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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.

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Business Conference

2025 CIF Sponsors

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2025 Construction Industry Forum Speakers

Click the photos for bios and more information

 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!

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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!

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

Alex Belkofer – Senior Director VDC, McCarthy

Eric Whobrey – VP, Innovation at ARCO & Managing Partner at ARCO Ventures

Bobby Thomson - Director of Operations, Beazer Homs

Jeong Woo - Department Head and Professor, Cal Poly

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SESSION 3

CWE and PDC Industry Topics - Industry Drivers and Organization

ACCE is promoting excellence in workforce development with two recently developed programs; Construction Workforce Education Accreditation (CWE) and Professional Development Certification (PDC).  Structured On-the-Job learning programs benefit from ACCE credentialing with raised awareness and industry involvement.  Program participants benefit from enhanced career opportunities with programs certified by the leader in construction education excellence, ACCE.

 

Construction Workforce Education Accreditation (CWE)

Heather Sherwood, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Western States College of Construction

Matt Rowlett, Director of Operations Nor Cal Carpenters Training - Construction Workforce Education Accreditation

Hear how ACCE is leading the way in support and standardized 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.  Industry benefits from 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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Professional Development Certification (PDC)

Dr. Elhami Nasr

Learn how an organization, managing billions of dollars in capital projects, developed 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 planning, design, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities.  Quality Control is an important function for the organization and training qualified inspectors is critical to ensure that the highest standards are achieved on airport projects.  To meet this need, LAWA developed an Assistant Inspector Training Program in-house to cultivate the skills, knowledge and competencies of individuals aspiring to reach the level of Construction Inspector.  The details of the program are impressive, and you will get a firsthand account of the need for and importance of excellence in construction education.  

 

New Developments -Texas A&M Construction Management Apprenticeship Program

Ms Shelley Smith, Texas A&M University

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

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SESSION 4

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 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. â€‹â€‹â€‹

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SESSION 5*

People, Culture, Innovation and Technology in Construction

​Keynote Speaker TBD

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SESSION 6

Best Practices Internships â€‹

Shelley Smith - Texas A&M University

Dr. Kimberley Williams - Louisiana State 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.

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SESSION 7

Leveraging your IAB and Alumni Chapter

​Discussion Leader: Melanie Myers, FDP Project Lead, Project Manager, University of Michigan Health

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.

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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.

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