Transportation, aviation and water/wastewater infrastructure leaders will gather April 13–17 in Grapevine, Texas, as DBIA hosts the 2026 Design-Build for Water/Wastewater and Transportation/Aviation Conferences.
These two sector-focused events bring together Owners and industry practitioners to examine the challenges shaping the next generation of infrastructure investment. From major airport expansions to essential water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, agencies across the country are increasingly turning to collaborative project delivery to manage complex programs and move critical projects forward more efficiently.
Throughout the back-to-back conferences, participants will explore what agencies are learning from projects already in motion and how those insights are shaping the next round of infrastructure work.
Two Conferences. One Week of Sector-Focused Learning
The conferences are designed to connect professionals working in transportation, aviation and water/wastewater infrastructure with peers facing similar challenges. These events center on the issues and project realities specific to each sector while connecting professionals across the broader design-build community.
Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference
April 13–15, 2026
Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference
April 15–17, 2026
Preconference Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation Course
Enhance your experience by registering for either the Apr. 12 or Apr. 14 Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy foundational course with Dr. Barbara Jackson. This course equips AEC professionals with the mindset and leadership skills required to move from siloed services to integrated, high-performing teams.
All events will take place at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
Addressing a Critical Moment for Infrastructure
Across the country, public agencies are balancing aging infrastructure, expanding demand and new funding opportunities. At the same time, project requirements continue to grow more complex.
DBIA’s Spring Specialty Conferences provide a forum for transportation, aviation and water/wastewater leaders to examine those pressures together. The conversations focus on practical experience: what has worked, what has not and where agencies are seeing the greatest opportunity to improve how projects are delivered.
What to Expect
This year’s program explores the forces shaping infrastructure development, from economic conditions to emerging technology to evolving project delivery strategies.
Economic Outlook with Anirban Basu
Nationally recognized economist Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, will deliver a fast-paced, data-driven look at the economic forces shaping infrastructure markets in 2026. Drawing on indicators across employment, financial markets and overall economic performance, Basu translates complex economic signals into practical insight for industry leaders navigating uncertainty.
AI and the Future of a New World
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations operate and compete. Dr. Alex Lawrence, AI thought leader, entrepreneur and educator, will explore how emerging tools from generative AI to advanced analytics are influencing leadership decisions and project delivery strategies. His session focuses on practical implications for these technologies.
First Look at Progressive Design-Build Research
A joint general session on April 15 will offer an exclusive preview of findings from a first-of-its-kind study examining how progressive design-build (PDB) practices influence risk allocation, insurance considerations and project performance. The research is expected to provide new insight for Owners and teams delivering complex infrastructure programs.
Real-World Project Reviews and Industry Exchange
Both conferences feature Project Reviews and Industry Exchange sessions, where Owners and project teams walk through real projects in detail. These discussions highlight lessons learned while also giving attendees visibility into upcoming infrastructure pipelines, procurement timelines and delivery strategies.
Water/wastewater companies include City of Port St. Lucie, FL; Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; American Water; San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; and North Texas Municipal Water District
Transportation/Aviation companies are still coming together, view the online program for the latest updates!
Sector Leadership Discussions
Additional general sessions will address issues currently shaping transportation, aviation and water/wastewater infrastructure. Topics range from legislative developments affecting water utilities to risk management challenges and evolving contracting approaches in transportation and aviation projects.
Professional Development
Both conferences also offer a record number of AIA Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) credit opportunities. Attendees can earn professional development hours while engaging with real-world project challenges, emerging trends and proven best practices, with 14 AIA HSW sessions available at the Water/Wastewater Conference and 17 at the Transportation/Aviation Conference.
Join the Conversation
DBIA’s Spring Specialty Conferences create space for Owners and industry partners to step back from day-to-day project demands and engage with peers facing similar decisions.
Advance registration is available until Thursday, April 9, with on-site registration opening Monday, April 13.
Learn more about the program and begin planning your conference experience by visiting the conference registration pages.
