Join us at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park for AGC’s Technology Conference

Tentative Agenda Is Subject to Change | All Times Are Listed in Central Daylight Time (CDT)
Click the “Learn More” Toggle For More Details On Each Session. Learn More About This Year’s Speakers By Clicking Their Name to Read More About Their Construction IT Background.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

AGC Technology Conference Boot Camps – Part 1

This half-day bootcamp is for all those who are looking for help to get started with AI in Construction. Whether already in the early stages or just getting started, attendees of this bootcamp will learn the moral, ethical, and data risks associated with existing use of AI via ChatGPT related tools, examples of AI use cases and how to identify others, how to set appropriate expectations for AI with senior management, how to train employees in AI use and how to prepare your data environment to support AI initiatives. This will take the form of an interactive session, with live polling and round table exercises. At the end of the session, attendees will walk away with the beginnings of a playbook they can use in their own organizations to begin their AI adoption journey.

Presented by Angus Frost, Burger Consulting & Jason Tschetter, Mortenson

$99 to attend this year’s boot camps. Not sure which one you want to attend? Just register in advance for either boot camp and decide on-site how long you’d like to spend in each session!

Join us for an engaging workshop designed specifically for construction professionals eager to harness the power of citizen coding. This beginner-friendly session will guide you through the essentials of digital problem-solving, tailored to the unique needs of the construction industry, using standard toolsets. This workshop will provide a practical foundation for integrating digital solutions into everyday construction tasks, empowering you to innovate and improve project outcomes.

What You Will Learn:

  • Problem Definition: Learn how to precisely define real-world construction problems that can be addressed with digital solutions. We will discuss common industry challenges and how to frame them for a digital approach.
  • Data Structuring: Dive into the basics of organizing and structuring data effectively. Understand how data can be modeled to reflect construction processes, materials, timelines, and more.
  • App Development: Step-by-step guidance on creating a simple application tailored to construction needs using standard toolsets. We will cover the basics of these no-code platforms, allowing you to build functional tools without prior programming knowledge.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in simplifying their workflow through technology. No previous coding experience is required.

Outcomes: Participants will leave with a clear understanding of identifying problems, structuring data, and developing basic applications to improve efficiency and decision-making on construction sites. Embrace the role of a citizen coder and transform how you work with digital tools!

Presented by Jeff Sample, Ironman of IT LLC & Bob Salaj, QuickBase

$99 to attend this year’s boot camps. Not sure which one you want to attend? Just register in advance for either boot camp and decide on-site how long you’d like to spend in each session!

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Networking Break with Sponsors

Sponsored By:

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

AGC Technology Conference Boot Camps – Part 2

This half-day bootcamp is for all those who are looking for help to get started with AI in Construction. Whether already in the early stages or just getting started, attendees of this bootcamp will learn the moral, ethical, and data risks associated with existing use of AI via ChatGPT related tools, examples of AI use cases and how to identify others, how to set appropriate expectations for AI with senior management, how to train employees in AI use and how to prepare your data environment to support AI initiatives. This will take the form of an interactive session, with live polling and round table exercises. At the end of the session, attendees will walk away with the beginnings of a playbook they can use in their own organizations to begin their AI adoption journey.

Presented by Angus Frost, Burger Consulting & Jason Tschetter, Mortenson

$99 to attend this year’s boot camps. Not sure which one you want to attend? Just register in advance for either boot camp and decide on-site how long you’d like to spend in each session!

Join us for an engaging workshop designed specifically for construction professionals eager to harness the power of citizen coding. This beginner-friendly session will guide you through the essentials of digital problem-solving, tailored to the unique needs of the construction industry, using standard toolsets. This workshop will provide a practical foundation for integrating digital solutions into everyday construction tasks, empowering you to innovate and improve project outcomes.

