Speakers
Learn from the Industry's Best at World of Modular
World of Modular’s top-notch educational breakout sessions will equip industry professionals with the latest knowledge in every facet of the commercial modular construction business. Attendees learn new skills and techniques, find ways to operate more efficiently, and make valuable contacts to improve their business.
Featured Keynote Speakers
SPONSORED BY
Anirban Basu
Economic Trends Expert | CEO & Founder of Sage Policy Group, Inc.
Construction Drivers & Trends in 2023
Economist Anirban Basu returns to World of Modular to offer an informative and entertaining forecast for the construction marketplace. Basu is chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, a consulting firm in Baltimore, MD, and is one of the most recognizable economists in and around Washington, DC. He provides policy and economic consulting for numerous clients including developers, bankers, brokerage houses, energy suppliers and law firms. He has also written several high-profile reports on construction, including MBI’s “Economic & Financial Performance of Relocatable Buildings in the US Modular Building Industry". Basu was also recently named chief economist for the Modular Building Institute and provides MBI and its members regular macroeconomic updates and research.
Kevin Brown
Branding & Company Culture Expert | Author of The HERO Effect®
The Hero Effect®
Kevin Brown is on a mission to help others embrace a simple philosophy that separates world class organizations and high performance people from everyone else. He is passionate about helping industry stakeholders--regardless of their position--expand their vision, develop their potential, and grow their results. In this keynote presentation, Kevin will walk attendees through his successful "HERO Effect®" principles on leadership. The role of a leader is to create an environment where people can be the best version of themselves so they can serve their organization's brand well and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Kevin knows this first-hand. He is a branding and culture expert with a 30-year career in franchise development. He spent the last 20 years of that as part of the team that built a little-known family business into their industry's top franchisor with annual revenues exceeding two billion dollars. Kevin will help you create an environment where people are inspired; develop a team that is committed, focused, and on fire for the brand they are helping build; and even design a company obsession statement that drives high performance and world-class customer experiences.
Breakout Speakers
Our 2024 speaker line-up will be released soon! Check back often for updates. In the meantime, check out our impressive list of last years speakers:
Scott Adams
Studio Director
Gilbert Architects Inc.
Yong Han Ahn
Associate Dean, College of Engineering Sciences & Professor, School of Architecture & Architecture Engineering
Hanyang University ERICA
Tom Argasinski
Assistant Director, Design and Construction Services
University of Maryland
Geoff Baker
Vice President
Stack Modular
Stephanie Bagnell
Business Development Manager
NRB Modular Solutions
Scott Bliss
Sales Training Expert
Sandler
Katie Bond
Department of Construction Management
Colorado State University
Julian Bowron
CEO
METALOQ
Scott Bridger
Principal
ProSet, Inc.
Aviv Brosilovski
Business Development
Forta PRO
John Buongiorno
Director, Modular Division
Axis Construction
Clara Calvo
Architect
Casas inHAUS
Stuart Cameron
Director & MMC Lead
Hive Group
Stephen Chesko
Project Manager
Whiting-Turner
Rick Chiavetta
Director of Design
R&S Tavares Associates
Charlie Chupp
Founder & CEO
Fading West Development
Ron Ciotti
Partner
Hinckley Allen
Ryan Colker
Vice President of Innovation
International Code Council
Rebecca Courtright
Director of Business Optimization
Fading West Development
Casey Covatta
Director of Preconstruction
MODLOGIQ
Serena Crivellaro
Managing Director, Engineering & Construction Sector Lead
KPMG
Dean Dalvit
Principal
EVstudio
Peter deMaria
Architect & CEO
SteelBlox, LLC
Kris Droszcz
CEO & Founder
iQ Module
Dean Dovolis
Founder
DJR Architecture
Jim Dunn
President & Founder
Stack Modular
Stuart Emmons
Principal
Emmons Design
Rod Frey, Jr.
Studio Director
Gilbert Architects Inc.
Jim Gabriel
President & CEO
MODLOGIQ
Steve Glenn
CEO
Plant Prefab
Nickolas Gomez
Principal & Director of Modular Design & Construction
AO
Jaren Grady
Director of Business Development
CRATE Modular
Sean Greene
Principal
n/e/m/d Architects
Jon Hannah-Spacagna
Government Affairs Director
Modular Building Institute
Scott Heckel
Vice President of Construction
MODLOGIQ
Menno Hilberts
Managing Director for Project Management
citizenM Hotels
Tan Teng Hooi
Independent Director
TW-Asia Consultants Pte Ltd
Michael Hough
Founder
MJH Structural Engineers
Joe Howell
Senior Project Manager
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Nicholas Jacobs
Former Hospital CEO & Author of Taking the Hell out of Healthcare
Nathan Jenkins
Director of Project Development
Mortenson
Dafna Kaplan
CEO
Cassette, Inc.
