Tentative Agenda is in Central Daylight Time (CDT)
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Visit Oracle’s Industry Lab
In partnership with Oracle, AGC has organized a visit to Oracle’s Industry Lab in Deerfield, IL, just a quick trip from downtown Chicago.
The Oracle Industry Lab is a unique idea incubator designed to help businesses in a variety of industries tackle their most complex challenges. This 30,000-square foot facility provides a hands-on environment to develop new ideas and create solutions leveraging technology from Oracle and more than 30 industry partners. This visit will be specific to Construction and Engineering and exclusive to registered conference attendees. Learn More.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
IT Bootcamps – Part 1
In the fast-paced world of construction IT, you can never afford to stop learning. That’s why we’ve joined forces with industry innovators to offer two new bootcamps at this year’s IT Conference for Construction Professionals. With only 75 spots available per bootcamp, we strongly recommend you sign up early to guarantee your seat.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
IT Bootcamps – Part 2
In the fast-paced world of construction IT, you can never afford to stop learning. That’s why we’ve joined forces with industry innovators to offer two new bootcamps at this year’s IT Conference for Construction Professionals. With only 75 spots available per bootcamp, we strongly recommend you sign up early to guarantee your seat.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by:
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored by:
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Kickoff Remarks
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Address from AGC Vice President Tom Brown
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Leadership DNA – Traits for Successful Leadership
What does it take to get to the next level in your career? Leadership. It may seem that some people are natural leaders and others are not. The truth is that leadership requires constant refinement and learning. Do all leaders need to have a team reporting to them? No. Join me as I walk through 20 years of technology leadership experience. I’ll share tools and techniques to analyze your current state and chart your path to success.
Presenter: Dustin Burns, Vice President, IT, McCownGordon Construction
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Tech Demo: Autodesk Build: The Platform of Tomorrow, Solving the Problems of Today
Presented by:
Presented by Justin Lipsey, Technical Solutions Executive, Autodesk Construction Solutions
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Up-Leveling the IT Professionals at the Heart of Your Integrated Tech Stack
Join us for a moderated panel discussion/presentation with industry leaders on the current landscape of construction technology systems and where IT professionals play a major role in the selection of these tools for construction businesses. This session is designed to educate the IT audience on business system integrations and how technologists are at the center of this key business initiative. Get up to speed or get left behind.
In this session, you’ll hear from the forward-leaning contractor using modern tech tools to advance their business, the technology provider that supports key data through industry-focused, integrated solutions, plus experts with data from across the industry on what’s working and what’s not. All of these voices interacting together provide a complete picture of the subject of using integrated business intelligence to grow a construction business’ bottom line.
Presenters: Russ Young, CBDO, Tenna; Karen Wuerfl, Strategic IT Executive, KLW Construction Technology Solutions; Pat L’Heureux, Project Engineer, Severino Trucking
Risks and Realities of Ransomware in the AEC Sector
Labor, Materials and Equipment are commonly agreed on as the factors that will make or break your project. But given the fact that one in six AEC firms will experience a ransomware attack we need to rethink the building blocks that will determine our success. Join this session to hear the risks and realities of what actually happens during a ransomware breach and what to do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
In addition, Egnyte will share their analysis of the impact ransomware has had on their 3000+ AEC customers.
Presenters: Kevin Soohoo, Director of AEC Practice, Egnyte; Nick Espinosa, Security Fanatics; Travis Voss, Leader of Innovative Technology, Helm Mechanical; Ryan Nikolich, Director of Network Administration, Pepper Construction Group
iPad Laser Scanning – Field to Office Workflows
Utilizing reality capture tools to collect existing equipment or structure information can be very beneficial to the design and coordination processes. It can be challenging to find technology that can be easily used in the field and implemented into that coordination process. This presentation will show how SiteScape on an iPad can be used to collect that data, and then easily inserted into the data workflow for coordination.
