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 Leadership Stephanie Lemek - Founder & CEO @ The Wounded Workforce View Abstract This session equips construction leaders 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. The key takeaway: when 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 Abstract coming soon!
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 Understanding Asset Data for Owners Andy Jackson - Principal America's Sales Lead - Maximo & TRIRIGA @ IBM View Abstract Abstract coming soon!
3:15 - 3:40	Industry Track Workforce Development & Empowerment Josh Nieves - Regional Workforce Development @ Miller Electric Company View Abstract Abstract coming soon!	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 Coming soon! 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 panel brings together perspectives to explore 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.