#United States #Washington, D.C. #National Institute of Building Sciences #Elevate 2025 #International Code Council

Elevate 2025: Addressing the Workforce Crisis in the Built Environment

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), in conjunction with the International Code Council and the National Building Museum, is set to host a significant event aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by the workforce in the building sector. This high-impact summit, titled Elevate 2025, will take place on September 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

The Urgent Need for a Workforce Solution

In recent years, the built environment has experienced escalating labor shortages that have transcended from mere issues to what is now acknowledged as a national security concern. George K. Guszcza, the President and CEO of NIBS, emphasized the critical nature of the workforce shortage during an interview, stating, “The workforce shortage across the built environment has evolved from a past problem into today's major crisis and will become a disaster in its own right if left unaddressed.” This summit strives to confront this crisis head-on by fostering collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and public-sector influencers.

A Star-Studded Line-Up

Elevate 2025 promises to showcase distinguished speakers from various sectors, including:

• - Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor
• - Anna Palmer, CEO and Founder of Punchbowl News
• - Aileen Fuchs, the President and Executive Director of the National Building Museum
• - John Belcik, CEO of the International Code Council
• - Major General Kim Colloton, Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers
• - Irish Horsey, Director of Industry Advancement at Procore Technologies, Inc.
• - Kelly Marchese, Infrastructure Leader at Deloitte
• - Elizabeth O'Brien, Senior VP at the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes

Key Sessions and Topics

The summit will feature engaging sessions specifically designed to delve into critical labor issues and emerging solutions. Notable discussions will include:

• - Punchbowl News Fireside Chat featuring Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer
• - Unlocking the Veteran Workforce Pipeline, aimed at integrating veterans into the civilian workforce
• - By the Data Decoding America’s Labor Market Shortage, which will explore analytical approaches to understanding workforce gaps
• - The Role of AI in Workforce Development, a look at how technology can enhance labor recruitment and training.

These session topics are designed to spark dialogues on how labor trends, workforce readiness, and recruitment pathways can collectively reshape the future of the built environment. In a time marked by fast-paced technological advancements, these discussions will also assess emerging technologies that can augment labor efficiency and productivity.

Importance of Collaboration

NIBS's mission extends beyond merely addressing labor shortages. By facilitating collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, they aspire to develop scalable solutions that not only tackle the immediate workforce crisis but also innovate on resilience, sustainability, and technology within the built environment. This vital collaboration is aimed at ensuring a future-ready infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of modern society.

Registration Details

Elevate 2025 is open for registration, with full event details available here. Media representatives can join free of charge by reaching out to Cheryl Foley for additional information.

In summary, Elevate 2025 is not just a summit; it’s a collective call to action to initiate meaningful dialogues, forge essential partnerships, and ultimately chart a new course for workforce resilience in the built environment. With the stakes as high as they are, the time for action is now.