6:30 am Registration & Networking
7:20 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Integrating Prefabrication & Project Goals
7:30 am Reimaging the Electrical Construction Industry
Synopsis
To open this event, we will embark on a journey to reimagine the future of the electrical construction industry, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of offsite construction for electrical contractors. As the industry evolves, electrical trade practices are poised to undergo significant changes, increasingly resembling the methodologies of the sheet metal and mechanical trades. This session will delve into the emerging trends and innovations that are set to redefine how electrical contracting is executed; share the practical implications of this paradigm shift, including changes in workforce skills and training, the impact on project management and logistics, and the opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage; and setting the scene for how we’re moving beyond traditional prefabrication toward a future that closely aligns with manufacturing principles.
8:10 am Increasing the Adoption of Prefabrication by Project Leadership to Bring Maximum Value to Your Organization
Synopsis
• Highlighting the legacy systems and processes that can pose a threat to the widespread adoption of prefab and how to start breaking these down
• Ensuring regular feedback from early adopters to ensure they feel involved in process development and still in control of their job
• Establishing an easy-to-use ordering system for prefabrication to ease the barrier to adoption
• Developing systems to normalize the adoption of prefabrication throughout your organization, such as integrating it into onboarding processes and implementing reward and recognition systems for successful project teams
8:50 am Panel Turning Doubters into Prefabrication Advocates to Boost Implementation
Synopsis
• Evaluating the different benefits that appeal to younger vs older generation of electricians: How can you present prefabrication as an opportunity for everyone?
• Identifying and debunking common myths or misconceptions about prefabrication to help sway skeptics and build confidence in the approach
• Overcoming negative experiences with prefabrication along your journey to ensure that the success stories outweigh the negative, and everyone embraces a mindset of continuous improvement
10:00 am Morning Refreshments & Speed Networking
Optimizing Cross Stakeholder Collaboration
10:50 am Audience Discussion: Working with GCs & Other Project Partners to Adapt Workflows & Accommodate Electrical Prefabrication Requirements
Synopsis
• Communicating to general contractors and owners the adjustments required to construction schedules to maximize the benefits of electrical prefabrication
• Addressing challenges associated with receiving models lacking essential content needed for assembly development: How can you get everyone onboard with providing greater transparency in a timelier fashion?
• Emphasizing the importance of precise prefab specifications and delivery dates to reduce field modifications and ensure seamless integration with all trades
11:20 am Panel Understanding the Expectations of Your General Contractor to Stay Ahead of the Competition
Synopsis
• Exploring experiences of electrical prefabrication, including successes and challenges, and sharing insights on how to build more trust with your general contractor
• Delving into the specific skills and requirements that GCs look for when selecting the right partner for a project
• Discussing the evolution of the market and how GCs want to see the way they buy and collaborate with prefabricators change in the coming years
12:30 pm Networking Lunch
Tackling the BIM Bottleneck
1:30 pm Streamlining & Automating Model Transfer from Design to Fabrication
Synopsis
• Identifying the critical steps for transitioning from paper-based methods to digital workflows
• Minimizing manual transition points across several different platforms to reduce the risk of file or data corruption: What is the dynamic of the tech stack and how have we overcome challenges in early development?
• Overcoming the challenges with file sizes being too large and taking significant time to transfer across systems
• Exploring different approaches and technologies that can be used for model transfer: How do you know which is best for your company?
• Utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) for model automation and exploring the real advantages of this technology
2:10 pm Evaluating the Uses of the Model Across the Production Cycle to Ensure the Right Information is Included in the Right Format for Each User
Synopsis
• Assessing the limitations of BIM software to incorporate the level of detail required by electrical contractors
• Balancing the investment of time and money in building a robust model for prefabrication with efficiency and ease of use
• Utilizing templates and standardized formats to expedite model production and reduce errors
• Exploring ways to supplement model data with additional details required by the facility and field to support production and installation
2:50 pm Afternoon Refreshments
3:20 pm Involving Prefabrication, BIM & Project Personnel in the Effective Evaluation of Prefab Opportunities to Create a Robust Execution Plan
Synopsis
• Identifying criteria beyond repetitiveness that determine what components are suitable for offsite prefabrication
• Establishing expectations over who needs what information when and how it’s going to be documented at every stage of the workflow to streamline execution
• Clarifying standardized naming conventions and nomenclature for all parties to minimize the breakdown of communication teams
• Creating a comprehensive template for prefabrication execution plans that delineates precise roles and responsibilities, ensuring alignment of expectations at every stage
4:20 pm Case Study: Exploring the Advantages of In Wall Rough-In Products for Portfolio Diversification
Synopsis
• Evaluating the spectrum of rough-in products that can be offered and the benefits of adding these capabilities to your portfolio
• Developing standardized parameters within the model to be able to more quickly and easily develop rough-in systems
• Working with mechanical, HVAC and structural trade partners to understand the positioning of critical infrastructure and design an assembly that works for your project
• Working with field teams to coordinate the work completed by installation crews vs the prefab shop: What are all the considerations and systems that can ease onsite integration?