* - Denotes a special session

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Call to Order and Welcome

Paul Mattingly, Chair, ACCE Construction Industry Forum 

Geno Hogan, Vice Chair, ACCE Construction Industry Forum

Khalid Siddiqi, Chair, ACCE Board of Trustees

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SESSION 1 *  

                                                                 

Technology - Current Landscape of Technology in the Construction Industry

Keynote Speaker - Mr. KP Reddy​ - Learn more about KP

Moderator – Ms. Sheeba Ramaji, MiTek

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.  Seize this 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

Moderator – Ms. Sheeba Ramaji, MiTek

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!

 

Discussion led by Sheeba Ramaji, Principal, Homebuilding Methods Education, MiTek,  with panelists:

Mr. Alex Belkofer, Senior Director VDC, McCarthy

Mr. Bobby Thompson, Director of Operations, Beazer Homs

Dr. Jeong Woo, Department Head and Professor, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

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SESSION 3 *

                                               

"Cultivating Innovation: How Construction Can Embrace Change and Lead the Future"

Mr. David Pratt, Director of Corporate and Operational Technology, Robins & Morton 

Mr. Steve Moore, Innovation Lab Manager, Robins & Morton, Robins & Morton

The construction industry is evolving, but real change requires more than just new technology—it demands a culture that embraces innovation.  The speakers will share how Robins & Morton has intentionally fostered a continuous improvement mindset, driving real change from within.  

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This conversational session will explore their challenges and successes in implementing new technologies, creating an innovation department, and empowering teams to lead change.  Attendees will gain insights into the cultural and logistical barriers to innovation and strategies to overcome them.

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For construction educators, this is an opportunity to learn how to prepare students better to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.  What skills and mindsets will define the next generation of construction leaders?  Join the discussion and be part of shaping the future.

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SESSION 4

                                                                

Teaching Learning Practitioners (TLP) - Program on Location

Dr. Tony Lamanna - Associate Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment

The Teaching & Learning Practitioner Certification Workshops (TLP) held at ACCE meetings are well-attended and beneficial to programs for developing both regular and adjunct faculty.  An idea came about to make the Workshops more widely available and convenient with a portable, on-location program available to programs or affiliated program support groups.  Learn more about how TLP can assist faculty development through the available benefits and flexibility. 

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SESSION 5

                                                                                       

Industry Drivers and Organization

Hear how ACCE is leading the way in supporting and standardizing quality assurance of workforce development and training programs. 

Construction Workforce Education Program      

Ms. Heather Sherwood, President, Western States College of Construction

Mr. Matt Rowlett, Director of Operations, Nor Cal Carpenters Training

The Construction Workforce Education Committee at ACCE 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.

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ACCE’s Professional Development Committee                         

Dr. Elhami Nasr, Program Director, LAWA

Learn how an organization, managing billions of dollars in capital projects, created an in-house workforce development initiative and sought to maintain the highest standards of quality and professionalism through the ACCE Professional Development Certification Program (PDC).  Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is responsible for all facets of airport facility planning, design, construction, and maintenance.  Quality control is an essential function for the organization, and training qualified inspectors is critical to ensure that the highest standards are achieved for airport projects.  To meet this need, LAWA developed an Assistant Inspector Training Programing in-house to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and competencies of individuals aspiring for each level of Construction Inspector.  The details of the program are impressive, and you will get a first-hand account of the need and importance of excellence in construction education.

 

Texas A&M Construction Management, Apprenticeship Program

Mrs. Shelly Smith, Assistant Department Head, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University 

Texas A&M was recently awarded a grant through the US Department of Labor’s  “Building Pathways to Infrastructure” program to create the Aggie Construction Management Apprenticeship Program (Aggie CMAP).  The program, to be launched in the summer of 2025, is specifically designed to prepare future construction managers to support incumbent workers, veterans, women, military spouses, dislocated workers, disabled individuals, and others who face employment barriers.  ACCE played a key role in supporting Texas A&M in securing this grant. 

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SESSION 6

                                                  

Best Practices – Construction Management Internships

Mrs. Shelly Smith, Assistant Department Head, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University 

Dr. Kimberley Williams, Online Programs Coordinator, Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Louisiana State University

Construction Internship Programs offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the dynamic construction field.  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 with structured internship programs and how their interns work alongside industry professionals, engage in real-world projects, and develop essential skills, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

 

SESSION 7

                                    

Leveraging your Industry Advisory Board (IAB) and Alumni Chapter

Ms. Melanie Myers, FDP Project Lead, Project Manager, University of Michigan Health, Eastern Michigan University IAB Member, ACCE Board Trustee

Discover how Eastern Michigan University is leveraging support from its Industry Advisory Board (IAB) and its Construction Management (CM) Alumni Chapter to help with teaching, mentoring, job shadowing, internships, scholarships, and more.  She will discuss how their Board and the faculty have developed their strong partnership and how your school and industry can do the same. 

 

Recognition of Sponsors

Scott Couper, Vice Chair, ACCE Construction Industry Forum

 

Closing Remarks

Steve Nellis, President | CEO, American Council for Construction Education