2026 Chicago Global Summit

Guiding the Future of the AEC Industry Through Innovation, Technology and Investment

When

Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026

Where

Convene – 311 W Monroe 311 West Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60606

What's In It For You:

  • Evaluate the technology, innovation, and AI/data strategy for mid-size, specialty, and large contractors
  • Analyze the investment landscape of accelerators and early-stage, mid-stage and late-stage startups (including a Demo Competition)
  • Decode technology governance/charters, AI use cases, and the most promising AI/ML applications
  • Build the future workforce and operational strategy through the utilization of autonomous systems and robotics
  • Connect with executives, founders, decision-makers, and innovators throughout the global AEC value chain

Who Should Attend: 

BuiltWorlds invites C-suite executives, SVPs, VPs, directors and leaders from the AEC industry with job titles and responsibilities including:

  • CEO / COO / CIO / CTO / Founders / Presidents
  • Innovation / Strategy / Partnerships
  • Investment / Venture Capital / Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
  • Data Analysis / Strategy / Management
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML)

PRICING AND REGISTRATION*

(Access to Research Tracks and CEO Working Group Not Included)

$3,000

Non-members interested in membership can learn more here.

1 MEMBER TICKET

Members can also find the registration form at the bottom of this page.

PRICING VARIES

Pricing is based on group size. Register your interest and a member of our team will reach out with information shortly.

2026 Speaker Include

Amr Raafat

Chief Innovation Officer, Windover Construction

Abel Esquivel Luna

Senior HR Director, Zachry Construction Corporation

Brad Crawford

CEO, Rival Holdings

Scott Kolbrenner

President & Chief Strategy Officer, Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.

Thai Nguyen

Director of Innovation, Hensel Phelps

Michael Palmer

Partner, Great Wave VC

Marielle Price

Chief Strategy Officer, Fieldwire by Hilti

Eric Lamb

Operating Partner, Blackhorn Ventures

Lisa Podesto

Director of Mass Timber & Sustainable Construction Innovation, Swinerton Builders

Brick Cassidy

Director of The Fabrication Center for the College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology

Jesse Devitte

Co-Founder & General Partner, Building Ventures

Parker Mundt

Partner, Head of Platform, Suffolk Technologies

Alice Leung

Principal, Brick & Mortar Ventures

Kaushal Diwan

Corporate Director, Strategic Investments & Partnerships, DPR Construction

Shelley Finnigan

Associate Dean, Masters and Professional Education, Northwestern University - MPM and EMDC

