The decisions shaping the future of AEC firms aren't getting any easier. AI is changing how firms operate, competition is increasing, client expectations continue to evolve, and firm leaders are expected to make the right investments without slowing growth.
For three days this October, more than 300+ CEOs, presidents, managing principals, CFOs, and executive leaders will step away from the day-to-day to focus on the bigger picture. AEC THRIVE isn't about taking time away from your business, it's about investing in it.
From executive education and peer discussions to practical case studies and networking, every session is designed to help firm leaders return with ideas they can put into action immediately.
Here are 10 reasons AEC THRIVE continues to be one of the AEC industry's executive conferences.
1. Learn Where the AEC Industry Is Headed Before Your Competitors Do
AEC industry isn't standing still, and neither are the firms leading it. AEC THRIVE explores the trends shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction firms, from AI and emerging technologies to market shifts, strategic growth, and long-term competitiveness.
You'll explore topics like:
- Turning market foresight into a competitive advantage
- Identifying emerging opportunities before competitors
- Building a future-ready business strategy
- Preparing your firm for AI-driven industry change
Michelle Schwartz's session, The Future-Back Strategy: How AEC Executives Turn Foresight Into Competitive Advantage, examines how leaders can identify shifts in client demand before they peak, evaluate which capabilities have the greatest strategic potential, and make investment decisions that position their firms ahead of the market. Opening keynote speaker Nikki Greenberg builds on that conversation with Journey to 2040, exploring how AI, future cities, buildings, and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of the AEC industry
2. Fresh Case Studies. Proven Growth Strategies.
One of the biggest reasons executives return to AEC THRIVE is the opportunity to learn from firms facing the same challenges they are. Instead of talking about growth in theory, these sessions dive into the decisions behind it, what worked, what didn't, and the lessons leaders can apply within their own firms.
This year's case studies explore topics like:
- Strategic growth – knowing when to expand, when to stay focused, and how to grow without sacrificing profitability.
- Client experience – seeing how HDR transformed client feedback into a measurable business development strategy and competitive advantage.
- Capital recovery – learning how firms are using R&D tax credits and the 179D deduction to improve cash flow and reinvest in future growth.
One featured session, Navigate Past the Middle: Keys to Leading an AEC Firm Through the Growth Plateau, follows Michael Cherock, CEO and Founder of AE Works, as he shares lessons from nearly two decades of strategic growth, including geographic expansion, acquisitions, and balancing growth with long-term enterprise value.
It's one of the reasons executives continue to return to AEC THRIVE year after year.
"Rock-solid experts with real-life experience. I left for home feeling motivated to take action."
Doug Coates, President, Gosling Czubak Engineering Sciences
3. Unique Networking Opportunities
Some of the most valuable conversations at AEC THRIVE don't happen during a presentation. They happen over coffee, during lunch, or while talking with another executive who's facing the same challenges you are.
Throughout the conference, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect, including:
- Networking breakfasts to start the day with industry peers
- Networking lunches and breaks built into the agenda, not squeezed in between sessions
- A cocktail reception at the end of Day 1 to continue conversations in a relaxed setting
- Executive Roundtables, where firm leaders discuss real challenges like ownership transition, leadership development, recruiting, profitability, firm culture, and risk management
One of the highlights is the AEC Executive Roundtables. Instead of sitting through another presentation, you'll join a small group of executives to compare ideas, ask questions, and hear how other firms are tackling the same issues. Whether you're trying to improve project profitability, develop future leaders, or navigate succession planning, it's a chance to leave with practical ideas from people who've already been there.
4. Choose the Sessions That Matter Most
Whether your priority is project execution, AI, business development, financial performance, or leadership development, AEC THRIVE lets you build an agenda around your firm's biggest opportunities. Sessions like RIOS' approach to strengthening project management offer practical ideas attendees can take back and implement immediately.
5. Bring Your Team. Multiply the Value.
With dozens of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, there's a lot to take in over three days. One of the best ways to maximize your experience is to attend with a colleague or leadership team. By dividing up the agenda, you can cover more sessions, compare notes, and return with a broader set of ideas, strategies, and action items for your firm.
Whether one team member focuses on AI and technology while another attends session on business development, financial management, or project execution, you'll bring back insights that benefit your entire organization.
