Under the theme of STEAM Connect, speakers will educate on construction contracts, workforce solutions, and technology advancement, alongside interactive exhibits and networking.
Beaverton, OR, March 19, 2026: The speaker session lineup for the 2026 Business Expo West tradeshow being held at PCC Willow Creek Opportunity Center on April 8 was announced today by BESThq, the coordinating organization for the event. Portland Community College’s Amy James Neel, community leader Tyrone Henry, retired Army Colonel and NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams, and internationally recognized author, entrepreneur, business coach and trainer Patrice Tsague are among the session leaders bringing their vast experience and expertise to attendees at various stages of their career journey.
Tyrone Henry will lead the Construction Opportunities Connect Session with a panel discussion on How to Build Successful Relationships with General Contractors. Panelists from Hoffman and Inline Construction will discuss what it takes to build and improve relationships between prime contractors and subcontractors, including MWESB/VBE/DBE firms. In a time when collaboration is key for success, this session will educate on ways general contractors and subcontractors can better communicate and collaborate to create winning projects. It will also offer insight into ways MWESB/VBE/DBE firms can get started and advance in their efforts.
The Technology Connect Session, led by Jeffrey Williams and Patrice Tsague, will examine the evolving relationship between people and technology in the modern workplace. Moving beyond the “fear of automation”, this session will discuss how AI and digital tools can enhance human connection, level the playing field for small businesses, and create more equitable opportunities across all roles in the trades and STEAM industries, from the field to the back office.
Amy James Neel will close out the speaker sessions with How Smart Contractors are Solving Workforce Challenges: Gaining a Competitive Edge through Innovative Approaches to Workforce Retention. In this session, Neel will explore the construction industry’s continued workforce challenges. With a large portion of the workforce headed toward retirement and fewer younger workers to replace them, employers feel the pressure to attract and retain the quality talent who do choose to enter the trades. The next generation, however, is looking for more than a paycheck; they’re seeking inclusive employers who respect them, invest in them, and give them a sense of belonging. The session will explore the business case for a keen focus on workforce retention including increased performance, profitability, idea-generation, productivity, safety, and harmony.
“We are truly thrilled that these amazing industry leaders are bringing their expertise and vision to Business Expo West,” says Ron White, BESThq founder. “No matter where you are on your career journey, everyone will leave with a takeaway from these inspiring speakers.”
In addition to the speaker sessions and tradeshow networking, featuring over 50 vendors, resources, and sponsors, attendees can explore interactive exhibits featuring First Lego League, STEAM Pathways Coalition, Vintage Tek (Tektronix), Hillsboro Aero Academy, Oaks Park, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and CodeNinjas. PCC’s innovative labs, including the Teaching Cleanroom, Medical Assisting, Manufacturing Training, and PCC AI Literacy Labs, will all be open for tours with PCC representatives on hand to answer questions.
BESThq is grateful to welcome back Featured Sponsors Fulcrum Construction, Portland Community College, America’s SBDC, City of Portland, Hoffman Construction, Salem Media, STEAM Hub Academy, Smart Oregon Solutions, and Washington County, who have been, and remain, pivotal in the growth and success of this Expo throughout the years.
Following the event’s conclusion, the collaboration and networking continues at an after-party just down the road at Old Chicago. Attendees are invited to continue building on the commitment to collaboration, growth, opportunity, and progress.
Since its inception 15 years ago, thousands have gathered for Business Expo West. Participants connect with business professionals, government and public agencies, and community non-profit and faith-based organizations to foster sustained growth within our regional economic ecosystem. Focused on purposeful work and advancement opportunities, Business Expo West continues to promote collaboration, progress, and inclusion. To learn more, visit http://www.bizexpowest.com.
About BESThq:
BESThq is a collaborative, community-centered organization intent on helping small businesses and non-profits thrive, elevate, and exceed their goals and bring forth purposeful work. With our vast offering of resources and services – from communications and marketing support to project management, to production support – we work to supplement organizations’ efforts to ensure advancement and growth. BESThq works to elevate community and bring the quadruple bottom line of People, Profit, Planet, and Purpose to the forefront of the mission and work of the businesses, non-profits, and public agencies we represent. To learn more, visit http://www.besthq.net.
