Schedule

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2025 | Hotel Crescent Court, Dallas

5-6 p.m.Meet and Greet

6 p.m.Dinner on Your Own

8 a.m.Registration

8:30-9:30 a.m. Protect the Entire Project Team: Keep Up With the Latest Cyber Threats Speaker: Nick Espinosa, Security Fanatics

In today’s digital landscape, the construction industry is more connected than ever, which makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. From ransomware attacks on project management software to phishing scams targeting field personnel, cybersecurity threats are evolving, and your workforce needs to be prepared. Learn practical strategies to protect your company’s data, secure your networks and educate your team on cyber best practices to keep them safe—whether they are on site or in the office.

9:45-10:45 a.m. New Federal Projects Collaboration Study Moderator: Joe Powell, University Research Institute
Panelists: Robert R. Feldbauer, Children’s Health; David Triplett, Federal Bureau of Investigation

A new federal projects collaboration study has shown that human behavior determines project outcomes and collaboration is now manageable. Hear more about the study’s findings, including how critical problem solving and effective judgment thinking are statistically detectable, and current approaches that are working.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Jobsite of the Future: AI, Robotics, Virtual Design and More Moderator: Matt Abeles, ABC National
Panelists: Saied Alavi, Marek; Josh Kanner, Oracle; Muthu Monahar, Hilti; Thai Nguyen, Hensel Phelps

The construction industry is currently experiencing the beginning of the next industrial revolution through artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual design and more breakthrough technologies. Listen to an intelligent discussion about the impact of these innovations on the design and construction of future projects and how you can take advantage to stay ahead of the competition.

12:45-2:15 p.m. The Good, The Bad and The Triumph: Lessons From Real Case Studies Why spend time and money learning the hard way when you can learn from other industry leaders' experiences? Hear owners and contractors share their real-life experiences throughout the project lifecycle so you can avoid or fix the same potentially costly challenges.

2:30-3:30 p.m. Pre-Construction Delays: What To Know and How To Remedy Them Moderator: Kevin Sell, Kwest Group
Panelists: Jon Hayes, Nucor; Ed Luckenbach, Universal Industrial Gases; Fred Marsh, Duke Energy; Kenneth Sullivan, Ph.D., Simplar Research Foundation and Arizona State University

While it is common for project owners to create a list of potential project delays, many do not look at what occurs before the official start of construction. Recent research on a diverse array of owners indicates that there should be more focus on pre-construction. Hear about delay experiences and types and how owners are working with contractors to find effective remedies through research and collaboration.

3:45-5:15 p.m. Bridging the Gap: Innovative Solutions for the Construction Workforce Moderator: Brandon Jordan, Kwest Group
Panel Group: Clarence Evenson, Solenis
Panel Group: Brian Lines, Ph.D., Simplar Research Foundation and University of Kansas; Tim Mongeau, ABC National; Boyd Worsham, NCCER
Panel Group: John Barker, KPost Co.; Mike Holland, Marek; Ryan Odendahl, Kwest Group

This interactive summit session will delve into the critical workforce challenges facing the construction industry today, exploring innovative strategies for attraction, retention and development of a skilled and loyal workforce. Attendees will engage with industry leaders through three focused, 30-minute panel discussions—including project owners, researchers and contractors—gaining practical insights and actionable takeaways to strengthen contractors’ talent pipelines and mitigate project owners’ labor risks.

6:15 p.m.General Reception

7:15 p.m.Sponsored Dinner

9 p.m. Post-Event Reception

7:30-8 a.m.Breakfast

8-8:30 a.m. Navigating the Legislative Landscape: Essential Updates for Construction Professionals Speaker: Kristen Swearingen, ABC National

Learn how existing and upcoming legislation could affect your construction business in 2025 and beyond. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of recent and proposed laws relevant to the construction industry.

8:30-9:45 a.m. Economic Update: Monetary Masala Speaker: Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist

Is the U.S. economy headed for recession, or can America weather emerging trade wars, associated cost increases and uncertainty? ABC’s chief economist focuses on national and regional economic performance, with an eye toward identifying emerging risks to what has been the world’s most envied economy. Among the variables are interest rates, employment growth, real estate valuations and a variety of leading economic indicators.