John Killingsworth
Department of Construction Management
Colorado State University
David Kim
Director of Development Services
Matter Real Estate
Chuck KonKolics
Vice President
Whiting-Turner
Sneha Kumari
Manufacturing Principal
New Gen Architects
Adam Kurtenbach
VP Business Development
ConXtech
Craig Landri
President
Signature Building Systems
Christian Lawrence
Founder and CEO
RISE Modular
John Lefkus
Modular Building Entrepreneur
Inventor
Billy Lippert
Modular Market Sales Leader
Upside Innovations
Ken Lowney
President & CEO
Lowney Architecture
Merrick Macomber
Culture Specialist
Autovol
Ron Mann
Vice President
TDIndustries Modular
Nick Masci
Lean Manufacturing Expert
Haley & Aldrich
Michael Mathews
CEO & Founder
ASSEMBLAGEworks
Shawn Matlock
Director of Capital Projects
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Melissa McEwen
Principal Consultant & Service Leader Lean Consulting, Haley & Aldrich
Ben McGhee
Project Director USA
citizenM Hotels
Zeeshan Mirza
CEO
US Modular Capital
Jeff Moates
Vice President, Network Operations
WillScot Mobile Mini
John Morefield
Architect
Z Modular
Rick Murdock
CEO and Co-Founder
Autovol
Robert Murray
Principal
Murray Engineering PC
Rubén Navarro
Architect & CEO
Casas inHAUS
Ali Ozden
Chief Executive Officer
BECC Modular Systems
Greg Oniskey
Senior Client Specialist
MODLOGIQ
Ken Puncerelli
CEO
LAI Design Group
Amr Raafat
Vice President of VDC & Technology
Windover Construction
Jeff Rankin
Chair, Department of Civil Engineering
University of New Brunswick
Alan Rasmussen
Vice President, Production
Modern Building Systems
Corey Salemi
Senior Director of Product Management
WillScot Mobile Mini
Jeff Schoeneck
Principal
Cuningham
Justin Schwaiger
Vice President
Manufacton by ViZZ Technologies
Brandon Searle
Director of Innovation and Operations, Offsite Construction Research Centre
University of New Brunswick
Dyci Sfregola
CEO
New Gen Architects
Stephen Shang
CEO & Co-Founder
Falcon Structures
Chris Smith
Director of Sales, East
NRB Modular Solutions
Matthew Smith
Vice President of Sales & Business Development
Factory_OS
Mark Tarlton
Senior Director of Facility Planning & Construction
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth
Ralph Tavares
Principal
R&S Tavares Associates
Jessica Taylor
Senior Director of Communications & Employee Engagement
WillScot Mobile Mini
Troy Tiddens
Vice President, Design and Modular Project Management
RISE Modular
Etai Timna
Director of Business Development
VESTA Modular
Chelsi Tryon
Director of ESG
WillScot Mobile Mini
Kam Valgardson
General Manager
Irontown Modular
Carl Vizcarra
Vice President
Bernards Builders, Inc.
Heather Wallace
Communications Director
Momentum Innovation Group
Matthew Wickersham
Principal
AMJ Construction Management, Inc.
Presentations
Our 2024 breakout presentations will be released soon! Check back often for updates.
In the meantime, check out our impressive list of last years speakers:
Improving MEP and Sustainability Through Modular Design
Stuart Cameron, Director & MMC Lead, Hive Group
This presentation will demonstrate how DfMA (design for manufacture and assembly) and modular MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) can be applied to enable plug-and-play functionality both horizontally and vertically between modules for all MEP systems. Stuart Cameron, director and modern methods of construction lead at Hive Group, will illustrate how the application of the new methods can change the consideration of MEP from just a project that gets installed to a “prioritized product” as well as how this approach can significantly improve quality, speed, and sustainability of projects.
Modular Data Center Design from a Construction Perspective
Ron Mann, Vice President, TDIndustries Modular
Recent research states the modular data center market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.19% during 2022 to 2027 with North America contributing 39% of the global investment. Growth is due to several factors, including an increase in the adoption of cloud, edge, big data, and the Internet of Things. As modular construction becomes more mainstream and data continues to grow at a staggering rate, modular data centers will continue to be implemented by more industries due to the efficiencies gained from building in a controlled factory environment and assembling onsite. In this session, Ron Mann will cover drivers, markets, and industries adopting modular, business cases, and benefits of modular construction expertise combined with data center knowledge.
What Defines Success? Understanding Critical Elements That Determine Housing Attainability.
Charlie Chupp, Founder & CEO, Fading West Development
Rebecca Courtright, Director of Business Optimization, Fading West Development
With headlines reporting a 3.8-million-unit housing deficit in the United States alone and entire books written on the issue, it is clear we are in a housing crisis. Modular construction is certainly a part of the solution, though it can’t be the only solution. As this crisis continues, non-traditional developers are entering the complex and risky real estate development business because of their desperate need to house their own employees. These groups and traditional developers must also be part of the solution. But there is an even smaller part of the total cost puzzle that has the greatest impact: the entitlement, zoning, and building codes. These critical elements determine the ability to create attainable housing. Costs are committed at these stages, only to be later taken on by occupants. How can we help developers work with their state and local municipalities to help solve the national housing crisis? This diverse group of stakeholders needs to work together to make real impact and change the norms when it comes to development and land use codes.
A Confluence of Innovation: Offsite Construction for Public Housing Projects
Dean Dovolis, Founder, DJR Architecture
Christian Lawrence, Founder & CEO, RISE Modular
A unique project is underway with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority which will create deeply affordable housing in several neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis. Production recently began on modules for 16 “scattered sites” which will provide 84 affordable two- and three-bedroom homes for families. Join Dean Dovolis, founder of DJR Architecture and Christian Lawrence, founder and CEO of RISE Modular, as they discuss the use of offsite modular construction in a scattered site setting and how it will reduce disruption to the neighborhoods and increase speed to occupancy. Learn how this unique housing required an emphasis on resident engagement, and the benefits of that input for the acceptance and approval of this initiative. He will also discuss how modular construction can be a more sustainable and cost-effective solution with an emphasis on durability, quality, construction time and cost. Attendees will also learn how projects like this can serve as a model for providing real affordable housing solutions not only in Minneapolis, but also in other major cities across the US.
