August 20, 2026

Competition is built into the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Firms compete for projects, clients, talent, and opportunities to demonstrate their expertise.

Yet no company delivers a complex project alone.

Through Lean Construction Institute Communities of Practice (CoPs), professionals who may compete for work have a place to meet outside the pressures of an active project. They can build relationships, discuss shared industry challenges, and find common ground around a goal that benefits everyone: improving how projects are delivered.

The strongest part of Buttcon’s Lean transformation isn’t a single tool or project. It’s the willingness to keep learning, testing, and expanding what works across the organization.

That kind of progress takes time. It also takes leaders who are willing to challenge old habits, teams who are open to working differently, and people who understand that continuous improvement is never really “finished.”

Visit the LCI LinkedIn page for 5 key insights from Buttcon’s Lean transformation!

In this livestream, “Exhibitors & Sponsors Build a Competitive Advantage,” we’re discussing how the LCI Congress Exhibit Hall creates unparalleled opportunities for visibility, connection, learning, and engagement.

HEAR FROM:

• Adam Hoots of Construction ACHE Solutions
• Matt Bleakley of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
• Ilene Goldberg, Manager, Sponsor & Exhibitor Relations, Lean Construction
• Institute, Joan Piccariello, PMP, Director, Program Development, Lean Construction Institute

From hands-on demos and real conversations to sponsor recognition and long-term relationship building, this conversation explores why companies continue to invest in LCI Congress and how exhibitors and sponsors can support the Lean community.

📍 LCI Congress 2026 | October 12–16 | Atlanta, GA

The voices shaping the future of Lean design and construction are coming together in Atlanta!
The 28th Annual LCI Congress will feature industry leaders, experienced practitioners, and project teams sharing the ideas, lessons, and real-world strategies advancing Lean across the built environment.

From keynote speakers Will Guidara and Rich Diviney to dozens of breakout presenters, this year’s speakers will explore topics including:

How can AI make Lean teams better, not just faster?

At the 28th Annual LCI Congress, Bernita Beikmann and Anthony Montalto of HKS will explore how AI and computational design can help teams identify constraints earlier, improve decision-making, support fabrication and assembly, and protect flow—while strengthening the human collaboration at the heart of Lean.

Hear directly from Bernita and Anthony about what they’ll bring to the Congress stage.

Want to go deeper? Read our Q&A for more on their perspectives, real-world applications, and the practical takeaways attendees can expect.

Traditional project contracts often create separate incentives, separate risks, and separate priorities. IPD is designed to change that.

Join John Zachara from the Lean Construction Institute on August 20 for a practical look at how IPD contracts align owners, designers, contractors, and trade partners through multiparty agreements and shared risk/reward.

You’ll also explore the Validation phase and how early alignment and constructability analysis can provide greater cost reliability and project certainty before an owner makes the final Go/No-Go decision.

August 20, 2026
Demystifying the IPD Contract

August 27, 2026
Minimum Functional Standards for Predictable Planning