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Region 9 of the National Association of Women in Construction next month will host a two-day professional conference for the design and build industries.

The 2014 Pacific Northwest Built Industry Forum will take place on May 16 and 17 at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale. The event, open to men and women, will include panel discussions and workshops to aid professional development of recent graduates, architects, engineers and contractors and tradespeople, event organizer Amanda Wilson said.

The NAIC in the past has hosted conferences strictly for members, but it decided to open up this one to the general public, she said.

“This year, we tried to do something different, and encourage nonmembers to attend and (show that NAIC is) a resource to the industry,” she said.

One panel discussion set for May 16 will feature six industry professionals talking about the value that women and minorities bring to the design and build community, she said. The conference will also include a cocktail networking event and a fundraiser to provide scholarships for construction and engineering students.

The cost to attend the conference is $200 for the public, or $175 for NAIC members.

People can learn more about the event and register at .