The second annual CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM was held during the 2025 ACCE Midyear Conference at the OMNI Las Colinas Resort & Hotel on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
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 center on technology and the integration of significant advancements in AI, robotics, and other related fields. However, there will also be sessions on "People & Culture," advanced Learning, Construction Workforce Development, Professional Development, and Leveraging your IAB.
Don't miss the beginning of a new era as we address some of the challenging issues facing the construction industry.
2026 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM PROGRAM
Session 1
Transforming Construction with AI and Emerging Technologies
Technology is reshaping how projects are designed, planned, and delivered. This session will provide insight into the integration of 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 – Representative Pending
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
Technology Leader Pending - ABC?
Session 2
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 process planning, implementing, and leveraging AI technology across their organizations.
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
Plumbers Union Technology Training – Representative Pending
Session 3
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
Industry Representative Pending
Tanya Tamarkin – Executive Director, National Architectural Accrediting Board
Lunch Keynote 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.
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, with a career that 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.
ACCE/IPC News Segments
Session 4
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
Central Connecticut State University/Professional Women in Construction, Connecticut -
Patricia Bilotto, van Zelm Engineers/PWC, and Melissa Sheffy, Network Interiors/CCSU IAB
Session 5
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
Dwight Beadle – Professor of Practice, Construction Management, University of Houston
Robert Cox – Director and Professor, ME Rinker School of Construction Management
University of Florida
Michigan State University – Ed Wygnal
Nick Salce – Industry
John Glaze - Industry
Session 6
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
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2025 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM
The first annual CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM was held 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 center on technology and the integration of significant advancements in AI, robotics, and other related fields. However, there will also be sessions on "People & Culture," advanced Learning, Construction Workforce Development, Professional Development, and Leveraging your IAB.
Don't miss the beginning of a new era as we address some of the challenging issues facing the construction industry.
2025 Construction Industry Forum Speakers
Click the photos for bios and more information
Agenda - View Full Agenda in PDF
SESSION PRESENTATIONS:
Call to Order/Welcome • Session 1 • Session 3 • Session 4 • Session 5a • Session 5b • Session 5c • Session 6 • Session 7
* - Denotes a special session
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2025 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORUM SPONSORS
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.