Vivin Hegde

Managing Partner, Zacua Ventures

Youngjin Hwang

Assistant Professor, Illinois Institute of Technology

Audrey Lynch

Director of Research, BuiltWorlds

Il Hwan Kim

Assistant Professor, Illinois Institute of Technology

Stuti Bhardwaj

Technical Designer, Gensler Chicago, Gensler

Dillon Pranger

Assistant Professor, Illinois Institute of Technology

Paul Reynolds

Founder and CEO, Engineered Vibration Solutions Ltd

Jenny Song

Principal, Navitas Capital

Aaron Toppston

Managing Partner, GS Futures

Matthew Gray

Co-Chair, Graycor, Executive Chairman, BuiltWorlds

Rachael Becker

CEO, RB Builds

Travis Voss

Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication, SMACNA

Hassan Albalawi

CEO & Founder, WakeCap

Sean Wrenn

Director of Programming, BuiltWorlds

Antonia Elisa Soler Blasco

VP of Marketing and Head of Hilti Venture, Hilti

Joanne Rodriguez

Partnerships Director, The Biomimicry Institute

Dai Ohama

General Manager, Innovation and Incubation Office, Kajima

Cutler Knupp

VP, Strategy & Investments, Haskell

Nora Daley

Co-Chair, Chicago Architecture Biennial

Devin Lohman

Assistant Fabrication Manager, Adjunct Faculty, Illinois Institute of Technology

Rosemarie Lipman

CEO, BuiltWorlds

Jordana De Castro Rosa

BIM Manager, WSP

Nick Comerford

Director of Infrastructure Research, BuiltWorlds

Bhragan Paramanantham

Platform Lead & Head of Content, Formwork Labs

Kimberly Dowdell

Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Amrize

Rui Coutinho

Chief Innovation Officer, Mota-Engil

Hrishi Maha

Leader Data and AI, DPR Construction

Eveart Foster

Integrations, Subject Matter Expert, Autodesk

Max Quertermus

Venture & Investment Senior Analyst, BuiltWorlds

James Coe

Senior Principal, Syska Hennessy Group

Brian Tracy

Director of Construction Management, Ausonio

Zhexiong Chai

Vice President | Sr. Computational Designer, HKS Architects

Michael Sachaj

Partner, HPA

Arjun Mohan

Founder & CEO, Tenderd

Amit Bose

Formerly, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration

Raymond Zhao

CEO, Structured AI

Sang Yoon Choi

Director, GS Futures

Jay Snyder

President, Big Blue Innovations

Henri Lee

CEO & Founder, Xpanner

Cameron Mabley

Associate, UFP Industries

Ivan Mutis

Associate Professor, Illinois Institute of Technology

Patrick Cotter

Managing Director, Operations, Consertus

Justin Schwaiger

Prefabrication Technology Leader, DPR Construction

Mariah Ray

SVP of Government Affairs, Glydways

Ross Bosn

Managing Director, UFP Industries

Mark Cichy

Director of Design Technology, HOK

Bruce Alton

Co-Founder & CEO, RoBIM Technologies

Zack Birky

Senior Investment Manager, Caterpillar

Maggie Kenefake

Founding Partner, Iron Prairie Ventures

Mohamed Adel

Digital Construction Director, Buildings, Bird Construction

Damien Bahon

Head of Scale One, Bouygues Construction

Daniel Meissner

VP, Growth & Strategic Partnerships, EllisDon Corporation

Nick Heim

Fractional Director of Innovation, Trinovate Advisors

Kurt Ramirez

Partner, Nine Four Ventures

Benjamin Stephenson

Founder/CEO, Digital Workshop Group

Tariq Masud

Senior Project Manager, Parsons

Brian Helm

CEO, Helm Group

Jason Blumberg

Managing Partner, Earth Foundry

Doug Chambers

Chief Development Officer, Aston Labs

Alex Serriere

CTO, TEECOM

Khalid Abounassif

Director, Innovation & Construction Technology, EllisDon Corporation

John Moebes

Senior Director of Construction, Crate & Barrel

Kjell Anderson

Director of Sustainable Design, LMN Architects

Alex Lambert

Venture Capital Manager, mHUB

Dirk Denison

Director, Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP) at Illinois Institute of Technology

Jayhawk Reese-Julien

MCHAP Fellow, Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP) at Illinois Institute of Technology

Blake MacGregor

Vice President of Preconstruction, Bulley & Andrews

Temirlan Rakhmetzhanov

Co-Founder & CEO, Armeta AI

Matt Fillmore

V.P. Mission Critical Division Lead, Barge Design Solutions

Erin Roberts

Global Engineering & Construction Leader, EY

Carolyn Kwon

Managing Director, Moderne Ventures

Steve Matson

VP Digital Product Management, Milwaukee Tool

Sami Syed

Senior Business Development Manager

Edward (Ted) Coffey

VP Advisory Services, STV

Agenda

Day 1 Schedule

12:00PM – 5:00PM

CEO Annual Meeting Sessions

The 2026 CEO Meeting is an annual gathering of BuiltWorlds’ Business Strategy Track members intended to provide a small, private event with two days of exclusive programming, featuring innovative industry experts and executives from around the globe.

More information can be found here.

Day 2 Schedule

9:00AM – 1:00PM

CEO Annual Meeting Sessions Continued

Restricted to members of BuiltWorlds' Business Strategy Track members.

More information can be found here.

10:00AM – 11:30AM

Venture & Investment Research Track Working Group Meeting

Session Abstract and Speakers TBA

10:00AM – 11:30AM

AI/ML Preparedness Research Track Working Group Meeting

Session Abstract and Speakers TBA

9:30AM – 10:30AM
Illinois Institute of Technology Campus

Illinois Institute of Technology Innovative Facilities Visit

Members of BuiltWorlds' Research Tracks are invited to join us on Illinois Institute of Technology's campus for two exciting tours of IIT's facilities, led by members of the College of Architecture and College of Engineering, respectively.

More information on IIT's Trimble Technology Lab can be found here.

More information on IIT's Fabrication Center can be found here.

