The Conversations Driving the Future of Capital Programs 

A Forum for the Future of Project Delivery

From March 8–10, 2026, construction and program management leaders gathered in Las Vegas, NV for CMAA Focus26, designed to bring experienced professionals together to examine the future of project delivery, leadership, and technology across the built environment. 


Hosted by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the event provides a curated learning environment for senior professionals responsible for delivering complex capital programs. The association represents a global community of more than 28,000 construction management professionals, including over 6,700 Certified Construction Managers (CCMs) who help guide projects across both public and private sectors.


The importance of these conversations is underscored by the scale and complexity of today’s capital programs. The United States alone invests more than $2 trillion annually in construction, while research from Oxford University shows that roughly nine out of ten megaprojects experience cost overruns. As projects grow larger and expectations around schedule, cost, and performance continue to rise, organizations are increasingly focused on finding more predictable ways to deliver results. 

Connecting Ideas Across Owners, Teams, and Leaders

For Nth Consulting Group, Focus26 provided an opportunity to connect with owners, CM leaders, and project teams from across the industry while exchanging perspectives on the challenges of delivering complex capital programs. While the educational sessions offered valuable insights, many of the most meaningful discussions happened between sessions—on the expo floor, during networking events, and in conversations about what is working on projects today. 


One of the highlights of the conference was a session led by Nth Consulting Group Founder & CEO Natalie Salinas, alongside Ashley Byrd of RK&K, titled “Know Your Worth: Negotiation, Advocacy & Equity in AEC Careers.” The discussion explored leadership, professional advocacy, and the importance of recognizing value within the architecture, engineering, and construction professions. 


Reflecting on the event, Salinas emphasized the value of bringing professionals together to exchange ideas and experiences. 

“Events like CMAA Focus create the space for valuable conversations about leadership and project delivery,” Natalie said. “When professionals across the industry share lessons learned, it strengthens how we approach the next generation of capital programs.” 

Where the Industry Is Headed Next

Across many conversations during the conference, several themes consistently surfaced: the need for greater predictability in capital program delivery, the growing influence of technology and data in project decision-making, and the importance of leadership and advocacy across the profession. 


As capital programs continue to evolve, events like CMAA Focus26 play an important role in bringing industry leaders together to share knowledge and advance how projects are delivered.