The Impact of Modular on Construction Profit Pools
Serena Crivellaro, Managing Director, Engineering & Construction Sector Lead, KPMG
Discussions about modular construction typically focus on its value reducing cost, time, and labor compared to traditional building processes. There is another important issue, however, to be considered: how modular construction may reallocate profit pools across the industry. For participants like builders, designers, and material suppliers already operating on thin margins, this issue could constitute a long-term existential threat. In this session, Serena Crivellaro, managing director, and engineering & construction sector lead at KPMG, will outline some of the financial challenges and opportunities of modular construction for engineers, builders, manufacturers, owners, and more.
Scaling Modular Construction & Smashing Barriers to Adoption
Julian Bowron, CTO, METALOQ
Few code-compliant modular plants surpass 2000 units per year despite huge investments in technology. Meanwhile demand for housing continues to increase and the cost of conventional construction is skyrocketing. What are the barriers to the production of 10,000 or more modules annually from a single factory? How can we assemble a building onsite in just one week? This innovative session with inventor Julian Bowron, CTO of METALOQ, will “do the math” and present solutions to scaling the modular building industry.
System Thinking to Increase Affordable Housing
Stuart Emmons, Principal, Emmons Design
Affordable Housing is taking too long and is too expensive. In this unique presentation, join architect Stuart Emmons as he discusses how to implement system thinking throughout the whole affordable housing delivery system to bring more affordable housing to market faster and at less cost. We will start with setting ambitious goals, and then lay out a plan to achieve those goals through modular construction, panelization, and a high level of project coordination. Lessons learned from selected previous projects will be analyzed before setting the foundation for a successful affordable housing project with big picture design thinking and excellent team collaboration. Standardization, regulatory constraints, MEP systems integration, panelization, constructability, transport/set, site/factory responsibilities and coordination, and other aspects will be discussed, with the goal to put together a successful, replicable modular affordable housing project.
How to BIM Your Project the Right Way!
Kris Droszcz, CEO & Founder, iQ Module
Designing and constructing a modular building correctly can be a challenge, using multiple elements and regional codes and materials to create an efficient and cost-effective offsite solution. It is important to use smart thinking in the beginning and repeatable standard elements that meet regulations and requirements. Kris Droszcz, CEO and founder of iQ Module, will try to get your focus using augmented reality technology to show how his company does it from design to execution of the building contract for both US and European clients.
How to Leverage Cross-Border Modular Manufacturing for Large Scale Projects
Chris Smith; Director of Sales, East; NRB Modular Solutions
Stephanie Bagnell, Business Development Manager, NRB Modular Solutions
With the increased adoption of modular construction for large scale projects in the United States and challenges from local factory capacity constraints, developers are looking outside of the US for reliable manufacturing options. Join Chris Smith from NRB Modular Solutions for a session on the strategies needed to effectively implement modular construction from an out-of-country supplier. This presentation will include successful examples from a Canadian context, along with best-practice for pre-qualifying your manufacturer, how best to engage during pre-construction with the design team and general contractor, third-party inspections, state/provincial review and certifications, quality control, exchange rates, lender requirements, and border-crossing.
Modular by Design
Ken Puncerelli, CEO, LAI Design Group
This presentation will cover the fundamental design and construction techniques of modular building systems. A discussion of market perception, benefits of modular, and structural integrity will also be explored while several case studies of single-family, multifamily, student and workforce housing, and hotel design will be presented. Join architect Kenneth Puncerelli, CEO of LAI Design Group, for a discussion about the pros and cons of using prefabricated systems for construction as well as regulatory permitting considerations.
Singapore’s 56-Story Residential Towers
Tan Teng Hooi, Independent Director, TW-Asia Consultants Pte Ltd
Singapore’s Building Construction Authority (BCA) has an initiative to promote productivity in construction using modular and offsite technologies. This session outlines the pioneering approach of using a reinforced concrete composite shear wall systems and modular building technology for construction of a 56-story residential project. To raise construction productivity, the Singapore construction industry has been encouraged to embrace the “Design for Manufacture and Assembly” approach whereby a significant portion of work is completed offsite in a factory-controlled environment. Modular construction is one such advanced and highly-productive construction technique that speeds up construction significantly. Avenue South Residence is the tallest building in the world using a modular reinforced concrete system.
Regulatory Issues & Opportunities for Modular Construction
Jon Hannah-Spacagna, Government Affairs Director, Modular Building Institute
MBI’s Government Affairs Committee has been actively monitoring and addressing a number of key issues impacting the industry. From building codes to regulations and policies, there is no shortage of barriers standing in the way of greater market share. There are also many opportunities to grow the market with advocacy efforts. In this session, attendees will get an update from MBI Government Affairs Director, Jon Hannah-Spacagna, on the issues MBI is currently addressing as well as have an opportunity to help shape future policies and regulations. This session will feature open discussion as well as questions and answers with regulators and modular program administrators that are in attendance.
How New Routines in Consumption, Leisure, & Work Are Shaping Design & Construction
Clara Calvo, Architect, Casas inHAUS
Rubén Navarro, Architect & CEO, Casas inHAUS
Throughout history, the geopolitical, economic, and social circumstances of people have had significant impact on the design and trends of architecture and urban planning in cities. Furthermore, the various industrial revolutions have had a significant impact on how projects are carried out and executed. The current paradigm, however, has an impact on how we consume. Unfortunately, design and quality are overemphasized in favor of speed. Although processes can be standardized, customization is often requested and even required. New consumers and workers confirm that industrialization has resulted in a new way of consuming. In this session, join architects Clara Calvo and Rubén Navarro of Casas inHAUS as they discuss how modular design and construction is meeting the needs of high-end customers.
