PRECON 26 at ICBA Meet the Generals

In this keynote, we explore how general contractors can unlock the power of their pricing data and build the cost infrastructure needed for the future of preconstruction. The construction industry has no shortage of data, but most teams still struggle to turn past project information into better decisions on the next job. This session breaks down why preconstruction is one of the biggest opportunities for innovation, how disconnected systems limit pricing intelligence, and why parametric and programmatic estimating can help teams price work faster, tell a clearer cost story, and build stronger client relationships. You’ll hear how ‪@EdiphiHQ‬ is helping preconstruction teams manage costs from early idea through GMP, connect estimating decisions across design milestones, and create a structured data layer that can support future AI-driven pricing intelligence. Topics covered include: Why preconstruction is the most important phase in construction The problem with disconnected pricing and estimating data Why AI needs better construction cost infrastructure Parametric and programmatic estimating Benchmarking, cost modeling, and historical pricing data Tracking VE decisions and cost changes over time How better pricing intelligence can strengthen client trust The future of AI in preconstruction estimating At the end of the day, construction is still a relationship business. The teams that can respond faster, explain pricing with real data, and help owners make better decisions earlier will become the trusted partners of the future.