10:30AM – 11:30AM

Illinois Institute of Technology - Departing Panel Discussion

Following the tour of IIT's facilities, the group will reconvene for a closing discussion in S. R. Crown Hall, IIT's main building within the College of Architecture.

More information and the history of IIT's S. R. Crown Hall can be found here.

11:45AM – 1:00PM

CEO Forum Lunch with Tech Entrepreneurs

The CEO Forum / Tech Entrepreneurs Lunch is an opportunity for industry executives from leading AECO firms to meet connect with startup founders and CEO's from BuiltWorlds' network over lunch in an intimate, yet engaging setting.

1:00PM – 1:40PM
Hub One

Startup Garage - Fundraising Dos/Don'ts (Early Stage)

Raising capital for a ConTech startup is a high-stakes craft that separates traction from transformation. This interactive workshop arms early-stage founders with battle-tested strategies for crafting investor-ready pitches, building relationships with sector-specific VCs, and closing rounds efficiently. Learn the critical do's, like demonstrating clear product-market fit, showcasing jobsite traction, and aligning with construction-specific metrics, and the definitive don'ts, such as overhyping unproven tech, neglecting customer references, or ignoring the long sales cycles that define AEC investing. Participants will walk away equipped to navigate term sheets, manage diligence, and position their startup for the right capital at the right time.

Speakers:
Jesse Devitte, Co-Founder & General Partner, Building Ventures
Vivin Hegde, GP and Founding Partner, Zacua Ventures
Eric Lamb, Operating Partner, Blackhorn Ventures
Ross Bosn, Managing Director, UFP Ventures

1:00PM – 1:40PM
Hub Two

You Raised a Series A, Now What? (Later Stage)

Closing a Series A round validates your vision, but it also starts the clock on proving you can scale with discipline. For growing ConTech and built-world startups, the next phase brings a new set of challenges: building repeatable go-to-market motions, supporting larger and more demanding customers, sharpening unit economics, and maturing internal operations without losing speed. This session dives into what founders and leaders must get right after the term sheet is signed, from hiring and org design to customer success, implementation, product focus, and board management. Attendees will hear candid stories and practical frameworks for navigating the pressure to grow efficiently, avoid common scaling pitfalls, and set the stage for durable, investor-ready progress toward the next round or strategic exit.

Speakers:
Jay Snyder, President, Big Blue Innovations
Carolyn Kwon, Managing Director, Moderne Ventures

1:30PM – 2:15PM
Studio

Big Ideas from the Chicago Architectural Biennial and How to Move them Forward (Chicago Track)

Across continents, architects and designers are testing new materials, new delivery models, and new relationships between people, technology, and place. The Chicago Architecture Biennial convenes the world around these experiments—bringing together bold ideas and diverse voices to collectively imagine the future of design. In this session, key partners of the Biennial will discuss how these innovations are already influencing new ways of thinking about materials, delivery, performance, and investment—and how they can be leveraged to advance business objectives.

Speakers:
Nora Daley, Co-Chair, Chicago Architecture Biennial
Kimberly Dowdell, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Amrize

1:30PM – 2:00PM
Forum

AI in the Mid Market (Mid Sized and Specialty AEC)

Mid-sized contractors are under growing pressure to figure out where AI actually fits into their business, not just their buzzwords. AI is starting to show real value in areas like project scheduling, cost forecasting, risk detection, and equipment maintenance, especially when embedded into existing project management and BIM tools rather than rolled out as standalone experiments. At the same time, many mid-market firms face stalled pilots, scattered tool experiments, and limited internal expertise, making leadership, governance, and a clear roadmap just as important as the tools themselves. This session focuses on how small and mid-sized contractors are practically deploying AI today; where they’re seeing ROI, where they’re skeptical, and how they’re building the data foundations and partnerships needed to scale from one-off pilots to real competitive advantage.

Speaker:
Amr Raafat, Chief Innovation Officer, Windover Construction

1:40PM – 2:20PM
Hub One

Should I Join an Accelerator? (Early Stage)

Securing a spot in a startup accelerator promises funding, mentorship, and connections, but is it the right move for your ConTech venture? This panel of experienced founders, investors, and program directors debates the real value of accelerators for early-stage construction technology companies. Expect candid discussion on matching programs to your stage and goals, weighing equity tradeoffs against structured milestones, and navigating long AEC sales cycles with demo-day momentum. Panelists will share success stories, cautionary tales, and decision frameworks so attendees can assess whether an accelerator accelerates growth or just adds pressure.

