CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM
The IAB Event is expanding to become a one-day conference with informative sessions covering the latest technology and trends impacting the construction industry and education.
The first annual CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM will occur during the 2025 ACCE Midyear Conference at the OMNI Las Colinas Resort & Hotel on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
This full day of informative sessions will include several keynote speakers. The topics will focus on the Construction Industry and innovation. Much of the discussion will revolve around technology and the integration of significant advancements in AI, robotics, and more. However, there will also be sessions on "People & Culture," advanced Learning, Construction Workforce Development, Professional Development, and Leveraging your IAB.
Don't miss this beginning of a new era as we tackle some challenging issues facing the construction industry.
2025 Construction Industry Forum Speakers
Click the photos for bios and more information
Tentative Agenda
* - Denotes a special session
SESSION 1*
Technology- Current Landscape of Technology in the Construction Industry
Keynote Speaker KP Reddy - Learn more about KP
Industry professionals and faculty, don’t miss an exclusive opportunity to hear from a leading technology expert in the construction industry! Join us for a keynote presentation that will explore the current state of technology and reveal how advancements such as AI, robotics, and digital twin technology are transforming the construction landscape. Gain insights on emerging trends and learn actionable strategies to future-proof our next-generation leaders. This is your chance to stay ahead of the curve and be part of the conversation shaping the future of construction. Secure your spot now and lead the way in innovation!
SESSION 2
Technology- Industry Expectations from Education
Join us for an insightful session on how technology is being implemented across organizations and what this means for the future workforce. Explore how advancements like AI, automation, and data-driven tools are transforming operations and reshaping skill requirements. Our expert speakers will provide a roadmap for the evolving job market, highlighting the key competencies and technical proficiencies needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve, understand the expectations for future talent, and prepare your teams and students for success in a tech-driven world!
SESSION 3
CWE and PDC Industry Topics - Industry Drivers and Organization
Hear how ACCE is leading the way in supporting and standardizing quality assurance of workforce development and training programs. ACCE's Construction Workforce Education Accreditation Program (CWE) provides a pathway for industry-driven apprenticeship programs to establish standards and obtain accreditation. The industry benefits from a raised awareness of career opportunities and participants benefit from industry involvement, structured On-the-Job Learning, and earning a credential verified by the leader in construction education excellence, ACCE.
SESSION 4
TLP Program on Location
Dr. Tony Lamanna
The Teaching & Learning Practitioner Certification Workshops (TLP) held at ACCE meetings are well-attended and beneficial to programs for the development of both regular and adjunct faculty. An idea came about to make the Workshops more widely available and more convenient with a portable, on-location program, that is available to programs or affiliated program support groups. Learn more about how TLP can assist with faculty development through the benefits and flexibility now available.
SESSION 5*
Unleashing the Power of People and Culture to Transform Your Business
"My unwavering focus is on one thing: People first, then process, then technology."
Keynote Speaker Ricardo Kahn - Learn more about Ricardo
In the AEC industry, we are witnessing the slowest rate of change we will ever experience in our lifetimes. It’s not companies that innovate, but people. In this session, we will delve into the pivotal role of people and culture in transforming your business to stay ahead of the curve. We will explore the essential nature of knowledge management in fostering and encouraging innovation. True innovation is about empowering our people to succeed first to ensure our external customers. Our people come first, then others. Let’s discuss actionable steps to become a more innovative company with passionate team members who are comfortable challenging the status quo in a fast-paced environment.
SESSION 6
Best Practices Internships
Shelley Smith - Texas A&M University
Scott Couper - LSU CIAC
Construction Internship Programs offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the dynamic field of construction. Participants in this session will have the chance to learn how LSU and Texas A&M manage their internship programs. Attendees will also be presented with information from companies that have structured internship programs and how their interns work alongside industry professionals, engage in real-world projects, and develop essential skills that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.
SESSION 7
Leveraging your IAB and Alumni Chapter
Discussion Leader: Melanie Myers
Discover how Eastern Michigan University is leveraging support from their IAB and CM Alumni Chapter to help with teaching, mentoring, job shadowing, internships, scholarships, and more. EMU CM Alumni Chapter President and ACCE Board Member, Melanie Myers, and faculty will discuss their strong partnership and how your school and industry can do the same.
Useful Information for Your IAB
This simple presentation provides a blueprint on how to organize and govern an IAB on your campus. For more information, please send us a note.
In January, 2024, the ACCE Marketing Committee performed a survey of academia and industry. The objective is to determine the percentage of ACCE accredited programs that have ENR Top 400 Contractors attend their career expo/fairs and/or recruiting events.