Improving Design & Coordination Workflows of Modular Projects With Transformational Innovation
Amr Raafat, Vice President of VDC & Technology, Windover Construction
Construction technology is evolving rapidly to enhance modular construction coordination in the factory and onsite. This session will explore through several project case studies, including multi-family, academic dorms, life science and affordable housing projects the combination of several cutting-edge construction technologies including building information modeling, additive manufacturing, drone lidar, and laser scanning, and how these technologies are transforming the way we design, assemble, and ultimately manage and maintain modular buildings. Case studies will include the 2022 global Autodesk Excellence Awards project winner project for "Transformational Innovation in the AEC industry," Cabot YMCA, and discuss how the project delivered affordable housing utilizing leading-edge prefabrication technologies combined with BIM. The session will also demonstrate the versatile applications of prefabricated assemblies and how it can support early planning of modular projects. Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the broad spectrum of technologies available to them and how they can be leveraged during different phases of an offsite construction project to enable a user-friendly, streamlined facilities maintenance asset for the future of their buildings.
Necessity Breeds Innovation
Rick Murdock, CEO and Co-Founder, Autovol
The world's most pressing problem is our call to action to collaborate and innovate. An “us and them” mentality won’t solve today’s housing crisis. Unprecedented shortages in skilled labor and housing call for both conventional and modular companies to collaborate and innovate. There's plenty of work to go around. Working together, we can innovate better ways to automate, standardize, develop new materials, and benefit from the many time-proven methods we rely on. Forty-plus-year veteran Rick Murdock shares some ideas based on recent successes bringing together people and robots, as well as offsite and onsite methods.
College Road, Croydon: The World’s Tallest Modular Building
Michael Hough, Founder, MJH Structural Engineers
Tide and Vision Modular Structures have developed a modular system utilizing volumetric modules installed around a concrete core to construct high rise buildings extending to the heights of skyscrapers. The system has been engineered by MJH Structural Engineers for Vision. This system has been successfully used on several tall buildings in London over the last number of years with College Road, Croydon as the tallest completed building comprising 49 floors of modules. The towers were constructed from 817 modules manufactured offsite. This is the world's tallest structure to be built from volumetric modules, providing 817 co-Living homes and 120 affordable residential units over two towers. This presentation will outline the system of construction used for College Road, from foundations through both the traditional and modular construction techniques. The benefits of modular construction in high rise developments will be outlined in relation to a number of projects completed by the team in recent years.
Research Projects Happening at the UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre
Brandon Searle, Director of Innovation and Operations, Offsite Construction Research Centre, University of New Brunswick
Jeff Rankin, Chair, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Brunswick
This presentation will focus on the UNB Offsite Construction Research Centre, current trends the Centre sees from their industry partners, and the applied research the Centre is doing with industry partners. The research focuses on sectors in commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential with a focus on digital tools enabling offsite construction, increased productivity, safety, and quality projects with modular builders, quantifying benefits of offsite construction and material and product testing to create more sustainable materials. The presentation will highlight the Centre's work and will do a deep dive on some of the projects happening with the OCRC. Additionally, the presentation will touch on the work research landscape in Canada and some of the new programs being funded by the federal government through the National Research Council Construction Research Centre.
Taking the “Hell” Out of Healthcare Construction Projects
Jim Gabriel, President & CEO, MODLOGIQ
John Buongiorno, Director, Modular Division, Axis Construction
Mark Tarlton, Senior Director of Facility Planning & Construction, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth
Sean Greene, Principal, n/e/m/d Architects
Nicholas Jacobs, Former Hospital CEO & Author of Taking the Hell out of Healthcare
Offsite modular construction for healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors of construction. But it requires unique expertise informed by real-world experience. This panel discussion will expose the numerous pitfalls healthcare organizations face when choosing healthcare modular construction partners. And it will provide guidance on how to evaluate, plan, and collaborate with bona fide architects, CMs/GCs, and modular fabricators to achieve the enormous benefits of offsite modular construction: schedule acceleration, reduced operational disruption, budget certainty, superior quality, sustainability, and more.
Engaging Students to Create a Workforce Development Pipeline
Heather Wallace, Communications Director, Momentum Innovation Group
Merrick Macomber, Culture Specialist, Autovol
Alan Rasmussen, Vice President, Production, Modern Building Systems
Craig Landri, President, Signature Building Systems
As the need for a trained and engaged workforce continues to grow, modular building factories are creating long-term partnerships with schools and universities to expose students to offsite construction technology at a younger age. In this session with Heather Wallace, communications director at Momentum Innovation Group and Merrick Macomber, culture specialist at Autovol, attendees will hear about how modular builders like Modern Building Systems, Signature Building Systems, and others are working with their local schools and communities to attract and train the next generation of construction professional.
Open and Honest Case of How Modular Gets Built Globally
Jim Dunn, President & Founder, Stack Modular
Geoff Baker, Vice President, Stack Modular
Join Jim Dunn, president and founder of Stack Modular, for an open and honest presentation about how modular construction occurs globally and the challenges and opportunities of working in different geographies. This session will help attendees identify the most efficient and productive factories around the world, understand how to increase profits using global manufacturing, learn how to meet local building codes and conduct inspections when a project is being built in another country, and more. Jim is a professional engineer, modular builder, and international businessman that believes transparency and a willingness among modular construction players to collaborate will help the modular building industry capture a greater share of overall construction, regardless of market or location. Jim will be joined by vice president Geoff Baker and will “pull back the curtain” in this tell-all and informative session.