Speakers:
Parker Mundt, Partner, Head of Platform, Suffolk Technologies
Bhragan Paramanantham, Platform Lead & Head of Content, Formwork Labs
Alex Lambert, Venture Capital Manager, mHUB
Khalid Abounassif, Director, Innovation & Construction Technology, EllisDon

1:40PM – 2:20PM
Hub Two

Fundraising and Exits in the Later Stages (Later Stage)

As ConTech matures, later-stage funding and exits are increasingly driven by proof of scalability, clear unit economics, and strong integration into contractor workflows. Growth and late-stage rounds are flowing toward platforms with enterprise deployments, AI-driven capabilities, and demonstrable impact on risk, margin, and productivity, even as fundraising cycles lengthen and diligence intensifies. On the exit side, strategic M&A and private equity roll-ups remain the dominant paths, with IPOs still the exception rather than the norm for construction technology companies. This session will unpack how founders, investors, and strategic acquirers are navigating today’s environment; what “late-stage ready” really looks like, how consolidation is reshaping the ecosystem, and what it takes to position a ConTech company for a successful outcome in a market where scale, focus, and operational discipline matter more than ever.

Speakers:
Jenny Song, Partner, Navitas Capital

2:00PM – 3:00PM
Forum

Technology in the Shop - Fab Shops, Tools, and Equipment (Mid Sized and Specialty AEC)

Behind every efficient project is a well-equipped shop that blends craftsmanship with technology. From digital layout tools and automated cutting systems to robotics, IoT integrations, and cloud-connected equipment, fabrication shops are redefining what productivity and precision look like. This session brings together leaders from forward-thinking contractors and fabricators to discuss how they’re modernizing their shop operations, evaluating new tools, and training teams to work alongside technology. Expect insights on implementation challenges, ROI considerations, and how shop-floor innovation translates directly to jobsite performance and project delivery.

Speakers:
Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication, SMACNA
Steve Matson, VP, Digital Product Management, Milwaukee Tool

2:15PM – 3:00PM
Studio

IIT Research Project Collaboration Pitches I (Chicago Track)

2:20PM – 3:00PM
Hub One

Typical Early Stage Pitfalls and How to Move Past Them (Early Stage)

Early-stage ConTech startups often stumble by building flashy demos or SaaS products that prioritize investor appeal over proven jobsite value and customer workflows. Other common traps include inadequate market validation, chasing too many features or pilot requests without product-market fit, premature scaling before repeatable sales, and ignoring the industry's long sales cycles and offline realities. This session breaks down these pitfalls with real-world examples from AEC failures, offering actionable strategies for founders to prioritize real problem-solving, validate with field users early, streamline for traction, and build sustainable paths to growth.

Speakers:
Aaron Toppston, Managing Partner, GS Futures
Michael Palmer, Partner, Great Wave Ventures
Michael Sachaj, Partner, HPA VC

2:20PM – 3:00PM
Hub Two

Customer Insights - Pains and Opportunities from the Customer's Perspective (Later Stage)

Owners and developers are feeling both the promise and the pressure of rapidly evolving construction technology. From fragmented data and inconsistent workflows to communication gaps and unclear ROI, many still struggle to translate tools into tangible project and portfolio outcomes. This session brings the customer voice to the forefront, with owners, developers, and facility stakeholders sharing candid perspectives on their biggest pain points, unmet needs, and the moments when technology truly delivers. Attendees will hear where expectations aren’t being met today, where the greatest opportunities lie for better collaboration and transparency, and how solution providers and contractors can become long-term, trusted partners instead of just another platform in the stack.

3:15PM – 4:00PM
Studio

IIT Research Project Collaboration Pitches II (Chicago Track)

3:15PM – 5:00PM
Hub One

Early Stage Demo Day

Presenting Companies:
Armeta Inc., Structured AI

3:15PM – 5:00PM
Hub Two

Growth/Later Stage Technology Showcase

The Growth/Later Stage Technology Showcase is an opportunity for more established technology providers to present what they've built to date and how the industry leverages their tech. This session is particularly useful for small-to-mid-sized groups that are assessing various technologies as they consider which to implement.

