2026 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM PROGRAM​​

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Registration and Breakfast: 7:00 - 8:00 am

Call to Order and Welcome

Paul Mattingly, Co-Chair, IPC Committee
Geno Hogan, Co-Chair, IPC Committee

Rogers Hunt, Chair, ACCE Board of Trustees
 

Session 1: 8:15 - 8:45 am

Blueprints to Bots: Practical Applications of Robotics in Construction & Live Demonstrations

Scott Couper - Introduction

As the construction industry grapples with labor shortages and safety challenges, robotics are transitioning from futuristic concepts to daily jobsite realities. But how does a construction firm successfully integrate these robots? And what skills should Construction Management programs focus on preparing the next generation of professionals who will use these robots on the jobsites?

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This session features leaders from Raise Robotics (high-precision installation) and Dusty Robotics (automated layout) to go beyond theory, offering a candid discussion on the ROI of automation, overcoming field adoption hurdles, and bridging the skills gap between academia and industry.

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8:45-9:45 am Robotics Demonstration and Discussion

Moderator

Manideep Tummalapudi, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, Construction Management
California State University, Fresno

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Panelists

Conley Oster – Co-Founder, Raise Robotics

Scott Nyborg 

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9:45 -10:00 am Break

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Session 2: 10:00 – 11:00 am

AI in AEC: How GCs, Trades, and Tech Partners are Actually Using AI

Scott Couper - Introduction

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword; it is actively reshaping how we design, build, and manage risk. This session is a candid, no-slides discussion with the leaders shaping the AI landscape. We bring together tech partners, GCs, and trades to answer complex questions:

• Where is AI actually delivering ROI today (vs. 5 years from now)?

• How do we manage the legal risks of "hallucinating" AI?

• Is the workforce ready, and how do trade partners fit into this equation?

Moderator

Manideep Tummalapudi, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, Construction Management

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Panelists

Josh Lobel – Business Development, [MT1] Autodesk

Darshit Jasani – Director of AI, ARCO Construction

Andre’ Smith - President and CEO, Five-S Group

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Session 3: 11:00 - 12:00 am

Industry Perspectives on Essential AI Competencies for CM Graduates

Scott Couper - Introduction

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform construction and infrastructure delivery, industry demand for graduates with practical AI skills has never been greater. Public agencies, owners, and contractors are rapidly adopting AI-enabled tools—from predictive analytics and digital twins to automated inspections and machine-learning–driven project controls—yet many emerging professionals enter the workforce without the foundational competencies needed to engage with these technologies.

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This panel brings together leaders from industry, public-sector organizations, and academia to discuss the AI knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that construction graduates must possess to be workforce-ready.

 

Panelists will share employer expectations for entry-level professionals, emerging digital competency requirements, and the growing importance of data literacy, ethical AI use, and analytical decision-making in modern project environments.

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The session will also explore how academic programs can adapt their curricula to better align with industry needs, including integrating AI concepts into Construction Management courses, strengthening experiential learning opportunities, and developing micro-credentials and targeted training that support workforce development.

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Participants will walk away with practical insights, actionable recommendations, and a potential framework to strengthen collaboration among universities, industry partners, and public owners to prepare the next generation of construction professionals for an AI-enabled future.

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Moderator

Elhami Nasr, Professor, Construction Engineering Management
California State University, Long Beach

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Panelists

Kirk Bingenheimer, Lecturer, College of Architecture, Art and Construction, Clemson University

Eveart Foster, Integrations, Subject Matter Expert, Autodesk

Srikanth Bangaru – Co-Founder and Director, Inncircles Technologies

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

 

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

Geno Hogan - Sponsor Recognition

Introduction by Hugh Cronin, Owner, Cronin Construction Management

Speaker: 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

Professor Patrick Suermann, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, F.SAME, is the former Interim Dean of the College of Architecture and two-time Department Head of Construction Science at Texas A&M University.  He is a nationally and internationally 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 expeditionary environments in Southwest Asia, both poles, and as far-reaching as outer space in support of the Artemis “Moon to Mars (M2M)” missions. His work continues to inspire the integration of advanced technologies into construction practice and education worldwide.

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ACCELERATOR LIVE! – ACCE/IPC News

Rogers Hunt

Geno Hogan - Cluster de la Construccion , Chihuahua Mexico, Jorge Meza
Sherry Miller - TLP Developments, John Tingerthal
Geno Hogan - AI in Construction, Kirk Bingenheimer 

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Session 4: 1:00 – 2:15 pm

Susan Labas Program for Future Leaders in Construction:

Transformational Leadership: How Men And Women Can Advance Together

Speaker: Andrea Janzen - Ambition Theory
Scott Couper - Introduction
Men and women experience leadership differently, but we rarely discuss this in professional settings. Understanding the difference is the key to unlocking your natural leadership abilities and those of your team. When you do this, you will provide more value to your company and become more fulfilled professionally.

In this interactive session, we dive into:

TRANSACTIONAL VS. TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Learn the difference between transactional management and transformational leadership. Develop actionable strategies to inspire collaboration, empower your teams, and achieve greater project success.

WHY IT’S NOT ACTUALLY ABOUT WOMEN
Understand the value that women bring to construction projects. Hear the back story of how Ambition Theory and NCCER discovered an even bigger opportunity around transformational leadership.

WHY SPONSORSHIP (NOT MENTORSHIP)
Explore the difference between mentorship (giving advice) and sponsorship (creating opportunities). Learn how to find a sponsor for yourself and how to sponsor others.

TAKING ACTION
We’ll discuss strategies you can implement to start creating opportunities immediately. You'll choose one concept from the session and commit to taking action within 24 hours.

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Moderator

Joy Svoboda, Executive Consultant, ViewsValuesVisions, and ACCE Lifetime Member 

Panelists

Northern Arizona University –

Dawn Rogers, Executive Director, Arizona Masonry Council

Josephine McAfee, Student, NAU NAWIC Treasurer

University of Texas San Antonio –

Samantha Sanchez, Student 

Yolanda Lozano, Student

Mariel Gonda, Student

*See video interviews

 

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.

Moderator

Scott Couper - Retired COO PALA Group, ACCE Trustee, Louisiana State University - Construction Industry Advisory Council Life Director 

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

Sean Demartino, General Manager of Suffolk Construction and Vice President of the Rinker School Industry Advisory Board

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

Jason Peschel, Program Director, School of Design and Construction

Marjorie Chang, Director of Business Development, Hoffman Construction Company

 

3:15 – 3:30 pm - Break

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Session 6: 3:30 – 5:00 pm

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. 

Moderator(s)

Steve Nellis - President, ACCE

​Chris Morton – American Society of Professional Estimators

Panelists

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

Tom Park – Vice President, Skanska

Rob Elias, Vice President – Holder Construction

Tanya Tamarkin – Executive Director, National Architectural Accrediting Board

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5:00 pm - Closing Remarks: Rogers Hunt, Paul Mattingly, and Gen Hogan

5:00 - 6:00 pm - CIF Social and Welcome Reception

6:00 pm CIF Dinner