Click here to check out the event photos!

Online registration is now CLOSED!  This event is SOLD OUT, so NO walk-ins will be accepted onsite. 

For a list of attendees (as of 9/8), see the PDF at the bottom of this page in the "Documents" section.

Join us Tuesday, September 12th for the return of the biggest networking event in the AEC industry in Georgia – the 2023 Mega Meeting! Returning to the Georgia Aquarium with a fully in-person event, come network and learn with 200+ of your colleagues representing the following AEC industry associations:   

eVENT OVERVIEW

In an era defined by technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the very foundations of how we design, build, and create the world around us. The integration of AI has the potential to revolutionize every aspect of the A/E/C industry, from conception to completion. Through cutting-edge algorithms, machine learning, and deep neural networks, AI is redefining traditional approaches, unlocking new possibilities, and pushing the boundaries of what was once considered achievable. This year’s Mega Meeting seeks to explore the profound impact of AI, uncover the opportunities it presents, and address the challenges that lie ahead. 

This 200+ person event hosted downtown at the Georgia Aquarium is a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with trailblazers who are shaping the future of the A/E/C industry through AI. Our panel of AI experts will engage in thought-provoking discussions, sharing their insights, research findings, and practical experiences, as they shed light on the immense potential of AI in the built environment. In addition, you will have the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue, gain valuable knowledge, and foster collaborations with hundreds of other attendees that can propel your own organizations and initiatives forward. 

From marketing and technical staff eager to explore the frontiers of AI in their day-to-day work, to industry leaders seeking to harness its power to drive innovation and efficiency, this event offers something for everyone invested in the future of architecture, engineering, and construction.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the immense potential of AI in the built environment
• Uncover the opportunities AI presents to the AEC industry
• Learn about possible challenges to be expected
• Gain valuable knowledge to propel your firm or initiatives forward
  

Who Will Be There?

• AI Experts
• Architects
• Engineers
• Contractors
  
• Marketers and Business Developers in the A/E/C Industry
• Providers of Materials and Services to the Built Environment
  

Why Attend?

This is one of the largest gatherings for the AEC Industry with a Who’s Who of Attendees from 5 different industry organizations. You don’t want to miss out on the networking and information that will be shared!

EVENT AGENDA

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM  - Registration & Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM - Luncheon & Networking
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM - Panel Discussion

CPSM CEUs:  1.5 hours
Domains:  1 - Marketing Research, 3 - Business Development 

All disciplines will need to self-report their continuing education hours. 

EVENT SPEAKERS

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the construction industry, but where's it headed? What impact will AI have on your company? In his keynote presentation, Jeff Echols will discuss the latest trends in AI for construction and how you need to think about your company's use of AI. Spoiler Alert: Jeff's insights will surprise you. 

As a Senior Advisor and the Head of Marketing at Shadow Partners, Jeff Echols is on a mission to change the way AEC firms do business. He leverages 30 years of experience working in, starting, and managing firms to help drive innovation in the business of AEC and AEC adjacent industries. 

When the biggest threat to your organization is becoming a commodity, Jeff has the unique ability to drill to the heart of the organization to find the unique advantages and opportunities in today’s highly competitive, commoditized arena. 

Jeff is the Host of the Build Your Brand podcast, the live-stream show, Context & Clarity LIVE, and the daily short-form podcast, Shadow Shorts. A prolific speaker, Jeff has shared his experience and thought leadership in venues ranging from Conference Rooms and Council Chambers to Regional and even National Convention stages...he even had the opportunity to speak at an IndyCar factory. 

Jeff’s speaking clients have included private companies, local governments, colleges and universities, and industry organizations like, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Professional Services Management Journal (PSMJ), and Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).  

Known for her relatability and humor, Danielle Gray challenges her audience to reconnect with what makes them human. As a keynote speaker and host, she fuses vulnerability with applicable tactics that make a lasting impression on her audience. Her goal is to empower each person to not just be a better businessperson, but to also be a better human. Her keynote topics include marketing, branding, beautiful thinking, authenticity and inclusion.

As a Brand Strategist, Content Coach, and Advisor, she helps firms develop thoughtful and outside-the-box strategies that are equally authentic and effective. She blends her marketing experience with her strategic experience as a CEO to help her clients explore marketing initiatives that ultimately generate new business.

Danielle is a former Division I Basketball Player at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida and holds both a Bachelor’s in Marketing and MBA from the institution. She serves as CEO at DG Marketing Company and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her fur baby. She also serves as CEO of the CBD company, World of Unoia that sells pet CBD products.

Dr. Thirimachos Bourlai is an associate professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an Adjunct Faculty at the Institute for Cybersecurity and Privacy, both at the University of Georgia. He has a Joint Appointment with the Savanah River National Labs and also serves as an adjunct faculty at WVU in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and in the School of Medicine. He is the founder and director of the Multi-Spectral Imagery Lab, a Series Editor of the Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications, an Associate Editor of the Elsevier Pattern Recognition Journal and of the IET Electronics Letters Journal. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Document Security Alliance, the former VP on Education of the IEEE Biometrics Council, and a member of the Academic Research and Innovation Expert Group of the Biometrics Institute. He has published 4 books in the areas of biometrics and identity management and has many conference papers, book chapters and magazine articles.

