2026 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM PROGRAM

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Session 1: 8:15 - 9:15 am

Transforming Construction with AI and Emerging Technologies

Technology is reshaping how projects are designed, planned, and delivered. This session will provide insight into integrating digital platforms, emerging uses of digital twins, robotics, and automation across the construction workflow. Leaders will discuss how these innovations optimize coordination and redefine the industrialized approach to building.

Panelists

Autodesk – Josh Lobel

Ara Eckel – Global Director of Product Management, JLG Industries

Srikanth Bangaru – Co-Founder and Director, Inncircles Technologies

Arup Bhattacharya, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University

Tessa Lau - Dusty Robotics

 

9:15-9:45 am Robotics Demonstration and Discussion

 

9:45 -10:00 am Break

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Session 2: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Harnessing AI in Construction: Strategies, Tools, and Lessons from Industry Leaders

Adoption of technology is critical to operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. This session highlights how leading companies plan, implement, and leverage AI technology across their organizations. 

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Panelists will discuss strategies, tools, and applications currently in use, highlight lessons learned, and reflect on opportunities and challenges through a SWOT lens. Furthermore, this panel will also highlight the benefits of AI adoption for faculty and students, creating educational impact by connecting academic programs with real-world industry practices.”

Panelists

DPR Construction Representative Pending

Robins & Morton Representative Pending

Joey Shorter - AECA

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Session 3: 11:00 - 12:00 am

Specialty Track in Pre-Construction: Shaping the Next Generation of CM

Pre-construction has evolved into a specialized service area that differentiates firms in a competitive market. This session examines how academic programs can build a curriculum track that emphasizes pre-construction expertise, preparing graduates to meet growing industry demand for early-phase planning and cost management. 

Panelists

Mark Mistur, Dean - Kent State University, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Tom Park, Vice President - Skanska

Chris Morton – American Society of Professional Estimators

Rob Elias, Vice President – Holder Construction

Tanya Tamarkin, Executive Director - National Architectural Accrediting Board

 

Lunch Keynote Speaker: 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Dr. Pat Suermann: Construction Beyond Earth

Keynote Description
Construction is no longer confined to Earth. With the rapid growth of space exploration and long-duration missions, the question of how to build in space has become a frontier for innovation. Dr. Pat Suermann will share cutting-edge research and practical applications that connect terrestrial construction methods to extraterrestrial environments. His keynote will examine the challenges of designing, fabricating, and assembling structures in low-gravity and extreme conditions—and how these advancements feed back into solving complex construction challenges here on Earth.

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Speaker Bio
Dr. Patrick Suermann is the Dean of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University and a nationally recognized leader in construction research, innovation, and education. His expertise spans construction management, digital design, and the future of the built environment, and his career bridges academia, military service, and industry. A retired U.S. Air Force officer, Dr. Suermann has contributed to pioneering initiatives in construction automation and has worked with NASA and federal agencies on strategies for building in space. His work continues to inspire the integration of advanced technologies into construction practice and education worldwide.

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ACCE/IPC News Segments

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Session 4: 1:00 – 2:15 pm

Susan Labas Program for Future Leaders in Construction:

Building Pathways for Success

The future of construction relies on cultivating strong, diverse, and visionary leaders. This session will focus on strategies to prepare the next generation of construction professionals for impactful careers. Panelists will share perspectives on mentorship, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and how collaborative efforts between academia and industry create meaningful pathways for students and early-career professionals. The discussion will highlight best practices, challenges, and success stories that shape the leadership pipeline.

 

Keynote Speaker

Andrea Janzen (tentative)

Panelists

Northern Arizona University –

Dawn Rogers, Executive Director, Arizona Masonry Council + Student

University of Texas San Antonio –

1. Mary P. Stewart, P.E., CFM, LEED Green Assoc. Regional Practice Leader, Senior Associate, KCI TECHNOLOGIES INC.

2. Lauren Mandel, President, San Antonio AGC

3. Michelle Davis, President, ABC South Texas

 

Session 5: 2:15 – 3:30 pm

Strengthening Industry Advisory Boards (IABs): Strategies and Success Stories

Effective Industry Advisory Boards are essential for aligning academic programs with industry needs. This session explores strategies for establishing and growing impactful IABs, with case studies from programs at varying stages of development.

Panelists

University of Houston -

Dwight Beadle, Professor of Practice - Construction Management

John Glaze - Fast Track Specialties, LP & ACCE Lifetime Member

University of Florida

Robert Cox, Director and Professor - ME Rinker School of Construction Management

Nick Salce – Keiwit

Michigan State University

Bob Aydukovic, Program Director - Construction Management

Ed Wygnal, Project Manager - Von Maur

Kent State University 

Suat Gunham, PhD., Program Director, Construction Management

Rob Elias, Vice President – Holder Construction

Washington State University

Jaseon Peschel, Program Director, School of Design and Construction

Marjorie Chang, Director of Business Development, Hoffman Construction Company

California State University, Sacramento

Mikael Anderson

IAB Rep

 

3:15 – 3:30 pm - Break

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Session 6: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Spotlight on ACCE Certification Programs

From the decision to seek accreditation through implementation and ongoing administration, this session showcases the certification process. Presenters will share experiences and lessons learned, offering practical guidance for programs considering or refining their engagement with ACCE certification.

Presenting Programs

Elhami Nasr, Program Director, Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA)

Assistant Inspector Training Program Certification

Program Representative Pending

Program Representative Pending