What You Will Learn:

  • Problem Definition: Learn how to precisely define real-world construction problems that can be addressed with digital solutions. We will discuss common industry challenges and how to frame them for a digital approach.
  • Data Structuring: Dive into the basics of organizing and structuring data effectively. Understand how data can be modeled to reflect construction processes, materials, timelines, and more.
  • App Development: Step-by-step guidance on creating a simple application tailored to construction needs using standard toolsets. We will cover the basics of these no-code platforms, allowing you to build functional tools without prior programming knowledge.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is ideal for anyone interested in simplifying their workflow through technology. No previous coding experience is required.

Outcomes: Participants will leave with a clear understanding of identifying problems, structuring data, and developing basic applications to improve efficiency and decision-making on construction sites. Embrace the role of a citizen coder and transform how you work with digital tools!

Presented by Jeff Sample, Ironman of IT LLC & Bob Salaj, QuickBase

$99 to attend this year’s boot camps. Not sure which one you want to attend? Just register in advance for either boot camp and decide on-site how long you’d like to spend in each session!

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Welcome Reception

Sponsored By:

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast for All Attendees

Sponsored By:

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Kickoff Remarks

8:15 AM – 8:30 AM

Address from AGC Vice President Rick Andritsch

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

General Session | Recovery Blueprint: An Interactive Ransomware Tabletop Exercise

AGC member Blach Construction will hold a 60-minute ransomware tabletop exercise (“TTX”) tailored to IT professionals in the general contracting space.  Following the TTX, conference participants will better understand best practice in incident response and be able to translate the hands-on training to their business security and incident recovery protocols. This proposal is aimed at advancing several key 2024 AGC conference priorities, including “Relationship between IT and the Business” and Security.

Presented by: John Kern, Blach Construction ; Jon Saad, Blach Construction ; Leeann Nicolo, Coalition, Inc. & Chris Hendricks, Coalition, Inc.

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Tech Demo #1

This Tech Demo Will Be Presented by:  Autodesk

Sponsored By:

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Networking Break with Sponsors

Sponsored By:

10:15 AM – 11:05 AM

Breakout Sessions

PM Track
In this session, you will hear from Georgia Loadholt, an avid sports fan, as she shares an adaptable gameplan to evaluate, select and deploy a project management software across general contracting companies. Given the opportunity to “quarterback” this process as an employee at Clancy & Theys Construction Company, Georgia will present attendees with a step-by-step gameplan to tackling one of the industry’s greatest divides in project management, cloud-based software. As the rivalry amongst predominant software solutions continues to grow, and new companies enter the playing field, this session will remain software agnostic and teach companies how to silence the noise and select the software that is best fit for their current and future needs.

We will discuss the key features and capabilities to look for in project management software and how to prioritize each during your search. A case study will be presented on how a construction company planned, executed, monitored, and controlled the project software search and how the company engaged key stakeholders in this process. This session will also highlight the challenges and lessons learned when it comes to standardization, deployment and buy-in across the company. 
It identifies a problem many general contractors face, what project management solution is best for my company, and provides a step-by-step plan on how to find the solution best fit for your company.  By the end of this session, participants will have a better understanding of how to select the right project management software for their construction projects. 

Data Track

At the end of the day, construction companies share the same fundamental needs when it comes to their data: milestone tracking, budgeting, compliance, record keeping, and hitting deadlines. It’s how you select and implement the right software to handle these tasks that makes all the difference in a competitive industry like construction.

Construction companies tend to over invest time and money into highly individualized software programs claiming to solve their “unique problems.” This is their downfall. These complex solutions lock organizations into the same system long-term, hindering future integrations and prohibiting companies from adopting emerging technologies as they become available. These custom-built solutions also age poorly and become cumbersome to manage and maintain over time.
In a data-centric model you do not need to force point solutions such as CRM, HCM or ESS into your accounting or ERP system. Instead, you integrate them into your data warehouse and then build your reporting and analytics around the data in one place as opposed to integrating your applications to each other, which can be complicated, expensive, and require significant customizations. With this model, you use the power of analytics and reporting to show one complete picture of your information without the long-term expense of forced application-to-application integrations. This approach still allows for a manageable level of customization while keeping your company nimble enough to integrate new systems or technologies, scale with your company’s growth, and adjust to changing markets. A data-first model is critical to navigating the many technology platforms available to you, ensuring you select and utilize the best solutions to achieve optimal results, today and in the future.