• Profile Background Details: https://milab.uga.edu/thirimachos-bourlai/
• Lab Mission; Lab Overview and Expertise: https://milab.uga.edu/
• Lab Publications: https://milab.uga.edu/publications/
• Lab Awards and Recognition: https://milab.uga.edu/news/
  
  

Based in Atlanta, Mr. Harman leads the implementation of the WSP’s digital delivery offering by elevating existing services and developing innovative new approaches, including connected data environments and digital twins. 

Mr. Harman participates in the full life cycle of project delivery through all phases of planning, design, construction, and asset management. He works with experts in modelling, simulation, data management, systems interface, and artificial intelligence to provide enterprise-level strategy for clients, assisting them to realize the true benefits of their data and information. 

His background includes consulting and design of major civil infrastructure projects in the U.S. and UK, with significant expertise in corporate design technology and aviation projects. He brings a strong background in managing information and digital delivery on complex projects. 

He supports a range of design disciplines in the AEC market and is still active as a BIM/Information/Delivery Director on projects and deliveries where the client requirements or delivery environments are complex.

Jake Landreneau is the Director of Innovation + Technology at Juneau Construction Company. He is responsible for the vision and implementation of sustainability, business intelligence, technology management, and virtual design + construction services. As a member of the Juneau Leadership Team, he champions quality of life initiatives along with innovative thinking to help lead Juneau into future.

After graduating from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in construction management and a minor in historic preservation with a focus in BIM, Jake joined Juneau’s Project Management team. Jake’s unique background that originated in the field grants him a deep understanding of the roles and challenges faced by the field operations teams. This firsthand knowledge enables him to comprehend which technologies can effectively assist in the field, driving automation and minimizing time-consuming rework. Jake’s talents combine design and technology to create a strong and diversified leader in building construction and management.

Michael Ramos is the President at Raymond, a Minority-Owned and Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business that provides full A/E services. After joining Raymond in 2017, Mr. Ramos has worked to grow Raymond's engagement and presence in the public and private markets, which has included transitioning the firm from a building envelope consultancy to a full-fledged A/E firm. At Raymond, Mr. Ramos oversees multiple R&D projects deploying AI for process improvements throughout the firm, ranging from marketing to design to fieldwork.

Prior to Raymond, Mr. Ramos was a Director of Analysis at DeWolff, Boberg & Associates, focused on improving companies through strategic initiatives, and a Senior Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, where he provided technology and innovation services to the federal government.

Mr. Ramos holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from MIT and a M.S. in Chemistry from Tufts University.

EVENT FEES

EARLY BIRD Rate: $75/person BEFORE August 28th

REGULAR Rate: $85/person AFTER August 28th

WALK-IN/ONSITE Rate: $100/person 

Your event registration includes a validated parking fee in the Oceans Ballroom parking deck at the Georgia Aquarium.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

AEC industry associations that are participating: 

• ABC Georgia
• ACEC Georgia
• AGC Georgia
• SAME Atlanta Post
• SMPS Atlanta

Registration for sponsorships is now closed!

The annual MEGA Meeting is an exclusive A/E/C industry event and a wonderful opportunity to promote your firm or organization. The program brings together numerous professional associations and 200+ attendees within the design and built environment.

• $1000 PREMIER Sponsor (2 event tickets + Exhibit Booth + full page ad + 60 second infomercial)
• $750 GOLD Sponsor (2 event tickets + Exhibit Booth)
• $350 SILVER Sponsor (1 event ticket) 
  

Please contact Serena Fountain at 404.480.4470 or [email protected] for additional information, or download the 2023 MEGA Meeting Sponsorship Flyer under the "Documents" section below.

$1,000 PREMIER Sponsor Benefits:  {SOLD OUT}
Includes all GOLD benefits plus the following:
- Full page ad in the printed program  
- 60 second infomercial at the event

$750 GOLD Sponsor Benefits:   {20 slots available}
- Two (2) attendee registrations ($170 value)
- 6’ Exhibitor table display in Exhibit Hall
- Parking fee included with each registration
- One reserved seat at the VIP table at luncheon
- Recognition on program handouts and sponsor boards
- Logo promotion on email blasts
- Sponsor name badge
- Industry-wide exposure
- Verbal recognition at event

$350 SILVER Sponsor Benefits:   {Unlimited availability}
- One (1) attendee registration ($85 value)
- Parking fee included with registration
- Recognition on program handouts and sponsor boards
- Logo promotion on email blasts
- Sponsor name badge
- Industry-wide exposure
- Verbal recognition at event

EVENT SPONSORS

EVENT CHAMPIONS