Discover, Connect & Thrive — right in the middle of the Arizona heat.
The Construction Financial Management Association National Conference is the annual gathering point for CFOs, controllers, risk managers, and operations leaders across construction. In 2026, CFMA National runs May 30–June 3 in Phoenix, Arizona, and if you’re responsible for subcontractor compliance, insurance tracking, or project risk in any form, you need to be there.
We’ve been part of the CFMA community for years, and if there’s one thing we know, it’s that showing up prepared makes the difference between a great week and an exhausting one. This guide covers everything from navigating the Expo Hall to where to eat in the event that Phoenix hits 106 degrees.
Why CFMA National Is Worth Your Week
CFMA National isn’t just a conference — it’s a pressure-tested network of the people who keep construction companies financially sound. Sessions are led by practitioners, not theorists. You’ll hear from GCs who’ve built compliance programs from scratch, CFOs who’ve navigated bonding challenges, and technology leaders who’ve connected financial data across Procore, Sage, and Vista.
If you’ve been to CFMA chapter events and wondered what the national version looks like, it’s the full picture. Expect deep-dive sessions on risk, bonding, insurance program design, and financial operations, plus an Expo Hall full of vendors who’ve built specifically for construction.
And if COI compliance or subcontractor insurance tracking is somewhere on your to-do list this year, we’ll be at the Billy booth all week — and we’d love to show you what automated compliance actually looks like.
Navigate the Expo Hall Like a Pro
The Expo Hall is where technology meets construction finance. It can feel overwhelming if you try to see everything, so go in with intention.
Before the conference, scan the exhibitor list and mark the booths relevant to your current pain points. If you’re managing subcontractor COI collection manually — or using a tool that still requires too much human intervention — put the Billy booth at the top of your list.
We built Billy specifically for construction teams managing high volumes of subcontractors. That means automated COI collection, AI-powered certificate review, non-compliant vendor blocking, and native integrations with Procore, Sage Intacct, Vista, CMiC, and more. A 15-minute demo at the booth will show you exactly how it works.
And if you stop by, we’re giving away a Yeti Tundra cooler to one lucky booth visitor — first-come, first-served on entries.
Book the Sessions That Matter
With multiple tracks running simultaneously, the session schedule can feel like a puzzle. A few principles that help:
Choose sessions that connect directly to a decision you’re already facing. If you’re mid-evaluation on a compliance tool, a session on risk management technology will land differently than it would in a vacuum.
Attend at least one session outside your core focus. CFMA is where financial operations and risk intersect — the CFO track often has more practical risk content than the risk track, and vice versa.
Block time for the Expo Hall during off-peak session hours. Early mornings and the post-lunch window are when exhibitors have more time for real conversations, not just booth patter.
Where to Eat in Phoenix (Thank Us Later)
Phoenix restaurant reservations fill up fast once the CFMA crowd lands. Lock these in before you leave:
🥩 Cleaverman: The steakhouse locals actually recommend. Order the scallops.
🍷 Wren & Wolf: Tableside Beef Wellington, because you deserve a little theater with dinner.
🍺 The Arrogant Butcher: Steps from the venue. Perfect for catching up with a few too many coworkers.
🕵️ Rough Rider: Speakeasy vibes, weird elevator, excellent Old Fashioned.
🌆 Diablo Rooftop: City views and guava margaritas for a proper post-panel reset.
🌙 Cornish Pasty Co: Open late, hosts live jazz, and somehow ends up being everyone’s favorite.
Book ahead. Your future self will thank you on Thursday night.
Make the Most of the Week
The conversations you have in the hallways and at dinner often matter more than the sessions themselves. CFMA National is a tight-knit community — the people you meet here tend to stay in your network for years.
A few things that help:
Follow up fast. If you meet someone on Monday, send a LinkedIn request by Tuesday. The longer you wait, the more the week blurs together.
Book demos while the conversations are fresh. If a tool caught your eye in the Expo Hall, schedule the follow-up call before you leave Phoenix. Your in-box will be a disaster by Friday morning.
Bring your real questions. The best vendor conversations at CFMA aren’t demos, they’re problem-solving sessions. Come with your actual compliance challenges, your Procore workflow, and your sub volume. The right tool should speak directly to your situation.
Come See Billy at CFMA National 2026
We’ll be in the Expo Hall all week, and we’d genuinely love to talk through what subcontractor compliance looks like at your company — whether that’s 20 subs or 2,000.
If COI tracking, automated certificate review, or Procore integration is anywhere on your radar, stop by the booth. Bring your questions. And don’t forget: one lucky visitor walks away with a Yeti Tundra cooler.
Can’t make it to the booth? Request a demo here and we’ll meet you wherever you are.
See you in Phoenix. 🌵
