Cutting Edge Sessions
Stay ahead of industry trends and innovations at BUILDEX Vancouver's Cutting-Edge Sessions. Tailored for the built environment, these sessions feature insights from leading experts on the latest advancements and best practices shaping the industry.
Industry & Networking Hub Sessions
INH02 - Wednesday's Speed Networking
Wednesday, February 26th @ 11:45am -12:45pm
The built environment’s version of speed dating, this memorable fast-paced event introduces you to a wide range of design, building, construction, and real estate industry professionals, so your networking time is optimized for efficiency and impact.
Speed networking spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Arrive early to secure your space!
INH03 - Architectural Precast Concrete Wall Panels
Wednesday, February 26th @ 1:00pm -1:30pm
Presented by: CPCI
This session delves into the remarkable versatility of architectural precast concrete wall panels, focusing on their innovative design potential, aesthetic customization options, and energy-efficient properties.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the Canadian precast concrete industry, including certification requirements and the prefabrication process. The session will also cover key principles for detailing a successful building envelope, explore the extensive architectural possibilities that precast concrete offers, and highlight several case studies showcasing the effective use of precast concrete in exterior wall applications.
The presentation will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on emerging trends in the industry, including the use of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and the integration of sustainable materials, to further enhance design and functionality in architectural precast concrete.
Speaker:
- Val Sylaj, President, Director of Technical Services, Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
INH04 - Sage Intacct for Construction: Transforming Financial Management for Construction
Wednesday, February 26th @ 2:00pm -3:00pm
Presented by: Sage
Join this session for a high-level look at Sage Intacct Construction, the cloud-based financial management solution built for all types of builders – from civil, commercial, and industrial construction to single- and multi-family residential projects.
This session will explore how Sage Intacct helps architecture and engineering firms, construction and trades, residential builders and renovators, and, all the way to property managers gain real-time financial insights, automate workflows, and integrate with key industry tools. Learn how robust dashboards, reporting, and automation empower construction professionals to control costs, capture revenues, and make data-driven decisions.
Whether you manage large-scale infrastructure projects or custom home builds, Sage Intacct Construction is designed to drive efficiency and profitability across the industry, all while automating processes and eliminating manual work.
Speaker:
- Taylor Magness, Sales Engineer, Sockeye Consulting
- Michael Kolzow, Senior Account Executive, Sockeye Consulting
INH05 - Canada - Italy Green Building Forum 2025
Wednesday, February 26th @ 3:30pm -4:30pm
A place to connect and learn about what’s new in the green building space. A bilateral hub to connect, network and do business with new clients and suppliers. Brought to you by the Italian Chamber in Canada – West.
Join this free to attend event on the Tradeshow Floor: Innovation & Networking Hub (Booth 201) from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on Wednesday, February 26.
INH06 - Optimizing Vendor Compliance Management in Sage Intacct: Best Practices for Construction and Real Estate
Thursday, February 27th @ 10:15am -11:15am
Presented by: Sage
Vendor compliance is a critical component of financial management in construction and real estate, ensuring regulatory adherence, mitigating risk, and maintaining smooth project execution. This session will explore how Sage Intacct’s compliance features can help organizations effectively manage vendor certifications, insurance tracking, contract compliance, and payment controls. Attendees will learn best practices for automating compliance workflows and enforcing internal policies to track vendor status and mitigate non-compliance risks. Whether you’re managing subcontractors, suppliers, or service providers, this session will provide actionable insights to enhance vendor compliance, reduce liability, and streamline procurement processes.
Speaker:
- Angel Miralda, Sage Intacct Application Consultant, Aktion Associates, Inc.
INH07 - Thursday's Speed Networking
Thursday, February 27th @ 11:45am -12:15pm
The built environment’s version of speed dating, this memorable fast-paced event introduces you to a wide range of design, building, construction, and real estate industry professionals, so your networking time is optimized for efficiency and impact.
Speed networking spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Arrive early to secure your space!
INH08 - Examining Digital Innovation in Modular Housing Supply Chain Management and Off-Site Manufacturing in 2025
Thursday, February 27th @ 1:00pm -2:00pm
Presented by: Digital
Join this panel as they explore cutting-edge advancements in off-site construction, featuring industry leaders who are reshaping the future of building practices. First the speakers will present the innovative BuildBlox project, a digital modular housing construction supply chain platform that promises to transform the industry. Second, the speakers will share insights on best practices in off-site manufacturing, drawing from their extensive experience in sustainable building solutions.
This panel aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the latest technological developments in off-site construction, offering valuable insights for architects, developers, builders, and policymakers interested in adopting these innovative methods to meet growing housing demands efficiently and sustainably.
The discussion will focus on:
• Digital innovation in modular construction
• Supply chain transparency and efficiency
• Technology-driven cost reduction
• Best practices in off-site manufacturing
• Sustainability and efficiency
• Addressing housing demands
• Future outlook for this sector of the industry
Speaker:
- Chris Hill, President, Bcollective
- Amy Vilis, Director, Housing Growth Innovation, DIGITAL
- Mike Kennedy, Founder, CTO, Green Metrics Technology Corp.
TECHCENTRIC Stage Sessions, Presented By Yardi
TD01 - Design, Document, and Deliver with Vectorworks Architect (Vectorworks)
Wednesday, February 26th @ 11:45am - 12:15pm
Presented by: Vectorworks
Discover what Vectorworks Architect can do for your design process and your architectural projects. Join the speaker as they go from initial hand sketch to drawing, modelling, and rendering in a fully integrated BIM workflow – all within Vectorworks. Whether you are an architect or designer who is looking for a flexible, design-oriented solution or you are an existing Vectorworks user who wants to take your practice further, this seminar is for you.
Speaker:
- Neil Barman, Product Specialist, Vectorworks Inc.
TD02 - BIM and Specifications: Helping to Successfully Create a Digital Twin (NBS)
Wednesday, February 26th @ 12:20pm - 12:50pm
Presented by: NBS
The presentation will offer an overview of the current state of specification technology in Canada before discussing how and when specifications could or should be integrated with a BIM model in Vectorworks or Autodesk Revit. Ultimately, the information and process presented will improve the quality of contract specifications produced and reduce risk by helping to create a digital twin of the project.
Speaker:
- Mark Baretto, VP Sales, The NBS
TD03 & TD04 - Simplifying Risk Management in Property Management with Yardi Breeze Premier (Yardi)
Wednesday, February 26th @ 1:45pm - 2:00pm
Thursday, February 27th @ 12:00pm - 12:15pm
Presented by: Yardi Breeze Premier
These two sessions will demonstrate how the complexities of property management can be simplified. Participants can expect to gain insights into how to leverage self-service tools for a range of common tasks, including: confidently vetting suitable prospects for any residential property; efficiently managing leases and reducing the risk of delayed or unpaid rent; applying miscellaneous charges smoothly; ensuring all fees are paid on time; as well as scheduling maintenance and inspections to keep your property in optimal condition. These tools not only elevate the tenant’s experience but also serve as a crucial shield against potential risks that businesses may face. Attendees will learn how they can embrace these innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency while strengthening risk management strategies.
Speaker:
- Kiera Sinnamon, Account Executive, Canada, Yardi