Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Explore the Build Forward Schedule

Join us from 1:00–5:00 p.m. ET for practical ideas, real-world examples, and conversations designed to move capital programs forward.

All times shown in Eastern Time (ET).
Shared Sessions
1:00–1:10

Welcome to Build Forward!

Nicholas Johnson, Chief Evangelist, Kahua
Carrie Hunter, CEO & Founder, It’s Not That Serious™

1:15–1:55

Keynote: The Intelligent Capital Program: What Leading Owners Are Doing Differently

Sophie Planken-Bichler, Industry Analyst, Verdantix

2:00–2:40

Panel: Technology and Practical Use Cases

Real stories of transformation, change management, and AI adoption.

Moderated by: Nick Heim, Cofounder & Director of Innovation, Trinovate Advisors

Choose Your Track

Technology & Innovation

AI, connected systems, reality capture, compliance, and practical tools for modern capital programs.

People & Processes

Human and operational practices that help teams adopt technology, reduce risk, and achieve better outcomes.

2:45–3:10
Start by Starting: How Simple Ideas Become Better Ways of Working

Josh Spenard, Campus Construction Manager, Capital Construction, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Paige Williams, Senior Digital Solutions Business Analyst, AECOM

View abstract +

Transformation does not always begin with a major technology initiative. Sometimes it starts with a spreadsheet, a manual process, or a simple question: “Why are we still doing it this way?” Josh and Paige will share two real examples of how their teams took everyday challenges and quickly built better ways to solve them.

2:45–3:10
The Platform Isn’t the Problem: Why Psychological Safety Is the Missing Variable in Construction Tech Adoption

Stephanie Lemek, Founder & CEO, The Wounded Workforce®

View abstract +

The most expensive technology failures in construction have nothing to do with the software. This session makes the case that psychological safety is the missing variable in platform adoption and gives attendees a concrete framework for diagnosing and closing trust gaps before rollout.

3:15–3:40
The Future of Construction Security: CMMC, AI, and the Next Decade of Risk

Nick Espinosa, Chief Security Fanatic, Security Fanatics

View abstract +

A practical look at CMMC, AI, and the security and risk issues that will shape construction over the next decade.

3:15–3:40
Clarity Builds: Leadership That Delivers in Construction

Kyle Wilson, President, Lucid Design Build

View abstract +

The biggest risk on your jobsite isn’t mistakes. It’s silence. This session discusses how intentional leadership creates a culture of trust, ownership, and clear communication across clients, teams, and trades.

3:45–4:10
From Reactive to Proactive: Turning Capital Program Data Into Decisions

Bryon Wood, Strategic Technology Officer, Great Lakes Water Authority
Ian Thompson, Great Lakes Water Authority
Brett Alexander, Vice President, Construction Operations, Simon Property Group

View abstract +

Capital programs have plenty of data. The challenge is connecting it early enough to understand what needs attention and act. This session will explore how organizations are connecting project, financial, cost, and risk data to create better visibility and surface meaningful business signals.

3:45–4:10
Women in Construction Panel

Moderated by: Carrie Hunter, CEO & Founder, It’s Not That Serious™

4:15–4:40

How Reality Capture Impacts the Asset Lifecycle

Brian Haines, Vice President, Strategy for Asset Centric, Kahua
Bert Aultman, Director, Implementation Services, Procon Consulting

4:45–5:00

Three Lessons to Carry Into 2027

Nicholas Johnson, Chief Evangelist, Kahua
Carrie Hunter, CEO & Founder, It’s Not That Serious™