One keynote your business development team won't want to miss is AEC Growth Power Play: Winning the Work You're Not Supposed to Win, presented by Tim Griffin, Executive Vice President of RMF Engineering. Drawing on a 37-year career building a 400-person firm with a 50% interview win rate, Tim shares practical strategies for winning larger, more strategic projects, controlling the interview narrative, and standing out in competitive pursuits. It's just one example of the specialized insights your team can divide up and bring back to the office.
As an added bonus:
- Save $200 when you register by September 21.
- Save an additional $500 for every additional attendee when your team registers together in one transaction.
6. Make One Decision or Connection That Changes Your Firm's Trajectory for Years
Some of the most important decisions you'll make as a leader won't happen in the office. They'll start with a new idea, a different perspective, or a conversation that changes how you think about your firm's future.
This year's sessions challenge leaders to think beyond today's workload and focus on where their firms will be five, ten, or even fifteen years from now. From AI adoption and digital transformation to leadership development and talent strategy, attendees will gain practical ideas they can use to build stronger, more resilient firms.
One session from Marcy Kottas takes an inside look at how SEH uses competency and project manager capability models to support long-term growth. Rather than reacting to talent gaps as they arise, the firm uses structured frameworks to identify future leaders, strengthen project delivery, reduce reliance on key individuals, and align talent investments with long-term business goals. It's a practical example of how one decision or strategy can strengthen a firm's performance for years to come.
7. Attend Pre-Conference Opportunities, M&A Success Workshop
If you're already traveling to Scottsdale for AEC THRIVE, consider arriving a day early to take advantage of PSMJ's optional executive workshops. These smaller, hands-on programs give attendees the opportunity to dive deeper into specialized topics before the conference officially begins.
On October 21st,The CEO's Guide to Identifying and Activating Your Firm's Next Generation of LeadersJonathan Wilson explores one of the biggest challenges facing AEC firms today: developing future leaders. Drawing on years of experience advising AEC executives, Wilson shares practical strategies for identifying high-potential talent, strengthening succession planning, and building leadership pipelines that support long-term firm growth.
For firms considering acquisitions or ownership transitions, the AEC Mergers & Acquisitions Success Workshop takes place October 20–21 at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. Through real AEC transaction case studies, valuation exercises, and discussions led by experienced M&A advisors, attendees gain practical insights into structuring successful deals, avoiding costly mistakes, and navigating the M&A process with confidence. The workshop also includes group discussions on valuation challenges, deal structures, and successful integration strategies.
Bonus: Save $600 when you register for the M&A Success Workshop at least 90 days before the program, making it an even better opportunity to extend your learning before AEC THRIVE begins.
8. Take a Break from Daily Operations to Focus on Firm's Next Stage of Growth
Held October 21–23, 2026, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, attendees will spend three days learning, networking, and exchanging ideas at a resort nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. Inspired by the villages of Andalusia, the property features three resort pools, the award-winning Joya Spa, exceptional dining, and plenty of spaces to continue conversations long after the sessions end.
It's the perfect setting to step back from the day-to-day, build new connections, and return to the office with fresh ideas and a renewed perspective.
9. You're Unsure Where to Invest Next
The AEC business landscape is changing quickly, and every investment matters. Whether you're evaluating AI, planning your next hire, improving profitability, or preparing for future growth, AEC THRIVE gives you the opportunity to hear how other firms are approaching the same decisions.
You'll leave with fresh business intelligence, practical strategies, and the confidence to make smarter decisions for your firm's future.
10. Bring Home Ideas That Deliver ROI Across Your Entire Firm
The value of AEC THRIVE isn't measured by how many sessions you attend. It's measured by what you bring back to your firm.
Over three days, you'll gain fresh perspectives from industry experts, learn from real-world case studies, exchange ideas with peers facing the same challenges, and discover practical strategies you can put into action. The conversations you have and the connections you make don't end when the conference does. They continue in leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, client pursuits, and the decisions that shape your firm's future.
Every keynote, breakout session, and networking opportunity is designed with one goal in mind: helping you maximize the return on your investment by delivering practical insights that create value long after you return to the office. We'll see you in Scottsdale this October.