Attending trade shows and conferences is an effective way of improving knowledge and learning about new technologies and ways of doing business, though since March, more and more events have been forced online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In person, these events provide unfettered access to jobsite tours, hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities and access to products and services promoted by exhibitors. Online, they are opportunities to attend educational sessions, talk and learn from primary sources and see new products while remaining in the comfort and safety of your office or home.
Organizers of many events next year, including Autodesk University, Construct and ENR FutureTech, have not yet made announcements for 2021 conferences. Be sure to return to this page for updates.
Here is a list of 2021’s biggest scheduled construction industry events so far:
World of Modular
March 8-12
Virtual/San Diego
The Modular Builder Institute will hold the 38th annual World of Modular conference online, though, if travel restrictions and regulations change, in-person events will take place in San Diego.
Associated Builders and Contractors Convention
March 9-11
Grapevine, Texas
ABC has not made many details public about its convention, other than that it will be held in the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, and registration will open soon.
The Associated General Contractors of America Convention
March 29-April 1
Orlando
The AGC plans to host the 2021 event in person.
International Mass Timber Conference
March 30-April 1
Portland, Oregon
More than 70 speakers are scheduled to gather at the annual conference, the largest gathering of cross laminated timber (CLT) professionals in the world. The event focuses on construction and manufacturing, as well as design and development.
World of Concrete
June 7-10
Las Vegas
The largest event for concrete and masonry professionals in the world attended by 60,000 was originally scheduled for January 2021, but was pushed back to June. At the Las Vegas Convention Center, WoC will also provide more than 140 educational offerings.
American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture
June 16-19
Philadelphia
Currently scheduled to be an in-person event, the AIA conference for architects provides educational sessions helpful to construction professionals, as well as a show floor full of vendors.
Construction Management Association of America National Conference and Trade Show
Sept. 12-14
Philadelphia
This conference mostly caters to construction managers and owners who work with them, but breakout and networking sessions and seminars could also benefit AEC leaders.