Container-Based Structures: Navigating the Building Codes
Stephen Shang, CEO & Co-Founder, Falcon Structures
How do I permit my container-based structure? Are shipping containers safe to use as building materials? Over the past five years, the International Code Council has worked with the Modular Building Institute to address modified containers in the building codes. Get the latest updates on policies, regulations, and efforts surrounding the safe use of modified ISO shipping containers. Stephen Shang currently serves on the MBI board of directors and chairs the MBI government affairs committee. Stephen has 20 years of experience in repurposing shipping containers and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Falcon Structures, a pioneer in the container-based structures industry.
ADUs, Single-Family, & Multi-Family Modular Design & Construction
Peter deMaria, Architect & CEO, SteelBlox, LLC
With policymaker and client demands creating new avenues for modular builders, Peter DeMaria, architect and CEO of SteelBlox LLC, will provide an insightful strategy for designing, fabricating, and building modular housing predicated on innovation and proven results. His commitment what he calls “productized architecture" has provided originality and modernization across a broad spectrum of modular construction. In the post-Covid era, Peter has found fertile ground to expand upon the modular industry's promise to deliver a quality product, an accelerated speed of delivery, and an affordable price point.
Pentagon Village Apartments: An Integrated Services Approach
Christian Lawrence, Founder and CEO, RISE Modular
Troy Tiddens, Vice President, Design and Modular Project Management, RISE Modular
Jeff Schoeneck, Principal, Cuningham
Matt Mitchell, Principal, ProSet, Inc.
Pentagon Village Apartments is the largest wood-frame modular project under construction in Minnesota. Totaling 202 units, 205 modules were set in five stories over a two-story concrete pedestal within a master-planned, mixed-use development in a Minneapolis inner-ring suburb. Join RISE Modular CEO Christian Lawrence, the integrated co-developer, general contractor, and modular manufacturer of Pentagon Village Apartments, for a panel discussion with Jeff Schoenek, Principal at architecture firm Cuningham, and Matt Mitchell, Principal at modular installer ProSet, moderated by Troy Tiddens, VP of Design and Modular Project Management at RISE Modular. The panel will utilize Pentagon Village Apartments as a case study to explore how an integrated process secures all the benefits of a volumetric modular approach to optimize a client’s proforma and achieve their development goals. The team will deep-dive into project successes, lessons learned, and how an integrated service model can benefit your next project.
How Mature is Your Factory & How Can You Get to the Next Level?
Justin Schwaiger, Vice President, Manufacton by ViZZ Technologies
Nick Masci, Lean Manufacturing Expert, Haley & Aldrich
Melissa McEwen, Principal Consultant & Service Leader, Lean Consulting, Haley & Aldrich
There are many ways to making your modular construction process more efficient, repeatable, and successful. But with all the distractions of daily work priorities, how do you figure out the best way forward for your company? Using an industrialized construction maturity assessment, you can find out where you are in your journey to operational excellence and how to get to the “next level” with dramatic increases in productivity. This panel of presenters will help you identify what’s really happening in your factory; simple steps to embrace continuous improvement and innovation; and how you can gauge the success of digitization. They will also share details and case studies of how “best in class” companies are improving their bottom line.
Using Your Supply Chain to Scale Intelligently and Intentionally
Dyci Sfregola, CEO, New Gen Architects
Supply chains have been at the forefront of business since the beginning of 2020 and continue to be top of mind as inflation and labor shortages affect production and transport lead times and quality. Manufacturing and production is a critical component of the supply chain and value chain, but many manufacturers often lose sight of how they can use they can use their own supply chain to their advantage to scale operations, gain market share, increase revenue, and improve profit margins. Dyci Sfregola will discuss how modular building companies can leverage supply chain business functions to scale intelligently. From raw material procurement to production planning and customer service to transportation, supply chain functions are the lifeblood of any organization. See how companies that master their supply chain operations realize improvements in their profit and loss as well as customer satisfaction.
Structural Engineering for the Factory Line and Integration of Factory & Site Work
Ralph Tavares, Principal, R&S Tavares Associates
Rick Chiavetta, Director of Design, R&S Tavares Associates
Engineering for assembly line construction and efficiencies in fabrication is the first step toward a successful on-time-on-budget project. Furthermore, integrating factory and site structural details can optimize work to save both time and money. This presentation will “debunk the myths” and show that site connections must be born at the factory line and considered within factory engineering, how some of the most successful projects leave more expense on site instead of in the factory, how a balance must be found on each project between site and factory, and the importance and value of looking at the delta between pushing something to the site without adequate preparation at the factory.
Preparing Your Modular Project for Prefabricated Access
Billy Lippert, Modular Market Sales Leader, Upside Innovations
In this presentation, Billy Lippert will talk about how modular building estimators can properly quote and plan modular access layouts for their project and give tips for how project managers can execute on time and within budget. He will demonstrate how to budget, plan, and execute what is on the architectural drawings vs the actual site conditions and restrictions; share how project managers can communicate more effectively with building set crews; discuss important dates and timelines; developing and using an inspection punch-list; and more.
Financing Options in Modular Construction
Zeeshan Mirza, CEO, US Modular Capital
Etai Timna, Director of Business Development, VESTA Modular
One of the most fundamental questions asked in every construction project centers around financing of the project. Modular construction adds perceived complexity that prevents many financial institutions from working in this area. Join two modular building and finance experts, Zeeshan Mirza, CEO of US Modular Capital and Etai Timna, director of business development at VESTA Modular, as they explain the challenges and solutions of financing modular construction projects.
