An Experiment Gone Right: CPC Virtual Roundtables

An experiment is a process designed to test out a hypothesis or make a discovery. Coupled with a little tinkering and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, it turns out that a little experimentation really does lead to bigger and better things. 

That is exactly what the Construction Progress Coalition (CPC) set out to do by utilizing Zoom’s “Breakout Rooms” feature. Historically, CPC monthly calls have followed the traditional slide-deck and report out on CDX initiatives, activities, metrics and upcoming events. In an effort to generate #SocialEngagement during this time of #SocialDistancing, we created five breakout groups of 12-18 participants to engage in interactive discussion. With the help of industry thought leaders and subject matter experts, each breakout focused on a specific #SharedPains topic. Breakout facilitators will provide specific blog updates on their topics throughout the next two weeks. Overall, we uncovered the following Fab 5 Facts:

1. Remote Work, well… it works! We validated the notion that remote work and virtual collaboration was already a trend on an uptick. Now it has gone full throttle to manage the needs of traditional style meetings, conferences, sessions and conventional manner of doing group work and project team information sharing. The conclusion is that virtual conferencing can, and it truly does, deliver real value. 
2. Be the light. Despite these turbulent and challenging times, we can recreate and retool the ways of doing business. Disruption has taken on an entirely new meaning. Given the fact that we are all experiencing daily life that has been completely overhauled, leaning into technology to keep us connected reveals a distinct correlation to staying in tune with what we care most about, calibrating and aligning with our industry peers and ultimately inspiring thought-provoking dialogue that can lend itself to sparking innovation.
3. Collaboration is crucial. After we wrapped up the first session, we immediately received positive feedback, astounding support and encouragement to continue these types of CPC virtual meet-ups heading into the future. It shined a light that there is a lot of brainpower operating the AECO + tech industries and this is invaluable expertise that can always be delved into deeper. When the collective mindshare is awakened, hurdles and obstacles can be navigated with creativity and the use of a digital toolkit. 
4. There is no shortage to talking shop. This is a good thing and here’s the quick recap. The Industrialized Construction topic was dissected by the #queenofprefab Amy Marks (Autodesk) and Josh Bone (NECA). Jeff Sample aka @IronmanofIT (eSUB) and Daniel Smolilo aka @Construct_Techy (The Walsh Group) shared tips and best practices for Managing Remotely, Sasha Reed (Procore) and Lilian Magallanes (Bluebeam) led the charge with special guest Martha Feeback (Catalyst) on Diversity & Inclusion (and in honor of April being Diversity Month), Dennis Stejskal (Sage) and Chad Pearson (Plexxis Software) rocked the Financials: From Field to Fed breakout group, while the subject of Digital Risk Management was effectively explored through the combined lenses of Dustin Williams (FlywheelAEC) and Satyam Verma (Pype).
5. The results made possible by the CPC Community. These are just some of the observations experienced by the group … FOR THE WIN: @ChadPearson said "This was the best case scenario for an experiment...the conversation literally just got started...it felt like we could have gone on for hours and not even notice the time. EVERYONE in the group 'sincerely' wants to see the industry evolve - #authenticity Thank you again - great to connect - I’m pumped the next round. #buildtruth" ... @MelissaMcEwan “Thank so much for your efforts. The Haley & Aldrich team got a lot out of it!” ... @JeffPeterson “This was a fun event. The technology went smoothly and it was well organized.” ... @ToddWeyandt “Great event!” ... @GeorgiaBergers “Break-out rooms are a hit! Look forward to the D & I and digital risk piece.” Huge shout out to everyone who joined the call, you made it happen!

What’s next? Be sure to follow CPC on LinkedIn, Twitter & Instagram for stand-alone blog posts devoted to each of the discussions. Can’t wait for the blog post summaries? Watch the recorded summary presentation from facilitators here.  

Kicking yourself for missing all the AMAZING energy, interesting perspectives, and unique ideas? No need to fret! Our next breakout session will take place on Wednesday, May 27th with a new set of #SharedPains topics 

CDX Delegates receive early bird registration before the general public. Learn more about delegate categories and benefits at https://www.constructionprogress.org/membership.

We hope to see you (virtually) soon!