Celebrating Excellence in California's Construction Industry at the AGC 2026 Gala
The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) recently hosted its prestigious 2026 Installation & Awards Gala at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. This highly appreciated black-tie event, which took place on January 30, 2026, was attended by over 800 guests, comprising contractors, service providers, and industry professionals. The evening honored both the new leadership team that will guide AGC of California through the upcoming year and recognized exemplary projects and contributions within the California construction sector.
Peter Tateishi, the CEO of AGC of California, expressed the importance of this event, stating, "Our members are building the projects Californians rely on every day. This night is about recognizing the teams and individuals behind that work and the partnerships that make complex projects possible." As part of this celebration, Ryan Aukerman, the president of Griffith Company, was declared the association's incoming president, marking a new chapter in its leadership.
Recognizing excellence was a key theme of the night. The hallmark of the gala included the prestigious AGC of California’s Constructor Awards and Achievement Awards. The awards program acknowledged 41 outstanding construction projects across 14 categories. These categories were meticulously judged by a panel comprising members from AGC of California's Awards Committee, including division representatives, specialty contractors, and external industry experts.
Winners were awarded in various categories, acknowledging their efforts, innovation, and excellence in construction. For example, the Specialty category featured notable projects like the LAX RWY 6L-24R North Airfield Exit Taxiway by Royal Electric Company and the Hyperion Advanced Water Purification Facility by Walsh Group, demonstrating the vast range of accomplishments from the California construction community.
Among the Achievement Award recipients were individuals recognized for their significant impact on the construction industry. Highlighted were the Construction Education Friend Achievement Award and the Owner of the Year Award, honoring those who have championed educational and collaborative efforts within the sector.
The event served as a platform for networking and fostering relationships among the attendees, which included influential leaders who are working together to innovate and drive improvement in California's construction landscape. In addition to the awards, AGC of California engaged its members in discussions about future directions, challenges, and opportunities within the industry.
This gala wouldn't have been possible without the diligent contributions of partners like Procore, ensuring that the evening was both memorable and celebratory, reflecting the hard work and dedication of California's construction professionals. As the night concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, ready to face the exciting challenges and accomplishments that 2026 will bring for California's construction industry.