The Importance of Industry Conferences
Fresh off the heels of attending the BIM Invitational Meetup in St. Paul, Minnesota (July 22nd and 23rd), I recently shared my perspective about this conference with my co-workers and that got me thinking about the importance of conferences and that recap is the inspiration for the article that follows.
When you think about an industry-related conference, you probably think about the sessions or presentations they will have. Perhaps you are thinking about visiting a vendor expo where different companies may try to talk your ear off about their company, product(s) or services and why you should work with them as well as purchase said products/services. What else comes to mind when you think about conferences? Maybe getting swag, meeting old and new colleagues, or professional development? Sure, those things do come to mind, and I’ll discuss those in more detail a bit later.
For me, the most memorable parts of a conference are not always the sessions I attend but rather the conversations that happen between sessions, during lunch or at the post conference social events. BIM Invitational Meetup was just those conversations from the time we started until the time we ended. In fact, after I checked into the hotel, I joined the organizers; Christopher Alexander, Michael Freiert, Robert Beckerbauer, their interns Cecilia and Aiden as well as Beth Evanoo from HCM for dinner Sunday evening. We had a quite a few “pregame” conversations that night.
Figure 1 - Photo by Christopher Alexander
For a first-time conference it was small but intimate, which garnered LOTS of great conversations that we frankly did not want to end. There were 20 people in attendance with several more who were unable to make it for one reason or another (personal or the IT outage that affected flights). The format was simple. There were four “sessions” per day with five tables that each had a “table sponsor” and topic that by no means was what had to be discussed. The discussions frequently veered into different topics at my tables. We jot down important ideas on note pads during sessions, and the interns later collate these notes and distribute them before the subsequent session. Our discussions would often spill over into lunchtime and our first evening's social event. On Tuesday, a few of us continued our dialogue over lunch and dinner. The day concluded with a group discussion about unusual experiences we've encountered. Although I was disappointed the conference came to an end, I'm eager for next year's event.
Figure 2 - Photo by BIM Invitational
I have fond memories of the RTC events I attended in 2014 and 2015, Midwest U in 2019, the BiLTNA Virtual event in 2021 and speaking at BiLTNA in 2023. There are many reasons why Industry Conferences such as those are important to those of us in the AEC Industry. Now there are many other conferences, like Autodesk University, that I have yet to attend but I am sure you have lots of great memories yourself. I am sure if you did a quick search using your favorite search engine or chatbot you could easily find a list of most, if not all, of the current AEC Industry related events.
All who have been to these industry events have their motivations, some of which may align with these primary reasons for attendance.
- Networking
- Professional Development
- Knowledge Sharing
- Promotion and Visibility
- Staying Updated
Networking
Conferences provide a platform for professionals to meet, interact, and establish business relationships. They can enhance ongoing projects, kickstart successful ventures, or uncover unforeseen ideas. Networking is not just about business; it’s also about building relationships. Starting conversations with small talk can help break the ice and make networking more enjoyable. Remembering and using people’s names during conversations can add a personal touch and make your interactions more memorable.
Industry leaders, bloggers, and content creators often attend these events. You probably are following a lot of them on and/or interacted with them on social media or other virtual platforms but have never met them in person. Industry conferences are very good places to meet those that have influenced your career, talk to them, get to know them and pick their brain on various things. I've encountered many individuals at events who've taught me through their blogs, forum posts, or YouTube videos, such as The Revit Kid, Aaron Maller, Steve Stafford, Paul Aubin, David Butts, and Brian Mackey, amongst many more. My apologies if I did not mention you. The essence of effective networking lies in attentively listening to your counterparts, refining a succinct 30-second pitch about yourself, and ensuring you follow up with them post-conversation.
Lastly, networking is not just about takin, it’s also about giving. Be ready to offer help, advice, or resources to others when you can. This reciprocal approach can help build stronger, more beneficial relationships.
Professional Development
These gatherings often feature workshops, educational sessions, and seminars designed to enhance attendees' comprehension of current issues and develop industry-specific expertise. They also present opportunities to gain insight into upcoming technologies and trends within the sector. The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector is rapidly advancing through innovations like Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR/AR), and 3D printing.
Ongoing education and skill enhancement enable professionals to navigate these shifts and maximize the benefits of these new technologies. Acquiring novel competencies and refining existing ones can lead to better productivity and efficiency. For instance, mastering a new project management software can optimize workflow processes and expedite project completion. In a fiercely competitive AEC market, those who persistently sharpen their skills and knowledge are more likely to surpass their rivals. This dedication to professional growth can open doors to improved employment prospects and ascension within one's career. Furthermore, Professional Development bolsters problem-solving skills, which are vital in the AEC field. Faced with design dilemmas or construction obstacles, heightened proficiency can forge more efficacious resolutions. Continuous learning fosters an environment of innovation. As professionals learn and grow, they are more likely to come up with new ideas and approaches, driving innovation in the industry.
