30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 10 navigate the multifaceted challenges of the sector. Embracing the Future: CMAA’s Forward-Thinking Initiatives As the construction landscape rapidly evolves, the CMAA remains at the forefront, offering its members a blend of traditional events and innovative solutions tailored to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Rutledge shares, “We brought back our inperson conferences in the fall of 2021. At the end of October, we will open CMAA2023 at the Gaylord National Harbor outside Washington, D.C. This fall event focuses on education and engagement and includes an expo. We expect 980 to 1000 attendees.” Such events underscore the association’s commitment to fostering community and knowledge-sharing among its members. But beyond events, the CMAA is deeply invested in several key projects. “We’re always looking at the workforce,” Rutledge states. “We’re discussing how to continuously recruit and retain talent, especially understanding the generational differences in the workforce and their expectations.” The association is also diving deep into diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, providing members with resources to introduce and sustain organizational initiatives. Rutledge adds, “Safety has expanded to include health and wellness, mental health, and public health. We’re also exploring the balance between online virtual learning and in-person sessions.” Emerging trends are also on the CMAA’s radar. “There’s a growing need to design and build for resilience,” Rutledge notes. “We’re identifying subject matter experts in this area. There’s also curiosity around modular construction and how it can be used for large projects.” Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in construction processes is another area of interest. Rutledge observes, “AI is already present in the industry, especially with the adoption of building information modeling. The question is, what’s next? While it may replace some tasks, it won’t replace the need for human judgment and interaction.” As the conversation draws to a close, Rutledge provides a glimpse into the association’s roadmap for the near future. “As we transition into 2024, our commitment to professional development remains unwavering,” she emphasizes. The association’s multi-year plan on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is set to continue, reflecting its dedication to promoting an inclusive environment for all its members. Rutledge also hints at an expansion in the association’s advocacy efforts. “We’ve initiated a modest advocacy program this year, centered on grassroots and indirect activities. This initiative is poised for growth in the coming years,” she reveals. As CMAA looks ahead, it is evident that the association is geared to uphold its current endeavors and explore new avenues to further support and empower its members in the dynamic world of construction management.
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