Advancing technical excellence in a changing industry
October 30-31, 2025 ǀ Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel
Join us for the inaugural Best Practices in Construction Symposium — a national event created by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) for operational leaders in construction. From site supervisors and estimators to project managers and construction management professionals, this event is built for the people who keep construction moving.
Unlike theory-heavy conferences, this symposium delivers practical, real-world insights that can be applied immediately to projects, teams, and processes. Over the course of one focused day, participants will explore what’s working now in areas like data, collaboration, green building, procurement, and project execution.
Walk away with actionable tools, peer-tested strategies, and fresh insights that you can immediately apply to your work. This is your opportunity to level up your technical confidence, connect with others solving similar challenges, and bring new value back to your organization.
Registration rates
| Category | Early bird (register August 4) | Regular (register after August 4) |
| CCA member delegate | $750 | $900 |
| Non-member delegate | $990 | $1,300 |
Program
DAY 1: Thursday, October 30, 2025
07:00 – 09:30 ǀ Breakfast
Location: Vista Salon
08:30 – 09:30 ǀ Opening keynote
Location: Vista Salon
09:30 – 09:45 ǀ Break
Location: Vista Salon
09:45 – 10:45 ǀ Building a greener future: Challenges and solutions
As the construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future, the demand for greener buildings is rapidly increasing. This session will explore the critical challenges and emerging solutions in sustainable and green building practices. Experts will discuss the path toward net-zero buildings, the benefits and complexities of sustainability certification, and innovations in sustainable materials and construction techniques.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- The evolving regulatory and market landscape driving sustainability in construction
- Practical strategies to overcome barriers to implementing green design and technologies
- Case studies showcasing successful net-zero and sustainability-certified projects
- The role of the supply chain and procurement in sourcing sustainable materials
Whether you’re a builder, architect, policymaker, or sustainability professional, this session will offer actionable perspectives on how the industry can lead the way in building smarter, healthier, and more resilient communities.
Speakers:
- Audrina Lim, Director, Sustainable Construction, Chandos Construction
- Andrea Linsky, Director, Emissions-Neutral Buildings, Alberta Ecotrust
- Jani Loots, Director, Climate and Decarbonization Practice Co-Lead, North America, JLL
Location: Vista Salon
10:45 – 11:00 ǀ Break
Location: Vista Salon
11:00 – 12:00 ǀ From blueprint to reality: Project management mastery
Turning a vision into a completed project requires more than a good plan — it demands project management excellence. This session will delve into the core principles and advanced techniques that drive successful project execution in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
Topics will include:
- Proven project management frameworks and the growing application of methodologies in construction
- Effective stakeholder engagement strategies to manage expectations and drive alignment
- Best practices in budget control, risk mitigation, and scope management
- Tools and technologies that enhance project visibility and team coordination
With real-world insights and case examples, this session is ideal for project managers, team leads, and decision-makers seeking to elevate their project delivery skills from planning through to final handover. Learn how to adapt, lead, and deliver with confidence — from blueprint to reality.
Speakers:
- Robert Balicsak, National Director, Higher Education, Colliers Project Leaders
- Christian Correa, Director, Operations, EllisDon
- Brian Maksymetz, Lead Consultant and Owner, Better Projects
Location: Vista Salon
12:00 – 12:15 ǀ Break
Location: Vista Salon
12:15 – 13:15 ǀ Breaking silos: The power of collaboration in construction
In today’s complex and fast-paced construction environment, collaboration isn’t just a benefit—it’s a necessity. This session will explore how breaking down silos across the construction lifecycle leads to more efficient, innovative, and successful project outcomes.
Attendees will learn:
- The value of integrated project delivery (IPD) models and collaborative contracting
- Tools and strategies for fostering open communication among architects, engineers, contractors, and ownerst
- Techniques to align goals, share risk, and drive accountability across multidisciplinary teams
- Real-world examples where cross-functional collaboration led to measurable project improvements
Whether you’re in design, construction, or project oversight, this session will provide practical guidance for building stronger partnerships, improving workflows, and achieving shared success in your projects.