Presented by: Jason Burns, Tilson Technology Management

AI Track

An insightful session that delves into the transformative power of AI and how it can quickly become a reality for construction firms via using low/no-code development tools. The session will showcase practical applications of these tools for construction firms that can be adopted today. It will also discuss how to organize their data to ensure that the AI tools function efficiently. Attendees will discover how their firm can harness Microsoft’s Power Platform low-code toolset, along with its built-in AI capabilities and ready-to-use templates, to revolutionize their operations while saving time and lowering costs.

We will show real-world scenarios where AI and the Power Platform can enhance efficiency levels in marketing, business development, HR, regulatory compliance, project management, and more. Specific use cases will include:

  • A Virtual Assistant with GPT Capabilities that can:
    • Search for employee and project experience based on specific criteria.
    • Navigate through hundreds of pages of specifications to provide precise information and sources to easier navigate design or construction requirements.
  • Digital Safety Site Visit Survey: Streamlining safety checks and documentation.
  • On-Site Resource Management Tool: Optimizing resource allocation and project oversight.

Attendees will leave with a strong understanding of how to initiate, integrate, and advance AI in their firm today. They will also have a clear vision of AI’s potential to save time, improve quality, and enhance project planning and operational data visibility. This is an essential step towards a more innovative and efficient future for their firms.

Presented by: Perry Currin, construction360 by HSO & Tyler Kubsch, HSO

IT Track

This session will be focused on the real-world lessons learned from migrating data from one solution to another.  During their careers, Amanda Kalcic and Brandon Hanacik from Burger Consulting Group have created an extensive ‘playbook’ and are excited to share their experiences, provide tips and strategies with others.
This session will be a mix of real client experiences (case-study) along with proven strategies and tips for avoiding migration pitfalls.

Presented by: Brandon Hanacik, Burger Consulting Group

11:15 AM – 12:05 PM

General Session | VC and AEC: How Construction Can Collaborate with Venture Capital and Startups

There are currently over 3,000 startups raising venture capital and building technologies for the AEC industry. The world of Silicon Valley, Venture Capital, and Startups are becoming more and more intertwined with technology and innovation for the construction industry. This presentation will cover the history of venture backed construction technology startups, how venture capital works, and most importantly, how can the construction industry collaborate with startups and venture capitalists. The speaker comes from the construction industry and learned about the world of venture capital after joining Brick & Mortar Ventures, the first institutional venture capital firm investing solely in construction tech.

Presented by: Alice Leung

12:05 PM – 12:20 PM

Tech Demo #2

This Tech Demo Will Be Presented by:  HCSS

Sponsored By:

12:20 PM – 1:05 PM

Lunch

Sponsored By:

1:05 PM – 1:55 PM

Breakout Sessions

PM Track

Technology professionals and operational leaders in the construction industry often work in silos – even though they both have the same end goal. In this session, attendees will go on a collective journey to explore the critical collaboration between Technology and Operations, and how these two groups working together can create a unified business and unlock undeniable efficiencies. Join Kris Lengieza, VP, Global Technology Evangelist at Procore and Jit Kee​​​​ Chin, Chief Technology Officer at Suffolk Construction, as they demonstrate how the Technology and Ops partnership is pivotal in extracting key risk indicators. They will delve into the importance of driving consistent processes to uphold data integrity and the role that plays in making informed business decisions.