Unpacking the Dual Permitting Process: Driving Solutions and Avoiding Pitfalls Along the Way
Nickolas Gomez, Principal & Director of Modular Design & Construction, AO
Matthew Smith, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, Factory_OS
John Morefield, Architect, Z Modular
The success of modular lies in a variety of processes and people, working together to deliver the most efficient buildings and developments possible. The critical process of dual permitting—where architects and factories share, divide, or collaborate in the permitting of projects through local and state jurisdictions—can impact design decisions and scope. The intricacies of this method require early communication, clear direction, and a dedicated team of architects and factory experts who understand the overarching objectives as well as the steps required to achieve them. Join AO principal Nickolas Gomez, Factory OS vice president Matthew Smith, and Z Modular architect John Morefield as they share lessons learned, discuss case studies, and examine critical components to leveraging the advantages and minimizing the drawbacks of the dual permitting process.
Beyond Decarbonization: Steel, Offsite Modular, & Our Inevitable Transition to Renewable Energy Sources
Ali Ozden, Chief Executive Officer, BECC Modular Systems
Currently 80% of North American energy consumption is sourced from natural gas, petroleum, or coal. While countries are finally making commitments toward climate goals and investments in long-term sustainable solutions, the shift from non-renewable to renewable infrastructure will only succeed with the engagement and cooperation of government, regulators, investors, and the general population. Offsite modular construction processes are inherently more sustainable, and materials such as steel will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions through the decarbonization process of electrical grids. The time for a new energy paradigm is now and the construction industry can make a significant impact by creating energy-self-sufficient buildings using sustainable design strategies like Net Zero and Passive House. This eye-opening presentation will dive into the energy paradigm shift that is about to transform all aspects of the construction industry.
Prince Georges County Public Schools: A Prototype for Success
Shawn Matlock, Director of Capital Projects, Prince George’s County Public Schools
Joe Howell, Senior Project Manager, Prince George’s County Public Schools
Scott Adams, Studio Director, Gilbert Architects Inc.
Megan Tomlinson, Project Manager, Whiting-Turner
Casey Covatta, Director of Preconstruction, MODLOGIQ
Greg Oniskey, Senior Client Specialist, MODLOGIQ
Prince Georges County Public Schools (PCPS) need more schools for their growing enrollment. However, they lack new, greenfield sites for construction. The solution? Build the new schools on current schoolground sites and use modular construction to minimize disruption to daily operations of nearby teachers and students. With input from students, teachers, and administrators, the Cherokee Lane prototype proved the validity of this approach. While classes continued less than 100 yards from construction, a new 100,000 square foot school was built in record time for an on-time opening in fall of 2022. This successful solution will be rolled out on remaining school grounds, with customization of the project design to accommodate differences in site configurations and student population.
Design-Build: The Holy Grail for Modular Construction Success
Tom Argasinski, Assistant Director, Design and Construction Services, University of Maryland
Scott Heckel, Vice President of Construction, MODLOGIQ
Rod Frey, Jr., Studio Director, Gilbert Architects Inc.
Chuck KonKolics, Vice President, Whiting-Turner
Greg Oniskey, Senior Client Specialist, MODLOGIQ
The University of Maryland (UMBC) chose design-build to maximize the benefits of modular construction for The Center for Well-Being project—particularly schedule acceleration and reducing site disruption. Joint success in past offsite construction projects made Gilbert Architects, MODLOGIQ, and Whiting-Turner a strong, logical choice. Employing open book GMP, this design-build team greatly sped up completion—with modular construction beginning months before demolition even began on the existing campus health center. In addition, site construction time was cut in half (4.5 months instead of the projected nine months for conventional construction), dramatically reducing disruption to students living in the dorms that surrounded the site.
citizenM Embraces Volumetric Modular for Hotel Developments
Menno Hilberts, Managing Director for Project Management, citizenM Hotels
Nathan Jenkins, Director of Project Development, Mortenson
Ben McGhee, Project Director USA, citizenM Hotels
Owner citizenM Hotels worked with Mortenson Construction and modular builder CIMC MBS to develop the first urban high-rise modular building in Los Angeles as well as the first modular hotel in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this session, attendees will hear a real-world first-hand story of integrated project delivery where innovation and teamwork were applied to tackle AHJ approvals, state approvals, international shipping, staging, logistics, tariffs, financing, and more. citizenM is the first and only hotel company to build their hotels entirely from prefabricated rooms. Join Menno Hilberts, managing director for project management at citizenM Hotels, and Nathan Jenkins, director of project development at Mortenson, for this informative presentation from the owner’s perspective.
Modular... The Vaccine for Recession
Scott Bridger, Principal, ProSet, Inc.
Ken Lowney, President & CEO, Lowney Architecture
Matthew Smith, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, Factory_OS
David Kim, Director of Development Services, Matter Real Estate
Carl Vizcarra, Vice President, Bernards Builders, Inc.
Matthew Wickersham, Principal, AMJ Construction Management, Inc.
What are the impacts of the fast-changing economic conditions in the US and abroad on the commercial modular industry? This distinguished panel will look at how post-pandemic market factors like rising interest rates and high inflation are changing segments of the modular industry—such as hospitality and multi-family housing. Does continued low unemployment, trade labor shortage, and lack of housing affordability mean the modular growth trajectory will largely be uninterrupted by current economic challenges? After several years of being on hold due to the pandemic, is the hospitality industry ready to press play and resume its goal of building thousands of hotels using the modular technology? Can modular construction have an even bigger role in addressing the housing shortage? Is the modular manufacturing sector continuing to grow or has investment slowed as a result of the threat of a recession? Join these modular building experts as they share answers to these questions and much more.
