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Inside the Canadian Concrete Expo 2025
The Canadian Concrete Expo 2025 was buzzing with energy—8,000+ professionals, cutting-edge technologies, and conversations about the future of construction. But one topic dominated the floor: estimating challenges.
While new materials and tools took the spotlight, many contractors voiced frustration about slow takeoff processes and shrinking estimating teams.
“We want to bid on more jobs, but we just don’t have the bandwidth.”
“Hiring skilled estimators has been next to impossible.”
“We need a way to move faster—without sacrificing accuracy.”
These were the recurring pain points heard throughout the event—reflecting the growing pressure on estimating teams across the Canadian construction market.
Our Beam AI team spent two full days speaking with contractors, uncovering their biggest roadblocks, and demonstrating how AI-based takeoff automation is already helping 1000+ contractors bid more efficiently.
Top 3 Insights from Canadian Concrete Expo
1. Bid Season Pressure Is Mounting
As spring and summer approach, contractors are racing to fill project pipelines and secure bids.
But this fast-paced environment brings growing estimator challenges that can’t be ignored:
- Takeoffs and estimates take too long to complete.
- Estimating departments are understaffed and overworked.
- There’s little time left for strategic work like refining bids or value engineering.
Many contractors admitted they’re missing bid deadlines or submitting rushed estimates, which often leads to thin margins or lost opportunities later.
The message from this Canadian Concrete Expo recap is clear: speed now defines success. Those who can estimate and bid faster are winning—and those who can’t are falling behind.
2. The Estimator Shortage Is a Long-Term Problem
Another major takeaway from CCE 2025 was the ongoing shortage of skilled estimators.
Many companies said they’re struggling to hire, train, and retain qualified professionals. Some senior estimators are nearing retirement, while others are burned out from rising workloads.
The result?
- Slower turnaround times.
- Missed project opportunities.
- Rising stress for existing teams.
In a competitive Canadian construction market, this shortage is more than an HR challenge—it’s a profitability risk. Every delayed bid submission means potential revenue left on the table.
3. Outdated Takeoff Tools Are Holding Estimators Back
Even as job-site technology advances with robotics and AI, many estimating teams are still stuck using traditional takeoff tools that slow them down.
Manual takeoffs remain the norm—requiring countless hours of tracing, measuring, and verifying quantities.
These outdated tools lead to:
- Human errors and inconsistencies.
- Longer bid preparation cycles.
- Reduced capacity to take on more projects.
At CCE 2025, it became clear that estimators are using decades-old tools while every other construction process—planning, scheduling, and on-site work—is becoming automated.
If the rest of the industry is moving faster, estimating workflows can’t afford to stay behind.
What the Canadian Concrete Expo 2025 Revealed About the Industry
After two days on the expo floor, one message stood out: the construction industry is ready for AI-driven estimating.
The three biggest takeaways from this Canadian Concrete Expo recap include:
- Speed defines success. Contractors who streamline takeoffs and estimating win more bids during peak seasons.
- Estimator shortages demand smarter workflows. Efficiency, not expansion, is the key to staying profitable.
- Preconstruction needs modernization. While field operations have embraced automation, estimating still needs an upgrade.
The feedback from attendees confirmed that automation is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying competitive in the Canadian construction market.
The Future of Estimating Is Here
As we packed up our booth and reflected on the conversations at the Canadian Concrete Expo 2025, one thing became certain: the future of estimating is AI-powered.
The response to Beam AI’s automated takeoff software was overwhelmingly positive. Estimators and contractors alike were eager to explore how automation could help them:
- Reduce manual effort.
- Increase bid volume.
- Improve accuracy and profit margins.
For those who couldn’t attend, Beam AI continues to help contractors across North America transform their workflows. Book a personalized demo to see how AI-driven takeoffs can help your team bid faster, win more, and stay ahead of the competition.
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