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 Sophie is an Industry Analyst at Verdantix, specializing in AEC software and digital twins. She provides strategic guidance to both technology buyers and software vendors, delivering insights on market dynamics, product innovation and competitive positioning. Sophie's research spans more than 100 vendors in the CMS space. Her insights help vendors identify growth opportunities and sharpen their go-to-market strategies, while enabling buyers to optimize investments, mitigate business risk and align solutions with evolving CMS demands. Sophie joined Verdantix in 2023 and brings previous experience in landscape architecture, sustainable design and regulatory frameworks. She holds a BSc in Geography from the University of Exeter. 

Nick Heim, P.E. is Director of Innovation and Co-Founder of Trinovate Advisors, where he works with AEC firms every week on AI adoption. Not the keynote version with buzzwords and vendor demos. The version where half the team is skeptical, somebody bought a tool nobody uses, and leadership needs a plan that actually sticks. He hosts the AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast (100+ episodes). 

Brett Alexander is Vice President of Construction Operations for Simon Property Group, where he leads construction operations, systems, process improvement, and technology initiatives supporting one of the largest retail real estate portfolios in the world. In this role, Brett oversees construction management platforms, project controls, operational reporting, and business process standardization across a nationwide portfolio of development and redevelopment projects. Throughout his career, Brett has focused on driving operational excellence through the effective use of technology, data, and analytics. As a key leader in Simon's Kahua implementation and ongoing optimization efforts, he has been instrumental in developing reporting frameworks, dashboards, and analytics solutions that provide greater visibility into project performance, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and executive decision-making.

Brett is passionate about transforming project data into actionable business intelligence. Working closely with construction, development, finance, and technology teams, he has helped establish scalable processes that improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. His experience spans construction operations, project management, capital planning, systems implementation, and organizational change management.

At the Kahua Conference, Brett will share practical insights into how Simon Property Group leverages Kahua Analytics to support strategic decision-making, enhance project oversight, and create meaningful value from construction data. He will discuss lessons learned, best practices, and real-world applications that organizations can use to maximize the impact of their own analytics programs.

Stephanie Lemek has spent more than 16 years helping organizations build stronger cultures, align talent with business goals, and create workplaces where people can thrive.

Her background spans Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven startups, and industrial and blue-collar environments, including construction, engineering, and manufacturing. She understands the realities of shift work, physical labor, and high-performance expectations, and knows that supporting employees must be as practical as it is strategic.

Time and again, Stephanie has seen that traditional workplace models do not always reflect the needs of the people doing the work, especially those on the shop floor, out in the field, or behind the wheel. That is where she comes in.

As a consultant, coach, and speaker, Stephanie helps organizations in high-pressure industries build resilient teams, reduce burnout, and embed mental health into the way work gets done. Her approach is grounded, people-centered, and aligned with the real world, not just a playbook.

When partnering with an organization, Stephanie does not bring a one-size-fits-all solution. She takes the time to understand each business, workforce, and unique culture so she can help create a workplace where performance and well-being go hand in hand.

She believes in building workplaces that work for both the people and the bottom line.

As Vice President Strategy Asset Lifecyle and Kahua, I bring over 30 years of leadership in marketing, strategy, and product management, with a focus on cloud solutions for the building industry. I'm passionate about shaping the future of the workplace, AI, and smart buildings—topics I regularly explore through contributions to the Forbes Business and Technology Councils and speaking engagements at major industry events. I serve as Vice Chair of the NIBS COBie Task Group and sit on the board of the IFMA Technology Council, helping drive innovation and standards across the built environment. I hold a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona and remain deeply committed to advancing technology’s role in transforming how we design, manage, and experience spaces.Strategy for Asset Centric

Bert Aultman is Manager of the Business and Technology Management Division, for Procon Consulting, LLC, a full-service asset management consultancy in Arlington, VA. Bert has managed multiple large technology implementation programs for both private and public clients. His practice areas include organizational and operational planning, change management, technology, capital and operating budgeting, performance management, and process improvement. Bert has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is currently managing a Program Management team supporting GSA’s Office of Facility Management and staff supporting the implementation of PMIS solutions for Architect of the Capitol and GSA's Office of Design and Construction. 

