20 of the Best Design and Construction Conferences for 2022-2023
- Industry conferences are back in full force after diminished demand in past years due to the pandemic.
- Design and construction organizations and associations across the globe are excited once again to offer immense networking and learning opportunities in the form of construction conferences.
- Construction events and tradeshows gather the top minds in the industry for interactive discussions and hands-on education that accelerate your career.
- With so many construction conferences to choose from, we curated a list with the best of the best. Check out these best global design and construction conferences and find the one (or three) that most pique your interest.
20 Best Design and Construction Conferences Every Architect, Engineer, Contractor, Owner, and Construction Professional Should Attend
Date and Location: March 14-18, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person
ConExpo self-proclaims to be the largest construction tradeshow in all of North America. With over 1,800 exhibitors and 2.7 million square feet of exhibit space, the event showcases the latest in construction equipment, services, and technologies. From cranes to power tools and everything in between, attendees can get hands-on experience with construction equipment available from top manufacturers.
Bonus: Attend one of the 150 education sessions on topics and trends in aggregates, concrete, and more.
Best for: Heavy Civil and Construction Industry Professionals, Equipment Managers, Self-Perform Contractors
Date and Location: June 5-7, 2023 in San Francisco, CA
Format: In-person
ENR FutureTech dives into the future of construction technology. The event features interactive sessions conducted by leaders in the AEC industry who share their experience adopting technologies and forecasting future digital transformations. In 2022, leaders from top construction technology start-ups and established firms shared their insights and innovations.
Bonus: A focus on networking makes this event a smart investment in your career.
Best for: AEC Industry Professionals, BIM Managers, Technology Officers, Construction Technology Enthusiasts
Date and Location: November 7-9, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person
When Trimble says their conference is action-packed, they’re not kidding. The three-day event balances 400+ expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops, curated for building and civil construction professionals. Experience networking like never before with a behind-the-scenes visit to Allegiant Stadium on Customer Appreciation Night. See the potential of autonomous and digital construction technologies as a road is built live at the event. And so much more.
Bonus: Hear from Apple co-founder Steve Woszniak during the event’s keynote speech.
Best for: Trimble customers, AEC Industry Professionals, BIM Managers, Technology Officers, Construction Technology Enthusiasts, Project Owners
Date and Location: March 14-17, 2023 in Phoenix, AZ
Format: In-person
It’s without a doubt prefabrication has revolutionized construction—Advancing Prefabrication highlights these feats and sets the stage for an even brighter future in the world of prefabrication, modularization, and supply chain transformation. Hear from industry leaders and attend offsite facility tours to see new manufacturing methodologies in action. Past events featured curated event roadmaps, so attendees can gear their experience toward a specific focus, like design optimization or packaging and logistics.
Bonus: Meet leaders in your market with market-specific focus days.
Best for: Prefabrication Designers & Builders, Material Suppliers & Vendors, Project Owners
Date and Location: January 16-19, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person
For over 49 years, World of Concrete has connected global leaders in the concrete and masonry industries. As concrete combines cement, water, and aggregate, World of Concrete combines knowledge, equipment, and connections. Learn about the latest training and techniques available in concrete and masonry from the 1,500 exhibits in over 700,00 square feet of space. From concrete reinforcement to material handling to precast, if it involves concrete, you’ll find it at World of Concrete.
Bonus: Experience interactive exhibits, like Work Truck Live!.
Best for: Concrete Designers & Builders, Material Suppliers & Vendors, Self-Perform Contractors
Date and Location: November 2-4, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person
With design-build projects expected to account for 47% of construction spending by 2025, there is no better time than the present to learn more about design-build project delivery. Hear from design-build industry leaders and make important industry connections. Choose from one of five different tracks to curate your conference schedule, from the design-build starter kit to the masterclass on team dynamics.
Bonus: New this year, attend virtual design and construction programming by the Design-Build VDC Leadership Exchange.
