3:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks & Sponsor Recognition
Companies must book sponsorship no later than 10 business days prior to this event in order to guarantee signage at the event (One of each sponsorship available unless noted otherwise.)
Table Sponsor - $1500 (5/6 Available)
Includes one (1) attendee; more may be purchased at attendee price. Early Bird Special Until September 30th - $1500 Standard Pricing $1795
Badges Sponsor $1000 (1 Available) SOLD OUT!
Logo on all attendee badges
Lanyard Sponsor (1 Available)
Company logo on lanyards for event!
Photographer Sponsor $1000 (1 Available) SOLD OUT!
Sponsor the complimentary headshots happening during lunch! Sponsor logo on badge for photographer, and in email to attendees with headshots link.
Lunch Sponsor $1,000 (4/4 Available)
Signage on buffet, includes two (2) attendees
Program Sponsor $1000 (1 Available)
Includes one (1) attendee ticket. Sponsor a specific session of symposium! Company representative introduces speakers and self (1 minute hello).
Breakfast Sponsor $750 (4 Available)
Signage on buffet
Electricity Sponsor $750 (4/4 Available)
Westcon will supply table tent with Company logo on attendee tables.
Internet Sponsor $750 (1 Available) SOLD OUT!
Everyone loves having Wifi - supply that need.
Break Sponsor $750 (2 Available)
Coffee helps people learn! Sponsor a coffee break. Company logo on coffee station.
*Only credits will be given after purchase of symposium sponsorship/ticket, no refunds. Cancellation for credit through October 25th