About Building Innovation 2026
Communities nationwide face mounting challenges, from natural hazards to aging lifeline infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated innovation across the built environment. The 14th Annual Building Innovation Conference will be held on May 19–20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean, VA. The event will bring together leaders from government, AEC, research, community planning, and industry to strengthen America’s infrastructure through integrated, future-focused practices.
Day One builds on the momentum of the Building for Tomorrow general session, which convened federal, state, and local agencies to advance a shared national model for resilient, interconnected infrastructure systems. This opening day continues that dialogue by examining how cross-sector policy alignment and system-wide collaboration can drive long-term resilience across the nation’s lifeline networks.
On Day Two, attendees will dive into expert-led sessions exploring innovations in digital delivery, building codes, housing, capital investment strategies, and adaptive design. The conference will also spotlight two critical focus areas: Systems of Systems, which examines how interconnected infrastructure affects resilience at the national scale, and Modular Offsite Construction, which highlights efficient, scalable building methods aligned with NIBS’ emphasis on applied technologies and forward-looking building science.
Participants can earn AIA LU credits, ICC credits, and certificates of attendance while collaborating across disciplines to address the country’s evolving infrastructure needs.
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See what past attendees are saying…
Testimonials
I enjoyed the representation of the various agencies, sectors, and technical focus of the attendees. Some folks were very focused in their technical or policy area, yet all are aiming towards the same goal of improving infrastructure. I walked away from this event with new perspectives and a greater understanding of the challenges from all sides of the table. I hope NIBS continues to aim for diversified attendees and presenters. It is truly refreshing to see people attempting to figure out how to solve infrastructure problems, versus other conferences where they are attempting to figure out how to win contracts.
Building Innovation 2025 Attendee
As a construction lawyer who focuses on creating a more resilient built environment, NIBS’ Building Innovation Conference is on my list of ‘must attends’ every year. I learn so much every time I attend a NIBS event, thanks to the breadth and depth of knowledge related to the built environment and adapting it to climate change shared, all of which is presented by a fantastic group of experts from across industries, sectors, and professions.
Jessica Mederson
Partner, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP
The NIBS Building Innovation Conference provides a unique opportunity to meet the leaders who are in the forefront of building resilient communities throughout the country. It was unlike any other conferences because I had the chance to meet with representatives from the lifeline infrastructure sectors – water, energy, transportation, telecommunication – to integrate advocacy, funding and planning to optimize efficacy of our respective goals.
Joone Kim–Lopez
General Manager & CEO, Moulton Niguel Water District
Within our industry, NIBS’ Building Innovation conference stands out as a unique opportunity for planners, policy makers, architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners to think collaboratively about how to make our communities more resilient — from the very big picture to the critical details.
Keith A. Simon
FAIA, Vice President, Design Phase Services, Salas O’Brien
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