Trade shows and conferences provide contractors with an effective means of learning about new technologies and ways of doing business. Last year, however, many events were forced entirely online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, with vaccinations being rolled out across the U.S. and case numbers decreasing, conferences are returning to their in-person roots.
Whether virtual or in-person, these events provide access to hands-on demonstrations, educational sessions, networking opportunities and products and services promoted by exhibitors.
The situation surrounding the pandemic continues to be fluid. Be sure to check with conference organizers and their websites for updated venues and instructions.
As 2021 passes the halfway mark, here is a list of the rest of the year's construction industry events and a look forward at those scheduled for 2022:
American Institute of Architects National Conference
July 29, Aug. 19
Virtual
Two of the dates have passed, but there are still two more sessions left. Covering a variety of different issues in architecture, discussion topics range from glass construction in hardware to meaningful living communities to the use of big data in serving communities.
Reconnected, World of Concrete
Aug. 17-19
Virtual
At this virtual rendition of the World of Concrete conference, attendees can reap the same benefits as the in-person version of the event, such as networking and product demonstrations via the virtual expo floor.
Advancing Preconstruction Conference
Aug. 31-Sept. 1
Dallas/Virtual
This conference is for professionals who want to improve the design phase of their projects, particularly regarding cost and scheduling. The event will include topics such as the post-pandemic outlook with a focus on major market cost escalations and bidding strategies.
Construction Management Association of America National Conference and Trade Show
Sept. 12-14
Philadelphia/Virtual
This conference caters to construction managers and owners who work with them, but breakout and networking sessions and seminars also benefit other types of AEC leaders. This year will have a focus on how life-changing events like 9/11 have impacted the industry.
The Associated General Contractors of America Convention
Sept. 21-23
Orlando, FL
The AGC plans to host the 2021 event in person. Panel topics range from understanding government policy to navigating a changing workforce. The 2021 AGC Expo is also being held in conjunction with the conference.
Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
Sept. 21-23
San Diego/Virtual
Sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, this show highlights leaders in sustainable construction and green building with exhibits and sessions centered on design, new technology, building systems and materials.
Autodesk University Conference
Oct. 5-14
Virtual
Autodesk University boasts more than 10,000 attendees from AEC fields exploring how to better use BIM and other new technologies to improve building construction, design and engineering.
Groundbreak
Oct. 12-14
Virtual
Groundbreak is Procore’s annual event, where you can hear from over 60 speakers on a variety of topics, from safety, leadership and diversity & inclusion. The event has three separate agendas for the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Annual Convention
Oct. 17-20
New Orleans
The annual convention will feature talks on materials relevant to the construction of walls and ceilings, and provide the opportunity for businesses to connect through networking receptions and panels. Also happening during the conference is the INTEX Expo, a showcase of new products and services for the wall and ceiling industry.
Lean Construction Institute 2021
Oct. 19-22
Phoenix
LCI 2021 is a place for contractors and construction professionals to learn about best practices and successes in lean construction.
SMACNA Annual Convention 2021
Oct. 24-27
Maui, Hawaii
The annual SMACNA convention will be in-person in Maui. The conference’s keynote speaker will be Josh Sundquist, paralympian and now motivational speaker.
Industrialized Wood-Based Construction Conference
Oct. 26-27
Virtual
The 2021 IWBC Conference is virtual this year, and attendees can expect accommodations for that, such as prerecorded presentations distributed one week prior to the convention, which will allow attendees to view the presentations at convenient times. Presentations will be on topics ranging from technologies advancing industrialized construction to the latest digital tools, software and others that affect the industry.
Design Build Conference & Expo
Nov. 1-3
Denver/Virtual
With the pandemic receding, this conference will frame the coming year as one of rebuilding. For those who can’t make the conference in Denver, organizers are offering a virtual experience as well, with multiple tracks relating to different aspects of design-build.
2022
World of Concrete
Jan. 18-20, 2022
Las Vegas
The largest event for masonry and concrete professionals in the world, attended by more than 60,000 people, will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. WoC will also show more than 1,500 exhibiting companies.
New York Build Expo
March 2-3, 2022
New York City/Virtual
The largest conference on construction and design in the New York area will also offer informational online sessions.
Construction Institute & Construction Research Council Joint Conference
March 9-12, 2022
Arlington, Va.
The joint conference from the American Society of Civil Engineers focuses on research in the construction industry and is where you can go to look forward with academic construction research and see what’s coming next in the industry.
Associated Builders and Contractors Convention
March 15-17, 2022
San Antonio
ABC has not made many details public about its convention next year, other than its date and location in San Antonio.
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Annual Convention
Grapevine, Texas
April 3-7
Though the convention was delayed for 2021, as noted above, they intend to have their 2022 conference occur as scheduled in Grapevine, TX.
International Mass Timber Conference
April 12-14, 2022
Portland, OR
The largest gathering of cross laminated timber professionals in the world, the event focuses on construction and manufacturing, as well as design and development. It will feature over 40 speakers and more than 1,000 experts.
World of Modular
April 25-28, 2022
San Antonio/Virtual
The Modular Builder Institute’s annual conference will also be accessible virtually. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with MBI staff and network with modular builders and professionals from around the world.
Groundbreaking Women in Construction Conference
May 12-13, 2022
San Francisco
The GWIC conference is designed to help women network, gain knowledge and boost their careers in the industry.
American Institute of Architects National Conference
June 23-25, 2022
Chicago
The 2022 conference is scheduled to be in Chicago, but few details besides the date and location are public at time of writing.
Trimble Dimensions
November 7-9, 2022
Las Vegas/Virtual
The conference will feature expert-led sessions to showcase new developments, and will also provide networking opportunities on their expo floor. The conference will also provide an opportunity to see new tools at work at their offsite showcase.