Join us as we discuss strategies for improving data maturity within your organization and how fostering a culture that values and understands data can help you better leverage it to predict outcomes, optimize operations and create strategic initiatives. Hear from real people in construction to learn more about where the industry is heading when it comes to the exciting realm of AI and Machine Learning. We will discuss how these powerful tools can be used to identify risk and recommend the next best action, providing a competitive edge in today’s data-driven landscape. Attendees will leave this session feeling empowered to escape their silos and join forces to build a bridge between technology and business stakeholders to drive the business forward with insightful analytics.

Data Track

In today’s dynamic construction landscape, the fusion of cutting-edge reality capture technologies with efficient project management practices has emerged as a cornerstone for success. This session will explore the strategic integration of reality capture, with a spotlight on Rogers O’Brien Construction’s (RO) groundbreaking drone pilot program and its alignment with the vision of remotely overseeing jobsite progress from the office. This presentation will dive into real-world case studies and practices, showcasing the seamless integration of drone technology into the construction documentation process.
Attendees will collect valuable insights into how the drone pilot program serves as a pivotal tool for remote jobsite monitoring, enabling real-time project surveillance and comprehensive progress documentation. Moreover, the session will demonstrate the potential for integration with Nextspace’s cutting-edge digital twin platform, illustrating how data captured by drones can be used for data-based decision making through a holistic digital project management ecosystem.

Through interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, participants will uncover the strategic advantages of integrating reality capture technologies, like drones, and digital twin platforms into project management workflows. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for leveraging these integrated technologies in their projects, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and proficiency.
Explore how the convergence of reality capture, remote jobsite monitoring, and integration with Nextspace’s digital twin platform are revolutionizing construction documentation and project management, setting new standards for efficiency and excellence in the industry.

Presented by: Elevate: Daniel Kagan, Rogers-O’Brien Construction

AI Track

This session will focus on practical AI case studies and AI use cases construction teams use on projects. It will help those in the construction industry cut through the fake hype of AI-washing marketing and look at practical examples of real projects using AI for construction.
The session will briefly introduce key AI and data analytics concepts relevant to construction technology leaders. Reference material and citations will be provided so that attendees can dive deep into the material later.
Case studies will examine construction project specification analysis and detailed Request For Information (RFI) creation. Have you ever thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if there was some way to improve this tedious process of specification review and RFI creation?’ WELL, now there is! The session will provide clear examples of practical case studies using AI tools on building projects for specifications analysis and generating RFIs on design documents reviewed. This session is designed to cut beyond the hype and provide clear, practical examples from real projects using AI for construction. Key actionable takeaways that attendees will be able to answer.

  • What are the most used AI tools in business today that are relevant to the construction professional?
  • What are the limitations of AI tools?
  • What are the best ROIs for AI tool implementation?
  • What are ‘off the shelf’ AI tools for construction teams to use and how to best deploy them.
  • What is coming next that A/E/C professionals should be aware of?

Presented by: Will F. Ikerd, IKERD

IT Track

This will be a panel discussion with three successful CIOs from construction who have fought the good fight against technical debt and lived to talk about it. This panel will be a lively discussion around the sources of technical debt, how to mitigate the debt, and ways to avoid accumulating more in the future. Technical debt is somewhat insidious, lurking in so many different places in a company, sometimes there due to lack of attention but other times accidentally. Today’s contractor must be very agile in their IT stack; ready and willing to take on new solutions and technologies that offer benefit to the organization. This is harder to do when so much time is consumed just keeping older legacy solutions “on servers”. The panel moderator is a long-time industry veteran who promises to explore this topic thoroughly and extract some clear strategies from these most excellent panelists. Time will be allowed at the end for questions from the audience.