3:15PM – 4:00PM
Forum

Where Do I Start? Technology Development and Road Mapping for Mid Sized Contractors (Mid Sized and Specialty AEC)

For many mid-sized contractors, investing in technology isn’t a question of if, it’s a matter of how and where to begin. With limited resources, competing priorities, and a rapidly expanding ConTech landscape, knowing which tools will deliver real operational value can be overwhelming. This session breaks down practical strategies for assessing your organization’s digital maturity, setting achievable tech goals, and building a phased technology roadmap. Industry experts and contractor leaders will share lessons learned from evaluating platforms, managing change, and aligning innovation with business strategy. Participants will leave with a clear, actionable path toward smarter, scalable technology adoption.

Speakers:
Marielle Price, Chief Strategy Officer, Fieldwire by Hilti
Rachael Becker, CEO, RB Builds

4:00PM – 4:45PM
Forum

Sustainability Initiatives Across the Americas (MCHAP) - Agents of Change: Architectures of Urban Transformation and Regenerative Futures (Chicago Track)

The Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize at the Illinois Institute of Technology, founded in 2012 in Chicago, is a biennial award recognizing excellence in built works of architecture in the Americas. The result is a rich array of outputs: engaging events and symposia, inventive studios and workshops, and sophisticated, globally recognized publications. In this session, the MCHAP Director and MCHAP Fellow will discuss perspectives behind the works of architecture and how the prize reflects on the evolving role of architectural practice within global networks of innovation and cultural exchange.

Speakers:
Dirk Denison, Director, Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP)
Jayhawk Reese-Julien, MCHAP Fellow, Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP)

5:00PM – 6:00PM

Reception

Day 3 Schedule

8:00AM – 9:00AM

Breakfast & Networking

9:00AM – 9:10AM
Forum

Welcome Address

9:10AM – 9:40AM
Forum

Opening Keynote

9:40AM – 10:20AM
Forum

Future of Infrastructure

Infrastructure lies at the heart of global progress — shaping how we live, work, and connect. Yet today, the systems that support our cities and economies are being tested by rapid urbanization, shifting climate realities, and emerging technologies that are transforming every phase of design, construction, and operation. This session explores what the next decade of infrastructure could look like, considering new approaches to resilience, data-driven planning, investment, and sustainability. From smarter cities and connected assets to evolving materials and delivery models, the discussion will examine how the AEC industry can collaborate to meet the challenges, and seize the opportunities, of a rapidly changing world.

Speakers:
Amit Bose, Formerly - Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration
Tariq Masud, Senior Project Manager, Parsons Corporation
Mariah Ray, SVP of Government Affairs, Glydways
Edward (Ted) Coffey, VP Advisory Services. STV Incorporated

10:20AM – 10:25AM
Forum

Words from our Sponsor: WakeCap

Speaker:
Hassan Albalawi, CEO & Founder, WakeCap

9:40AM – 10:20AM
Studio

Morning Spotlight I

9:40AM – 10:20AM
Hub One

The AI Safety Net: Navigating Risk in the New Era of Construction

In an industry where margins are thin and regulations are thick, risk management is more than just a department. It is a survival strategy. While the AECO sector is traditionally risk-averse, the integration of Artificial Intelligence offers a paradigm shift from reactive troubleshooting to predictive mitigation. This session brings together representatives from the entire project lifecycle. The group will explore how AI-driven tools are being used to identify hidden liabilities, quantify uncertainty, and streamline compliance in highly regulated environments.

Speakers:
Philippe Rival, CEO & Co-founder, Enlaye
Christian Tricoire, Regional Director, VINCI Construction Major Projects - USA

9:40AM – 10:20AM
Hub Two

Sustainability Case Study

Session Details TBD

10:20AM – 10:35AM

Networking / Coffee Break

10:35AM – 11:15AM
Forum

AI Use Cases Industry Leaders are Most Excited About

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are moving rapidly from experimentation to real-world impact across the built environment. In this session, industry leaders and innovators explore the AI applications generating the most buzz, and delivering tangible results, in design, construction, and operations. From predictive scheduling and quality control to generative design, risk management, and sustainable materials optimization, panelists will share insights into where AI is truly adding value today and where it’s headed next. This session offers an on-the-ground look at how forward-thinking teams are turning data into smarter, faster, and more efficient project outcomes.