Modular Construction Case Study: Explorer Cabins at Yosemite
Kam Valgardson, General Manager, Irontown Modular
When faced with the question of how to expand their Four-Diamond, Five-Star lodge near Yosemite National Park, Delaware North Corporation was faced with a decision to make. They were considering two options: 1) a multi-year conventional site-built expansion or 2) building individual stand-alone nightly rental cabins. They decided to build rental cabins, but it would only work if they relied on the benefits of modular construction to shorten their timeframes and to get to market quickly. It was the right choice. Kam Valgardson, General Manager of Irontown Modular will share with attendees the challenges and successes of this hospitality project.
The Unique Features of Modular Structures: How Transportation, Rigging, and Lifting Influence Design
John Lefkus, Modular Building Entrepreneur, Inventor
Robert Murray, Principal, Murray Engineering PC
Over the years, many modular building clients have questioned the integrity of modular structures. “I’m worried that they are adequate.” “Will they last as long as conventional construction?” While modular structures are built to the same codes as conventional buildings, the need to transport, rig, and lift whole sections of buildings challenges structural engineers in ways not experienced in the traditional construction market. Individual modules are typically transported by trucks using flatbed trailers. Traveling down the road at high speeds for hundreds of miles against headwinds and potholes subjects individual units to far greater forces than they will likely ever be exposed to once assembled onsite. In response, modular fabricators have created some of the most unique and structurally substantial buildings in the world. Far from being in the minor leagues of the building industry, the inherit value of structural redundancy and compartmentalization required to execute a modular design, yields enhanced structures capable of performing under extreme design challenges. Facilities seeking blast, ballistic, and nuclear protection will find these embedded values very useful. The burden of transportation and handling has turned into enhanced performance and unique solutions for many facilities. In this session, attendees will learn about the history of modular structures from design basics to the challenges and benefits of structural redundancy and compartmentalization and see why modular structures are inherently better than site-built solutions.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and the Modular Space
Jeff Moates, Vice President, Network Operations, WillScot Mobile Mini
Chelsi Tryon, Director of ESG, WillScot Mobile Mini
Jessica Taylor, Senior Director of Communications & Employee Engagement, WillScot Mobile Mini
Corey Salemi, Senior Director of Product Management, WillScot Mobile Mini
Upholding high standards when it comes to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities is crucial, and the ESG space is dynamically evolving. For decades, WillScot Mobile Mini (WSMM) has been contributing to a circular economy, reusing, and recycling assets, through its inherently sustainable business model. Additionally, the company’s practices promote ethical operations, a safety and community focused culture, and opportunities for employees to develop and advance. This panel of cross-functional WSMM leaders will discuss focus areas within ESG ranging from project lifecycle sustainability and waste reduction strategies to safety and business ethics best practices as well as community engagement, employee benefits, and learning and development opportunities.
Repurpose to Purposed Built
Jaren Grady, Director of Business Development, CRATE Modular
This presentation will explore CRATE Modular’s recent transition from the container-based solution they were known for to a more custom, dimensionally flexible, steel-based modular solution. Jaren Grady will explain the reasoning behind the change from container-based modular construction to steel frame modular construction and how, specifically, it affected their factory and building processes. Jaren will discuss the creation of the “CRATEalog,” a rules-based design catalog that a design team can use to lay out a building based on CRATE’s modular system. This presentation will also include case study from a four-story multifamily apartment project in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Waste Reduction Practices in Multifamily Construction
John Killingsworth, Department of Construction Management, Colorado State University
Katie Bond, Department of Construction Management, Colorado State University
Modular, offsite, and prefabrication practices are growing at a faster pace than traditional construction methods because these innovative solutions address concerns around workforce limitations, material supply-chain, safety, and quality. There has been numerous research examining these benefits over the years, yet most have considered the qualitative aspects of modular construction. This research gap provides an opportunity to leverage existing relationships with the development and modular communities to actually measure the benefits of offsite construction. Colorado State University has embarked on a comparative study seeking to specifically measure framing material waste produced during a traditional site-built multi-family project and a modular offsite-built multi-family project. This comprehensive research will provide actionable data for modular construction experts and novices alike.
Getting Up and Back Down the Modular Mountain: 8 Steps to Successful Modular Project Delivery
Michael Mathews, CEO & Founder, ASSEMBLAGEworks
Like any difficult climb to an attainable peak, there must be plenty of preparation, thoughtful planning, and successful execution so as to enjoy the fruits of the ascent. From design initiation to project close-out, the planning and development of a modular project is one of the most complex and counter-intuitive processes that exists in the world of project delivery methodologies. This presentation is structured to demystify the process and provide tangible and executable concepts and processes for the architect, developer, general contractor, and associated consultants alike. Michael Mathews’ goal is to provide content you can use and modify for your own projects as well as teach others involved that this process can be done and executed in a predictable manner.
Driving Modular & Offsite Construction Solutions: From Tiny Houses to Shipping Containers and Beyond
Ryan Colker, Vice President of Innovation, International Code Council
With the rise in modular and offsite construction as a solution in the building and construction sector comes new innovations and opportunities—from both technological and regulatory perspectives. Despite opportunities to deliver accessible and affordable housing, challenges have surfaced as regulatory processes for off-site construction projects vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Ryan Colker, Vice President of Innovation at the International Code Council, will walk through the existing standards and regulatory landscape for the varying methods and types of offsite construction projects—from tiny houses to intermodal shipping containers and beyond. This session will discuss some solutions to help address the availability, affordability, and efficiency of housing including education and training, the development and adoption of standards, research and development initiatives for new construction and existing buildings, and opportunities for productization.