Presented by: Christian Burger, Burger Consulting; Rob Spencer, Camp Construction Services; Dennis Dipalma, PJ Dick & Keefe Andrews, SpawGlasss

1:55 PM – 2:25 PM

Networking Break with Sponsors

Sponsored By:

2:25 PM – 3:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

PM Track

Yates Construction uses a several different software systems during the project life-cycle, but this doesn’t mean that data has to be entered multiple times. This session will describe how Yates has leveraged various integration strategies to eliminate double-entry and manage the project using the best systems for each task.

Data Track

In this session we will provide insight into the latest trends, technologies, strategies, and best practices in BI and Analytics for the construction industry.  We will equip you with golden tips to aid in driving your organizations towards more data-driven decision-making processes.  In additon, we will look at the state of analytics in today’s business environment, recent advancements and data strategy and governance best practices. Lastly, we will share some predictions on the future direction of analytics.

Presented by:  Derrick Jackson, Tilson

Presented by: Derrick Jackson, Tilson

AI Track

Discover how the strategic utilization of technology platforms can revolutionize productivity, cost-effectiveness, and standardization within your construction project management and record-keeping endeavors.
This session aims to delve into the overarching trends shaping the industry while specifically exploring the transformative potential of process digitization and artificial intelligence.

We will illuminate strategies and advantages associated with generating documents from templates, fostering seamless collaboration through co-authoring, markup tools, and chat functionalities. Furthermore, we will dissect the efficacy of digital workflows for streamlined review, approval, and the digital execution of orders and agreements. Emphasizing the invaluable impact of consistent record management, we will underscore how these practices catalyze downstream processes such as maintenance and liability claims. Notably, we will spotlight the importance of adopting platforms tailored to the unique demands of the construction domain, facilitating the manipulation of construction-specific file types and the management of pertinent orders and agreements.

In a captivating culmination, we will present a compelling real-world case study courtesy of DeMaria Building Company, accompanied by a succinct technology demonstration. This demonstration will showcase a tangible example of process digitization, highlighting the seamless integration of an e-signature solution within a construction management and cloud content management platform.

Presented by: Volker Schaberg, TEAM IM & Shirin Arnold, Dropbox

IT Track

Building custom PowerApps offers many benefits, particularly when existing solutions on the web do not meet specific organizational needs. By developing tailored applications, organizations can ensure that the functionality and workflows are perfectly aligned with their processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.  For instance, creating a pre-boarding app streamlines the process of hiring new employees by automating tasks and ensuring all necessary steps are completed in a timely manner. Similarly, an off-boarding app can manage the departure of employees, ensuring that all protocols are followed and company assets are returned. A referral app simplifies the process of referring potential employees, making it easier for current employees to contribute to the growth of the company. Additionally, creating an app to restrict Teams creation can help maintain order and prevent unnecessary proliferation of teams within your tenant. Finally, we will look at Project folder creation and having employees conform to a specific project number and name defined by your business.

When walking through the creation of these PowerApps, it’s important to highlight the common pitfalls one might encounter. These could include issues with data integration, user interface design challenges, or difficulties in implementing business logic. Sharing these experiences provides valuable insights into the development process and helps others avoid similar obstacles.  Finally, weighing the pros and cons of building custom PowerApps is crucial. On the positive side, custom apps can offer precise solutions, better integration with existing systems, and potentially lower long-term costs. However, they also require a significant investment of time and resources to create and maintain. Potential issues to watch out for include the need for ongoing support, updates, and the possibility of over-customization leading to complex maintenance.  This presentation will delve into these aspects and will offer practical advice, drawn from real-world experience, to help others in creating their own solutions effectively.

Presented by: Micah Gray, KAI Design & Build

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Networking Break with Sponsors

Sponsored By:

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Quick Sessions

PM Track

An overview and look at the history of construction technology, its alignment with the cycles of innovation, and where we are today. A collective view of construction tech; BIM/VDC, IoT, Robotics, AI and data.

