IPI COLLABORATE 2026 Conference and Awards Ceremony

The International Partnering Institute (IPI) is hosting the 17th Annual Collaborate Conference and Awards Ceremony, a one-day event filled with opportunities to learn, share, and network, on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt at SFO.

Each year, practitioners and innovators come together to expand the conversation around partnering in construction. We invite you to join them. Whether you are a project leader, facilitator, contractor, owner, consultant, or researcher, your expertise can help shape the future of our industry.

Proposal Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026

Presentation Formats: Speaker, Panelist, or Moderator

Who Attends: Owners, Contractors, Designers, Construction Managers, Facilitators and more

Speaker Benefit: Complimentary conference registration

CONFERENCE THEMES

We welcome a wide range of session proposals. We are especially interested in interactive, experience-based, and practice-forward sessions that highlight collaboration in action. 

1. Collaborative Delivery & Project Integration

Focus: Using enhanced project structures, delivery methods, and co-location strategies to drive better outcomes.

Subcategories:

• Explore the benefits and best practices of co-location and in-person collaboration to strengthen relationships and outcomes
• Use Partnering to enhance alternative delivery methods, project planning, or progressive design-build
• Combine Partnering with other concrete risk management or team building strategies to improve outcomes
• Adapt the structured Partnering model to respond to emerging project challenges

2. Innovation, Tools & Technology in Collaboration

Focus: Using modern technologies and process innovation to amplify collaboration effectiveness.

Subcategories:

• Integrate LEAN tools and advanced technologies (Last Planner System, AI, Virtual Design & Construction, digital workflows, etc.) to enhance collaboration
• New tools or methods for outstanding project teams to resolve novel challenges through innovation and teamwork
• Share emerging strategic and technological partnerships to improve project delivery

3. People, Culture & Leadership

Focus: Human capital, leadership development, and cross-generational collaboration as key enablers of success.

Subcategories:

• Discuss methods to expand leadership, improve teamwork, or enhance project leader skillsets
• Using Collaboration to address intergenerational needs and strategies for talent acquisition and retention
• Foster collaborative cultures that support trust, engagement, and accountability

4. Expanding the Collaborative Ecosystem

Focus: Broadening the definition of collaboration beyond traditional team boundaries.

Subcategories:

• Broaden the spectrum of collaborators, engaging stakeholders, end-users, communities, or strategic partnerships
• Integrate community-driven insights into Partnering frameworks
• Encourage cross-sector collaboration for shared outcomes to add long-term value

• Breakout sessions are 45–60 minutes (30-45 minutes for the presentation and 15 minutes for audience Q&A).
• Proposals should be non-commercial. Limit promotional language, product/service pitch content, and logos. We welcome participation that aligns with our educational mission.
• Proposals with multiple perspectives are strongly encouraged (e.g., Owner + Contractor + Facilitator).
• Clearly describe:
• • The session topic and purpose
  • How it ties to one or more conference themes
  • Planned format and audience engagement strategies
  • Presenter experience and roles

Proposals that include an Owner as presenter/panelist, as well as demonstrate thoughtful content, originality, and meaningful audience interaction, will be given priority.

READY TO SUBMIT?

Complete the online proposal form by Monday, January 12, 2026. Please ensure all presenters are confirmed before submission.

All accepted speakers will receive complimentary conference registration.

SUBMIT MY PROPOSAL

QUESTIONS?

Contact IPI Headquarters at info@partneringinstitute.org.

Thank you for your willingness to contribute. Together, we can continue to advance Collaborative Partnering as the standard for successful project delivery.