Introducing a New Automated Factory for Panelized and Modular Construction
Steve Glenn, CEO, Plant Prefab
Opening later this year, Plant Prefab’s Tejon Ranch Hub will be the world’s newest automated factory that can manufacture both open and closed panels as well as modules. The factory will be capable of producing nearly one million square feet of residential product per year, built to spec to meet any architect’s design. Plant Prefab’s third factory, the 270,000-square-foot facility located south of Bakersfield, California will set a new standard for housing production speed, quality, and sustainability. Join CEO Steve Glenn for an inside look at how one modular builder is embracing technology and innovation to produce even more efficient and cost-effective buildings.
Best Practices for Achieving Operational and Production Efficiencies
Sneha Kumari, Manufacturing Principal, New Gen Architects
As modular manufacturers seek to scale production and meet growing national and international demand, they must also have strategic approaches to managing factors like cost optimization and minimization, quality assurance and control, and waste reduction. In addition to deploying manufacturing best practices and principles like LEAN, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement, manufacturers can also leverage innovative technologies and software that are no longer cost-prohibitive to streamline production and improve production efficiencies. Sneha Kumari was named one of the “Top 50 Women in ERP” (enterprise resource planning) in 2022 and will share insights, best practices, and lessons learned from her experience in manufacturing, both on the shop floor and as a production leader.
A Contract Form That is Specific to a Modular Builder Selling Directly to an Owner or Developer? Introducing ConsensusDocs 253.
Ron Ciotti, Partner, Hinckley Allen
Due to the hybrid process of modular building—combining 1) manufacturing and 2) construction services each governed by two different bodies of law—the modular industry has been left to use contract forms like purchase orders and traditional construction agreements that do not fit this building process. Using the wrong contract forms leave modular builders open to substantial risk. Now, ConsensusDocs has finally published a first-in-the-nation form contract that properly fits the relationship when a modular builder sells directly to an owner or developer. This session will explain how this document differs from traditional contract models, its benefits and risks—such as potential impact on wages—and how to use it and revise it as needed for your specific project. This session will also discuss the status of the US Department of Labor’s Proposed Rulemaking on Independent Contractors and Offsite Work, how this could impact you, what you can do, and the long-range predictions on how it may change the modular building industry.
Opening the Playbook on Architecture and Engineering Design for Success in Modular Development
Dean Dalvit, Principal, EVstudio
This presentation offers an in-depth review of essential design strategies and requirements for modular projects and how to achieve a successful design for permitting as well as manufacturing and field construction. Dan Dalvit will provide critical dos and don’ts using case studies as examples for each phase of architecture and engineering. He will also explore opportunities for standardizing designs in order to serve all stakeholders in offsite construction. This session is for anyone just starting out in modular development as well as seasoned industry veterans with an objective to help advance and innovate the marriage of offsite construction techniques with the traditional process of design, permitting, and field construction.
Why Salespeople Fail & What You Can Do About It
Scott Bliss, Sales Training Expert, Sandler
As a salesperson, you survive on your sales numbers. This session is all about making and exceeding those all-important sales numbers and forecasts. It’s an eye-opening look at the deficiencies of modern-day selling systems and sales management efforts, prepared by a company that literally rewrote the book on selling. Join this interactive program to learn why not having a sales process methodology leaves the client in charge of the sales process as well as the salesperson constantly chasing the deal. Instead, having a repeatable, manageable sales process puts the salesperson in charge of the process resulting in a win-win scenario for sales professionals and their clients. Attendees will learn how to shorten sales cycles, eliminate bad sales habits that erode margins, work with indecisive clients, encourage a commonsense sales culture, and more.
Choosing a Modular Partner in the Design Phase: Is Early Procurement a Necessary Evil, Necessary Good, or Both?
Dafna Kaplan, CEO, Cassette, Inc.
Adam Kurtenbach, VP Business Development, ConXtech
The abundance of innovation in modular construction has created such scope variation between providers that it is often difficult if not impossible to use a traditional design-bid-build method to select between them. This candid conversation between modular builder Dafna Kaplan from Cassette, Inc. and steel fabricator Adam Kurtenbach from ConXtech will explore in detail the risks that a general contractor and owner undoubtedly face when using accelerated construction, as well as the upsides of moving the traditional construction industry in this direction.
Joining Forces to Become a World-Leading Smart Modular Construction Manufacturer
Aviv Brosilovski, Business Development, Forta PRO
Join Forta PRO’s Aviv Brosilovski for a behind-the-scenes look at a new collaboration among two construction companies. South Korean construction and engineering company Samsung C&T recently announced an investment and collaboration deal with Latvian modular builder Forta PRO. Working together, the companies are taking an important step to combine and merge their industrial know-how with plans to turn around conventional construction practices. With production facilities currently based in Jelgava and Ventspils, Forta PRO specializes in the construction of high-rise, large scale modular buildings while Samsung C&T has undertaken some of the world’s most notable high-rise construction projects, including the world’s tallest building, the 828 meter-high Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The Results Are In! Comparing Two Towers Built Simultaneously, One Modular and One Conventional
Yong Han Ahn, Associate Dean, College of Engineering Sciences & Professor, School of Architecture & Architecture Engineering, Hanyang University ERICA
POSCO recently completed two high rise towers side-by-side. One tower was built using conventional concrete construction and one tower was built using volumetric modular construction. This groundbreaking presentation will reveal the advantages the modular building had over its conventionally-constructed counterpart. The two towers were intentionally built this way as part of POSCO’s research and development efforts to compare construction speed, quality, cost, and occupant satisfaction between the two different methods of building. This session will also demonstrate new and innovative technologies, strategies, and more that can apply many modular building projects, including mid- to high-rise buildings.