Data Track

This presentation will explore the transformative potential of Business Intelligence (BI) and Analytics in revolutionizing the construction industry. We’ll delve into how predictive analytics, combined with BI tools, can enhance strategic planning, risk management, operational efficiency, and customer insights, thereby driving profitability and competitive edge. Through real-world examples attendees will learn about the practical applications of these technologies in forecasting market trends, optimizing resource allocation, and improving project outcomes. The session aims to equip industry professionals with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of data, ultimately leading to smarter, safer, and more efficient construction practices.

Presented by: Carmel Wynkoop, Armanino & Travis Christens, Armanino

AI Track

The construction industry stands at a pivortal crossroads in terms of technological adoption and A.I. integration. This presentation, stemming from the latest insights provided by the Placer Solutions A.I. Readiness Benchmark, offers an unparalleled look into how the industry measures up in terms of digital transformation and A.I. readiness. Through a unique collaboration with an AGC member company, we will provide real-world examples and insights that highlight the practical application of this data.

We will explore the six key dimensions of A.I. readiness outlined by Placer Solutions, including Financial Considerations, Technical Considerations, Data Management, Business Alignment, Organizational Factors, and Cybersecurity. Each dimension will be dissected to show how firms can can gauge their position relative to industry peers, identifying strengths and pinpointing critical areas for growth and innovation.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the current state of digital transformation in the construction industry, equipped with knowledge to benchmark their own companies against industry standards. We will demonstrate how to translate these insights into actionable strategies, fostering better decision-making and strategic planning within their organizations.

Presented by:  Nate Fuller, Placer Solutions

Presented by: Nate Fuller, Placer Solutions

IT Track

There are many ways an IT team can evaluate and strengthen their digital safety posture, but some of those resources can appear out of reach or too expensive to implement. One example is running penetration tests. In this tech demo or presentation, SpawGlass and Horizon 3.ai will demonstrate how it is possible to run frequent pen tests, get actionable information from them, and improve the security of your IT infrastructure. If a presentation is approved I will also include additional talking points to include real world examples of how we are patching systems at a faster rate with this solution and staying ahead of attackers that are now activley exploiting vulnerabilities within days of them being announced. I also will stress in this presentation that you can have a server fully patched and still be vulnerable to attack and how a pen test can help an IT admin close those gaps.

Presented by: Keefe Andrews, SpawGlass

4:25 PM – 4:40 PM

Tech Demo #3

This Tech Demo Will Be Presented by:  Trimble

Sponsored By:

4:40 PM – 5:25 PM

General Session | Affordable Solutions to Common IT Challenges

Grab a drink (beer & wine available) and join us for this fast-paced and fun open discussion on the best and most inexpensive solutions to your common IT challenges.

5:25 PM – 5:30 PM

General Session | Day 1 Remarks

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Networking Reception

Sponsored By:

Thursday, August 8, 2024

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Breakfast for All Attendees

Sponsored By:

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

General Session | State of the Industry

Discover firsthand insights into contemporary construction practices. Uncover AI’s role in predictive analytics, explore robotics’ integration, and grasp the significance of tech upskilling on-site. Join us to demystify construction’s tech-driven future through an interactive session.

Presented by: Jeffrey E Sample, Ironman of IT LLC; Jonathan Marsh, ASC Engineered Solutions

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

Tech Demo #4

This Tech Demo Will Be Presented by: Procore

Sponsored By:

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Networking Break with Sponsors

Sponsored By:

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM

Breakout Sessions

PM Track

Not only is construction technology evolving rapidly, but the entire innovation landscape is changing. Navigating opportunities today and creating successful collaborations between vendors, contractors, owners and all stakeholders is fraught with challenges with incredibly high risks.

To fully harness the potential of future innovations, companies are increasingly moving away from siloed approaches and toward a robust collaborative ecosystem. Led by the Senior Innovation Manager at Hensel Phelps/Diverge Siavash Mohseni, this presentation will explore the growth of CVC and the compelling tactics needed to effectively develop and deploy new technologies. Joined by built industry and technology expert Tommy Linstroth (CEO of Green Badger, a sustainable construction SaaS provider), Thai will draw from real-world experiences to lay out actionable advice on working with partners, negotiating scopes of work, setting proper expectations, and more.

