Dodge 2019 Outlook Conference: ‘See, think, stay ahead’

Source: Dodge Data & Analytics, New York; CP staff

A review of prospects and risks surrounding 2019 building and non-building markets from Dodge Chief Economist Robert Murray will cap the 80th annual Construction Outlook Executive Conference, October 24-25, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Dodge bill the conference as the cornerstone event for building product manufacturers, service providers, contractors, engineers, industry associations, and other stakeholders to gain critical insights into the economic forecast for North American construction. 

“The expansion for the U.S. construction industry has been underway for some time now, with deceleration in the rate of growth taking place recently,” says Murray. “The current year has seen the headwinds of rising interest rates and higher material prices, but also the tailwinds of a strong economy, still favorable market fundamentals for commercial real estate, and greater federal and state funding for public works and institutional building projects. For 2018, U.S. construction activity remains on track to post a modest gain, but the supportive factors affecting construction become less certain moving into 2019.”

“At Outlook 2019, we will look at labor trends, current strategies in place to address workforce issues, and long-term implications for the construction industry,” adds Dodge CEO Mike Petrullo. “For 80 years, this annual event has provided the industry the ability to see ahead, think ahead, and stay ahead, the overarching theme of this year’s conference.”

Outlook 2019 will open with an October 24 networking reception, 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m., with presentations the following day from 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Byron Reese, author of a recent publication on artificial intelligence, The Fourth Age, will keynote the October 25 program. Other featured speakers include Moody’s Analytics Senior Director Cristian deRitis, presenting a detailed overview of the U.S. economic environment; Dodge Senior Economist Richard Branch, presenting the Canadian construction industry forecast; and, Dodge Director of Industry Insights Research Donna Laquidara-Carr, presenting the latest data on skilled labor shortages and moderating a related panel discussion, headlined by Associated General Contractors of America Chief Economist Ken Simonson.

The 2019 Construction Outlook Executive Conference is produced by Dodge Data & Analytics, with sponsors American Institute of Steel Construction, Modus, National Construction Rentals, Society for Marketing Professional Services, Sweets, and Tour de Force. Registration can be obtained here.