The first quarter of 2026 was defined by significant events across multiple fronts – from the appointment of a new AIC president to our involvement in the 2026 ACCE Midyear Conference in Las Colinas, Texas.

Our attendance at the ACCE conference brought together everything our organization is working toward: stronger university partnerships, deeper industry alignment, and a clearer path forward for the next generation of constructors.

At the same time, we built momentum throughout the quarter in member engagement, student programs, and professional certification activity, reinforcing our role in advancing the profession.

Leadership Transition: Building on a Strong Foundation

The first quarter of the year marked an important leadership transition for AIC.

Gregg Bradshaw, FAIC, CPC, stepped down as AIC President following more than two years of impactful leadership. During his tenure, Gregg helped guide the organization through a period of significant change and growth:

• Led AIC through a pivotal organizational restructuring
• Navigated the challenges of the post-COVID-19 environment
• Reinforced the value and relevance of industry certification
• Expanded and strengthened certification integration at universities
• Built lasting connections across the construction industry

With Gregg transitioning into the role of Immediate Past President, we welcomed a new president to start the year. Hugh Cronin, FAIC, CPC, stepped into the new role, bridging a strong focus on long-term strategy and organizational growth.

One of Hugh’s first official acts as new president was to award former AIC president Geno Hogan, FAIC, CPC, with his past-president’s plaque. What a treat for three individuals who have held the top leadership position in AIC to gather together and formally signal an exciting new era for our organization.

AIC at ACCE Midyear Conference: Strengthening Our Connections

Our presence at the ACCE Midyear Conference on February 26th was a key driver of progress this quarter.

Engagement with university partners revealed a clear trend: programs that have integrated AIC exams into their Construction Management degree programs are seeing smoother processes, stronger communication, and more consistent outcomes. That level of alignment is critical as institutions look for reliable ways to validate student readiness.

Equally important, AIC connected with new universities exploring adoption, continuing to expand a growing network of partners.

With institutions like Louisiana State University (LSU) serving as a sponsor of our gathering, AIC’s presence reflected not just participation in the ACCE gathering but also leadership in construction education.

Expanding Influence Through Committees and Industry Dialogue

Beyond meetings and conversations, AIC was actively involved in shaping the main event of the ACCE conference.

As a sponsor of the Construction Industry Forum (CIF), our involvement positioned AIC at the center of discussions that connected educators with industry professionals.

The CIF stood out as one of the most important touchpoints of the conference. During this standing-room-only gathering, we had the opportunity to participate in the following ways:

• Facilitated dialogue between industry leaders and educators to align workforce expectations with academic outcomes
• Engaged directly with faculty to better understand how real-world challenges are shaping curriculum development
• Strengthened relationships that support the integration of AIC programs into university environments

Technological Trends Shaping the Future of Construction

One of the clearest takeaways from the CIF event was the growing role of technology in shaping how construction projects are executed.

AI and robotics are no longer viewed as emerging concepts; they are being actively integrated to support workflows, improve accuracy, and increase efficiency across the job site.

A standout moment from the conference was the appearance of Dusty, a robotic system that prints blueprints directly onto the jobsite floor.

Instead of relying on drawings from a tablet or paper set, this technology translates plans into precise, real-world layouts, demonstrating how innovation is improving both speed and accuracy in the field. The latest technology is amazing!

Momentum Beyond ACCE: Strengthening the AIC Community

While ACCE was a defining moment for our organization during the quarter, we saw growth in several other areas.

1. Expanded Member Engagement

On March 7th, AIC hosted its first Item Writing Workshop of 2026, bringing together certified professionals to contribute directly to the development of AIC exam content.

This workshop created opportunities for members to:

• Collaborate with peers across the industry
• Share insights and professional experience
• Help maintain the rigor and relevance of AIC certifications

It is a direct reflection of how AIC engages members to strengthen our certification process and to continue leading the way in professional certification.

2. Developed Future Constructors Through Ethics

The 2026 Collegiate Ethics Competition launched on March 6th, continuing AIC’s focus on ethical decision-making in construction. We appreciate the following higher-education institutions for participating this year:

• University of North Florida (UNF) – the 2025 champion
• Roger Williams University
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

Written responses to this year’s ethical prompt were submitted in March. The competition will extend into the second quarter, with oral presentations on April 10th and our annual Awards presentation on April 14th.

The competition remains a critical bridge between academic learning and real-world responsibility, preparing students for entry into the professional world.

3. Supported Spring Certification Exams

Interest in AIC certifications continued to grow during the quarter. Nearly 1,000 candidates registered to take the CPC Level I or CPC Level II exam during the Spring 2026 exam window.

This level of engagement reflects increasing demand for:

• Recognized validation of skills and education
• Professional credibility to stand out
• A clear standard within the construction industry

We look forward to sharing the results from our latest professional certification opportunity!

Looking Ahead to Second Quarter 2026

The progress made in the first quarter created a strong foundation for the rest of the year.

As we move into the second quarter, AIC will continue to build on this momentum by completing the Collegiate Ethics Competition, reviewing the results of our Spring certification exams, and expanding our university and industry partnerships.

At the same time, our leadership transition positions us to take a more strategic approach to long-term growth, ensuring that our programs, certifications, and member engagement efforts remain aligned with the changing needs of professionals in the construction industry.

The direction is clear: AIC will continue to strengthen the connection between education and industry while advancing the standards that define professionalism in construction. We look forward to sharing the latest developments next quarter!

– Interested in getting involved with AIC? Lend your voice. Contact [email protected] to learn about opportunities to participate.