Interactive Discussions Abound at Clemson’s Third-Annual Construction Industry Symposium

Despite heavy rain and strong winds in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, Clemson University’s 3rd Annual Construction Industry Symposium drew more than 100 participants from the Carolinas and Georgia to the Greenville Marriott on October 11. Hosted by Clemson’s Department of Construction Science and Management (CSM), with GroundBreak Carolinas as Media Sponsor, the symposium was themed “The Ever-Changing World of Construction: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunities.” The Event Sponsor was McGriff Insurance Services.

The entire day was interactive, with lively discussions among the audience and the speakers and panelists. “The audience asked lots of great questions and I feel confident that everyone took something away from the information-packed day. Our one-day, interactive format has been very well received over the years and sets us apart from other industry conferences and seminars,” said Mike Jackson, Ph.D., P.E., chair and professor, Clemson’s Department of Construction Science and Management.

In his keynote address, titled “The Economic Situation: The Nation, Region, and the Construction Industry,” Dr. Bruce Yandle, Dean Emeritus, Clemson University College of Business & Behavioral Science, spoke about the impact of the economy on our industry. This session was very insightful and considered a highlight of the day by many attendees, who represented facility owners, construction companies, specialty contractors, designers, vendors and other construction industry service providers.

Next on the program was panel discussion on “Wood Structures/Glulam Basics,” moderated by Dr. Patricia Layton, Professor of Forestry and Director of Clemson’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute. Panelists included Jeff Stefani, Midwest Regional Sales Manager, Engineered Wood Product Sales for Anthony Canfor, and Warren Hamrick, Engineered Wood Specialist, APA – The Engineered Wood Association.

Afternoon sessions kicked off with Kane Smith, Branch Manager Satellite Shelters, leading a discussion on “Modularization’s Impact on the Construction Industry.” This was followed “What is IPD Delivery?” led by Craig Piper, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Senior Principal SMRT Architects and Engineers, who presented a case study on a significant healthcare construction project in Maine for which IPD delivery was used.

The final discussion of the day centered on “Current Trends and Challenges in the Construction Industry: A Contractor’s and a Designer’s Perspective,” featuring Brian King, President, A M King, and Brad Smith, AIA, Managing Principal, McMillan Pazdan Smith.

Watch for details on next year’s event by following the Symposium on Facebook.com/ClemsonCSMConstructionSymposium/#