TWO-HOUR VIRTUAL EVENT
e-Merge Estimate 2026
July 8 • 2:00 – 4:00 PM
e-Merge Estimate is an online, one-day conference dedicated to the future of construction cost estimation. Designed for DOTs, contractors, and local agencies, this event delivers actionable strategies to improve estimate accuracy, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and prepare for the next generation of modern estimation software.
What can I do at Infotech e-Merge?
Learn & Earn
Our sessions will explore the future of construction cost estimation, from cost-based methodology and data-driven estimate validation to competitive intelligence and next-generation estimation software. Whether you work for a DOT, contractor, or local agency, there’s a PDH-eligible session for you.
Connect & Share
A wide array of industry stakeholders attend our online conferences. e-Merge Estimate is an opportunity to engage with professionals from across the infrastructure industry and connect with subject matter experts focused on modern estimation practices.
Ask & Master
Have a question about construction cost estimation? e-Merge offers ample Q&A opportunities for AASHTOWare Project users, contractors, local agencies, and anyone interested in improving estimation accuracy. Walk away with more tools in your toolbox.
e-Merge Estimate Conference Tracks
Alongside a keynote and closing session to bookend the conference, e-Merge Estimate will feature specialized tracks with sessions built for the following groups:
e-Merge Estimate Conference Tracks
Alongside a keynote and closing session to bookend the conference, e-Merge Estimate will feature specialized tracks with sessions built for the following groups:
DOT Track
Modernizing estimate development through cost-based methodology, data analytics, and more defensible decision-making.
Local Government Track
Exploring local estimation challenges to shape and inform the next generation of estimation software.
Contractor Track
Using post-bid competitive intelligence, bid tabulation data, and market insight to improve estimating strategy and competitiveness.
e-Merge Estimate Agenda & Core Topics
Sessions will focus on the following core topics:
- Shifting from historical bid-based estimating toward cost-based methodology
- Using AASHTOWare Project Data Analytics to support data-driven estimating
- Turning bid tabulation data into competitive intelligence
- Identifying what local agencies need from next-generation estimation software
- Preparing for the future of construction cost estimation
e-Merge Estimate Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Jeff Hisem
Highway Transportation Estimator/Analyst
Jeff’s career with the Ohio Department of Transportation focused on assuring that limited public funds were being utilized in the most efficient manner to get the greatest possible amount of highway work accomplished. He spent 36+ years leading estimators and analysts to ensure transportation dollars were being spent properly.
Chad Richards
Senior Product Manager: Estimation and Asset Tracker • Infotech
Chad Richards is a civil engineer with an emphasis on cost estimating, risk management, and constructability. He has over 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, as a road design engineer, construction engineer, and estimator. Chad joined Infotech in 2021 as a subject matter expert supporting AASHTOWare Project Estimation™ and is currently the AASHTOWare Project Estimation Product Manager.
Erica Daughtry
Senior Product Group Lead: Estimation and Preconstruction • Infotech
Erica works closely with the development team on the design, development, and testing of enhancements in the software, ensuring that the business requirements are met. Erica has worked on many implementation projects, providing services such as training and business process workshops.
Kateryna Bondareva
Product Manager: Data Analytics • Infotech
As the Product Manager for AASHTOWare Project Data Analytics™ SaaS, Dr. Kateryna Bondareva drives product capabilities that deliver impactful, actionable insights to support Department of Transportation personnel in their day-to-day operational needs across pre-award, post-bid, and market analysis workflows.
Brad Chrudimsky
Head of Product Marketing • Infotech
Brad Chrudimsky is Head of Product Marketing at Infotech, bringing years of experience in construction data and analytics to the preconstruction process. His background spans construction technology software for estimating and bidding, with a focus on helping contractors put data to work for smarter decisions. Brad is based in Greenville, South Carolina.
Ozette Brown
Senior Customer Success Manager: Preconstruction • Infotech
Jim Ferguson
Senior Enterprise Product Consultant • Infotech
With over 35 years in both public and private sectors, Jim has experience in requirements analysis, software development, resource management, strategic implementation, and company collaboration efforts. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska. While this degree may not seem to fit where Jim is today, it serves as a reminder that hard work and passion for that work determines your path, not a piece of paper.
Register for e-Merge Estimate 2026
Register today to secure your seat and receive the latest updates on the upcoming conference.