The pair will explain how with proper planning and execution, collaboration can:

  • Accelerate Development: By pooling resources and expertise, stakeholders can collectively expedite the development of new technologies, bringing them to market faster and with greater impact.
    Enhance Adoption: Collaborative efforts can promote the widespread adoption of innovative technologies, ensuring that their benefits are realized across the industry.
  • Reduce Risk and Costs: Shared development and testing can mitigate risks associated with technology implementation, leading to cost savings and improved project outcomes.
  •  Attendees will gain an understanding of the processes needed to work across disparate groups, build an appreciation for potential pitfalls to avoid, and be able to develop their own framework for implementing better collaboration at their company.

IT Track

In the world of construction, the role of the tech leader is pivotal and ever-evolving. Previously identified as the gatekeepers for IT, their responsibilities have grown far beyond the basics of IT infrastructure, devices, and software applications.

Today, they stand at the forefront of pioneering change — contractors are looking for these tech leaders to drive technology-based innovation, integrating IT and construction operational technologies to push efficiency, safety, and quality on projects and core business technologies that support improved workflow, reduced workload, and insights.

This session delves into what contractors are now expecting of their tech leaders at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, exploring their critical roles, challenges, and the future outlook.

Presented by: Jay Snyder, Big Blue Innovations

AI Track

The entrance of AI couldn’t come at a better time for construction, which faces a bevy of critical challenges including massive worker shortages, the ever-changing commercial building market, as well as a residential housing market desperately in need of more inventory. But the construction industry continues to lag behind in digital adoption compared to other traditional physical- or infrastructure-intensive industries.

This presentation will highlight how the next 18 months will be crucial for AI-led construction technology adoption to help the industry positively move forward. And, will focus on the AI trends within construction and building that find practical and ethical applications, including:

  • In 2024, more generative AI applications will emerge purpose-built for construction, especially in the design phase. More importantly, the rise of ethical artificial intelligence will become far more prevalent.  As someone who has been deeply involved in developing innovative AI applications in more traditional tech-focused industries, I understand the significance in making sure that these tools are used cautiously and responsibly, and I believe 2024 will be a year of focusing on this effort.
  • Making sure all AI tools are being formed using unbiased and balanced data will be of particular importance, from the engineering planning at the onset, to the construction and operational phases of today’s buildings.
  • Working to create AI tools that avoid these types of dangerous and inequitable outcomes will be critical to the technology’s continued development and application for buildings of all kinds.
  • Engineering and construction leaders should be taking the lead in making sure that any AI products they develop are drawing from datasets that are fair and transparent. But it will ultimately fall to governments to set standards and laws around what those parameters will be. And, the built environment will need to comply.

Presented by: Usman Shuja, Bluebeam

IT Track

Construction technology options are exploding, but choosing, implementing and integrating the right ones does not have to be overwhelming or painful. In this session, two IT leaders from construction companies and the head of implementation for a major technology supplier will share proven insights into what works and what doesn’t. The panel will cover processes for assessing and prioritizing a contractor’s technology needs and for selecting the best options and suppliers in a methodical, structured way. They will also share best practices for technology roll-outs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between IT and end users across the company and the benefits of coordinating technology, teams and training to overcome resistance. Finally, the panel will share insights into the vitally important challenge of integrating technologies and sharing data across construction workflows to optimize performance, profitability and technology investments.

Presented by: Doug Seyler, Trimble; Scott Martin, Sherwood Companies & Shawn Nichoalds, Western Specialty Contractors

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

General Session | Mega Tech: Plan IT, Do IT, Check IT, Act on IT

What TECH is working and what is not, on a big project.
Not naming names, we are going to talk about lessons learned and what to do when running a large project.