Best for: Design-Build Professionals, Project Owners, AEC Industry Professionals
Date and Location: October 27, 2022 in Sacramento, CA
Format: In-person
Women make up only 10.3 percent of those working in the built environment. This one-day event promotes the opportunities for women in construction and the efforts needed to build a welcoming culture. Sessions include topics on mentorship, collaboration, bias, best practices, and more. Attendance is encouraged by all who wish to promote women in the industry.
Bonus: Participate in collaborative panel discussions so your voice can be heard.
Best for: Women Leaders in Construction, Construction Industry Professionals
Date and Location: October 15-18, 2022 in Austin, TX
Format: In-person and virtual
This event hosted by the National Electrical Contractors Association features both a tradeshow and convention showcasing the latest in electrical products and technologies. Companies and professionals in the power, light, energy, and communication industries will not want to miss the workshops and sessions presented by industry leaders. Can’t make it to Austin? The convention is hybrid, offering virtual access to the same quality education, networking, and products in a digital atmosphere.
Bonus: Visit the Showstopper Showcase to view the most innovative electrical products and services in one place.
Best for: Electrical Designers, Electrical Contractors, Project Owners
Date and Location: November 2-4, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person
Jointly sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), this event is geared toward financial professionals in the construction industry. Event topics include contract compliance, construction taxes, financial fraud, and other subjects unique to finance in construction. There are ample opportunities for attendees to earn continuing professional education credits by attending conference sessions.
Bonus: Earn up to 20 CPE credits by attending any of the 38 informative sessions.
Best for: AEC Industry Financial Professionals, Financial Officers, Construction Business Owners
Date and Location: March 13-16, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV
Format: In-person
Hosted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), this annual convention brings together contractors of all sizes and from all markets to share industry insight. Past events featured discussions and training sessions by industry leaders offering business-critical insights and knowledge to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. This event is held in conjunction with CONEXPO-CON/AGG—attendees get a pass to both conventions as part of their registration.
Bonus: Attend two conferences on one trip as this event is located alongside CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas.
Best for: Construction Industry Professionals, Construction Managers, Construction Contractors
Date and Location: October 9-11, 2022 in San Diego, CA
Format: In-person
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) hosts this annual flagship event for construction management professionals across the industry. The event features a comprehensive exhibit hall, breakout educational sessions, and industry recognition awards for worthy individuals and projects. This year’s event celebrates CMAA’s 40th anniversary and gathers all the people that define the construction management industry.
Bonus: Takeaway key lessons learned from complex projects and programs as discussed by industry leaders.
Best for: Construction Industry Professionals, Construction Managers, Construction Contractors
Date and Location: October 8-12, 2022 in New Orleans, LA
Format: In-person and virtual
For leaders in the water and wastewater industries, WEFTEC cannot be missed. This event has an extensive list of exhibitors and workshops from innovators, visionaries, and thought leaders in the water sector. In addition, technical sessions explore the latest in water technologies and can earn you continuing education units and professional development hours. If you cannot attend the conference, the sessions and papers presented are available through the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) online digital library, Access Water.
Bonus: Participate in the Operations Challenge—the water sector's premier skills competition for water resource recovery facility personnel.
Best for: Water & Wastewater Designers, Water & Wastewater Contractors, Project Owners
Date and Location: September 26-30, 2022 in Vancouver, BC
Format: In-person
This event is Sketchup’s signature user conference and one of the best ways to learn more about the capabilities of this impressive software. With hands-on training, mind-expanding community presentations, and extensive networking opportunities, this conference brings together designers like no other. Past attendees have walked away with new Sketchup tips, tricks, and tools from the jam-packed learning sessions.
Bonus: Hear how Sketchup plays a vital role in residential construction from HGTV’s own Nicole Curtis during the keynote address.
Best for: Project Designers & Architects, BIM Managers, Technology Officers, Construction Technology Enthusiasts
Date and Location: December 5-8, 2022 in Dubai, UAE
Format: In-person
This global building and construction show unites industry changemakers from over 150 countries and is self-proclaimed as the most influential event for the construction industry. The event is located right in the center of the action—over $4 trillion worth of construction projects are accounted for right now in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The show has it all: groundbreaking product launches, in-depth debates, and endless networking.
