Join us for the inaugural opening reception of the MEP Innovation Conference, where we kick off the event in true Los Angeles style. For the first time ever, we’re bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries in the heart of LA to celebrate the future of MEP. Expect an evening filled with vibrant energy, creative flair, and a nod to the iconic culture that makes Los Angeles a world-class destination.

This will be more than just a networking event—it’s a chance to unwind, connect, and have fun as we set the stage for the exciting days ahead. The night will feature LA-inspired entertainment, food, and ambiance, ensuring that this first-ever opening reception is one you won’t forget. Come ready to mix and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of Los Angeles.

With the evolution of newer contracts and risk cascading down to the contractors executing projects, it’s more imperative than ever to create a culture of teamwork. Capturing, identifying and tracking events in a project management software can help mitigate potential risks. Pinpointing delays, RFI and submittal statuses, third-party damage or possible scope creep are all valuable pieces of data to refer to, giving individuals the confidence needed for difficult conversations. A panel of peers will discuss how protecting project profits today can set the team up for the wins of tomorrow.

The construction industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labor, with a gap of half a million workers, while demand continues to rise. This puts significant pressure on contractors to find innovative solutions to maintain and grow their operations without incurring additional costs. The good news? AI is already a game-changer for many commercial contractors, enabling them to expand their capabilities and improve efficiency using their current resources.

In this session, we will explore practical ways commercial contractors are leveraging AI to scale their businesses and increase productivity without adding more costs. Attendees will gain insights into actionable strategies that can be implemented independently, and discover the latest AI-driven tools and solutions being developed to help contractors overcome today’s challenges and prepare for the future.

Join this session to learn how AI can empower businesses to meet rising demands, stay competitive, and thrive in the evolving construction landscape.

In a construction coordination job, project managers and CAD modelers have very distinct roles but some tasks within these roles often overlap which can create internal scope creep for either the PM or CAD modeler. For successful collaboration on a construction coordination job, project managers and CAD modelers need to establish clear communication channels and understand each other’s roles. Often times the VDC Modeler needs to change hats in order to keep the coordination process moving forward. In this session we will discuss some of those tasks that the VDC Modeler should know to keep their job on track and on budget….the days of “that’s not my job” are over along with the excuses that follow.

Join mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors as they share experiences and best practices for integrating with General Cntractors (GCs) using technology. This roundtable will focus on leveraging tech tools for effective coordination meetings, enhancing communication, and building strong GC relationships. Discover innovative approaches to streamline project workflows and foster collaborative success.

Join Trimble to explore how the combination of technology and process is transforming MEP workflows. They will present a case study on how they are achieving results by leveraging Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and fabrication solutions along with robust analytics and comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to develop a streamlined, scalable process that operates with the precision and efficiency of a manufacturing facility. This session will explore the strategic implementation of these technologies to achieve unparalleled scale and efficiency, providing valuable insights for industry professionals seeking to enhance operational performance and drive innovation in their own practices.

Join a discussion on labor performance tracking and measurement, including the theoretical foundations, methods such as scheduling and modeling, and future trends.

Explore the journey of integrating duct fabrication into construction projects from the perspectives of both a seasoned expert and a newcomer. This session will provide valuable insights, practical tips, and lessons learned to help attendees navigate the challenges and opportunities of duct fabrication.

This session will be a round table discussion focused on establishing best practices and standards for running a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) department within a contracting company. Participants will discuss essential elements such as software selection, procedural frameworks, template creation, and database management. The goal is to identify the necessary tools and processes required to efficiently produce coordination models, shop drawings, and spools for a fabrication shop.

Today’s foreperson needs to be proficient in both traditional construction principles and tech-driven construction environments. This session will cover how all three trades are training foremen with the added digital lens, with a focus on higher awareness of preconstruction and preplanning. We will have a conversation about the digital workflows and the day-to-day life of foremen’s management of communication, planning, prefabrication, safety, and scheduling.

