In 2024, the construction industry is brimming with exciting prospects such as augmented reality (AR) and drones, sustainable building initiatives, construction robotics, and many other innovations. And what better place to explore all these advancements than at construction conferences?
While the construction sector may often be perceived as a traditional domain for manual labor, as a construction manager, you recognize its dynamic nature. This industry continuously embraces new technologies, methodologies, and trends that redefine the art of building structures.
As professionals in the construction field, it’s imperative to stay ahead of the curve by staying informed about the latest advancements. Attending construction conferences presents an excellent opportunity to achieve this goal. Fortunately, there is a plethora of conferences scheduled for 2024, focusing on topics such as sustainability, construction technology, and other pertinent aspects of the industry.
These conferences offer unparalleled opportunities for direct networking with industry pioneers and experts, fostering invaluable one-on-one connections that can propel your career forward.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top construction conferences lined up for 2024 that managers cannot miss, and the topics you can expect to be discussed at these events.
Construction Conferences Of 2024 You Must Attend
1. World of Modular 2024
Date: March 18-21, 2024
Location: Orlando, Florida
Registration: https://www.worldofmodular.org/register/
World of Modular offers professionals in the modular and offsite construction industries a valuable opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and learn from experts. This annual convention and tradeshow, held in Orlando, FL, provides a platform for attendees to discuss challenges, showcase new products, and gain recognition. With a 40-year history, the event attracts industry leaders from around the world, offering insights into emerging trends and opportunities. Keynote speeches and educational sessions cover various aspects of commercial modular construction, empowering attendees to enhance their skills, improve efficiency, and expand their networks for business growth.
2. The Associated General Contractors of America Convention
Date: March 19-22, 2024
Location: San Diego, CA
Registration: https://convention.agc.org/registration-information/
The upcoming Associated General Contractors of America Convention promises to be a highlight on the construction industry calendar. Renowned as one of America’s largest and most prestigious construction trade shows, the AGC annual convention is centered around the theme of equipping contractors to tackle both present and future operational challenges.
This convention serves as a vital platform for professionals to gather essential insights into construction practices while fostering invaluable networking opportunities with leaders in construction innovation, job site safety, and workforce development. With a lineup featuring daily educational sessions and keynote addresses from esteemed personalities like Daymond John, attending the AGC annual convention in 2024 is an absolute must for anyone in the industry.
3. Building NC
Date: April 2, 2024
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Registration: https://ncchamber.com/event/building-nc/
This conference is crafted to provide construction managers with indispensable insights into crafting a resilient, adaptable, and interconnected infrastructure network throughout the state.
Against the backdrop of burgeoning population growth and unprecedented development, North Carolina’s infrastructure faces escalating demands. Building NC addresses these challenges head-on, examining the latest advancements in transforming energy, water, sewer, and waste management systems. Additionally, the conference tackles the pressing need for statewide broadband accessibility and workforce housing.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry luminaries, policymakers, and forward-thinking individuals driving innovation in North Carolina’s infrastructure sector. The event can be a platform for construction managers to stay abreast of industry trends and ensure their projects thrive amidst evolving landscapes.
4. ENR FutureTech
Date: June 3-5, 2024
Location: San Diego, CA
Registration: https://www.enr.com/future-tech
Construction managers looking to stay abreast of the latest trends in construction technology shouldn’t miss out on ENR FutureTech. This event will offer insights into the revolutions, evolutions, and inventions shaping construction technology today. It’s a must-attend for AEC technology leaders such as firm principals, CIOs, innovation officers, and business leaders seeking to enhance productivity, efficiency, safety, and profits through emerging technologies.
Attendees have the opportunity to establish valuable partnerships, discover intelligent solutions from technology providers, and stay ahead of the curve in utilizing the latest technologies for construction projects.
