In an era where construction faces unprecedented challenges, from labor shortages to increasingly complex megaprojects, the MEP Innovation 2025 conference revealed a clear message: technology isn't just an option anymore—it's a necessity for survival and growth in the modern construction landscape. 

This year's conference brought together industry leaders and innovators to discuss the future of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing construction, with technology and collaboration emerging as central themes.

Among those industry leaders who attended was our very own COO and Co-founder, Micah Rodman, along with one of our very best Sales Managers, Sean Coyle. Having attended the conference and many of the seminars featured, they noticed a handful of shared insights that reverberated throughout the event.

Technology: The New Bottom Line Driver

The construction industry is experiencing a paradigm shift in how it views technology adoption. What was once considered a "nice-to-have" has evolved into a critical tool for driving bottom-line efficiency. “With the current labor market challenges and the rise of large-scale projects, contractors are recognizing that technology is the key to doing more with less,” said Micah. 

This transformation is particularly evident in how companies are approaching resource allocation, project management, and operational efficiency. Leading contractors are investing in digital solutions that streamline workflows, reduce waste, and maximize productivity across their operations.

Collaboration Will Speed Up Industry Innovation

One of the most striking takeaways from the conference was the emphasis on peer-to-peer collaboration. As Sean Coyle noted, “MEP contractors are finding immense value in sharing data and information with their industry peers. This collaborative approach helps identify common bottlenecks and allows teams to work together on developing effective solutions.” 

Rather than viewing each other solely as competitors, forward-thinking companies are recognizing that shared knowledge and experience can accelerate industry-wide improvements and innovation. This shift towards openness and collaboration marks a significant evolution in how construction companies approach problem-solving and process improvement.

AI in Construction: Early Days, Promising Future

While artificial intelligence is still in its early stages of adoption within the construction industry, innovative use cases are already emerging. The technology shows promise in streamlining processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities across various aspects of construction operations. 

Early adopters are exploring AI applications in project scheduling, resource allocation, risk assessment, and predictive maintenance. “Though the industry is just beginning to scratch the surface of AI's potential, the enthusiasm and interest shown at MEP Innovation 2025 suggest that AI will play an increasingly important role in construction technology,” says Micah.

Driving Innovation Through Dedicated Personnel and Resources

Another key insight from the conference was the importance of having dedicated innovation personnel or teams within construction companies. These specialists ensure that organizations continue to grow and evolve with the rapidly changing technological landscape, rather than falling behind the curve. 

Innovation teams serve as internal champions for new technologies and processes, helping to evaluate solutions, manage implementation, and drive adoption across the organization. Companies that have invested in dedicated innovation resources report faster technology adoption rates and more successful digital transformation initiatives.

Integration is Key To ROI in Tech

The conference highlighted several strategic partnerships aimed at creating more seamless workflows. One notable example was the collaboration between Kojo and Stratus, which focuses on integrating prefabrication shops into the broader material procurement process. This type of integration demonstrates how technology can bridge gaps between traditionally siloed operations. 

By connecting different aspects of the construction process—from design and prefabrication to procurement and installation—companies can reduce errors, improve communication, and increase overall project efficiency. “The emphasis on integration reflects a growing understanding that isolated solutions, no matter how powerful, cannot deliver the same value as well-integrated systems working in harmony,” says Micah.

Looking Ahead

The MEP Innovation 2025 conference made it clear that the construction industry is at a pivotal point in its technological evolution. Success in this new landscape requires not just adopting new technologies, but embracing a mindset of continuous innovation and collaboration. 

Companies that can effectively leverage technology while fostering knowledge-sharing relationships with industry peers will be best positioned to thrive in the face of ongoing industry challenges. The industry leaders who shared their insights at the conference demonstrated that the path forward involves not just investing in new tools, but fundamentally rethinking how we approach construction processes and collaboration.