If you’ve attended an SLC3 event—like our Owners Roundtable or a Networking Happy Hour—you already know how powerful in-person connections can be. These gatherings bring together professionals across the AEC industry to share ideas, exchange insights, and spark collaborations that move projects—and careers—forward.

In a world that’s increasingly digital, these face-to-face opportunities matter more than ever. Whether you’re new to the field or growing into a leadership role, events like these are where learning accelerates, relationships deepen, and visibility grows.

When approached with intention, every event becomes a stepping stone toward greater confidence, stronger networks, and meaningful career growth.

Before the Event: Preparation Is Power

The groundwork you lay before an event determines how much value you get from it. Start by researching who will be there—speakers, sponsors, companies, and key attendees. Understanding their work and priorities helps you engage in more meaningful conversations.

Next, set two or three clear goals. Are you hoping to meet potential mentors? Learn about a new project delivery method? Expand your network within a specific discipline? Having focus helps you make the most of your time.

Finally, make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and prepare a short, confident “elevator intro.” This doesn’t have to sound rehearsed—just a natural way to explain who you are, what you do, and what you’re excited about in your career.

During the Event: Engage with Intention

Once you arrive, shift your mindset from attending to engaging. Be curious. Ask thoughtful questions during panels or breakout sessions—these moments show genuine interest and make you memorable to speakers and peers alike.



Take notes on key insights that stand out. Not only does this help you retain information, but those notes can also turn into valuable post-event content or reflections later on.

When networking, remember that connection beats collection. It’s not about handing out as many business cards as possible—it’s about forming real relationships based on shared ideas, interests, and goals. Focus on listening, not just talking.

After the Event: Turn Conversations into Connections

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When most people think about networking, they imagine loud conference rooms, boisterous cocktail hours, and crowds of people competing to make the biggest impression. But here’s the truth: networking isn’t about being the loudest voice, it’s about building trust. 

Many successful leaders in the AEC industry identify as introverts, proving that thoughtful, authentic connections are far more valuable than volume or bravado.

Understand Your Strengths as an Introvert

Introverts bring unique qualities to the networking table. Deep listening, thoughtful questions, and meaningful one-on-one interactions are strengths that allow introverts to forge stronger, more lasting relationships over time. While extroverts might rely on wide-reaching charm, introverts excel at creating connections that truly matter—conversations that leave a lasting impression long after the event ends.

Prepare Ahead to Build Confidence

Preparation is key. Research attendees, speakers, or panelists ahead of time to identify people you genuinely want to connect with. Set small, achievable goals—for instance, aim to meet 2–3 new people or ask a specific question to a panelist you admire.

Having a few open-ended questions ready can make introductions feel natural rather than forced. Simple questions like “What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?” or “What trends are you seeing in the industry?” can spark meaningful discussions.

Navigate Events at Your Own Pace

It’s okay to step off the main stage and find smaller breakout sessions or roundtables. These settings often provide a more relaxed environment, allowing introverts to shine. Don’t hesitate to take short breaks to recharge—you’ll return refreshed and more confident in your interactions.

Remember: quality over quantity matters. A few deep, authentic conversations will have a far greater impact than collecting dozens of business cards.

Follow-Up: Your Secret Superpower

You know that moment when a project should be done, but it’s not really done? That’s the handover — the construction world’s version of “almost there.”



In commercial construction, turning a finished project over to the operations team can feel like the longest stretch of the whole job. It’s supposed to be a victory lap, but too often it’s a scramble to pull together documentation, fix punch list items, and explain systems no one’s had time to train on.

So, why is the handover phase such a headache — and what can we do better?

Where It Goes Sideways

By the time closeout hits, everyone’s running on fumes. Communication gets spotty, operations staff are brought in too late, and critical information — manuals, warranties, as-builts — arrives in a format no one can use. (Yes, those three-ring binders are still out there.)

On top of that, data from construction platforms doesn’t always integrate with the owner’s facility systems, so information gets lost in translation.

How to Fix It

1. Start Early. Don’t wait until the end to think about handover. Define deliverables and documentation at kickoff and make them part of the project milestones.
2. Bring Ops to the Table. The facility team should be involved from the start — they know what works and what’s maintainable long-term.
3. Go Digital. Cloud-based tools like Procore or BIM 360 keep everything in one place and make it easier to transfer data straight into facility management systems.
4. Train Early and Often. Schedule owner training sessions throughout construction, not just at the end when everyone’s rushing to finish.
5. Plan a Soft Landing. Give operations teams support for the first few months post-handover — a structured transition period can make all the difference.

Bottom Line

A well-managed handover isn’t just good manners — it’s good business. When the construction team and operations team work together from day one, the result is fewer headaches, smoother transitions, and happier clients.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re becoming must-haves if you’re going to stay relevant and efficient.

1. Predictive Maintenance & Data-Driven Asset Management

• FM is shifting from reactive maintenance (“Uh-oh thepump blew again”) to predictive maintenance (machines tell you when they’re about to blow, so you fix them on your schedule). Spacebring+2blog.facilitybot.co+2
• IoT sensors, analytics platforms, digital twins — they’re all becoming standard. Efficiency, fewer outages, lower cost. Velappity+1
• For your construction-trade members: this means their clients (building owners) will expect better data, tighter service, faster responses. That can drive up the demand for higher-skill tradespeople (who know how to interface with “smart stuff”).

2. Smart Buildings & IoT / Automation Integration

• Buildings are becoming ecosystems: HVAC, lighting, security, cleaning, and even space-utilization all connected. Velappity+1
• Automation means less “someone walking around checking everything” and more “system tells someone what needs checking.” Spacebring+1
• For trades: Expect more retrofits, integrations, and systems with digital/physical overlap. If someone in your member trades says “I just do HVAC,” they might soon need to know something about building analytics or IoT controllers.

3. Sustainability, ESG, and Energy Efficiency as Core FM Drivers

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It’s officially that time of year — when one person sneezes in the office and suddenly everyone’s drinking tea and pretending it’s “just allergies.”



Between fall pollen, temperature swings, and the germs that seem to multiply faster than RFIs on a Friday afternoon, it’s no wonder this season hits hard. A little proactive care can go a long way toward keeping everyone healthy and jobs running smoothly.

Here are a few reminders that might sound basic — but they work:

1. Check your air: If you haven’t changed the filters in your office or trailer since the summer rush, now’s the time. Dust, pollen, and mold are thriving right now. Cleaner air = fewer sniffles.
2. Hydrate and fuel up: Cooler weather tricks people into skipping water. Big mistake. Dehydration makes you feel sluggish and more likely to get sick. Also — real meals, not just coffee and convenience store snacks.
3. Get the flu shot: And yes, maybe that COVID booster, too. Pharmacies make it easy. The few minutes it takes can save your team from days of downtime later.
4. Keep the germs at bay: Wipe down shared spaces, especially trucks and tools. Keep sanitizer handy. And if someone’s under the weather — seriously — let them stay home. It’s not a badge of honor to tough it out and infect the crew.
5. Don’t forget allergies: Ragweed and mold are still hanging around. For anyone working outside, a mask can help cut down exposure (and sneezing fits that scare the new guy).
6. Rest and reset: Fall is busy for everyone. But burning out your immune system helps no one. A decent night’s sleep, real downtime, and some sunlight during the day make a difference.

Let’s keep everyone healthy, productive, and a little less congested this season.