Disrupt or Be Disrupted: The BNP Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum
Blog Categories
January 30, 2024
72% of forms say post COVID-19 projects are taking longer to complete and are more expensive.
35% of all construction projects are subject to major and expensive changes.
61% of U.S. construction firms are facing labor shortages that cause project delays.
While our economy relies on the construction industry to build the market, it is clear that more innovation is necessary for growth and survival.
Better tech is part of the solution. Over 100 attendees came together at the January 25th Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum, kicking off the 2024 ILF schedule, to discuss the importance of making construction tech a priority in Western New York.
An impressive group of expert thought leaders provided insights on how to learn from the construction industry’s history, apply innovations from other sectors, and implement new technology from project completion to the final punch list.
Frank Ciminelli II, President & CEO of Arc Building Partners, set the table for the discussion, reviewing the construction sector’s role in the tech revolution – why it matters – and how disruptions can create efficiencies on today’s jobs. He pointed out that the industry has historically fallen behind the curve of innovative trends and reminded the audience that we have a choice: disrupt or be disrupted.
Ana Alcocer, Virtual Design & Construction Manager at Arc Building Partners, discussed daily implementation of innovative tech on jobsites.
Omar Abdallah, COO/EVP of D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc., gave a subcontractor’s perspective on how using tech makes a difference, from pre-construction to project completion.
Chris Lafleur, Director of Electrified & Automated Construction at Moog, Inc., showed how opportunities for electrification and automation of construction equipment can reduce staff costs in a difficult labor market and create exciting project efficiencies.
Amy Nagy, President Windsor Turner & NAIOP Upstate New York Board Member, updated the group on market uncertainty, where commercial rates are headed regionally, and how data tools are adding value for real estate professionals.
The application of tech will be the primary theme of all ILFs in 2024. Buffalo’s regional tech hub designation, the health of our start-up ecosystem, how tech is changing project management and job site, AI and e-commerce are the topics of the moment. Industry changing tech is not coming, it is here, and the application of innovation will drive the decision-making process for all leaders. In 2024, the ILF will continue to be a place for leaders to come together to problem solve around common industry challenges and strategize around the local, national and international trends and external factors that impact everyone.
The BNP is proud to welcome in Bank of America as the new Title Sponsor for the 2024 ILF. Laura Dolan, Senior Vice President & Buffalo Market Executive, kicked off the January 25th meeting.
The Development & Construction ILF is also fortunate to have CONEX and NAIOP as strategic partners, helping us drive our conversations in the most useful direction for these industries.
Learn more about the BNP Industry Leaders Forum  here.
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Related Posts
Buffalo Niagara tourism builds back from Covid crash, but faces challenges
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As the weather gets warmer, tourism in the Buffalo Niagara region becomes more visible – whether it’s the blue ponchos at the Maid of the Mist or convention attendees making their way down Franklin street to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
Understanding the Value of Visitors: The BNP Hospitality & Tourism Industry Leaders Forum
Building a positive visitor experience is a cornerstone of the Buffalo Niagara economy. Visitors to Western New York generated $2.7 billion in spending in 2021, according to an Oxford Economics Company report. Now more than ever, our hospitality and tourism sector is essential to the region’s success.
Cost of Health Care Inequity Is a Major Economic Drain on Regions
There’s a growing recognition that societal and socioeconomic factors affect the health of individuals. Known as Social Determinants of Health, these factors influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and access to health care. T
Navigating the Road Ahead: The BNP Transportation & Logistics Industry Leaders Forum
Exploring the Need for Regional Transportation Network Improvements & Advancements in Global Logistics