Speakers:
Hrishi Maha, Leader Data and AI, DPR Construction
Eveart Foster, Integrations, Subject Matter Expert, Autodesk
Mark Cichy, Director of Design Technology, HOK

10:35AM – 11:15AM
Studio

Morning Spotlight II - Agentic AI Workshop

Speaker:
Dr. Sarah Buchner, CEO & Founder, Trunk Tools

10:35AM – 11:15AM
Hub One

Autonomous Construction Equipment

The rise of autonomous and semi-autonomous machinery is reshaping what’s possible on the jobsite. From earthmoving and grading to material transport and site inspection, automation is driving new levels of safety, productivity, and precision across construction operations. This session explores the current state and near future of autonomous equipment — examining real-world deployments, emerging business models, workforce implications, and the evolving balance between man and machine. Attendees will gain a clearer view of how autonomy is advancing, what barriers remain, and how data, connectivity, and AI are powering the next generation of smart equipment on infrastructure and building projects alike.

Speakers:
Henri Lee, CEO & Co-Founder, Xpanner
Dai Ohama, General Manager, Innvation & Incubation Office, Kajima Corporation
Arjun Mohan, CEO, TENDERD
Zachary Birky, Sr. Investment Manager, Caterpillar Ventures

10:35AM – 11:15AM
Hub Two

Offsite Construction Today and Tomorrow

Offsite construction has moved well beyond experimentation, it is reshaping how the industry delivers complex projects. As supply chains mature and new technologies enable greater precision and integration, experts are rethinking everything from design collaboration to manufacturing workflows and on-site assembly. This session brings together leaders driving innovation in prefabrication, productization, manufacturing and modular construction to discuss what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next. Topics include scaling production, balancing standardization with customization, and aligning procurement, design, and construction in a more connected, industrialized process.

Speakers:
Justin Schwaiger, Prefabrication Technology Leader, DPR Construction
Bruce Alton, Co-Founder & CEO, RoBIM Technologies
John Moebes, Senior Director of Construction, Crate & Barrel
Josh Lobel, Sr. Global Business Development Executive, Autodesk

11:15AM – 12:00PM
Forum

Global Leaders in Venture Investing

Investment in construction and built environment technology continues to expand and diversify, driven by global demand for smarter, more sustainable infrastructure. In this session, venture leaders from around the world discuss the evolving landscape of AEC innovation, where capital is flowing, which technologies are gaining traction, and how regional and sector-specific trends are shaping the next generation of industry transformation. From AI and robotics to materials, energy, and supply chain solutions, panelists will share insights from the front lines of venture investing and explore what’s next for startups and investors driving change in the built world.

Speakers:
Sang Yoon Choi, Director, GS Futures
Alice Leung, Principal, Brick & Mortar Ventures

11:15AM – 12:00PM
Studio

Morning Spotlight III - EllisDon/Building Digital

Speakers:
Rory Smith, Director, Business Development, DDE, EllisDon
Daniel Meissner, VP, Growth & Strategic Partnerships, EllisDon

11:15AM – 12:00PM
Hub One

Innovations in Field Operations

Field operations are where project plans meet real-world conditions, and where technology, process, and people either come together—or fall apart. As jobsites become more connected and data-rich, operations leaders are rethinking how they coordinate crews, manage risk, capture information, and keep work moving safely and efficiently. This session brings together experts responsible for day-to-day delivery to discuss how digital tools, automation, and smarter workflows are reshaping inspections, safety, logistics, quality, and communication between the field and office. Panelists will share hard-earned lessons on what actually drives improvement in the field, how to avoid creating digital busywork, and where they see the next wave of operational gains coming from.

Speakers:
Nick Heim, Fractional Director of Innovation, Trinovate Advisors
Mohamed Adel, Director of Construction Innovation, Operations Services, Bird Construction

11:15AM – 12:00PM
Hub Two

The Evolution of Modern Building Products and Materials

As pressure mounts to cut embodied carbon, reduce waste, and improve building performance, materials are becoming one of the most dynamic fronts in AEC innovation. From low‑carbon and carbon‑sequestering concrete to bio-based composites, high‑performance insulation, and smart or self-healing materials, new solutions are challenging long-standing assumptions about cost, risk, and constructability. This session convenes leading practitioners, researchers, and investors to examine which sustainable material technologies are moving from pilot to scale, how they are changing design and delivery decisions, and what it will take across codes, supply chains, and financing to make next-generation materials the default rather than the exception.

