Why 2026 Is a Defining Year for Construction HR
Construction demand isn't slowing, but workforce pressure isn't easing either.
The industry still needs roughly 500,000 additional workers annually to meet demand, while the majority of contractors continue to report difficulty filling skilled craft positions. At the same time, experienced workers are retiring, project delivery expectations are rising, and HR teams are being asked to do far more than hire.
The organizations pulling ahead are responding differently.
They're building leadership capability faster. Improving workforce visibility. Creating stronger retention strategies. Using skills data to accelerate development. And applying AI to workforce planning before shortages become project delays.
At the 10th Anniversary LEAP HR: Construction, discover exactly how they're doing it.
Meet the New Organizations Joining Us in 2026
For ten years, LEAP HR: Construction has brought together the leaders shaping the future of construction workforces.
This year, the community continues to grow.
Join new teams and fresh voices including:
Why Attend in 2026?
Build Future Leaders Before You Need Them
Hear how leading contractors are accelerating workforce readiness, strengthening succession pipelines, and developing leadership capability before growth outpaces their bench strength.
Turn Workforce Data Into Better Decisions
Discover how construction HR teams are using workforce intelligence, skills frameworks, AI and digital transformation to improve planning, productivity and organizational effectiveness.
Strengthen Manager Capability
Learn how organizations are improving retention, reducing risk, increasing engagement and creating stronger project teams through better frontline leadership.
Create Career Growth Employees Can Actually See
See how skills, performance, development and succession are being connected into a clearer employee experience that improves retention and internal mobility.
Rethink How Construction Finds Talent
Explore how organizations are challenging traditional hiring models and building stronger workforce pipelines for the future.
The Results Being Shared This Year
35%
Faster Skilled Trade Hiring
~20%
Improved Retention
~50%
Reduction in Employment Claim Costs
99.9%
Participation in Performance Management
86%
Retention Across Workforce Development Programme Graduates
56,000+
Students Engaged Through Workforce Development Initiatives
15,000+
Students Engaged Annually Through ACE Mentor Programmes
Every strategy shared has been tested inside a construction business.
Every case study is linked to measurable business impact that you can bring back to your organization.
Sessions You Won't Want to Miss
Construction Can't Wait 10 Years for Its Next Leaders
How Juneau Is Accelerating Workforce Readiness Through Immersive Learning
Leadership Doesn't Scale by Accident
How Hoffman Construction Built a Repeatable Manager Development Model
Talent Management Shouldn't Feel Like Separate Programs
How PCL Construction Connected the Employee Experience Through Skills
Most Employment Claims Start as Leadership Problems
How Swinerton Cut Claim Costs by Nearly 50%
Compensation Alone Won't Keep People
How Garney Construction Is Using Total Rewards to Improve Retention by 20%
Talent Hoarding Is Failing Construction
How Bodell Construction Built a 35% Faster Hiring Model Through Competitor Collaboration
Reactive Workforce Planning Is Costing Construction Talent
How Barton Malow Is Using AI to Forecast Workforce Needs Earlier
Bring Your Team
The organizations getting the most from LEAP HR: Construction rarely treat it as a one-person trip.
Already this year, around 1 in 4 organizations represented are bringing more than one leader, reflecting how connected today’s workforce challenges have become across HR, talent, learning, workforce planning and operations.
Bring your team to hear the same case studies, benchmark against the same peers, and leave aligned on the workforce actions that will actually move your business forward.
Group discounts are available for teams of 3 or more. Learn more here.
Explore the Agenda
See how construction HR leaders are tackling workforce and skill gaps, leadership development, retention, and pipeline build across the industry.
Partner With Us
Position your brand at the center of the must attend HR‑specific construction forum, engaging senior decision‑makers shaping workforce strategy.
Join Construction HR Leaders
Be part of the conversations shaping how the industry builds, deploys, and sustains critical construction talent and connect with peers solving the same workforce challenges.