The positive influences of design innovation, advanced materials, new building codes, and the evolving priorities of society are driving change in the construction sector that is expanding the use of advanced wood construction. Change, however, often presents new challenges, and the more widespread adoption of new technologies can be impeded by knowledge gaps and market forces. This expert panel will examine several important factors that can impact the decision to build with wood including insurance, financing and supply chain considerations, and identify both the challenges and opportunities they present.

1. Identify key market barriers to the adoption of mass timber construction, including insurance, financing, supply chain limitations, and knowledge gaps.
2. Understand how project feasibility for mass timber is influenced by revenue uncertainty, cost premiums, and risk tolerance in development decisions.
3. Learn strategies to de-risk mass timber projects through early collaboration, improved data sharing, supply chain planning, and policy incentives.

David Messer
Director
Climate Smart Buildings Alliance (EllisDon)

David Messer is the Director of the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance, a joint initiative of EllisDon, RBC, Mattamy Homes and Atkins Réalis aimed at leading and accelerating the transition to a net zero buildings sector. Through CSBA David is leading projects aimed at increasing and removing barriers for the use of lower carbon building materials, as well as projects to increase building standards and the pace of building retrofits. David was previously the Executive Director of the Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities Office where he led two initiatives aimed at accelerating the circular economy, Our Food Future, an Infrastructure Canada funded smart cities project, and COIL (Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad), a circular business accelerator that worked with over 160 organizations to scale circular solutions in the food, environment and construction/demolition sectors. David has a long history of working on technology, policy and systems change as part of the Governments of Ontario and Alberta, within industry associations and as a consultant in the private sector.

Scott Cameron
President
Skov Mass Timber

Scott has over 30 years of experience in construction. Starting as a laborer and working his way through to General Superintendent, Project Director and an independent Consultant on Mass Timber Construction. As an accomplished public speaker, leader, and mentor, he has led many high performing teams and prides himself on being a collaborative problem solver. With decades of experience in ICI and residential construction, Scott has shifted his focus to multifamily Mass Timber construction to confront the housing crisis. Having been involved in many institutional and commercial Mass Timber projects, multiple 6 storey Multi Family projects, and the only two completed Encapsulated Mass Timber buildings in Canada after the 2018 code changes, Scott is one of the leading experts in North America on Mass Timber. As an outspoken advocate for Mass Timber, Scott promotes education and information sharing within the Mass Timber community. Having worked in B.C. and Ontario, Scott provides interactive presentations on Mass Timber construction to Developers and GC at project inception. The goal is not only to help navigate the unknowns when deciding between Mass Timber and conventional construction, but also to support the construction process to save time and cost. This led to SKOV Mass Timber Ltd, a consulting firm focused on Mass Timber to support Developers and GCs through the preconstruction process to project completion. With his experience, the aim is to bridge the skill gaps with education, information, and support for constructability reviews, schedule development, trade sequencing and support through the construction process. He is currently working with a Construction Management firm in BC on a portfolio of Mass Timber projects and supports other developers and GCs nationwide through preconstruction.

Kevin Grosskopf
Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Durham School of Architecture, Engineering & Construction
University of Nebraska

Dr. Kevin R. Grosskopf is a Professor at the Charles W. Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Grosskopf received his Ph.D. from the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida in 1998. He has served in various capacities in the commercial and utility industry and is a licensed Building Contractor in the State of Florida. Dr. Grosskopf has developed research expertise in building safety and sustainability including IAQ, energy efficiency, and, post-disaster response and recovery. More recently, Dr. Grosskopf transitioned to related areas in building prefabrication and construction workforce development. Dr. Grosskopf has received $8.1M in grants and endowments, including highly competitive contract awards from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DoD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and, the Department of Labor (DOL). In addition, Dr. Grosskopf has written (or contributed to) 4 books, 35 research reports and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, including top tier journals of the ASCE, ASTM and ASHRAE. Dr. Grosskopf has also given more than 100 invited presentations including guest lectures and presentations in more than 20 countries. Dr. Grosskopf formerly served as the Associate School Director for ACCE-accredited construction management and ABET-accredited construction engineering programs on both Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Dr. Grosskopf has also served as P&T chair for construction programs. Dr. Grosskopf has served on the ASC National Board and has coordinated two ASC Annual International Conferences (2009 and 2011).

Annabelle Hamilton
Executive Director
WoodWorks BC

Annabelle is the Executive Director of WoodWorks BC Team, overseeing active engagement, technical support and strategic development of initiatives that support the growth and awareness of Mass Timber in the BC market. Prior to joining WoodWorks, Annabelle built her career in the private sector, working for several Vancouver based multi-family Developers successfully leading projects from concept to completion.