Speakers:
- Geoff Capelle, Director, Project Development and Collaborative Delivery, Bird Construction
- Daniel Drouin, President, Integrated Projected Delivery Alliance (IPDA), Drouin Consultants
- TBA, Owner
Location: Vista Salon
13:15 – 15:15 ǀ Networking and sponsorship reception
Location: Vista Salon
DAY 2: Friday, October 31, 2025
07:00 – 09:30 ǀ Breakfast
Location: Vista Salon
08:30 – 09:30 ǀ A conversation about equitable project delivery, procurement and contracting: Challenges and best practices
As construction projects grow in complexity and public scrutiny, equitable and transparent project delivery is more important than ever. This session will explore how legal frameworks, procurement strategies, and contract management practices can be structured to promote fairness, compliance, and shared success for all stakeholders.
Join legal and procurement experts as they discuss:
- Key legal considerations in contract drafting and negotiation, including risk allocation and dispute prevention
- Best practices in equitable procurement processes that support inclusion, transparency, and value-for-money
- Compliance with regulatory and industry standards, and how to avoid common legal pitfalls
- Case studies and lessons learned from projects that embraced equitable contracting models
Whether you’re an owner, contractor, procurement official, or legal advisor, this session offers critical insights into the evolving legal and ethical landscape of construction procurement and delivery.
Speakers:
- Mark Connell, Director of Water and Wastewater Treatment, Halton Region
- Annik Forristal, Partner, Co-Group Head of National Infrastructure and Construction Group, McMillan LLP
- Chris Moran, General Counsel, Maple Reinders
Location: Vista Salon
09:30 – 09:45 ǀ Break
Location: Vista Salon
09:45 – 10:45 ǀ Data as a tool: Driving decisions in construction
Data is transforming how construction projects are planned, managed, and delivered. This session will explore how big data, analytics, and digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) are reshaping decision-making across the construction lifecycle.
Participants will gain insights into:
- How data collection and predictive analytics can reduce risk, improve scheduling, and drive cost efficiencies
- The role of BIM in enhancing collaboration, real-time project visibility, and lifecycle asset management
- Strategies for integrating data from multiple sources to support smarter design, procurement, and construction choices
- Challenges around data governance, standardization, and workforce readiness
Ideal for project managers, engineers, and practitioners alike, this session will provide a roadmap for harnessing the full potential of data to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure.
Speakers:
- Claudia Cozzitorto, CEO, buildingSMART Canada
- Erik Poirier, Professor, École de technologie supérieure
- Jacob Simpson, Virtual Design and Construction Manager, Turner Construction
Location: Vista Salon
10:45 – 11:00 ǀ Break
Location: Vista Salon
11:00 – 12:00 ǀ Rebuilding stronger: Lessons from the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted construction timelines, strained supply chains, and redefined how teams work. Yet out of these challenges came innovation, adaptation, and lasting change. This session explores the key lessons learned from the pandemic and how they continue to shape a more resilient, agile construction industry.
Topics will include:
- How remote project management and digital collaboration tools have redefined jobsite coordination
- Innovative approaches to supply chain management, sourcing, and material logistics
- Rethinking workforce safety, site protocols, and contingency planning for future disruptions
- Case studies showcasing how firms navigated uncertainty and came out stronger
Whether you’re looking to strengthen business continuity, embrace digital tools, or future-proof your operations, this session will offer valuable insights into building back better—and smarter.
Speakers:
- J.P Gauthier, Senior Vice President and District Manager, Kiewit
- Alan McNee, Senior Director, Pomerleau
- Tim Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer, Aecon
Location: Vista Salon
Cancellation policy
Prior to August 15, 2025: Cancellations received before August 15, 2025 will be eligible for a refund of the registration amount, less a $250 CDN administrative charge, plus taxes.
On or after August 15, 2025: No refunds will be possible for cancellations received on or after August 15, 2025. The registration amount will be non-refundable.
Transfers of registration policy
Prior to October 1, 2025: Transfer of registration to another individual will be accepted at no additional cost until October 1, 2025. Please contact us with the details of the person who will be taking over the registration.
On or after October 1, 2025: For changes to registrations made after October 1, 2025, please contact us directly to discuss the transfer process and any associated fees or requirements.
Please note:
- All cancellation and transfer requests must be submitted in writing to: [email protected].
- Refunds, when applicable, will be processed within 30 business days after receiving a valid cancellation request.
- Any bank charges or fees associated with the refund will be borne by the registrant.
- Transfer requests are subject to availability and our approval. Additional fees may be assessed.
| REMINDER: Please be sure to cancel your hotel room and any transfers you have arranged with local providers. CCA will not be responsible for any additional fees incurred as a result of cancellations with third parties. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact [email protected] or 613-236-9455. |