2025 Blueprint to Bottom Line: a summit for strategic construction leaders

Highlights from the 2025 virtual event

At Baker Tilly’s 2025 Blueprint to Bottom Line: a summit for strategic construction leaders virtual event, industry specialists gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the construction industry, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), economic trends, labor market dynamics and strategic planning for the future.

Leveraging AI in construction

The event kicked off with a dialogue on the transformative impact of AI in the construction sector. AI is revolutionizing back-office operations by expediting manual, labor-intensive processes such as accounts payable. The technological revolution is enhancing project efficiency, decision-making accuracy, workforce safety, risk mitigation, cost savings, and interactions with both customers and employees. The consensus was clear: AI is not just a futuristic concept but a present-day reality driving significant improvements in construction operations.

Economic trends and inflation

The event covered timely economic trends, particularly inflation. Between December 2023 and December 2024, inflation was reported at 2.9%, with core inflation at 2.4%. These figures highlight the broader implications of inflation on American households, including changes in price levels since May 2020. The panelists emphasized the importance of understanding these economic indicators to navigate the financial challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.

Labor market dynamics

This section of the discussion addressed the labor market dynamics and the ongoing labor shortages, particularly the shortage of skilled labor, which remains a critical challenge for the construction industry. The panelists underscored the need for effective training and retention strategies to build a robust workforce.

Financial health of households

The financial health of American households was another key topic. Many households have depleted their pandemic savings and are increasingly relying on credit. This shift has led to higher delinquency rates in auto loans and credit card debt. The industry specialists also discussed the high office vacancy rates in certain parts of the country, driven by changes in work behavior such as remote work. These factors contribute to the challenges faced by the commercial real estate sector, including falling property values and increasing foreclosures.