In this presentation, we will explore the essential steps for successful innovation in companies, emphasizing the importance of data organization, standards, naming conventions, and documentation as the foundation for innovation. We will discuss actionable steps your company can take today to establish a solid innovation culture, including clear guidelines for managing data, standardizing communication, and prioritizing data integrity and accuracy. Additionally, we’ll cover critical steps such as defining objectives, fostering creativity, investing in talent, and embracing agile methodologies.

Organizations are justifiably concerned about the ability to retain talent in an environment where availability of workers is so very scarce. Additionally, the changing needs of today’s workforce require employers to reassess their employee development programs. Career path mapping brings clarity to an otherwise cloaked path of progression, allowing the employee to understand the opportunities within the firm and engage them in creating, and owning, their own map.

This session will discuss tricks, tips and tech hacks being used to make workflows work smarter for MEP contractors. Hardware such as shortcut key hardware, space mouses, Google Chrome tools, task management software and unique workflows will be discussed. This session will provide insight into how other MEP contractors are streamlining their workflows and which ideas might help increase workplace productivity.

In an industry where subcontractors wait an average of 90 days to get paid, efficient back-office operations are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity for survival and growth. This roundtable discussion brings together finance leaders from top commercial MEP subcontracting firms to share their battle-tested strategies for streamlining A/R practices and boosting cash flow. Attendees will gain insights into practical solutions that can be implemented to accelerate payments, create effective A/R escalation plans to address payment delays proactively and gain the visibility needed for informed decision-making and long-term financial health.

In today’s tech environment, there is no shortage of software providers out there trying to sell their “all-in-one” solution that will fix all of your company’s problems. Rarely does this promise actually pan out. Thankfully, you no longer need to be a full-time software developer or computer engineer to build an app that works with your company’s unique processes and structure. This session will go over some of the options out there for no-code and low-code tools that allow regular people to create powerful applications and data analytics, and will also include a dialogue about the pros and cons of internal app development vs. hired consultants vs. out-of-the-box solutions.

The relationship between IT and operations can sometimes be challenging, and the addition of IT security can further complicate this dynamic. However, achieving a balanced and cooperative relationship is possible. Organizations do not have to choose between security and efficiency; both can coexist harmoniously. In this session, we will explore how operations technology and IT security can collaborate to implement best-in-class security practices while simultaneously ensuring ease of use and efficiency for end users. We will share strategies and insights on fostering a productive partnership between these critical functions to drive organizational success.

This dedicated roundtable session for estimators, designed to foster in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing among industry professionals. This session provides a platform for estimators to explore the latest advancements in estimation software, share best practices, and discuss the challenges they face in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, gain insights into emerging trends, and network with peers to exchange innovative solutions. The roundtable aims to empower estimators with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration in their projects, ultimately driving better outcomes for their organizations.

In the increasingly complex construction industry, effective coordination can make or break a project’s budget and timeline, especially when led by a General Contractor (GC). For subcontractors, stepping into a leadership role within this coordination process offers both challenges and opportunities to maximize profitability. This session will provide actionable insights on how subcontractors can assert their influence in GC-led coordination to safeguard their interests and ensure compensation aligns with their contributions. Attendees will explore best practices for managing coordination tasks efficiently, preventing scope creep, documenting their added value, and negotiating payment structures that reflect their critical role. Learn how to strategically handle coordination responsibilities to avoid unexpected costs, reduce financial risk, and secure your bottom line while enhancing collaboration across trades.

The session seeks to enlighten and enthuse attendees by offering practical, innovative solutions to common design and installation issues related to Fire Resisting Ductwork (FRD) passive fire protection systems. The content and scope will provide guidance to address the concerns and needs of MCAA and SMACNA Member Contractors who may be involved in the specification and/or installation of Fire Resisting Ductwork systems or NECA Member Contractors who need to be aware of any interaction of their services with these systems.