Speakers:
Lisa Podesto, Director of Mass Timber and Sustainable Construction Innovation, Swinerton
Kjell Anderson, Director of Sustainable Design, LMN Architects
Joanne Rodriguez, Partnerships Director, The Biomimicry Institute

12:00PM – 1:30PM

Lunch & Vendor Exhibition

1:30PM – 2:15PM
Forum

From Seed Investors to Sovereigns. How has the Investment Landscape in the Built World Shifted in Recent Years?

The funding ecosystem for AEC technology has transformed over recent years, evolving from niche seed and Series A bets into a multi-billion-dollar arena attracting corporate venture arms, infrastructure funds, and even sovereign wealth pools. What began with startups tackling point solutions in software and robotics now draws scaled capital chasing platform plays in modular construction, digital twins, and decarbonization technologies. This session features global venture leaders charting how investor profiles, deal sizes, valuations, and exit paths have shifted — and what those changes signal for founders, operators, and the next wave of Built World innovation.

Speakers:
Kurt Ramirez, General Partner, Nine Four Ventures
Jason Blumberg, Managing Director, Earth Foundry

1:30PM – 2:15PM
Hub One

Mid Sized Contractors Do's and Don'ts

Mid-sized contractors navigate a high-stakes sweet spot in construction — capable of scaling for bigger wins, yet vulnerable to the same labor crunches, cost swings, and competitive pressures hitting everyone else. This session delivers straight-talk do’s and don’ts from peers who’ve cracked the code on sustainable growth, sharing hard-won strategies for smart bidding, workforce retention, tech stack prioritization, risk allocation, and client management without overextending. Expect practical wisdom on avoiding common traps like underpriced fixed bids, siloed operations, or chasing volume over profitability in an era of tight margins and rising demands.

Speakers:
Blake MacGregor, VP of Project Development & Proconstruction, Bulley & Andrews

1:30PM – 2:15PM
Hub Two

Data Center Infrastructure

This session unpacks how technology and innovation are helping stakeholders overcome constraints tied to power, water, and labor availability, while rethinking design, procurement, and delivery for these complex, high-stakes projects. From power-dense layouts and advanced cooling systems to modular prefabrication and digitally enabled workflows, panelists will discuss navigating compressed timelines, supply chain bottlenecks, sustainability mandates, and workforce shortages as the industry races to build the next generation of digital infrastructure.

Panelists:
Benjamin Stephenson, Founder & CEO, Digital Workshop Group (Moderator)
James Coe, Senior Principal, Syska Hennessy Group
Doug Chambers, Chief Development Officer, Aston Labs
Matt Fillmore, V.P. Mission Critical Division Lead, Barge Design Solutions
Sami Syed, Senior Business Development Manager, Enercon Services

1:30PM – 2:15PM
Studio

Creating Your Own Technology Charter Workshop

A technology charter is a strategic framework that aligns people, processes, and technology to ensure successful adoption and long-term value. In this interactive workshop, attendees will explore the key components of a technology charter, from defining objectives and measuring ROI to securing leadership buy-in and fostering a culture of innovation. Through hands-on collaboration, participants will work in teams to develop a tailored framework they can bring back to their organizations.

Speakers:
Brian Tracy, Director of Construction Management, Ausonio Incorporated
Patrick Cotter, Managing Director, Operations, Consertus

2:15PM – 3:00PM
Forum

The Future of Architecture and Design Technologies

The future of architecture and design technologies is accelerating toward seamless integration of AI, computational tools, and real-time collaboration, enabling unprecedented creativity and efficiency in the built environment. This general session convenes visionary leaders to explore how generative design, parametric modeling, digital twins, and immersive realities are transforming workflows from concept to completion. Panelists will unpack emerging platforms that automate iteration, optimize performance, and embed sustainability from the earliest sketches, while addressing the skills, standards, and cultural shifts needed to make these tools standard practice across the AEC industry.

Speakers:
Alex Serriere, EVP & CTO, TEECOM
Stuti Bhardwaj, Technical Designer, Gensler
Zhexiong Chai, Vice President, Sr. Computational Designer, HKS Architects
Jordana de Castro Rosa, BIM Manager, WSP

2:15PM – 3:00PM
Hub One

Mission-Ready Infrastructure: Partnering with the Department of War to Build the Future

The Department of War is supercharging its industrial base, moving from slow-moving acquisition to agile partnerships with game-changing impacts on infrastructure. This session moves beyond policy to pinpoint the demand signal. Hear directly from the infrastructure engineering commands of the Navy (NAVFAC), Army (USACE), and Air Force (AFCEC) as they detail their most urgent needs and break down real investments driving measurable ROI, the data infrastructure making it possible, and how they are overcoming hurdles to embed innovation as a core capability, not a side project.