Bonus: The Big 5 event is co-located with other conferences to maximize your experience, including the Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, and more.
Best for: Construction Industry Professionals, Construction Designers & Builders
Date and Location: May 11-12, 2023 in San Francisco, CA
Format: In-person
GWIC positions itself to help women expand their presence, influence, and career success in the ever-changing construction industry. Presented by Engineering News-Record (ENR), this conference helps women and women advocates develop leadership skills, boost industry growth potential, and much more through inspirational sessions and exhibits. Breakout sessions provide an intimate and welcoming environment to share and learn.
Bonus: Nancy Bray, an industrial engineer and 33-year NASA veteran, is set to deliver the keynote speech.
Best for: Women Leaders in Construction, Construction Industry Professionals
Date and Location: November 1-3, 2022 in San Francisco, CA
Format: In-person
Greenbuild connects today and tomorrow's green building industry leaders to re-imagine what it means to build green. Participate in sessions and hear from green building experts on best practices to create greener communities, better workplaces, equitable programs, and new sustainable solutions. The event marks the 20th year of Greenbuild and is rightfully held in San Francisco, one of the most sustainable cities in the U.S.
Bonus: The keynote speech will be given by two-time academy award-winning actor, producer, author, and activist Jane Fonda.
Best for: Building Designers & Builders, Construction Industry Professionals, Sustainability Managers, Green Construction Enthusiasts
Date and Location: December 8-11, 2022 in Shanghai, CHN
Format: In-person
BAU CHINA is a combination of multiple industry events, the two major ones being Fenestration Bau China and China Architectural Design Expo (CADE). Fenestration is a super expo on building system solutions, showcasing over 1,200 leading industry brands and detailing new industry trends and technologies. CADE features exhibits and events focused on the future of building in China, with over 200 architects presenting new ideas for the development of global urban architecture.
Bonus: Experience the cluster of events all part of BAU China, including Fenestration, CADE, Realtech Expo, and more.
Best for: Building Designers & Builders, Construction Industry Professionals, Construction Technology Enthusiasts, Project Owners
Date and Location: Oct. 18-21, 2022 in New Orleans, LA
Format: In-person, virtual, or both
For nearly 25 years, the Lean Construction Institute has gathered lean construction experts together to share the best of the best lean construction practices. All sessions within the event are aimed toward knowledge-sharing across disciplines, so attendees leave with critical, actionable knowledge to set up their projects for success. This year’s conference is deemed “Lean Gumbo: the Right Ingredients for Project Success” and rightfully named as it is hosted in New Orleans.
Bonus: Attend any of the hands-on courses to earn continuing education credits while at the conference.
Best for: Lean Construction Professionals, Construction Industry Professionals, Construction Contractors, Self-Perform Contractors, Project Owners
Date and Location: November 16-17, 2022 in London, UK
Format: In-person
Coined the UK’s leading construction show, this event features over 500 speakers across eight different stages speaking on topics such as the future of construction, BIM and digital technologies, and sustainability. With networking events, diverse exhibits, and an Architect’s Hub, this conference has something for everybody. It even has breakout sessions for Women in Construction and Diversity & Inclusion in Construction.
Bonus: To keep you always entertained, the event has two days of performances, DJs, live music, and even celebrity guests.
Best for: AEC Industry Professionals, Construction Designers & Builders, Project Owners, Construction Technology Enthusiasts
Date and Location: June 7-10, 2023 in San Francisco, CA
Format: In-person, virtual, or both
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosts an annual conference described as the architecture and design event of the year. The three-day event focuses on what’s new and now in architecture, with talks hosted by some of the world's most creative architects, designers, and firms. AIA hopes every attendee leaves with actionable insights on how to design more resilient projects. Past events have offered exclusive tours of remarkable architectural projects throughout the host city.
Bonus: Stack up on continuing education credits by attending conference workshops and training sessions.
Best for: Architects & Designers, AEC Industry Professionals, Project Owners