In the rapidly evolving construction industry, there are vast amounts of different technologies. This presentation will explore the combination of multiple industry-standard tools that can be leveraged to help articulate project complications with reference to MCAA and ELECTRI Publications that are endorsed by NECA and SMACNA. Members from Lighthouse Electric will host an interactive Roundtable Discussion about The Benefits of Early Project Planning, Methods for Earned Value Management and Lessons Learned from Project Implementations.

• Enterprise IT Fundamentals: Understanding the Key Components of IT Systems and How They Support Business Objectives
• Financial Transparency: Establishing Costs and ROI Metrics to Better Allocate Resources and Improve Decision-Making
• Executive Leadership: Developing Organizational Charts, Change Management Strategies, and Communication Plans to Align with Company Goals
• Elevating Acumen: Empowering Leaders to Speak Across the Company and Drive Cultural Change

Tour the Electrical Training Institute, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to equipping the next generation of electricians with the tools and knowledge to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future. This visit will offer a glimpse into advanced classrooms, cutting-edge labs, and safety training areas, all meticulously designed to replicate real-world environments. As a NetZero Plus facility, the Institute leads in green technology, offering specialized courses in sustainable practices such as solar power installation. Discover how the institute supports apprentices and the local NECA membership, fostering excellence and innovation in the electrical industry.

Explore the Local 105 Sheet Metal Training Center in Los Angeles, where the next generation of skilled sheet metal workers is being rigorously trained. This state-of-the-art facility combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience, ensuring apprentices master both the practical and theoretical aspects of the trade. During the tour, you’ll see how apprentices refine their skills in welding, HVAC design, and custom metal fabrication under the guidance of seasoned instructors. Learn how Local 105 is committed to producing top-tier professionals who are ready to contribute to the local SMACNA contractors with the highest standards of safety, precision, and innovation.

How much should you be spending on marketing? What is a reasonable win rate for projects you estimate? How many people should be on your fleet team? What is the expected profit margin of your prefabrication department? What % of a project budget should be attributed to VDC? What should my employee turnover rate be in my Project Management department? How many days should it take to collect payments, and what is a typical amount of bad debt for my business? These questions cannot be answered in a vacuum. Establishing key business measurements and using these metrics to benchmark your business against other contractors is a secret weapon that managers and executives can use to focus their efforts on improvements and efficiencies.

Ready to build a successful technology team from the ground up? From CTO to BIM Specialists and everything in between, we will talk about skill sets, personalities, management techniques, and goals among a host of other things. Along with building your tech team we will dive into the different titles and roles that make up a team to solve the challenges of the modern specialty contractor.

The right information at the right time to the right person is the gold standard of communication, but we often experience a disconnect internally. In this session, follow Poynter’s journey through eliminating these silos to create a common UNIFORM stream of information that encompasses data points from the field, through VDC, shop fabrication, to logistics planning, the delivery team and finally circle all the way back to the field. All while remaining completely transparent. Learn from success (and failures) on how Poynter has completely flipped their ordering and delivering methods while averaging more than 125 deliveries per week. From process mapping, data architecture, app development, to beta testing, user training and implementation. All from individuals with zero coding experience.

Have you personally experienced horror stories when working with MEP engineers, causing significant delays on your project? Are your MEP engineers being unresponsive? Are you having trouble getting MEP engineers to adopt innovative practices? You may actually be the problem. This engaging and interactive discussion will give insight into how to work with MEP engineers early, allowing them to steer you toward innovative design practices. Whether you’re a design-build contractor, architect or developer, if your goal is to ensure a smooth design process and successful outcome, then this session is for you!

In this session, attendees will learn how to collect standardized business metrics to effectively measure success. Additionally, they will discover strategies to educate their teams on key benchmarks and empower each individual to positively influence these metrics.

