Over the past couple of years, the construction industry has had to rapidly adapt to shifting markets and industry-wide challenges, which has resulted in new customer expectations. 2022 is no exception. Construction events, conferences, and trade shows provide dynamic, hands-on moments to stay ahead of trends, opportunities, and risks.
2022 is chock full of can’t-miss events for construction industry professionals across the entire AECO spectrum. Below, you’ll find a list of the very best construction conferences and events you can look forward to in 2022 – 23.
Recommended reading: Learn how to get your manager’s approval to attend a construction event, conference, or tradeshow.
Top 2022 Construction Events & Conferences
This list is organized chronologically. If you’d like add your event to this list or need to update a description, please contact us.
AED Summit (Orlando, FL)
January 17 – 19, 2022
Each year, the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Summit brings together heavy equipment professionals to explore emerging trends and industry opportunities. The 2022 AED Summit will be held in Orlando, Florida, at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort. One of the biggest draws of the AED Summit is its specialized learning tracks which are segmented for leadership, management, product, sales, and more.
World of Concrete (Las Vegas, NV)
January 18 – 20, 2022
The 2022 World of Concrete (WOC) theme is all about grit, designed to reflect the tenacity and determination construction professionals demonstrate every day on and off the jobsite. This year’s event features training and techniques in concrete and masonry, countless exhibits from original equipment manufacturers, and educational certification seminars. You’ll also have the opportunity to network and engage with over 60,000 global industry professionals from each segment of the industry. Online registration is required because no in-person registration will be available.
NAHB International Builders Show (IBS) (Orlando, FL)
February 8 – 10, 2022
Known as the homebuilder’s premier industry event, IBS is an ideal stop for any builder involved in commercial construction. It mixes industry experts with builders with product vendors to create an immersive, engaging experience that’s certain to deliver many key takeaways for those who attend. More than 130 education sessions are planned, more than 1,400 exhibitors are expected, and plenty of demonstrations and networking events to attend as well.
CI & CRC Joint Conference 2022 (Arlington, VA)
March 9 – 12, 2022
Join the first-ever, CI & CRC Joint Conference. ASCE’s Construction Institute (CI) and Construction Research Council (CRC) are joining forces to bring you this joint conference for the latest in construction insights, from the academic community and industry professionals. Specifically, it will facilitate interaction between construction research professionals, contractors, owners, and practitioners. This event is being hosted by the Vecellio Construction Engineering and Management Program (VCEMP) at Virginia Tech and taking place at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport.
ABC Convention (San Antonio, TX)
March 15 – 17, 2022
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) next convention is coming to San Antonio, TX. The website reads, “ABC Convention 2022 is back and bigger than ever. Join us in San Antonio for thought-leader content focused on helping contractor members improve their businesses and bottom lines. Enjoy the celebrations and networking that ABC Convention is known for. From the National Craft Championships and the Construction Management Competition to the National Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala, the very best of the merit shop will be front and center. This is THE event for merit shop construction, and you don’t want to miss it!”
CMAA Focus (Chicago, IL)
March 20 – 22, 2022
CMAA Focus 2022 will take place at the Renaissance Chicago in Downtown Chicago. As one of the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) two main events, CMAA Focus 2022 has three core focus areas:
- Best practices and project lessons shared by CMAA members
- Leadership skills essential to every aspect of construction management
- Career growth and advancement
The advance registration deadline is March 13, 2022, but you can secure a discounted early bird ticket by registering before February 14.
AGC Convention (Grapevine, Texas)
March 28 – 31, 2022
The annual AGC Convention, brought to you by the Associated General Contractors, provides contractors with space to study industry-critical topics in-depth in a dynamic, educational setting. This year’s conference includes a keynote session by Karl Rove, construction safety excellence awards, segmented expos, and over 15 breakout sessions. The topic list is expansive, featuring everything from contractor financial management, technology and innovation, and jobsite productivity. The AGC Convention will be open for on-site registration with early bird dates until November 30, 2021.