5. Greenbuild International Conference + Expo
Date: November 12-15, 2024
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Registration: https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/
For construction managers eager to delve into sustainability and green building practices, the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a must-attend event. This premier industry convention showcases top exhibitors from across the country, offering sessions on cutting-edge construction technology, design innovations, and sustainable building materials.
With a focus on real-world implications, particularly regarding climate change’s impact on the construction sector, Greenbuild provides invaluable insights. The theme for Greenbuild 2024, “Built to Scale,” underscores the green building community’s commitment to catalyzing wholesale market transformation and implementing proven solutions and strategies worldwide.
Key Themes To Expect In Construction Conferences Of 2024
As with any field, construction experiences trends that ebb and flow. While the industry continually evolves, certain themes are poised to dominate this year’s conferences. Attending sessions that pique your interest is as essential as remaining vigilant for these emerging topics. Doing so ensures you stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in construction.
According to a Deloitte study, the following are the emerging trends in the construction industry. You may expect them to be discussed in the construction conferences-
Sustainable business practices:
The US government’s Federal Buy Clean Initiative directs significant funding towards sustainable construction materials and supports state and local purchases of eco-friendly building products. Sustainability remains a top priority for the construction industry, posing a complex challenge for E&C companies as they balance market trends, environmental regulations, customer demands, and cost considerations.
Practices outside your construction site itself can have an impact on your firm’s carbon footprint. This can range from digitizing your current paper-based processes and minimizing fuel usage. Advanced time tracking methods utilize smartphones for clocking in and out and completely eliminate the need for paper-based time tracking that can be error prone and time consuming.
Further, a mileage tracking app can also optimize and suggest the shortest route for your employees to reach the site.
Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence:
Industry leaders are increasingly investing in technology to boost efficiency amid ongoing challenges. Generative AI is gaining traction for its potential to streamline operations, with both E&C firms and construction technology companies exploring its benefits. However, identifying suitable use cases remains a key challenge, as highlighted by a recent Deloitte survey. Addressing concerns such as cyber risk and data security is crucial as companies delve into generative AI applications.
Economic Uncertainties:
Amidst rising interest rates and inflation, the construction industry faces continued economic uncertainty. With the federal fund’s interest rate hitting a 22-year high in September 2023 and a 108% year-over-year increase, coupled with a 4% rise in the consumer price index, concerns about an economic downturn persist despite cooling inflation. This uncertainty has led to segmentation in the market, with non-residential construction spending seeing a 17.6% year-over-year increase, while residential construction spending decreased by 3% in August 2023, highlighting weaknesses in the housing market.
Cost Vitality:
In recent years, US construction firms have grappled with substantial cost pressures, largely driven by unpredictable shifts in labor expenses and material prices. These fluctuations often complicate project planning and lead to considerations of pausing or altering projects altogether. Many firms have opted to cancel or revise the scope of their projects due to escalating costs. Consequently, managing cost volatility has become a paramount concern for these firms.
Workforce strategies:
The E&C industry continues to struggle with filling vacant workforce positions, leading to a substantial labor gap. As of August 2023, job openings in construction reached 350,000, reflecting a 1.4% year-on-year increase and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by over 13%. Concurrently, the quit rate remains higher than the rate of layoffs and discharges, underscoring a significant voluntary exit from the workforce.
Amidst the ongoing labor shortage, it is ideal to review your firm’s employee experiences. A workforce management app offers multiple benefits for your employees too all while automating your process.
Conclusion
Staying ahead of the curve is essential as new trends and technologies continually emerge. With a focus on meeting demand and enhancing efficiency, there’s no better time than now to engage in networking and learning opportunities at construction events across the country.
The year 2024 presents a plethora of construction conferences tailored to various aspects of the industry, offering invaluable insights and opportunities for career advancement. By taking the time to review and select events that align with your professional goals, you can position yourself for success in an ever-evolving field.
Attending these construction conferences provides a platform to stay updated on the latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and gain fresh perspectives on tackling challenges. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, technology integration, project management, or workforce development, there’s an event tailored to your interests and needs.