AGC's One-Day Tech Summit Tackles Industry's IT Challenges

On Friday, March 10, 2017, the AGC IT Forum held its first-ever One-Day Tech Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sasha Reed, vice president of strategic development, Bluebeam, Inc., and Nathan Wood, founder and chief enabling officer, SpectrumAEC, co-moderated the event at The Linq hotel and, through their energetic approach, engaged attendees by talking frankly about the challenges facing the construction industry's pathway to innovation.

It was a day of collaboration — collaboration between colleagues, not competitors. "We all want to maintain a competitive edge," says Travis Voss, technology manager, Mechanical, Inc., "but we also need to realize that we have to work together to move the industry forward. These technological changes are coming whether we want them or not. Let’s work together to set standards that improve the industry as a whole. It benefits everyone."

The day was broken down into three segments: 1) The Process, 2) The Technology and 3) The People. Each session had panelists, construction professionals representing all facets of the industry — from general contractor, subcontractor and owner to Baby Boomer, GenXer, Millennial. From the different perspectives came respectful debate and interesting dialogue. From pilot programs to technology adoption, from cybersecurity to generational differences, the conference topics were relevant and timely. How do you choose the next technological advance to adopt? What are the parameters for piloting a new product? How do you overcome objections? What’s the best way to handle generational differences when it comes to technology? The IT professionals tackled questions like these and shared potential solutions and innovative suggestions.

"I would most definitely recommend this to other IT professionals," says Voss. "I think that the more we sit down as a group and talk about best practices and our shared pain points, the more we can aid the vendors in knowing how to help solve them and the more we can learn from each other on how to deal with it within our organizations."

Alex McBratney, managing partner, Single Point Concepts, appreciated the smaller, more intimate venue. "I found the event to be professional, insightful, and appreciated the open dialogue between the panel and the audience," he says. "The ability for the audience to participate was a great advantage that larger events can’t provide."

Breakout groups in the afternoon session encouraged open conversation about IT processes and new technologies among attendees. "The roundtable discussions provided a broad range of ideas from suppliers and IT leaders to contractors and subcontractors," says McBratney.

Amidst the fire hose of information delivered at the summit, there were several key takeaways:

• Collaboration is crucial — at the office, on the jobsite, and with other industry parties;
• Remember the importance of the human factor. Tthe tool is only as good as the people using it.
•  Respect the perspective. Everyone has a different story, a unique background, and a varied skill set. Listening, talking and trusting all go hand in hand.

Those attending the One-Day Tech Summit are already looking forward to the next opportunity to brainstorm with industry experts and other IT professionals. "We want to be on the bleeding edge," says Voss, "and wish to be in on discussions when thought leaders are involved." 

Sasha Reed, vice president of strategic development, Bluebeam, Inc.

Nathan Wood, founder and chief enabling officer, SpectrumAEC

Jim Gentile, quality operations manager, Lendlease

Jeff Sample, IT director, The Gallegos Corp.

Kristopher Lengieza, director of VDC, Stiles Corporation

Nige Wingate, former director of information technology, Mortenson Construction

Shobhit Baadkar, founding partner, TITAN AEC

Benjamin Crosby, director of BIM/VDC, Yates Construction