Design-Build for Water/Wastewater (Orlando, FL)
April 4 – 6, 2022
The 2022 Design-Build for Water/Waster Conference will be offered in a hybrid format for virtual and in-person attendance. Regardless of whether you plan to join from the conference site in Orlando, Florida, or from your computer screen, you’ll enjoy three days of engaging sessions and networking opportunities at the premier event for professionals in the water and wastewater sectors. Learn more:
Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference (Orlando, FL)
April 6 – 8, 2022
Designed to inspire projects and innovation, the Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation Conference brings together design-builders, owners, and practitioners for three days each year. This year’s conference will be held from April 6 to 8, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. Highlights include insights for rebuilding transportation and aviation infrastructure, project best practices, and educational opportunities.
World of Modular 2022 (San Antonio, TX)
April 25 – 28, 2022
Hosted annually by the Modular Building Institute, World of Modular will be in Texas this year. It’s the definitive event to learn about opportunities where buildings—or parts of a building—can be constructed off-site and transported to the jobsite for more affordable and more streamlined construction. Stay tuned, as the event venue is still to be determined for this event. World of Modular is an open forum for anyone interested in commercial modular construction.
LCI Lean in Design Forum (Phoenix, AZ)
May 4 – 5, 2022
The LCI Lean in Design Forum is back in person in 2022 and will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 4–5, 2022. With the theme “Evolving with Purpose,” designers can expect to walk away with tips on how to best leverage Lean methods and techniques from industry-leading practitioners. Attendees will also enjoy interactive learning roundtables, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. Find out more:
Groundbreaking Women in Construction 2022 (GWIC) (San Francisco, CA)
May 12 – 13, 2022
Hosted by ENR, Groundbreaking Women in Construction (GWIC) is an in-person event after two successful years of it being a virtual event. It takes place at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square this year. This event is “much more than a conference—it serves as a catalyst to help women expand their presence, influence, and career success in an ever-changing industry.” You’ll develop leadership skills, realize career potential, and learn how to expand influence in a very welcoming environment. Regardless of gender, this is a great event for networking and learning opportunities for construction industry professionals everywhere.
ENR FutureTech (San Francsico, CA)
June 8 – 10, 2022
This in-person event event is for business and IT leaders in AEC. You’ll understand trends and explore emerging technologies that are likely to have an impact on your business. The event will include a series of thought-provoking and interactive sessions alongside networking opportunities you may not find at other conferences. Discover what technology works best, what doesn’t, and what the future of construction technology looks like—and what it all means for the industry,
AIA Conference on Architecture 2022 (Chicago, IL)
June 23 – 25, 2022
What’s new and now in architecture? Find out at AIA Conference on Architecture, coming to Chicago in June of 2022. Stay tuned for more updates and details as the architecture event draws nearer.
SMACNA Annual Convention 2022 (Colorado Springs, CO)
September 11 – 14, 2022
The trade show at the SMACNA (Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning National Association) Annual Convention is its premier event that blends exceptional education with world-class networking and social events. This year is no different as we journey to Colorado Springs, CO. You can check this link for more information as it’s released.
Autodesk University (location tbd + virtual)
Fall 2022
Construction professionals from across the world are able to get hands-on with the latest construction technology and workflows driving industry advancement. You can connect with Autodesk employees and ask every question you’ve ever had. Plan to learn from industry experts who are progressing architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, and more. Discover emerging technologies and trends to help you achieve your new possible. AU 2022 dates and location will be announced soon. In the meantime, you can check out last year’s sessions.
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CMAA Annual Conference (San Diego, CA)
October 9 – 11, 2022
The flagship event for the CMAA, the CMAA Annual Conference, is back in 2022, and tailored specifically to construction managers. You’ll find a jam-packed event schedule featuring plenty and breakout sessions, countless exhibits, and the annual Industry Recognition Awards.
NECA Show (Austin, TX)
October 15 – 18, 2022
Electrical contractors, this is your event! Presented by the National Electrical Contractors Association, the NECA Show is the premier trade show for the electrical industry. You’ll find attendees from all over the globe ready to discuss industry innovations, purchase new products, and explore new solutions.
Lean Construction Institute Congress (New Orleans, LA)
October 18 – 21, 2022
“Lean” is a common buzzword that’s getting thrown around a lot in the construction industry these days, but do you really know what it means to transform a jobsite to a lean built environment? That’s the goal of the Lean Construction Institute, or LCI, Congress. Developed for the design and construction industry, LCI’s 24th Annual Congress in 2022 will offer continuous education credits, cutting-edge Lean methods and countless networking opportunities.
