Dynamic presenters, unparalleled networking opportunities and a bevy of design-build education…the 2017 Design-Build Conference & Expo brought together some of the industry’s best and brightest in Philadelphia.
More than two thousand attendees jammed the Pennsylvania Convention Center for three days of workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers representing the best of the design-build industry.
The week kicked off with keynote speaker Ron Jaworski, a former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who is now an NFL analyst for ESPN. ‘Jaws’ was the first in a list of dynamic keynote speakers, which also included Brent Darnell and former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
The conference provided something for everyone, no matter your experience with design-build. There were five different tracks of concurrent education, focusing on everything from Progressive Design-Build to Teamwork and Leadership. Several of the sessions were standing-room only, with the rooms packed of professionals waiting to hear from industry greats – some even sat on the floor so they wouldn’t miss out!
For those looking to connect with other design-build professionals, the Exhibit Hall was a perfect place to do so. Hundreds of booths were set up, each one filled with the industry’s best exhibitors ready and willing to discuss their services, products and design-build expertise.
DBIA also hosted our annual Awards Dinner. It was a wonderful night to honor some of the best design-build projects in the country! We honored:
- 26 Merit Award Winners
- 10 Category Winners
- Special Project Awards for Excellence in Architectural Design, Engineering Design, Process and Teaming
- Chairman’s Award for Social Impact
- Project of the Year
We also hosted the finals of our National Design-Build Student Competition, getting a sneak peek at the future of the industry. Washington State’s team, Alliance Construction, took home the top prize in a very tight race!
Overall, it was a week jam packed with the latest and greatest in the design-build industry. We were so excited not only by the amazing turnout, but by the engagement and excitement from all our attendees! Check out the DBIA Conference Photo feed to download your favorite memories.
We can’t wait to see you in Portland in March for the 2018 Design-Build in Transportation and Water/Wastewater Conferences!