b'THE 2025 BUILDINGS SHOWthe construction gap, so we wanted toidentical, so there are lots of challenges,mention of one of its most popular events: ensure were helping developers he adds. [Angela] shared how theyrethe 81st annual Toronto Construction and builders understand how thesetrying to effect change for the good withinAssociation Christmas Luncheon. Held methods can be a volume solutionInfrastructure Ontario. on Friday afternoon, the longstanding alongside classic building techniquestradition once again drew a full house of to reduce the impact of constructionThe fireside chat was one of the manyTCA members and allies for an afternoon workforce shortages. informative and interactive sessionsof much-needed reconnecting. It was a available to attendees. It was alsofantastic time, says Mollenhauer. We While it can be hard to pick a favouriteindicative of the star power found session in a packed event like Thethroughout the MTCCs halls. In additionhad a sold-out crowd, which is fantastic Buildings Show, Mollenhauer says he wasto industry leaders and insiders, the shownews. People clearly wanted to be there, partial to the fireside chat he participatedput attendees up close with industryand the feedback afterwardsin with Angela Clayton, president andpersonalities like HGTV host Scottreflected that.CEO of Infrastructure Ontario. TheMcGillivray (Income Property), YouTubers event delivered rare, candid access toKyle Stumpenhorst and Dave Cooper andHeld in the South Hall, the luncheon procurement policies, organizationalCanadian soccer icon Dwayne De Rosario.provided a relaxed setting for members to culture and expectations around risk.NEW ADDITIONS reflect on the week and connect before The room was sold out, and that speaksThe 2025 Buildings Show continuedyears end. It also provided attendees with volumes about what attendees areits evolution with the introduction ofa front-row seat to a keynote address from looking forthey want to be enlightened,several new features. They included thelegendary Canadian sports broadcaster they want new information, not just residential-focused north hall, featuring aand longtime Hockey Night in Canada about products and services, but to spacious showroom with 400 square feethost Ron MacLean, who returned as hear from buyers of construction, of eye-catching buildouts. Another wasmaster of ceremonies for a second Mollenhauer recalls. the introduction of two new show-floorconsecutive year.segments in the South Building, including The event delivered rare, candid accessone from IMPEX Canada, showcasingRon MacLean is obviously associated to procurement policies, organizationalinternational manufacturers seeking culture and expectations around risk. In it,Canadian distribution partners, and thewith hockey, but beyond that, hes just Clayton offered unusual transparency onWoodWorks pavilion, developed with thesuch a wonderful speaker and storyteller how Infrastructure Ontario is rethinkingCanadian Wood Council. with lots of human-interest stories, says procurement, contractor engagementMollenhauer. We were all delighted to and risk allocation. Mollenhauer said sheNew and enhanced networkinghave him back.shared real insights about her vision andopportunities were also on hand. Beyond how shes trying to effect change for thethe host of dedicated networking eventsAs The Buildings Show 2025 packed good, including stronger collaborationin both the North and South Buildings,up for another year, one message was with industry to improve participation in aattendees were welcomed to join peersclear: in a time of significant challenge market defined by high costs and in the central networking hub for informal complex projects. mixers and speed-networking sessions. and uncertainty, there is no replacing the need to come together, share knowledge, Todays projects are very complicatedOf course, a round-up of the annualexplore new ideas and fortify relationships and very nuanced. No two projects areBuildings Show is incomplete withoutthat will carry the industry forward.BUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 4202523'