Equip Exposition (Louisville, KY)
October 19 – 21, 2022
GIE + EXPO will feature a new look and feel, rebranded as Equip Exposition in 2022. Held in Louisville, Kentucky, this conference is perfect for outdoor and power equipment industry professionals. The opening keynote address features former professional golfer and current broadcaster David Feherty. Country singer Trace Adkins will headline the Equip Expo Concert Series. In addition, there are plenty of educational opportunities with dealer technician training, hardscape workshops, and remote pilot certification programs.
Greenbuild (San Francisco, CA)
November 1 – 3, 2022
Presented by The U.S. Green Building Council (USGCG), Greenbuild is the largest gathering of industry professionals focused on sustainability, design, and green building. This year, the event will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Join their mailing list to make sure you’re getting the latest information on the conference as it’s released.
London Build 2022 EXPO or London Build Online (London, UK, virtual)
November 16 – 17, 2022
London Build is the leading and largest construction and built environment show for London. With 500+ speakers and 1000s of attendees, this event is a must-attend for contractors in EMEA. If you’d like to attend but not sure if you’ll be able to get there physically, please check out their tickets for virtual attendance here.
The Buildings Show (Toronto, Canada)
November 30 – December 2, 2022
The Buildings Show’s annual conference has three core components: learning sessions, sourcing opportunities, and exhibits. Attendees can earn continuing education credits, certified by BOMI, BSSB, CAHPI, OAA, and ARIDO. The 2022 conference will take place in person in Toronto, Canada, in November.
The Big 5 International Building & Construction Show (Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE))
December 5 – 8, 2022
Dubai has one of the biggest construction markets in the world. It makes sense that the Big 5 acts as a global hub for the construction industry. The top construction event is also known as the International Building & Construction Show and takes place in the Dubai World Trade Centre. If you’re in the region or can justify the expense to visit, be prepared to be inspired by some of the biggest projects in the Middle East. Featuring 35,000+ in-person attendees, this event is an international construction show you surely won’t forget.
2023 Construction Conferences and Events
World of Concrete (Las Vegas, NV)
January 17 – 19, 2023
World of Concrete 2023 is already on the books! This event will take place from January 17–19 in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the only international commercial concrete and masonry construction event, it’s worth it to save the date in advance. Registration isn’t open just yet, but go ahead and block off your calendar for an action-packed three days!
NATE UNITE (Orlando, FL)
Feb 20 – 23, 2023
Looking to up your skills in the tower erection, service, and maintenance industry? Then you’ll love NATE UNITE. This three-day conference offers educational, marketing, networking, and business development events for every segment of the industry.
ABC Convention (Orlando, FL)
March 15 – 17, 2023
Wrap up Q1 2023 in Orlando, Florida, with the ABC Convention. Hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), this conference delivers thought leadership for contractors, a construction management competition, National Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala, and more.
Conexpo Con/Agg (Las Vegas, NV)
March 14 – 18, 2023
The Conexpo-Con/AGG is all about taking construction to the next level. Designed for all construction industry professionals, the Conexpo-Con/AGG will give you the chance to network, learn how to improve your business, and discover the latest technologies in construction. The 2023 dates are already live, so be sure to make plans to attend.
25th Annual Lean Construction Congress (Detroit, MI)
October 24–27, 2023
The LCI Congress is held each year with a focus on Lean transformation in the built environment through Lean implementation. The 25th annual event will take place in Detroit, Michigan, from October 24–27, 2023. While the theme has yet to be revealed, you can expect the content to be relevant to current market developments and industry trends. Please check their website for more details.
Level up at these top construction events
As we continue to adapt to new needs and demands in construction, many of us are finding that the “new normal” is a moving target. But no matter what “normal” in 2022 looks like, rest assured it’ll be full of opportunities to learn and grow as leaders in construction. Take time to select the industry events that align with your professional goals and provide chances to move your career forward.
If your employer needs a little convincing, here’s how to build your case for attending any of the above construction events.