Presenters: Sam Tijan, Virtual Construction Specialist, Miron Construction Co., Inc.; Andy Putch, Founder, SiteScape
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by:
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Why IT Projects Fail
More than half of IT projects fail, and in construction, there are an added set of challenges for making a project successful. In this session, we will cover the different elements of what makes an IT project successful and how to engage with your business to ensure both IT and Operations are happy and successful.
Presenters: Matt Lamb, Chief Information Officer, Rosendin; Jeff Sample, Industry Evangelist, Join
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Tech Demo: A More Connected Precon Experience
Presented by: 
Presented by Greg Collins, Director, Product Research, ConstructConnect
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
Cybersecurity: Rolling with the Punches in 2022
While we’ve all heard of Business Email Compromise, phishing and ransomware, we often don’t realize the ramifications events like these have on our industry and organizations. Sometimes hackers hit us square in the eyes, while other times we feel the pain of blows from unexpected changes in Cyber-Insurance requirements, security reviews, or when new regulations in our client base hits us in the ribs. In this session, we look at how hacking trends have permanently changed and continue to change our world, and what we as leaders can do to help our IT department more effectively roll with the punches.
Presenter: Joe Oleksak, Partner, Plante & Moran
How Big Data is Transforming the Construction Industry
There is an ocean of data crashing and flowing all around us. Most of us swim in this ocean every day, both consuming and contributing to it, only sticking our heads up long enough to catch a breath before diving back in. Together we create a staggering 2.5 exabytes (EB), or 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day–enough to fill 10 million Blu-Ray discs. What are we to do with all of this data (i.e., how do we leverage data created on jobsites)? And what happens when the ocean grows beyond our ability to make sense of? In this session, we will explain what Big Data is, layout some of the barriers to its adoption, and explore a few of the ways it’s being successfully used in the world of construction.
Presenter: Andy Lambert, Director of Product, Milwaukee Tool
The VDC Maturity Curve – Taking Your Team to the Next Level in Project Execution
Every year, we see more companies and individuals becoming comfortable with virtual design & construction as a part of their day-to-day workflows, spanning from architects and engineers to general contractors and their subs. As the industry has evolved, however, we’ve seen a huge variation in results, leaving leaders wondering where to make investments in technology and innovation. While some companies are still in the exploration and awareness phases, others have reached levels of excellence and mastery that allow them to build more quickly, more efficiently, and more safely. What sets those organizations who consistently yield better outcomes apart from the pack?
During this session, panelists from across the construction industry will dive into the value proposition of a well-executed VDC process. How can organizations advance along the “VDC Maturity Curve”? How can we unlock new value propositions by moving from BIM to VDC? How can we bring the right people, with the right information, together at the right time? And how can we get greater ROI from investments in technology? We will explore how the audience can become champions for change within their organizations by taking a look at a playbook for success – from aligning VDC to corporate strategy, to telling the story of success through metrics.
Presenters: Devin Gray, Director of Enterprise Solutions, VIATechnik, LLC; Jennifer Suerth, Vice President, Technical Services, Pepper Construction; Megan Conrad, Senior Director of Operational Excellence at Ryan Companies; Geoff Camp, Director of Process Innovation, Suffolk Construction
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Inexpensive Solutions to Common IT Challenges
In this open dialogue between the IT Conference Steering Committee and attendees, committee members will ask the audience to share their inexpensive solutions to common IT problems. For example, an audience member may describe an issue that he is experiencing and audience members who have experienced a similar issue may give advice/information about solutions that worked to solve the problem for them. Another committee member serves as a note taker and displays solution websites when appropriate. Notes are compiled and emailed to conference attendees and placed on the conference website after the conference.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
Sponsored by:
Thursday, August 18, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored by:
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
How to Know If That New Tech Will Make It!
There is now an estimated 5000+ construction technologies available. Many of them are less than 5 years old. It can be difficult to know whether a company is still a startup, or a more viable technology company with solid footing. We will discuss the key areas to assess whether a technology company has transitioned from being a startup and is likely to have continued success. The session will walk through the key performance areas of a technology company that differentiate it from being a startup.
