2026 BUILDING CONNECTIONS

MWH brought back Building Connections in 2026, a focused two-day conference designed for recently hired professionals. The event gave new team members an opportunity to meet company leaders, learn the firm’s history and strategy, and experience what the organization calls “The MWH Way.” What began as early curiosity for many attendees turned into confident contribution as the program illustrated how every role fits into the full lifecycle of MWH’s work. The program invited all new hires at or above a designated professional level to participate in a curriculum tailored to those who were new to the MWH organization. Over two days, speakers, team exercises, and interactive sessions introduced participants to MWH, Methuen, and Slayden, explained company operations and policies, and helped newcomers expand their networks beyond their immediate job locations.

Organizers aimed to create an immersive experience in which attendees met and heard from senior leaders, gained a clear sense of the company’s strategic direction, and learned who to partner with to leverage the full power of the organization on their projects. The conference emphasized practical takeaways: how to navigate resources, whom to call for specialist support, and how to align daily work with the broader goals of the company.

BUILDING TOGETHER: COLLABORATION PRINCIPLES AND FOCUS AREAS

Throughout the program, Presenters repeatedly highlighted a central truth: MWH succeeds—delivering standout projects, delighting clients, and sustaining growth—when teams collaborate across functions. Every transition, every message, every contribution counts, from the earliest pursuit to final closeout and long after. The conference made clear that operations and back‑office teams must move in rhythm, guided by shared strategy, values, and goals. It also gave new employees practical ways to bring that rhythm to life in their roles.

The agenda centered on four core areas. A company-level overview traced the histories of MWH, Methuen, and Slayden and explained how the businesses fit together and where they are headed strategically. Sessions on core values explored the principles that shaped decisions, behavior, and client relationships, and translated those principles into expectations for daily work. Presentations on specialist support teams introduced the experts who provide technical, operational, and administrative assistance, clarifying who they were, what they did, and how to engage them effectively. Finally, workshops on personal growth offered practical guidance on career development at MWH, including finding mentors, building crossfunctional relationships, and using company resources to accelerate impact.

‍

Building Connections functioned as more than an orientation; it served as an investment in how the company worked together. Attendees left with clearer maps of company resources, a stronger understanding of expected policies and practices, and a broader network of colleagues and managers. The conference prepared new hires to contribute at a high level, aligned with The MWH Way, and helped them see how their individual roles connected to the organization’s collective success. MWH looks forward to welcoming future cohorts and continuing to strengthen the ties that make collaborative work possible.

"MWH is an organization where all operational staff and back-office support staff work in rhythm informed by the same strategy, guided by the same values, and committed to the same outcomes. This conference will enhance each employee’s knowledge of the company resources at their fingertips and the policies and practices that are expected of each employee to contribute at the highest level aligned with The MWH Way.”

Blair M. Lavoie
President and CEO
MWH

‍