About this Event
Negotiation Training: Practical Strategies for Work & Beyond
Four Books. Four Perspectives. Real-World Strategies.
Negotiation is part of everything we do, whether we're navigating project scopes, discussing contracts, working through challenges with colleagues, or advocating for ourselves.
Join NAWIC Spokane Chapter #143 for an engaging lunch & learn with Sarah Burruss, Senior Preconstruction Manager at McKinstry, as she explores four different approaches to negotiation and shares practical strategies you can start using immediately.
Drawing from four books on negotiation, Sarah will break down the key takeaways from each, discuss how their approaches complement and challenge one another, and help you discover which negotiation style might work best for you.
Whether you're negotiating contract terms, managing project expectations, or simply looking to communicate more confidently, this session will provide valuable tools you can apply both professionally and personally.
What You'll Learn
- Explore Four Negotiation Approaches: Discover different strategies and philosophies from four books on negotiation.
- Navigate Real-World Challenges: Learn how negotiation plays a role in construction, from value engineering and scope discussions to contracts and payment terms.
- Build Confidence: Gain practical techniques for approaching difficult conversations and advocating for your goals.
- Put Strategies into Action: Walk away with actionable takeaways you can begin implementing immediately.
Meet Our Speaker
Sarah Burruss | Senior Preconstruction Manager, McKinstry
Working in preconstruction, Sarah knows firsthand that negotiation is woven into nearly every stage of a project. From design decisions and value engineering to scope coordination and contract terms, finding common ground is an essential part of her work.
Her interest in negotiation began at a real estate conference and quickly grew into a passion for applying those skills in the construction industry. Through research, books, and podcasts, Sarah identified four books offering unique and sometimes contrasting perspectives on negotiation.
During this session, she'll share the highlights of each book, discuss their different approaches, and provide practical insights to help attendees strengthen their own negotiation skills.
Event Details
Date: Monday, November 16, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: MacDonald-Miller
421 N. Freya St.
Spokane, WA 99202
Lunch will be provided!
Registration
- NAWIC Members: $25
- Non-Members: $30
- First-Time Attendees: FREE!
Whether you're a seasoned construction professional, new to the industry, or simply interested in strengthening your communication and negotiation skills, we'd love to have you join us!
Come for the insights, stay for the connections, and leave with strategies you can put to work right away!
Event venue & nearby stays
MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, 421 North Freya Street, Spokane, United States
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