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A Young Professional's View from CSI 2026

From Houston to the National Stage: A Scholarship Recipient's Takeaways from the CSI National Conference 2026

The CSI Houston Chapter is proud to support the next generation of construction industry professionals and this year, we had the privilege of sending one of our own to the CSI National Conference 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Marissa Zaragoza, our scholarship recipient, brought curiosity, enthusiasm, and an open mind to the conference, and she came back with insights that reflect exactly why investing in young professionals matters.

We caught up with Marissa after the conference and asked her to share her experience. Here's what she had to say.

When asked about her favorite educational session, Marissa didn't hesitate. The highlight of the conference for her was a panel session called “Tag, You’re It! How the Spec Writer and Constructor Navigate Architectural Drawings” — a collaborative discussion featuring an Architect, General Contractor, and Specification Writer, each sharing their perspective on how to tag Drawings effectively so they align with the finish schedule and Specifications.

What made the session stand out wasn't just the content, it was the format. Hearing three different professionals speak to the same challenge from their own vantage points gave Marissa a fuller picture of how coordination and communication work across disciplines.

"I especially enjoyed hearing from all three professionals and learning how each one approaches communication and coordination throughout the project. Hearing their real-world experiences made the topic feel much more practical and helped me see just how much clear documentation and teamwork contribute to a successful project." 

For an aspiring Specification Writer still building her foundation, that kind of cross-disciplinary perspective is invaluable.

One of Marissa's biggest takeaways from the conference centered on a topic that's on everyone's mind right now: artificial intelligence. She was impressed by how many speakers approached the subject — with optimism, but also with honest, grounded expectations.

The discussions challenged some of her prior assumptions about what AI can and can't do in the context of Specification Writing. She left with a clearer sense that while AI holds real promise as a tool for organization, efficiency, and administrative support, it is not a replacement for the professionals who do this work.

"AI can be a great tool for improving organization, increasing efficiency, and helping with administrative tasks. It can even act as a virtual assistant that can be guided and trained to help with specific tasks. However, it still needs human oversight, professional judgment, and the knowledge that comes from years of hands-on experience." 

Perhaps most meaningfully, the experience deepened her appreciation for the craft itself.

"At the end of the day, there is still so much value in the real-world experience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that experienced Spec Writers bring to their work!"

When we asked Marissa what surprised her most, her answer was both refreshing and telling. It wasn't a particular session or product reveal, it was the people. As a young professional still learning the ropes, Marissa admitted that conferences can sometimes feel intimidating. Walking into rooms full of seasoned experts, especially without years of hands-on field experience to draw from, can make it difficult to know what questions to ask or how to engage. But that's not what she found at this conference.

"The manufacturers and speakers were always happy to explain the fundamentals, share real-world examples, and talk through situations where installation might not go exactly as planned. I never felt out of place for being less experienced, which made the whole conference feel comfortable, encouraging, and genuinely enjoyable." 

She left not just more educated, but more confident and eager about the road ahead.

"I left feeling more confident, much more informed, and excited to keep learning from the amazing professionals in this industry!" 

Marissa's experience is a reminder of why the CSI Houston Chapter Conference Scholarship exists. Conferences like this one don't just transfer knowledge, they build connections, spark curiosity, and help young professionals find their place in a community that's larger than any one project or firm. 

We are incredibly proud of Marissa and grateful to everyone in our chapter whose support made this opportunity possible for her. We look forward to watching her continue to grow, and to seeing the contributions she'll make to our industry for years to come.

Interested in supporting future scholarships or getting involved with the CSI Houston Chapter? Contact Sean Leich at [email protected].