Join us for a session on applying Operations Science to the construction industry. Participants will learn about the detrimental separation between planning and execution, the administrative overload that hinders project success, and why traditional management practices often fall short, leading to delays and budget overruns. This presentation will include strategies to enhance efficiency, improve project outcomes, and drive the construction industry towards a more dynamic and effective future.

Learn to give and receive feedback effectively in this session. Explore what is happening in the brain when receiving feedback. Learn constructive communication techniques, active listening, and the art of using feedback for growth. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their professional and personal relationships.

Everyone is talking about AI in construction, but how can it be used exactly? In this session, we will discuss the types of AI and a brief example of each. How to ask the right question to avoid getting incorrect information (hallucinating), and how to create your own GTP to customize your knowledge base (create your own data to search).

Join us after lunch for a dynamic general session featuring leaders from the three key foundations driving the future of our industry: Electri, JRGF, and the New Horizons Foundation. This session will provide an exclusive update on the groundbreaking technology and innovation research being conducted to enhance the MEP landscape. Josh Bone (Electri), Sean McGuire (JRGF), and Tom Soles (New Horizons Foundation) will share insights into the latest developments and how these initiatives are shaping the industry’s future.

This session will offer valuable insights into the technological evolution of MEP. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the strategic research and innovative tools being developed by these foundations, all aimed at empowering contractors and advancing the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the experts and learn how these efforts are poised to transform the way we work.

In this session, attendees will gain critical insights into the comprehensive process of vetting and deploying new workflows in the construction industry. From initial assessment and stakeholder engagement to pilot testing and full-scale implementation, this session will cover best practices and methodologies to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of new processes. Learn from industry experts about overcoming common challenges, leveraging technology for efficiency, and achieving buy-in from all levels of the organization. Whether you’re introducing a new software tool, safety protocol, or construction technique, this session will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to drive successful adoption and sustained improvements.

Discover innovative recruitment methods to tackle the growing workforce shortage in construction. In this dynamic session, you will learn from industry experts about diverse roles, non-college career paths, and technology’s role in engaging potential recruits. With the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new technologies, this session will explore how to streamline and enhance the recruitment process. Participants will share their own journeys and their strategies for youth outreach, internships, and spreading the word on careers in construction. Revolutionize your approach and foster a skilled, inclusive workforce by leveraging cutting-edge technology to attract and retain top talent.

In the construction industry, comfort levels with technology can vary dramatically from one person to the next based on their background, time in the field, and exposure to computers in school or at work. In order to prevent high performing employees from being left behind because of their lack of computer experience, ongoing training and opportunities to learn at all skill levels is a must. This session will provide best practices, tips and tricks, and resource recommendations to help specialty contractors support their teams and close the gap between the tech power users and the end users on the ground.

This roundtable will explore the latest technological advancements such as predictive maintenance, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and AI-driven analytics. Industry leaders will share insights on integrating these innovations to streamline operations, optimize resources, and elevate service standards.

Unlock the potential of effective leadership in this breakout session, designed to provide strategic insights to maximize productivity within resource constraints, overcome scheduling obstacles, and navigate complex contract negotiations. Delve into proven methodologies shared by an expert panel, enabling contractors to optimize project outcomes, enhance profitability, and mitigate risks within the fiercely competitive construction landscape.

Explore the journey of transitioning from a ConTech specialist to a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in this insightful session. Learn the essential skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to understand broader business objectives and lead technological innovation within your company. Gain actionable insights on expanding your expertise and evolving your role to drive your organization’s tech vision forward.

Learn the basics of the Revit API and how to begin creating your own add-in for Revit. We will review some very useful tools for exploring the Revit API and demonstrate how AI has lowered the barrier to entry, making it easier than ever before.

A story of love and hate between software vendors and users. A follow up from last year, this session will be a roundtable discussion in response to Dear Software Vendor. In this session, customers and vendors will discuss behaviors on both sides of the table that may cause frustration.

