Orlando, FL – The 2025 Iron Workers/Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) Conference saw record-breaking attendance, with approximately 1,200 union workers, contractors, business owners, and industry leaders coming together to discuss the future of construction. The event focused on industry advancements, safety improvements, and business growth strategies.
Unprecedented Attendance & Key Industry Topics
The four-day conference, which kicked off with a safety-focused speech from Ironworkers’ General President Eric Dean, featured a mix of keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering topics such as:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Construction
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Offshore Wind Energy & Sustainable Solutions
Workforce Training, Certifications & Development
Insurance, Material Supply, and Market Trends
Managing Large-Scale Mega-Projects
Growing Interest in Mass Timber Construction
Mass timber was a key discussion point, with two sessions dedicated to the topic:
🪵 Mass Timber – Material Supply and Manufacturing Demystified
🪵 Add Mass Timber to Your Scope: Best Practices from the Professionals
Industry experts emphasized the increasing adoption of cross-laminated timber (CLT), highlighting its strength, sustainability, and ability to integrate seamlessly with steel and concrete structures. IMPACT’s Canadian regional director, Bert Royer, noted that one-third of attendees were from Canada, reflecting strong international interest in mass timber solutions.
Artificial Intelligence: A Game-Changer for Construction
One of the most engaging sessions was led by Ahmed Mekallach, CEO of Myte Group Inc., a Montreal-based AI research company.
“Does artificial intelligence seem overwhelming? It certainly did for me at first,” said Mekallach. However, he reassured attendees by debunking common myths:
🚫 AI isn’t too expensive—it helps businesses cut costs and increase efficiency.
🚫 AI won’t eliminate jobs—instead, it automates repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on higher-value work.
🚫 AI is reliable—when implemented correctly, it improves productivity and streamlines operations.
Comparing AI’s emergence to the introduction of electricity and the internet, Mekallach stressed that the construction industry will inevitably adopt AI, but human oversight will remain essential.
Overcoming Challenges in Mega-Projects
The session The Mega-Project: Not Business As Usual examined the US$4-billion Panasonic Energy North America electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto, Kansas—one of the largest industrial developments in the state’s history.
Despite facing numerous challenges, panelists emphasized that strong collaboration, clear leadership, and adaptability were essential in keeping the project on track.
Canadian Representation & Industry Insights
While this year’s conference featured fewer Canada-specific sessions, Toronto-based Ironworker consultant Lindsay Maskell provided insights on political challenges and opportunities for Canadian ironworkers.
Although former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports were not a primary focus, they were informally discussed during networking sessions.
A Successful and Impactful Event
IMPACT leaders praised the conference as one of the most well-organized and insightful events to date, offering valuable perspectives on emerging technologies, workforce development, and evolving industry trends.
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