Paige Williams is a Senior Digital Solutions Business Analyst at AECOM with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations improve project delivery through technology and process transformation. She specializes in business analysis, digital solutions, and construction technology, partnering with project teams to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and solve complex business challenges.

Throughout her career, Paige has worked closely with owners, contractors, and project teams to implement technology that drives efficiency and better project outcomes. She is a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) and is passionate about helping organizations maximize the value of digital transformation across the project lifecycle.

Stephanie Cooper, AIA, is the University Architect and Executive Director of Planning, Design & Construction at Clemson University, overseeing campus projects ranging from $50,000 to $285 million. She leads a team of 35 professionals in planning, space management, code enforcement, and construction, ensuring design quality and strategic campus development. Before joining Clemson, she spent 25 years in the private sector focused on higher‑education design, bringing deep expertise from the consultant side. In her current role, she has championed the approval of a new Project Management Information System and developed streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and coordination across the PDC organization. 

 An expert in cybersecurity and network infrastructure, Nick Espinosa has consulted with clients ranging from small businesses up to the Fortune 100 level for decades. Nick founded Windy City Networks, Inc in 1998 at age 19 and was acquired in 2013. In 2015 Security Fanatics, a Cybersecurity/Cyberwarfare outfit dedicated to designing custom Cyberdefense strategies for medium to enterprise corporations, was launched. A internationally recognized speaker, member of the Forbes Technology Council, TEDx Speaker, strategic advisor to humanID, regular columnist for Forbes, award winning co-author of a bestselling book "Easy Prey", host of "The Deep Dive" nationally syndicated radio show, on the Board of Advisors for Roosevelt University's College of Arts and Sciences as well as their Center for Cyber and Information Security, on the Board of Directors for Consumers Credit Union as well as The Foundation for a Human Internet, contributor to the Cyber Peace Institute, member of the Canadian International Council and is the Official Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Cyber Threat Coalition. Nick is known as an industry thought leader and sought after for his advice on the future of technology and how it will impact every day businesses and consumers.  

Nicholas Johnson is Chief Evangelist at Kahua, bringing more than 40 years of experience across architecture, engineering, construction, and construction technology. In his role, he engages with owners, capital program leaders, and industry professionals to explore how technology, connected data, and emerging AI can improve project delivery and long-term asset performance.

Nicholas began his career as an electrical designer and drafter and was an early adopter of CAD/CAM technology. He later moved into IT at Heery International, where he gained firsthand experience with construction project management software before joining Constructware, an early construction technology company that was later acquired by Autodesk. Throughout his career, Nicholas has held leadership roles at Constructware, Autodesk, Trimble Connected Water, Beck Technology, and Trimble e-Builder.

Today, he shares practical perspectives on construction technology, project controls, owner-led capital programs, asset lifecycle management, and the future of the built environment. He also moderates Kahua’s Build Different podcast and industry conversations on the challenges and opportunities shaping capital project delivery.

Carrie Hunter is the CEO & Founder of It’s Not That Serious™ (INTS), a women-led lifestyle brand and storytelling platform built to connect, uplift, and celebrate women through intentional content and thoughtfully curated products. INTS spotlights amazing women and partners with brands and companies created or led by women who are building with purpose. Its audience is made up of thoughtful, high-engagement women who care deeply about what they support and why.

With more than 25 years of executive sales and leadership experience, Carrie has built a career spanning construction, technology, communications, international business development, and entrepreneurship. She is a recognized speaker and advocate for women in construction, mental health awareness, and diversity across the AEC industry, and speaks on leadership, reinvention, storytelling, community, and the importance of creating spaces where women can connect and rise together.

Known for her candid energy, relatable perspective, and wildly authentic approach to leadership, Carrie has built her career around a simple belief: people are stronger when they feel seen, supported, and connected.