ElevateAEC celebrates high-performance AEC firms moving fast and intentionally in a changing industry.
Is that – is that Kenny Loggins playing faintly somewhere in the distance? Is that Tom Cruise? No, it’s just Zweig Group and the many leaders of the high performing AEC firms of 2025 traveling at Mach 5 toward San Antonio for the annual M&A Next and ElevateAEC events.
The main event, ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala, will be this September 9-11 at the Grand Hyatt River Walk in San Antonio. Speed is the theme this year – more specifically, the Speed of Business. Pack your aviator sunglasses, dust off that old leather jacket with the patches, and turn on the after burners. We can’t promise a flyover for the conference (yet), but we can promise there will be plenty of AEC firms flying high.
The Speed of Business is all about capturing that feeling of acceleration and momentum. These are the forces at the center of our ever-changing industry. They are created and driven by things like rapidly growing firms and Rising Stars. We want to celebrate and capture the momentum of the people and firms who are setting the pace for the AEC industry. We’re still working on callsigns, but I’ve got the feeling you’re picking up what we’re putting down.
Speed isn’t just a luxury in the AEC industry. It’s critical for business performance now and in the future. Projects are moving faster and faster. Firms are growing at unprecedented rates. New technologies like AI are developing rapidly. The Speed of Business isn’t just a catchy theme (or a reason for me to knock out a few of my pent-up Top Gun jokes). Speed is the reality for the AEC industry. From navigating mergers and acquisitions, to adopting new AI tools, and finding ways to lead a hybrid workforce – today’s leaders operate in a climate where standing still means falling behind.
This year’s conference is about turning urgency into action. The schedule is packed with sessions designed around high-performance thinking in areas like strategy, leadership, and growth. There will be dynamic and thought-provoking keynotes and workshops that will help you dive deeper into getting your firm up to maximum speed. And, of course, my favorite event every year: Zweig Group’s signature black tie awards gala. After all, what’s speed without a little sparkle?
ElevateAEC 2025 is where ideas take flight. Our panel of speakers includes industry mavericks who’ve turned turbulence into momentum. You’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with firm leaders who are navigating the same high speed turns you are. You’ll be able to do things like sharpen leadership skills or fine-tune your growth strategy. This year’s conference is built for AEC firms of every size and shape. It’s meant to help firms develop those practical skills, and, maybe, a bit of swagger, too. While we’ll talk a lot about speed and business performance, the pillars of the event – to recharge, connect, learn, and celebrate – will allow time to focus on you and your firm, leaving you refreshed, inspired, and energized for the future of your firm. The phrase “slow down to speed up” will set the tone as we kick off the event.
No matter the size of your firm, your location, or your specialization, the 2025 ElevateAEC Conference is the place to be. All we ask is that you bring a need for speed. This year in San Antonio you’ll be flying high with an amazing squadron. This conference brings together some of the best and boldest minds from the AEC industry with the means to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. It’s more than a networking opportunity; it’s a launch pad for your firm’s future. The Speed of Business is about more than moving fast. It’s also about moving intentionally. The 2025 ElevateAEC Conference will provide the jet fuel to take your firm toward its goals.
ElevateAEC is more than a conference. It’s where the AEC industry comes to shift gears, plot new courses, and get fired up about the future. Don’t miss out on the 2025 ElevateAEC Conference. If you can add a day to the front end of the event, you can dive deep into M&A with the pre-conference symposium, M&A Next. Both events are certain to provide high ROI on your week. So, get ready, this is your chance to be part of something fast, focused, and unforgettable.
Chad Clinehens is president and CEO of Zweig Group. Contact him at cclinehens@zweiggroup.com.
