The Executive Leadership Forum is a private, invite-only gathering of 50 senior leaders from across North America. This exclusive session brings together industry executives to hear from expert speakers and panellists, and to participate in facilitated collaboration sessions focused on the current state of the AEC industry. Discussions will center on where the industry should place its “big bets,” developing a sound AI roadmap and strategy, and preparing organizations for what’s next. The forum concludes with targeted breakout sessions exploring the future of design and construction delivery. This session is invite-only and is not included with regular summit admission.

Opening Remarks By:

Hannu Lindberg, Construction Technology - Project Panning and Execution - DPR Construction | Chair, Board of Directors - Building Transformations

Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation - Hensel Phelps

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KP Reddy
Founder & CEO - Zero RFI

KP Reddy is Founder & CEO of Zero RFI, a human-first, AI-scaffolded platform company aimed at transforming the construction industry. He is a globally recognized authority on AI in the built environment and the author of BIM for Owners and Developers in addition to two other bestsellers on AI and entrepreneurship. KP is a second generation Civil Engineer and founder of Shadow Ventures, a VC firm backed by the best firms of the ENR 500 and beyond. He has successfully exited three technology companies and led enterprise transformation at Gehry Technologies. KP has spent more than 25 years at the intersection of construction and advanced technology, working to close the gap between what owners are promised and what they actually receive. For too long, he’s watched owners lose leverage they didn’t know they had. That ends with the creation of Zero. KP holds a degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech.

Thai Nguyen  (Moderator) — Director of Innovation - Hensel Phelps

Josh Kanner — Senior Director of Product and Strategy | Analytics & AI - Oracle

Jit Kee Chin — Chief Technology Officer - Suffolk Construction

Lindsey Rem — Senior Vice President, Business Transformation - Barton Malow

John Cerone — Principal - SHoP Architects

‍Mark Schwartz — Senior Vice President | AECO Software | Executive Team Member - Trimble

Michael Perry — Director, Product Management - Autodesk

Kick off The Future of Design and Construction: An Immersive Innovation Showcase Experience with an informal evening of connection and conversation. Join industry peers at the Diverge Innovation Center for light refreshments, drinks, and networking in a relaxed setting. This reception sets the tone for the day ahead—bringing together builders, designers, technologists, and owners to spark ideas, meet new collaborators, and reconnect with familiar faces.

Start the day by checking in, enjoying a light breakfast, and connecting with fellow attendees before the program begins.

A brief welcome from Building Transformations, outlining the vision for the event and the day’s objectives.

Join Mike Sewell, Gresham Smith’s Chief Digital Transformation Officer, as he shares insights on leading digital innovation in design and construction. Mike brings extensive experience, having led efforts to position Gresham Smith at the forefront of emerging technologies. He has quickly become a nationally recognized thought leader, frequently speaking on the impact of AI and other innovations on the AECO industry. In his keynote, Mike will share practical strategies for digital transformation, lessons from complex projects, and his vision for the future of technology in the field.

This executive panel will set the stage for the afternoon by exploring how AI, automation, and machine learning are transforming the construction and built environment industries. The conversation will provide insights into emerging trends, practical applications, and strategic implications, while offering an honest reality check on the future of design and construction. The session will conclude with dedicated time for audience Q&A.

Enjoy lunch while expanding your professional network. Connect with peers, speakers, and technology partners.

Participants will move through the Innovation Center, experiencing technology in action. These demonstrations highlight real-world case studies and workflows, featuring on-site technology, digital tools, robotics, AI, and automation—advancements that are transforming how we plan, build, and manage infrastructure across North America.

Light refreshments will be served from 2:30 PM to 2:45 PM in a “grab-and-go” style, allowing attendees to continue viewing live demonstrations uninterrupted.

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Round out the day with facilitated, small-group discussions designed to help attendees exchange insights, identify shared challenges, and shape future solutions together. These sessions are a pivotal moment in driving innovation—your opportunity to synthesize the day’s learnings, capture the critical takeaways, and translate them into practical actions you can bring back to your team. This is a session you will not want to miss.

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A summary of key takeaways and reflections on the day’s discussions, demonstrations, and collaborative outcomes.

End the day with our On-Site Closing Reception. Everyone is welcome to stay for an informal gathering featuring food trucks, lawn games, and a relaxed atmosphere. This social wrap-up offers the perfect setting to unwind, continue conversations sparked throughout the event, and build new connections in a casual, community-focused environment.