It’s safe to say the 2020 Design-Build Conference & Expo was an unprecedented success. Last week, more than 1,400 attendees came together online to participate in the most creative conference ever. This year’s conference was a unique combination of design-build education, dynamic speakers and creative entertainment options. We also named the top design-build projects of the year and honored the industry leaders. Weren’t able to make it? Here are some of the highlights!
Tuesday, October 27
Conference week started with our federal pre-conference event, the Federal Design-Build Symposium. After Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret.) delivered the Opening Keynote, the two-day event continued with FMI researchers and sessions featuring some of the best and brightest Owners in the design-build industry.
We also had a blast enjoying music and comedy this week at our Virtual Opening Reception. DJ Gumby played a great set of classic jams, and we laughed into the night with a round of comics from Treuer Laughs, which features a rich lineup of multiple comedians with a wide range of appeal for everyone to enjoy.
Wednesday, October 28
The 2020 Design-Build Conference & Expo officially kicked off Wednesday afternoon with the Opening Keynote from Former Blue Angel Lead Solo Pilot John Foley, who provided concrete tools for identifying and closing performance gaps by using his ability to translate complex challenges into simple terms.
Thursday, October 29
Day Two kicked off on Thursday with an advanced post-mortem about a General Services Administration project from a panel of industry leaders.
After an afternoon of dynamite concurrent education sessions, we honored the nation’s best design-build leaders and projects at the 2020 Design-Build Project/Team Awards Ceremony. In addition to announcing several award-winning projects (you can see the full list here), we also announced the 2020 Design-Build Project of the Year – the Riverfront Park U.S. Pavilion in Spokane, Washington!
Friday, October 30
We closed out the week on Friday with two general sessions that sparked a lot of conversation in our virtual chat! In the morning we heard from former FEMA Administrator Brock Long, and our closing session brought together several leaders in the design-build industry to discuss perspectives, insights and opportunities within the design community.
Though this year’s conference looked quite different, one thing remained the same – DBIA conferences continue to be the best place for design-build lessons, education and celebration. Whether it’s in-person or a virtual environment, design-build will deliver, and so will DBIA!