Remember, learning and skill development is a lifelong process. It requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. It’s not just about attending training sessions or earning certifications, but also about learning from experiences, staying curious, and being open to new ideas.
Knowledge Sharing
At conferences, professionals have the opportunity to present their work, receive feedback, and gain insights from the success stories and established methodologies of others. These events also serve to update participants on cutting-edge technologies and current patterns within their professions through various publications and learning activities. In the realm of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), sharing knowledge is essential for applying historical lessons and proven tactics to boost productivity and project results. This process of creating a 'knowledge architecture' is becoming more crucial within the AEC sector. Setting up knowledge exchange forums centered around particular subjects can promote uninhibited dialogue and mutual education. Such interactions can bring fresh energy to team gatherings and support an environment committed to ongoing learning and enhancement.
The practice of swapping knowledge creates an atmosphere conducive to cooperative innovation and progress. Consider, for example, the development of "Community AI," which consists of combined pools of anonymous data gathered from different corporations. The amalgamated data improves search algorithm accuracy, yielding beneficial insights for all partners. Many companies in the AEC industry are reevaluating their knowledge management strategies to pinpoint potential improvements. Take Harris & Associates, for instance; they improved their internal intranet with the aim of enhancing direct communication between peers. This refinement has facilitated easier access to project information, swift identification of expert knowledge, teamwork on complex matters, and stronger team unity.
Outside of the conferences, platforms like the new AUGI Community, CAD Manager School, Revit Forum, Autodesk Forums and various other forums encourage members to share knowledge, stories, experiences, and ideas, break down industry knowledge silos, engage in research and development, identify and prioritize common challenges, develop new AEC industry practices, and connect people to knowledge and capabilities.
Promotion and Visibility
Attending AEC industry conferences is a powerful marketing strategy that can significantly enhance a firm’s brand recognition. By actively participating in these events, businesses can distinguish themselves from competitors and attract potential clients. Conferences provide a platform for promotion and visibility, which are crucial for generating leads and expanding market share.
These events encompass a range of activities, from traditional networking and panel discussions to digital marketing strategies like social media engagement and content marketing. In the current digital age, AEC firms need to prioritize their presence at these digital-friendly events. This involves moving away from traditional marketing activities, like print advertisements, and focusing more on digital platforms.
Public Relations (PR) plays a vital role at these conferences, helping to boost the brand of AEC companies. By sharing the company’s story, mission, and achievements with a wide audience, PR can generate interest and excitement about the company. This, in turn, can lead to increased business opportunities, investment, and growth.
Promotion and visibility at these conferences can give AEC firms a competitive edge. By showcasing their unique projects, innovative solutions, and thought leadership, firms can stand out in a crowded market and attract more clients. Therefore, attending AEC industry conferences is not just an opportunity to learn and network, but also a strategic move to enhance brand visibility and business growth.
Staying Updated
The AEC industry is vibrant and always adapting. Participation in industry events can help one to keep abreast of the latest market trends and cater to client expectations. This requires grasping the significance and prospects of these trends. Digital innovations remain at the forefront. Events in the industry commonly present new digital tools, such as the increasingly popular Building Information Management (BIM), which supports cooperative and effective planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
We are experiencing fundamental changes and enduring obstacles. Such industry gatherings are insightful regarding these issues and propose viable solutions. For example, firms can strategize effectively by considering increasing material costs or a shortage of skilled workforce. Being current is crucial for safeguarding projects against obsolescence, calling for foresight into future demands and embedding versatility in design and building methods. Industry conventions often cover forthcoming developments and offer advice on preparing for them.
With its significant position in promoting economic development, keeping up with the latest trends is key for AEC firms to maintain their edge and contribute to broader economic prosperity. It’s clear that staying up-to-date and continuously learning are integral parts of staying ahead of the curve in the AEC industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, industry conferences are more than just events; they are dynamic platforms for growth, innovation, and connection within the AEC sector. As evidenced by the recent BIM Invitational Meetup and other notable gatherings, these conferences foster invaluable discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and knowledge sharing that extend far beyond the scheduled sessions. They are instrumental in professional development, allowing participants to stay ahead of technological advancements and industry trends. Additionally, the networking opportunities provided by these events can lead to lasting professional relationships and business ventures. By attending these conferences, professionals and companies alike can enhance their visibility, promote their expertise, and ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. As we look forward to the next year's events, let us remember that the true value of these conferences lies not only in the formal presentations but also in the rich, spontaneous interactions that inspire and drive the AEC community forward.
