Dodge Data & Analytics to Debut 2017 Construction Economic Forecast at 78th Annual Outlook Executive Conference

NEW YORK (October 13, 2016) – Dodge Data & Analytics will hold its 78^th annual Dodge Construction Outlook Executive Conference, October 19-20, 2016, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. To register, please visit 2017 Dodge Outlook.

The Dodge Outlook is a mainstay industry event for building product manufacturing, design and architectural, contracting, engineering and industry association firms looking to hear influential speakers, network with peers and gain insights into the industry’s prospects for the coming year. The forecast also offers important data for members of the media covering economic and sector-based trends.

“The United States construction industry has witnessed signs of deceleration in 2016, following several years of steady growth,” said Dodge Chief Economist Robert Murray. “Total construction starts during the first half of this year lagged behind what was reported in 2015, raising some concern that the current construction expansion may have run its course. Yet, while the U.S. economy continues to struggle, the construction industry should still benefit from several positive factors, including generally healthy market fundamentals for commercial buildings and increased support for publicly financed projects like school construction and infrastructure. How these factors play out will determine how long the current construction expansion is able to continue.”

The theme of this year’s conference is disruptive innovation. Speakers and panelists will examine how industry players can employ fresh thinking and new technologies to reshape design and construction workflows, and gain an edge in an evolving economy. For the first time, Outlook 2017 will also include a construction outlook for Canada.

Outlook 2017 will open with a networking reception October 19 from 6–7:30 p.m., with presentations the following day from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Former portfolio manager and housing finance expert Steve Eisman, whose role in predicting the financial crisis of 2007 was portrayed by Steve Carell in the movie “The Big Short,” will be delivering the luncheon keynote address.

Other featured speakers include M. Cristian deRitis, Analytics Senior Director, Moody’s, and Stacy Scopano, Senior Industry Strategy Manager for Construction, Autodesk. Scopano will also moderate a panel, “Disruption as a Positive Force in Workflow,” featuring Troy Thompson, Managing Partner, SmithGroupJJR; Mike Ford, Management Committee Member, DPR Construction; Shawn O’Sullivan, Director of AEC Solutions, Owens Corning; Gene Toombs IV, Group President, MiTek Industries; and Denis Darragh, Vice President North America, Forbo Flooring NA.

Dodge Senior Economist Richard Branch will present the Canada Outlook, and the conference will culminate with Robert Murray’s 2017 Construction Outlook.

For more information, visit Dodge Data & Analytics.