Presented by: Benjamin Crosby, Yates Construction

11:50 AM – 12:05 PM

Tech Demo #5

This Tech Demo Will Be Presented by: Egnyte

Sponsored By:

12:05 PM – 12:50 PM

Lunch

Sponsored By:

12:50 PM – 1:40 PM

Breakout Sessions

PM Track

Construction Tech companies most often are product companies. The adopters (GCs) are all unique in their own ways (business model, team structures, workflows etc). So how do you take a product made for a generic construction GC and make it a perfect fit for you and leverage its full value AKA make it a solution? Where do Innovation teams fit into this?

There is so much that goes into making it a solution for your company, on both technical and non-technical side. Few to note: education and training, SOPs, integration with other tools, customizations etc.

Presented by: Darshit Jasani, ARCO/Murray National Construction

Data Track

In this session, we will meet the IT Leaders from Carroll Daniel Construction, Dan Vos Construction Group and Blach Construction share their respective digital transformation journeys that have made data for their respective firms more accessible, secure, and actionable.  Drawing insights from the latest AEC Data Insights report, we will delve into key trends, challenges, and opportunities. From IT-business integration to AI, we will discuss actionable strategies and real-world examples that enable AEC firms to thrive in the digital era.

Presented by: Kevin Soohoo, Egnyte; Larry Courtney, Carroll Daniel Construction ; Todd Musser, Dan Vos Construction Company ; Jon Saad, Blach Construction

AI Track

In the rapidly evolving landscape of construction technology, staying ahead means leveraging the latest advancements to your advantage.
“Demystifying GPT: Unlocking AI as a Competitive Edge in 2024” is designed to cut through the complexity and hype surrounding Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session is crafted for IT leaders in the construction industry who are keen on harnessing AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage in their operations.
We will guide you through the practicalities of AI and GPT integration, showcasing real-world examples of their impact on project management, process improvement and operational efficiencies. Learn how these technologies are transforming the construction landscape from the ground up, enabling smarter, faster, and more cost-effective project completions.
This presentation promises a clear, insightful exploration into AI’s role in future-proofing your business, with actionable strategies to implement today. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to expand your technological horizons, join us to discover how to make AI work for you, turning technological potential into real-world success. Prepare to leave with a solid understanding of how to strategically deploy AI and GPT within your organization, ensuring you stay at the forefront of the construction industry in 2024 and beyond.

Presented by: Oded Ran, Clue Insights

IT Track

Whether you are just starting your IT construction career, or are a veteran with years of expereince, your growth opportunities are dependant on many factors, some in and some out of your control. In this session we will discuss several of these factors that can help equip you for the next step up in your careeer. Factors covered are:

1. Understanding your organization’s strategic view of IT and perception of IT. (and how to change it!)
2. Understanding your organization’s opportunities and strategic focus.
3. Understanding the Leadership Pipeline concept (Managing oneself, Managing others, Managing Mangers) and what skills are needed for each.
4. Lessons learned from my career journey.

Presented by: Keefe Andrews, SpawGlass

1:50 PM – 2:40 PM

General Session | Apps for Mental Health – How to develop a PPM (Personal Protective Mindset)

The construction industry can be a dangerous workplace for to work in for many workers. The need for construction workers to be in a safe and sound state of mind to avoid hazards is vital to protecting their health. Rob McKinney believes in the potential of how technology can reduce risks and improve safety performance.

In this presentation, you will learn about how new advances in apps for mobile devices can make an impact on your organization to create a safer workplace. Rob McKinney will explore the use case for new apps to help teach workers new skills such as meditation, breath work and journaling such for improving mental fitness.

Presented by: Rob McKinney, The Construction App Guru

2:40 PM – 3:00 PM

General Session | Conference Summary & Takeaways

 Download the AGC Connection App on iOS or Android For the Most Up-to-Date Schedule of Events On-Site