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Today marks a pivotal opportunity for construction and engineering students across Georgia and the Southeast. The Construction Owners Summit (CO Summit) Atlanta '25 is taking place from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM at Kennesaw State University's KSU Center, offering students an unprecedented gateway into the rapidly evolving construction industry. Organized by Constructionowners.com and Lumber, this signature event represents one of four major gatherings happening across the United States in 2025, combining industry exposition with cutting-edge educational programming.
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The CO Summit isn't just another career fair—it's a comprehensive immersion into the future of construction. For students, this event represents a unique convergence of three critical elements shaping the industry: mental health awareness, artificial intelligence integration, and dynamic career opportunities. Unlike traditional career events that focus solely on job placement, today's summit addresses the holistic development of construction professionals, preparing students not just for their first job, but for thriving careers in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
The event is completely free for students, with breakfast and lunch provided, removing financial barriers that often prevent student participation in professional development opportunities.
This accessibility reflects the organizers' commitment to nurturing the next generation of construction leaders and ensuring that all students, regardless of economic background, can access industry insights and networking opportunities.
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To make the most of today's summit, students should come prepared with both physical materials and the right mindset.
You can download Co-Summit Connect App in Playstore or App Store to upload your resume in advance and apply at the career zone.
Bring a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects, internship work, or academic achievements. This could include CAD drawings, project photos, research papers, or design competitions you've participated in.
Professional business cards are invaluable, even as a student. Create simple cards with your name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, and university affiliation. If you don't have business cards, ensure your LinkedIn profile is polished and easily searchable, as many connections will be made digitally.
Dress professionally—business casual at minimum, with business formal being preferable for making strong first impressions. Comfortable shoes are essential as you'll be walking and standing throughout the expo and moving between breakout sessions.
Bring a notebook or tablet for taking notes during sessions, and ensure your phone is fully charged for networking and note-taking. Most importantly, bring an open mind and genuine curiosity about the industry's evolution.
The day begins at 10:00 AM with the Job Fair & Expo, which continues throughout the event. This isn't just a brief networking session—it's an ongoing opportunity to engage with construction companies actively seeking talent. Students should arrive early to make the most of this component, as company representatives will be freshest and have more time for meaningful conversations in the morning hours.
The Opening Remarks at 11:00 AM in the Fountain/Room KC400 will set the tone for the day, providing context for the industry's current challenges and opportunities.
Following lunch, the keynote presentation "Transforming Construction Through AI-Driven Talent Strategy" by Barrett Clark (KP Reddy) at 12:45 PM will be particularly valuable for students wanting to understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping hiring practices and skill requirements in construction.
The afternoon breakout sessions offer students the opportunity to dive deep into specific areas of interest. The 1:30 PM time slot presents three compelling options. Students interested in technology and digital tools should attend "AI and Digital Solutions for Next-Gen Talent in Construction" with Lou Perez from Lumber in Room KC300. This session will provide practical insights into the digital skills that are becoming essential in modern construction careers.
Those curious about the evolving role of human workers in an AI-integrated industry should consider "The Last Human Job – When AI can't" with Jad Chalhoub from Rosendin in Room KC400. This session will help students understand where human skills remain irreplaceable and how to position themselves in the job market.
For students interested in the broader technology landscape, "Exploring ConTech: How to Drive Value Through Technology" with Siddhant Mehta from Skanska in Room 460 offers insights into construction technology trends and implementation strategies.
The 2:30 PM breakout session "From Classroom to Career: Thriving in the Future of Construction" in Room 460 is specifically designed for students. This panel features Manideep Tummalapudi from Fresno State, Dylan John from Rycon Construction, Siddhant Mehta from Skanska, and Sam Holt from Aptitude. This session will address the transition from academic learning to professional practice, providing practical advice on how to leverage your education in real-world construction scenarios.
At 4:00 PM, students should prioritize "Mastering Construction Job Interviews" with Manideep Tummalapudi in Room 460. This session will provide tactical advice on how to present yourself effectively to construction employers, understand industry-specific interview questions, and demonstrate your value proposition as a new graduate.
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Effective networking at today's summit goes beyond collecting business cards. Students should prepare a brief elevator pitch—a 30-second introduction that includes your name, university, program of study, career interests, and one unique skill or experience that sets you apart. Practice this introduction beforehand so it feels natural during conversations.
When engaging with industry professionals, ask thoughtful questions about their career paths, current industry challenges, and advice for new professionals. Show genuine interest in their work and company. Don't immediately ask for a job—focus on building relationships and understanding the industry landscape.
Take notes after each meaningful conversation, including the person's name, company, discussion topics, and any follow-up actions. This information will be crucial for post-event communication.
Today's summit emphasizes three key themes that will define your construction career: mental health, artificial intelligence, and evolving career opportunities. Understanding these themes positions you as a forward-thinking professional who grasps the industry's direction.
The focus on mental health reflects the construction industry's growing recognition that worker wellbeing directly impacts productivity, safety, and retention. As a future construction professional, understanding mental health resources and advocacy demonstrates your commitment to creating positive work environments.
The artificial intelligence theme isn't about job displacement—it's about enhancement and efficiency. Students who embrace AI tools and understand their applications in construction will have significant competitive advantages in the job market.
Your work doesn't end when the summit concludes at 5:30 PM. Within 24 hours, send personalized LinkedIn connection requests or emails to everyone you met, referencing specific conversation points. This immediate follow-up demonstrates professionalism and helps solidify the connections you've made.
Research the companies that impressed you most and look for internship or entry-level opportunities. Many companies use events like this to identify potential hires, and they may have openings that aren't widely advertised.
Update your resume based on insights gained about industry skill requirements and company cultures. The knowledge you gain today should inform how you present your qualifications moving forward.
Today's summit represents more than a single networking opportunity—it's your introduction to a professional community that will support your career growth. The construction industry is relationship-driven, and the connections you make today could influence your career trajectory for years to come.
The industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and technological advancement, creating opportunities for students who understand both traditional construction principles and emerging technologies. Your generation of construction professionals will lead the industry's continued evolution, making events like today's summit crucial for understanding your role in that transformation.
As you navigate today's summit, remember that you're not just seeking a job—you're positioning yourself for a dynamic career in an industry that builds the infrastructure supporting society. The knowledge you gain, connections you make, and insights you develop today will serve as the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in construction.
The Construction Owners Summit Atlanta represents a convergence of opportunity, education, and community that happens rarely in any industry. Make the most of every moment, every conversation, and every learning opportunity. Your future construction career begins today.
Register now for Co-Summit Atlanta at KSU and discover why today's event could be the most important step in your construction career journey.
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