Presenter: Jay Snyder, President, Big Blue Innovations
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Tech Demo: The Continuing Evolutions of the Procore Platform
Presented by:
Presented by DJ Phipps, Strategic Product Consultant, Procore
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
9:20 AM – 10:05 AM
Breakout Sessions
How IoT Technology Drives Workforce Efficiencies During a Labor Shortage Market
This educational and informative presentation will help leaders in the construction industry gain knowledge on how to utilize advanced technologies in the industry. With an increase in industry challenges such as the construction labor shortage, supply chain bottlenecks, and health and safety resources, many industry leaders are finding themselves at a roadblock in maintaining productivity at job sites and meeting project deadlines. In looking for a change, advanced technology is here to make a difference.
Industry leaders have turned to advanced technology to help them adapt to industry challenges, meeting true ROI goals. With key features such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Laser Scanning, Robotics, and Data Analytics, construction has gained the necessary tools to not only adapt but succeed in an environment with many challenges. Steve Baret, with over 13 years of relevant experience and former Innovation Manager at Mortenson, has gained true ROI success through the use of advanced technological solutions and provides a diverse wealth of solutions for industry leaders looking to make a simplified but major impactful positive change. In facing an obstacle head-on, Baret is eager to showcase and educate attendees in meeting project-specific results.
Presenter: Steve Baret, Head of Strategy and Partnerships, Eyrus
Dumping the 8 Wastes Using Technology
As industries go, construction is one of the least efficient. So much time is spent dealing with the immediate fire drills of the day—from lawsuits and upset clients in the office, to labor and materials shortages on job sites—that most companies don’t feel like they have the time to focus on becoming a more efficient business. That’s where most construction companies are wrong.
Lean construction is a thorough system of processes and behaviors that can transform the industry. Lean thinking and processes deliver better employee retention and quality of life, safer worksites, reduced project waste and greater project value and technology plays a crucial role.
Presenter: Bill Wagner, President, STRUXI and Penta Technologies, Inc.
10:05 AM – 10:10 AM
Short Transition Break
10:10 AM – 10:55 AM
Embarking a GC Digital Transformation Journey
Are you wondering what it takes to become an innovator in an industry with relatively low digitization? We did, too! Our leadership team recognized it was critical to act fast to continue growing as a company, attract new talent, and improve relationships with subcontractors. To satisfy the needs of a demanding industry, technology was going to play a key role. However, evaluating and implementing new technology can be a challenge. In this session, we will embark on Miller-Davis’ digital transformation journey from the conception of its digital roadmap to the companywide implementation of digital tools. You’ll learn how a Common Data Environment (CDE) can enhance collaboration and improve communication between the office and the field through a diverse set of tools for project management, quality control, and safety. To wrap things up, we’ll discuss strategies to cultivate “Digital Champions” and encourage innovation within the organization.
Presenters: Ariel Castillo, Strategic Process and VDC Specialist, Miller-Davis; Jack Abate, Vice President – Construction Operations, Miller-Davis
10:55 AM – 11:10 AM
Tech Demo: Operational Efficiency Delivered with HCSS TechnologyPresented by:
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Breakout Sessions
Microsoft Teams for Construction Practices
This will be a case study on how Mortenson rolled out Microsoft Teams for Construction Document Management and eliminated Box to reduce technology spend.
This session will cover:
1. Business Case to eliminate Box and replace with 0365 suite of Tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner) to gain Operations Supports
2. Standardizing a global platform tool to work for the Construction Industry. Streamline how this interfaces with our other core applications.
