Build Forward: Schedule

Event Agenda Table

1:00 - 1:15	Keynote Welcome to Build Forward Nicholas Johnson & AJ Waters - Chief Evangelists @ Kahua View Abstract Join Kahua’s Chief Evangelists, Nicholas and AJ, as they kick off the very first Build Forward event. In this high-energy opening session, they’ll welcome attendees, set the stage for the day, and walk through the agenda to highlight what’s ahead.
1:15 - 1:55	Keynote Becoming a Data-Centric Owner Steve Jones - Senior Director, Industry Insights Research @ Dodge Data & Analytics View Abstract Owners have been implementing and mandating a wide variety of technologies for many years. However, they often apply them to old governance and decision-making practices, so project performance problems persist. Steve Jones, Senior Director of Industry Insights from Dodge Construction Network will share his team’s research on how owners are evolving to become data-centric organizations where technology now powers better-informed decisions and addresses traditionally chronic weak spots in the project delivery process to improve outcomes and life cycle asset operations.
2:00 - 2:40	Industry Track Strong Foundations: Building Mental Health into Construction Stephanie Lemek - Founder & CEO @ The Wounded Workforce & Rob McKinney - Construction Safety Advocate @ SALUS View Abstract If you work on projects, this discussion is for you. Join our expert panel for an educational session meant to equip construction leaders and professionals with the tools to manage their own stress and wellbeing while creating safer, healthier teams. Attendees will learn how to spot early warning signs of mental health struggles, respond effectively to team members in need, and model resilience in high-pressure environments. Then, we go deeper into proven techniques for managing your stress. The key takeaway: when employees and leaders take care of themselves, they set the tone for a stronger, safer jobsite culture.	Technology Track AI in Construction: Risks, Rewards and What’s Next Hugh Seaton - CEO @ The Link.ai & Brian Moore - President @ Kahua View Abstract Artificial intelligence has dominated headlines, but for many in construction, the hype can feel far removed from the realities of project delivery. Some see AI as a game-changer for safety, scheduling and efficiency. Others worry about risks: unproven tools, data security or losing human judgment in critical decisions. During this session, moderator Nicholas Johnson sits down with Kahua President, Brian Moore and AI strategist Hugh Seaton to explore the real-world implications of AI adoption in construction.
2:45 - 3:10	Industry Track Risk for the Rest of Us – Deliver Excellent Risk Briefings without a PhD! Thomas Polen - Deltek Project Portfolio Management @ Deltek View Abstract A Schedule or Cost Risk Assessment can be an intimidating exercise... but it does not have to be! This session will help to demystify Risk inputs and reporting for all levels of experience. We will discuss the best methods of gathering inputs, including one vital prerequisite. Further, we will examine risk assessments in the session and gain consensus on the likely conclusions, ultimately equipping the group to be able to perform these functions, while empowering analysts to brief their team using their own unique style.	Technology Track Mastering Asset Data Handover Andy Jackson - Principal America's Sales Lead - Maximo & TRIRIGA @ IBM View Abstract Prior to the digitalization of design and construction information, at project completion owner/operators received truckloads of paper documents containing the critical information they would need to maintain and operate their new assets. Since then, they have received information electronically. The cost of delivering and storing this information was almost eliminated. But the data arguably became less accessible. Going digital certainly has not benefited the maintenance and operations teams that must create databases from scratch. A new methodology referred to as Asset Centric Project Management allows designers and constructors to create the database as a part of the normal project processes. Today we’ll explore the advancements in Asset Centric Project Management since Kahua introduced it in late 2023, including the work of integration between various PMIS systems and IBM’ class leading Maximo solution. And we’ll look at how AI is improving processes before and after startup.
3:15 - 3:40	Industry Track Hard Hats & Blueprints for Growth: Career Strategies That Make an Impact Ellie Barko - Program Manager @ MCL Construction View Abstract In this 25-minute session, discover the essential strategies that have shaped a successful career in construction—and learn how to apply them to accelerate your own growth. From building confidence and resilience to mastering stakeholder communication, this talk offers practical insights for making your voice heard and leaving a lasting impact. Explore the power of relationships—mentors, sponsors, and your personal “board of directors”—and why they’re critical to navigating career moves. You’ll also gain actionable tips on continuous learning, versatility, and finding opportunities that matter most to your projects, your organization, and the next generation of professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career, these lessons will help you construct a foundation for success.	Technology Track What Contractors Want vs What VCs Fund: Mapping Construction’s Innovation Gaps Bhragan Paramanantham - Innovation Advisor @ AECOM View Abstract The largest construction companies are clear about their priorities: growing backlogs, focus areas and technology perspectives. Meanwhile venture capital is placing bold bets on where the next wave of construction innovation will come from, but are these two worlds aligned? This session bridges the gap. By analyzing earnings calls from the largest publicly traded contractors and mapping them against startup funding data, we reveal where corporate demand and investor dollars overlap and where they miss each other entirely. For executives, founders, and investors, the insights highlight not just where momentum is building, but also where untapped opportunities lie waiting.
3:45 - 4:10	Industry Track The Future is Counting on Us! SUSTAINABILITY - Hidden in Plain Sight Peter Dourlein - Emeritus University Architect and Associate VP for Planning, Design & Construction @ Emeritus View Abstract Achieve higher levels of big picture, owner-centric sustainability on future projects. Learn about some of the biggest sustainability impacts that can be achieved with novel and fundamental strategies that are largely invisible. Understand how buildings and spaces can shape more sustainable occupant/user behavior. Before design and all the way through a project, shake up some of the traditional building concepts to create facilities that influence sustainable behavior and facilitate more sustainable operations and maintenance. Owners will have huge returns over the life cycle of a facility.	Technology Track Building with Confidence: Safeguarding Data and Compliance in Construction Alyson Pisarcik - Cybersecurity Manager @ Echelon View Abstract In today’s world, security is no longer optional, it’s critical. From protecting sensitive data to ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, owners, contractors, and partners all face increasing pressure to safeguard information while delivering complex programs on time and on budget. This session explores what security really means in the construction and capital projects ecosystem. Join us for a candid discussion on the current landscape, best practices, and what every organization needs to know to stay secure, compliant, and competitive in an era of heightened risk.
4:15 - 5:00	Keynote Monetary Masala Dr. Basu - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer @ Sage Policy Group, Inc. View Abstract Is the US economy headed for recession, or can America weather emerging trade wars, associated cost increases, and uncertainty? This presentation focuses on US and regional economic performance with an eye toward identifying emerging risks to what has been the world's most envied economy. Among variables of interest are interest rates, employment growth, real estate valuations, and a variety of leading economic indicators. Among the segments poised to be most impacted in 2025 and likely beyond is the nation's construction sector. Tariffs have already driven the prices of key inputs like steel and aluminum higher, causing construction delivery costs to rise as the economy slows, state budgets tighten, and interest rates remain elevated.