Join Steve Jones and Donna Laquardara-Carr from Dodge Construction Network as they reveal important findings from a survey conducted with members of MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA. This session will explore the current technology practices and strategies that are transforming the construction industry. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how leading organizations are using technology to boost efficiency and productivity.

In this session, Steve and Donna will highlight the latest trends and strategic approaches that are shaping the future of construction. They will provide actionable insights on how to implement these technologies effectively within your own organization. Whether you are looking to improve your current practices or develop a forward-thinking technology strategy, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Following their presentation, the conference will honor the MEP Innovators of the Year from each association. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing innovation and efficiency in the construction sector. The award ceremony will celebrate these leaders for their outstanding achievements and inspire attendees to pursue innovative practices within their own organizations.

Explore the abilities, limitations, and potential of integrating AI into your workflows. No coding experience is needed, we will provide participants with the ability to build a custom AI tool crafted for their needs. By focusing on no-code AI platforms, this workshop aims to empower participants with the skills to create, customize, and implement AI-driven solutions that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and solve complex challenges in their daily workflows. Throughout the session, participants will be introduced to user-friendly, no-code tools that simplify building AI applications and will learn how to apply these tools to real-world scenarios. The workshop will feature interactive demonstrations, guided hands-on exercises, and expert-led discussions, ensuring participants leave with a practical understanding of how to apply AI technologies in their businesses.

Join construction industry executives as they unveil the crucial strategies needed to transcend from daily task management to championing a forward-thinking mindset and strategic planning outlook that achieves enduing business success. This session will explore and apply critical business tactics including succession planning, technology investment, and process optimization for project excellence. Gain invaluable insights and actionable tactics to shift your focus from working ‘in the business’ to ‘on the business’ in order to drive sustained growth.

When we hear the term API (Application Programming Interface) we immediately start thinking about writing code. But you can do a lot with an API without any coding experience at all. In this session, we’ll show you step by step how to access, test and explore web API’s without any coding experience at all.

Unlock the hidden potential within your team by exploring the 8 distinct play personalities and how they drive innovation and collaboration. In this engaging workshop, you’ll use LEGO building blocks to discover and role-play through practical scenarios, identifying and leveraging these diverse traits to enhance team dynamics and boost creativity.

Key takeaways:

• Identify the 8 play personalities, their unique strengths and how it applies to you
• Experience hands-on LEGO exercises to explore these personalities and scenarios
• Learn how to leverage these personalities to enhance innovation and teamwork.

Join us to discover how the power of play can transform your team’s performance, and walk away with actionable insights to foster a more creative and cohesive work environment.

Change management is cumbersome and requires strategy to achieve meaningful results. This workshop will provide participants with a useful activity that they can bring back to their organization to help manage change. Each team of eight will collaborate to select and solve a common industry challenge or workflow breakdown, using a Design Thinking activity called “Anchors to Rockets”.

This interactive workshop will also incorporate a creative exercise to keep attendees engaged and to promote visualization of the issues and solutions in an articulate manner. Teams will fill out custom Mad Lib exercises and will present these to the class, providing a fun and engaging way to illustrate their findings and proposed solutions.

The objective of this workshop is for attendees to walk away with the hands-on experience of using a key method (team collaboration workflow) and tool (the Anchors to Rockets tool) that they can implement in their companies for various change management initiatives. Participants will leave the workshop with practical knowledge and skills to drive effective change within their organizations.

In the rapidly evolving construction technology landscape, building a robust AI strategy is paramount for staying competitive and driving innovation. This in-depth session will guide you through the critical components of developing and implementing an AI strategy tailored to your organization’s unique needs. We will explore practical applications of AI in construction, from predictive analytics and project management optimization to enhancing safety and quality control.

This session explores the impact of schedule, sequence, design, and correction changes on VDC budgets in construction projects. Participants will learn how these changes can snowball, affecting costs and timelines, and gain the building blocks for tools that track them effectively. Emphasizing the importance of education, the session will equip attendees with strategies to identify and mitigate these impacts before they escalate.