b'YCL PRESIDENTS PANELthe consensus among panellists and attendees was clear: companies must embrace innovation toremain competitive.We talked a lot about how technology and data are really reshaping our delivery, says Skapura, noting that AI topics garnered particular attention given its increasing use across the construction lifestyle, such as in areas like cost estimating and project planning.The panel also touched on how these technological shifts are impacting workforces and organizational culture. Panellists shared how their organizations are not only adapting to new technologies but also rethinking their approach to recruitment, retention and public engagement in light of the new skills and risks associated with any technology initiatives. This led to a broader discussion on how companies are navigating labour shortages, be it through rethinking talent strategies, building more effective immigration pathways or stepping up efforts to engage with students and other potential talent. Workforce shortages remain critical, but were finding ways around it, Skapura insists. People are looking at different angles and trying different ways to marketaside from a few predictions, it wasnt anavigate economic shifts, technological the construction industry.huge part of our talk, especially since disruptions and workforce evolution, its this was in April and the topic was events like YCLs President Panels, which Its little surprise that topics ofstill evolving.offer a vital space for shared learning, sustainability and ESG (environment,strategic thinking, envisioning what social and governance) arose throughoutASKING THE BIG QUESTIONS comes next and how young professionals the evening. These were exploredLike many YCL events, Presidents Panel:can help shape it.through several industry lenses thanksState of the Market was a conversation to the diverse panel. Carol Phillips,between panellists and the youngEvents like this serve to help the next for example, offered insights into howprofessionals who came to learn moregeneration of construction leaders sustainability and ESG targets areabout their industry. To that end, Skapuraunderstand not only whats happening impacting the architectural and planningsays YCL organizers were happy to seebut why it matters that its happening, side of construction and emphasizedstrong participation from attendeessays Skapura. The idea is to come the importance of prioritizing low-carbonduring the session: The Q&A was active,together and look at the state of our designs and adaptive reuse in earlywhich is always a good sign. There wereindustry positively and find inspiration to project stages. a lot of questions from a lot of peopletake back into our careers.wondering whats next.Then there came the long-termWhether it was unpacking the potential sustainability of the industry itself. AmongFor many, she continues, the eventsof AI, rethinking workforce development the panel and audience, there was avalue lay in the opportunity to joinor forecasting market shifts, Presidents sentiment that while the industry facedpeers in an iconic space for an eventPanel: State of the Market succeeded several challenges to its growth andthat combined equal parts learning,in its mission to educate, connect resilience, there is plenty of opportunity tonetworking, and mentorship. [The event]and inspire. Moreover, for those in explore new strategies, technologies andgave young construction leaders accessattendance, it reaffirmed that despite workforce development approaches. Asto mentorship strategies and importantthe uncertainties in their path, the for contending with Canada-U.S. bordermarket intel that they wouldnt getconstruction industry is ripe with tariffs and their impact on materialsthrough their day-to-day jobs. opportunities for those who are readyand supplier costs, Skapura noted thatto lead.although the topic came up, it did notINSPIRATION FORdominate the panel: People mentionedWHAT COMES NEXT Visit www.tcaconnect.com to learn about that [tariffs] are bringing uncertainty, butAs the construction industry continues toupcoming YCL events.BUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 2202527'