Speakers:
John Michael Nurthen, Lt. Cdr Civil Engineer Corps, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, United States Navy
Matthew Parks, Chief AI Officer, Army Corps of Engineers

2:15PM – 3:00PM
Hub Two

Building a Supply Chain Strategy to Support Growth and Resiliency

With nearly 50% of total project costs tied to materials and supplies, construction organizations must treat supply chain strategy as a core driver of growth, not a back-office function. This session explores how leaders can align strategy, innovation, and investment, bringing GCs, trade partners, owners, and suppliers into earlier, more integrated collaboration, to move beyond technology alone and unlock the full value of industrialized construction.

Speakers:
Siavash Mohseni, Corporate Venture Capital & Innovation, Hensel Phelps

2:15PM – 3:00PM
Studio

Afternoon Spotlight I - How to Accelerate the Delivery of Data Centers

Session abstract TBA...

Speakers:
Jacky Wong, CEO, CIM Build
Kevin Le, Co-founder, CIM Build

3:00PM – 3:30PM

Afternoon Break

3:30PM – 4:15PM
Forum

Spotlight Session: Mota-Engil -"The Center for Future Worlds"

The Center for Future Worlds, by Mota-Engil, is a frontier “do-tank” that was born from the conviction that the future of the built environment will not be defined by concrete or code alone, but by the connection between humanity, sustainability and technology. From the beautiful Porto, in Portugal, and in a landmark project by Kengo Kuma, the Center is an innovation hub that stands at the intersection where engineering precision meets human imagination, where digital innovation serves physical and emotional wellbeing, and where every structure tells a story of possibility.

This is not just about building smarter: it's about building with purpose, compassion, and vision for generations to come.

Speaker:
Rui Coutinho, Chief Innovation Officer, Mota-Engil

3:30PM – 4:15PM
Hub One

Building the Future Workforce

In a market with tightening access to skilled labor, the industry is turning to connected jobsites, real-time data, and digital tools to maximize workforce productivity, safety, and performance. This session brings together industry practitioners to examine how data-driven insights, connected workers, and jobsite platforms are reshaping safety, productivity, talent management, and decision-making from the job site to all levels of the organization. Panelists will share how the industry is modernizing workforce development through technology-enabled training, digital fluency, and cross-disciplinary credentials—supported by partnerships with educational institutions, unions and labor organizations, and technology providers—to build adaptable, safety-first teams for increasingly complex projects.

Speakers:
Abel Esquivel Luna, HR Director, Zachry Construction Corporation
Hassan Albalawi, CEO & Founder, WakeCap
Antonia Elisa Soler Blasco, VP of Marketing and Head of Hilti Venture, Hilti
Shelley Finnigan, Associate Dean, Masters and Professional Education, Northwestern University - MPM and EMDC

3:30PM – 4:15PM
Hub Two

Owner Perspectives on Innovation in AEC

Owner perspectives are pivotal in driving AEC innovation, as building owners and operators increasingly demand faster timelines, lower costs, and greener outcomes from their project partners. This session gathers forward-thinking owners, from corporate real estate, public agencies, developers, and institutional investors, to share how they're pushing boundaries with tech-enabled delivery models, performance-based contracts, and integrated teams that prioritize outcomes over traditional methods. Panelists will discuss real experiences adopting digital twins, modular strategies, AI risk forecasting, and sustainability metrics, plus the incentives, roadblocks, and leadership tactics that make true innovation stick beyond the pilot phase.

3:30PM – 4:15PM
Studio

Afternoon Spotlight II - AI/ML

4:15PM – 5:00PM
Saffron Boardroom

Business Strategy CEO Forum: Closing Discussion - Rebuilding a Company from the Inside Out

Restricted to members of BuiltWorlds' Business Strategy Track members.

4:15PM – 5:00PM
Forum

Closing Remarks

5:00PM – 6:30PM

Closing Reception Celebrating BuiltWorlds Mavericks Recipients

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