Beam AI at Advancing Preconstruction 2025: Real Talk, Real Tech, Real Results

Beam AI had the opportunity to exhibit at one of the most vibrant and focused events in the preconstruction world -  Advancing Preconstruction 2025,

Set in beautiful San Diego, CA, this year’s conference brought together a diverse mix of estimators, VDC leaders, project managers, and construction tech innovators - all focused on rethinking how teams plan, collaborate, and execute.

For Beam AI, this wasn’t just about showing up, it was about showing what’s possible. From candid questions about AI’s readiness to lightbulb moments at our booth, this event delivered everything a forward-thinking precon professional could ask for.

Here’s what stood out most to us.

Top 4 TakeAways from Advancing Preconstruction 2025

1. From Skepticism to Real Conversations Around AI

While AI continues to generate buzz across the industry, we encountered something even more encouraging at the booth this year - genuine curiosity backed by a willingness to explore.

Sure, a few attendees still came in with a healthy dose of skepticism: "Is AI really ready for construction?" or "Will this disrupt how our teams work?" 

But these questions quickly turned into excitement when we walked them through real-world use cases demos, and the time they could save.

The biggest unlock? AI isn’t here to replace anyone. It’s here to help estimators and precon pros work smarter, faster, and with greater impact.

2. Two Mindsets: Dive In or Wait It Out

A theme that kept coming up was the difference in approach when it comes to adopting new technology.

Some companies are fully leaning in testing AI, running pilot projects, and iterating in real-time. Others are taking a more cautious stance, waiting for “things to mature a bit” before diving in.

Both perspectives are valid, but what we shared with many attendees is this:
You don’t need to know everything about AI to start using it. You just need to start.

You learn AI in construction by using it. The teams that are winning today are those getting their hands dirty, testing tools like Beam AI, and learning through doing. In this space, waiting might feel safe, but it’s also how opportunities get missed.

3. A Conference Built for Preconstruction Innovators

As a first-time exhibitor, we were genuinely impressed by how well the show was structured. The layout made it easy to connect, the sessions were packed with insights, and the audience was filled with professionals 

If you work in preconstruction and are looking to learn, evaluate new tools, or just hear how peers are solving the same challenges you face - it’s a conference worth showing up for.

4. Shawn Prince on Stage: Estimators Are Evolving

One of the highlights for Beam AI was seeing our President, Shawn Prince, speak at the event. In his session, he explored how the role of the estimator is changing - moving beyond quantity takeoffs to become more strategic contributors to the business.

Shawn emphasized that estimators are no longer just number crunchers - they’re becoming strategic advisors. AI tools like Beam enable that shift by handling the time-consuming parts of takeoff, giving estimators more room to focus on pricing strategy, value engineering, and collaboration.

That message landed hard. People nodded. Conversations followed. We saw that realization hit: AI takeoffs can remove the manual grind, freeing up capacity for more strategic tasks.

Think:

• Better bid strategy
• Supplier negotiation
• Value engineering
• Risk assessment

That’s the future, and it’s already happening.

Final Thoughts

Advancing Preconstruction 2025 confirmed what we’ve long believed - this industry is ready for real, practical innovation. Not hype. Not buzzwords. Just solutions that save time, increase accuracy, and unlock better collaboration.

As more construction teams rethink how they work, AI is proving to be a practical ally. Whether you’re jumping in headfirst or still exploring the possibilities, we believe the future belongs to teams who are willing to experiment, learn, and lead the change.

We’re here to help you get started. If you missed us at the event, let’s talk.

Book a demo of Beam AI and see how preconstruction teams are bidding faster, winning more, and scaling smarter with automation.