Virtual Construction Industry Conference
Get ready to build the future
The Virtual Construction Industry Conference brings together construction business leaders, owners, and industry professionals from across Canada for a focused program of timely insights and practical discussion.
Join us for three hours of expert-led sessions covering data analytics, mergers and acquisitions, and mental health and well-being in the construction sector. Learn about emerging trends, gain practical insights, and explore strategies to support growth and long-term success in your business.
Event details
Online: Thursday, November 26, 2026 | 12:00pm EST |
Whether you’re on-site, in the office, or anywhere in between, this conference is designed to inspire, educate, and connect construction professionals from across the country.
(Three sessions, attendance at all not mandatory)
Session 1 - 6 ways construction companies can use AI every day to improve profitability, productivity, and safety
AI is increasingly being used in construction to improve estimating, project management, safety, scheduling, and field operations. Industry examples show AI helping contractors to identify risks earlier, automate reporting, improve cost forecasting, and reduce administrative work.
1. AI-powered estimating & bid preparation Benefit: Faster bids and more accurate margins. 2. Daily reporting & documentation Benefit: Less administrative work and better project records. 3. Schedule management & delay prediction Benefit: More projects completed on time. | 4. Safety monitoring & risk reduction Benefit: Reduced incidents and stronger safety compliance. 5. Project cost control Benefit: Better visibility into project profitability. 6. Knowledge assistant for field and office teams Benefit: Faster decision-making and improved productivity. |
With extensive knowledge in data analytics, Jonathan has experience supporting financial statement audits, tax recovery, complex QuickBooks Online and cloud implementations, reconciliations, process improvements, and customized reporting. He works with Baker Tilly's Digital team to help clients realize their strategic goals using data solutions.
Session 2 - Building a business buyers want: 5 priorities for construction owners
Build a business that gives you options, whether you plan to sell or not.
In this session, Mike McIsaac, National Managing Director - Corporate Finance, will look at the factors buyers, investors, and potential successors consider when evaluating a construction company, including leadership depth, customer and project concentration, margins, backlog quality, financial reporting, safety performance, and how dependent the business is on its founder.
The discussion will focus on five practical priorities construction owners can act on now to strengthen the business, improve profitability and cash flow, reduce risk, and create more strategic options over time.
Whether an owner is considering a transaction in the near future or simply wants to build a stronger, more resilient company, the session will provide tangible steps they can take today.
Mike is an entrepreneur at heart. He has built, acquired and sold many private and successful businesses. He is a passionate leader with more than 25 years of experience working with private and public businesses as a trusted advisor and valued business partner.
Mike focuses his activities on five key industry sectors: heavy construction and infrastructure, manufacturing and distribution, food & beverage, technology and consulting. He is a specialist in advising on corporate structure, valuation, taxation, business transactions and negotiating deals. His ultimate goal is to ensure his clients maintain the wealth they built within their business. He brings his wisdom, ethics, integrity and ability to make tough decisions to all his business negotiations, resulting in win-win results and transactions that get across the finish line.
Session 3 - Strong minds, strong teams: Cultivating a psychologically safe work environment and mental health awareness.
Attendees will explore the connection between mental health, and psychological safety. Drawing on personal experiences and practical workplace coping strategies, the session will examine mental health awareness, the impact of trauma, recognizing signs of struggle, and how to offer meaningful support to employees.
Participants will learn how leadership, vulnerability, positive workplace culture, and open communication contribute to psychologically safe environments, while discovering practical ways to recognize and prevent burnout. Through reflection and actionable takeaways, attendees will leave better equipped to foster healthier workplaces, support one another, and build stronger, more resilient teams where people feel safe to speak up, ask for help, and thrive.
Justin Brien is a mental health awareness expert, transformational life coach, and inspirational, TEDx speaker whose story inspires change. Having lived through the challenges of suicide, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, he now shares powerful strategies that help others build resilience and purpose. His journey from struggle to strength equips him to connect deeply with audiences, offering tools that are both practical and empowering. Justin’s mission is to break stigma and spark honest conversations about mental health, guiding people toward self-discovery and renewed hope. Through his speaking and coaching, he champions the belief that everyone has value and the ability to live a meaningful life. His story reminds individuals that purpose can be found in the hardest moments, and that they matter.