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As IT and OT systems converge and connected devices become more widespread, contractors face growing cybersecurity risks, even in traditional electrical installations like smart load centers. This panel will explore the evolving cybersecurity demands in connected buildings and discuss how the industry is preparing the workforce to meet these new challenges.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful ally in reducing risk across contracts and construction projects. This session will discuss how leading builders are leveraging AI to enhance project execution from the back office to final handoff. How to select the right tools and technologies to ensure teams meet contract requirements; create AI-driven playbooks that clarify objectives, break down silos, and enhance collaboration within complex project constraints; and tap into collective data and intelligence to identify risks early, improve efficiency, and deliver more predictable outcomes will be discussed.
For over a century, the Council on Industrial Relations has helped resolve thousands of disputes in the NECA-IBEW labor relations space. Despite its transparency, publicly available procedures and sessions open to the public, misunderstandings about CIR still persist. This session will offer a clear, entry-level overview of how CIR works, dispel common myths, and provide an opportunity to ask questions about its practices and procedures. Please note: in accordance with CIR policy, individual cases will not be discussed.
Moderated by Ian Andrews.
Matthew Apfel is a Senior Technician in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #357. He has spent the last two decades of his educational and professional life in the Information and Technologies Sector of the Electrical Industry. From his first job assignment in Vocational school in 2000 to his current position, he has worked hard at advancing his career and those around him. This mindset of outreach and assisting his fellow students helped him through his early career as a VICA and Skills USA Student ambassador. Matthew has been honored to hold a variety of roles in the Electrical community. These roles included the privilege of acting in Project/Construction Management, System Design, Construction, System Installation, and Operations. Early in his career, Matthew set goals with professional training organizations such as BICSI and The Fiber Optics Organization. In 2015, Matthew reached these goals, becoming a BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer and FOA Certified Fiber Optics Instructor. These professional relationships with BICSI and FOA have assisted him in being part of many amazing projects in the electrical industry. As an Assistant Training Director of the Electrical JATC, Matthew is now highly focused on expanding training and educational opportunities to his community, IBEW Brothers/ Sisters and Apprentices, in his world-class electrical training facility.
Jim is currently the Director of Installer-Technician and Residential. He oversees curriculum development for Telecommunications, Fiber Optic, Data Networks, Fire Alarm Systems, Security and Access Control Systems, Video Surveillance Systems, Residential Technologies, and online curriculum development.
Patrick Gorham has been in the electrical industry for 30 years and is currently the Transportation Area Superintendent for Rosendin Electric. He has worked in the Educational, Health Care, Entertainment, Sporting Venue, Aerospace, Transportation and Renewable Sectors. He is also a Part-Time Instructor for the Electrical Training Institute. At REI Patrick specializes in organizing and training Field Personnel to meet the project goals and their personal objectives. In his Instructional role with ETI, he specializes in writing curriculum for new classes and training instructors on emerging technology subject matter. In both roles, he believes strongly in helping others achieve their workplace and personal goals through mentorship and hands-on learning.
Ryan and the RIVET Work team are on a mission to revolutionize labor operations for electrical and self perform contractors. Ryan is an electrical engineer who’s grown businesses in lighting controls, an entrepreneur and a proud Detroiter. He’s passionate about leveraging technology to champion the skilled trades, accelerate digital transformation and make construction an industry of choice for a new generation entering the workforce.
Mike has 11 years at Milwaukee Tool with the last 4+ years leading a team of project managers responsible for running the largest, most complex, cross-functional projects for Milwaukee Tool. Our portfolio of transformation projects includes new IT systems, new facility introductions, and strategic development initiatives among others.
Matt has been in the construction industry in one capacity or another for the last 25+ years. Currently he is the Chief Information Officer at Rosendin and is focused on bringing new technology to the business and the construction industry as a whole. With his experience working for both a General Contractor and a Specialty Contractor he has been able to help mesh construction processes with new technology so that they are usable and functional for all.
Henry Winkler has had more than 50 years of success in Hollywood and continues to be in demand as an actor, producer, and director. He co-starred as acting teacher Gene Cousineau on the hit HBO dark comedy, Barry, for which he won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2018. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, he was cast in 1973 in the iconic role of Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” in the TV series Happy Days. In recent years, Winkler appeared in a number of series, including Arrested Development, Royal Pains, New Girl, and Parks and Recreation. He is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous children’s books, including Alien Superstar, A Trilogy and Hank Zipzer the World’s Greatest Under-Achiever, a 28-book series inspired by Winkler’s own struggle with learning challenges.