Construction industry professionals from across the region united in Greenville on October 23 for the 10th Annual Construction Symposium, organized by the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development.
With the support of title sponsors Rodgers Builders, Inc. and Thompson Turner Construction, the event provided insights for the construction industry and celebrated the growth of Clemson’s construction science and management program. The 232 in-person attendees set a new record for the event.
Bill Caldwell, retired chairman and CEO of Waldrop, Inc., who delivered the day’s first presentation, noted that when the first symposium was launched, the department had 38 corporate partners. Now it has 126.
“The symposium is extremely valuable for two reasons,” Caldwell noted. “We are able to share and learn about current trends, recent changes, and best practices in the industry, while establishing new and enriching current industry relationships with professionals in a variety of design, construction and industry service provider fields.”
Generational Advantages and Artificial Intelligence
Kamber Parker Bowden delivered the day’s keynote presentation, focusing on how to lead and motivate a multi-generational workforce. Bowden is the founder of Generational Performance Solutions and author of “The Generational Advantage.”
“To communicate the rollout of technology in your organization, you need to understand the communication styles and preferences of your multi-generational workforce,” Bowden said. “Leading a multigenerational workforce requires understanding the intersection of artificial intelligence and communication.”
Changes in the industry brought on by the rise of artificial intelligence were a theme throughout the day.
Stahler McKinney, a principal at FMI consulting, presented an economic outlook for construction, which noted growth in the building of data centers to support AI investments and a strong outlook for construction in the southeastern U.S. His presentation was followed by a Q&A with Brian Gallagher, vice president of strategy and development at PPC Partners, Inc.
Later in the day, Associate Professor Eric M. Wetzel of Auburn University gave an overview of emerging robotics and AI-enhanced technologies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for introducing them to job sites.
The final presentation, delivered by Clemson Associate Professor Joe Burgett, focused on applications of ChatGPT and other AI software to increase productivity in construction management.
“The mutual learning opportunity that occurs every time our corporate partners, faculty, and students come together is priceless,” said Tom Leathem, chair of the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development. “The construction symposium perfectly encapsulates the importance of strong relationships between industry and academia that helps our students continue to have a 100 percent job placement rate, and advance the construction profession.”
About the Sponsors
In addition to title sponsors Rodgers Builders, Inc. and Thompson Turner Construction, the event was supported by an array of companies and organizations in the construction sector.
VIP Sponsorships were provided by MMR Group, Carolina Power and Hogan Construction Group. Tech Table Sponsorships were provided by Autodesk and SmartPM. Other sponsors included Brasfield & Gorrie; Hensel Phelps; Sea Island Land Development; JE Dunn Construction; Carroll Daniel; Holder Construction; Harper General Contractors; Robins & Morton; the Roofing Alliance; America’s Home Place; Lithko Contracting, LLC.; Great Southern Homes; ARCO Design/Build; RCS Grading and Blanchard Machinery.
For information on how to become a sponsor at future symposiums or to join the department’s corporate partner program, contact Leslie Armstrong, corporate partner coordinator, at armstr3@clemson.edu.