3. How we developed and implemented the tool to work for Mortenson and construction processes; and how are are continuously improving the tool based on users feedback
Presenter: Alison Hart, Manager, Project Solutions, Mortenson
Lessons to Share: An Expert’s Guide to Ransomware Remediation
Ransomware is rampant, and the last thing any business owner needs is to have their business down due to malicious actors. In the 2021, it is estimated that $6 trillion was paid out for global cyber crimes in 2021. Don’t let this happen to you. Our team is well versed in handling a ransomware attack, as we have helped many organizations get operations back to normal. In this webinar we will talk about:
- The evolution of ransomware
- Common characteristics indicating infection
- The timetable for resolution
- Necessary actions to prevent future attacks
We hope that after this presentation, audience members will walk away with a basic understanding of how to identify a malicious actor, how to isolate them, and how to get the business back up and running.
Presenter: Brian Miller, CEO, FusionTek
Benefits and Tips for Automating Your Jobsite Photography with a Simple 360° Camera
Automated 360° photography vastly improved the way Balfour Beatty documented jobsites.
Join us to:
- Hear real-world examples and benefits, including how it’s used to simplify field notes and BIM coordination.
- Take a look inside an actual Digital Twin created with automated 360° photography and see what’s possible with a simple 360° camera.
- Get actionable takeaways for lessons learned during implementation and field adoption.
Presenters: Nicky Pond, Technology Specialist, Balfour Beatty; Wesley DuBose, Customer Success Manager, OpenSpace
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by:
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Attitudes Toward Technology – Psychology Profiles for Technology Adoption
Peyton Kringlie identifies the adoption hurdle in the Construction Industry, and attempts to tackle the problem locally and distribute incentive to coworkers for adopting new tools. Through research and application, Peyton utilizes existing psychological literature to leverage adoption in his company. The 3 Profiles, per Colin DeYoung, PhD, are Confidence, Approval, and Interest. These factors are created through statistical factor analysis and can be acquired through a small sampled survey. Peyton, Business Analyst at LS Black Constructors, acknowledges the industry’s need for practical frameworks and actionable insight. This comprehensive breakdown, technically and practically, of the Technology Profile Index for individual attitudes toward technology will help any leader, director, executive, manger, etc. understand their teams attitudes and what programs are needed in their organization.
Presenter: Peyton Kringlie, Business Analyst, LS Black Constructors,
1:45 PM – 1:50 PM
Short Transition Break
1:50 PM – 2:35 PM
Breakout Sessions
Structuring Your Software Selection
Are you considering a significant business software purchase for your company? Accommodating the needs of multiple stakeholders and making a group decision around a major software system can be a daunting task. How do you create and manage a data-driven process to make sure all business needs have been incorporated and the chosen software fulfills those needs? Tilson representatives Tracy Bell and Jen Stastny will present a “how-to” session on a structured software selection process, using Tilson’s years of experience with software selections to educate attendees on practical methods to set up your company’s purchase evaluation process for success. Attendees will be trained on the components involved in a formal data-driven software selection and guided on how to manage those steps successfully, including planning, requirement gathering, demos, and due diligence. Anecdotes and examples will be shared throughout the presentation to help drive attendee interest and engagement, and opportunity for questions and answers related to attendee’s pending projects will be provided as well.
Presenters: Tracy Bell, Associate VP, Construction Technology Consulting, Tilson; Jen Stastny, Tilson
IT’s Role in Building a Connected Construction Environment
This session will be a panel discussion of IT directors who have integrated new technical solutions into their organizations and the lessons learned along the way. They’ll share how they decided they needed to upgrade their tech and better connect their workforce and operations, and what it took to connect data and workflows throughout their organization, including challenges overcome and tips for others who are considering similar upgrades. From how to achieve technology buy-in from your management team, to how to successfully implement new technology across hundreds, if not thousands of employees, attendees will come away with insight into best practices for how to achieve a true connected construction experience, from the field to the office, and beyond—and why it’s well worth the investment.
Presenters: Gay Lynn Anderson, IT Director, McAlvain Companies; Chris Betlach, IT Director, UMC; Moderator: Rachel Blair Winkler, Vice President & Category General Manager, Trimble Viewpoint
2:35 PM – 2:50 PM
Conference Summary & Takeaways