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Disrupt or Be Disrupted: The BNP Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum

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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 25^th 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 25^th 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.