For this column, I am writing from my podcaster alter ego. For anyone unfamiliar with it, I am one of the co-hosts of a construction technology podcast called the Construction Dorks. We created the podcast during COVID-19 to fill a void we all felt. We had met over the years, attending various industry events and forming bonds and friendships. The podcast allowed us to experience the camaraderie found among conference and convention attendees.

With this column running in October, the height of what we lovingly call “conference season,” I thought I’d try to explain why I feel everyone could benefit from making time to attend these events. 

I debated placing this section at the end, to save the best for last, but it made too much sense to highlight it right off the bat. In my time going to various events, I have learned that some of the best learning happens in the hallways and restaurants between sessions or after hours. Having side discussions and building a network of peers has been invaluable. Often, I find other attendees who are trying to address the same problems I have. 

If you attend an event hosted by an association or software-specific group, your peers are likely working on similar workflows for their companies. Personal connections give you a great opportunity to continue to work together, share learning and build relationships you can rely on when you have questions or an insight to share. 

It may go without saying, but there is no true substitute for in-person meetings; sharing physical environments strengthens bonds. When I seek advice face-to-face, we usually start catching up on a personal level and reminiscing about a session, a conversation or a reception before we even get to the issue at hand. 

I frequently say that I quickly fell in love with the construction industry, and most of the reason is the people. Head out to these events and meet some truly wonderful and brilliant people. 

Technology Trends And Innovations

Many of the meetings and events I attend are hosted by technology companies building the solutions we all use or support in our day-to-day work. Being an attendee at these events gives me the chance to learn about the company’s vision for those products, trends it sees in the industry, and glimpses of its strategic roadmap. An added benefit is getting the latest information on product changes and new features. 

This early introduction to news and trends can give you a competitive advantage. Each small process improvement can bring noticeable benefits in an industry with thin margins. Any opportunity to adopt or be exposed to new functionality even a few months before the rest of the market should be taken advantage of. 

Additionally, most of these solution providers offer sessions specifically for soliciting user feedback. This may be a catch-22, as it gives users an opening to complain about shortcomings, but properly managed, the hosts can also find out which new features and functionality benefit users most. This is your opportunity to influence the development roadmap of those products to fill your needs. 

The meat and potatoes of any conference are the educational sessions. This is where I give a tip of the cap to the MEP Innovations Conference (Jan. 27-30, 2025, in Los Angeles), which I have the honor of helping to produce. The sessions at this event are carefully curated so conference-goers are taught by their peers. 

This is a trend I see more of in other events, yet this concept is purposefully built into the content at MEP Innovations. Any new workflow, process or technology session hits home when the person presenting is living it daily. 

In addition to more traditional educational sessions, workshops often provide hands-on learning opportunities. If you work with data, BIM or automation, these workshops can walk you through all the steps needed to replicate a process at your office. You may even be able to earn professional certifications or gain CE credits to help advance your career. 

Another type of on-site session I’ve found valuable revolves around innovation. These workshops highlight an industry problem and attendees talk openly about their understanding of the causes of the problem and brainstorm solutions. This can be process- or software-related and tied to industry standards. The Construction Progress Coalition has done a fantastic job of ”workshopping” the struggles we all face in construction. 

Contribute To Construction’s Future 

You cannot attend one of these events surrounded by so many incredible people, so much innovation, and so many engaging and powerful sessions and not feel inspired. We get so busy and bogged down in the details of our daily roles that we can lose sight of the impact we’re having or feel as if we are stuck in a rut. 

I have yet to leave a meeting or conference without feeling energized and motivated with two or three new concepts I want to implement or explore. Many events also consider professional and personal development by bringing in speakers to discuss mental health, innovation, engagement or personal development. 

Construction is a massive industry, yet you’ll find that most thought leaders are highly approachable and more than happy to share and connect. Their passion is often contagious, and they will be as excited as you are when you discuss the challenges you face and enthusiastically talk through the possible solutions. 

I was tempted to write about all the events we discussed on the podcast, but I fear leaving anything out. There is no shortage of amazing conferences and small local events for folks in the industry to attend. I would be remiss, though, not to highlight association conventions. 

Working for SMACNA now and seeing all that associations do to help teach and support their members, as well as provide industry thought leadership and advocacy, has me trying to get as many of my construction technology peers involved as possible. 

Attending industry events and conferences is more than a professional obligation; it’s an opportunity to grow, learn and connect with like-minded individuals. The benefits of networking, gaining early access to new technologies and participating in hands-on workshops are invaluable. These experiences not only enhance your professional skills but also reignite your passion for the industry. 

So, give in to the fear of missing out and make the most of these opportunities to advance your career and contribute to the future of construction.

Travis Voss is SMACNA’s director of innovative technology and fabrication. In this role, he aids member contractors in identifying the critical technological trends within the industry and assists them in remaining at the forefront of these developments.