Unified Group's 2025 BIM/Prefab Forum Sparks Collaboration
Where Technology Meets Teamwork: Industry Leaders Unite to Shape Construction's Digital Future
PREFAB: Building Information Modeling (BIM) theory met practicality with a tour of B&I Contractors' For Myers sheet metal shop. (Courtesy of The Unified Group)
Fort Myers, Florida became the epicenter of construction innovation as The Unified Group's 2025 BIM/Prefab Forum drew its largest-ever attendance, with nearly 40 members gathering to exchange cutting-edge insights in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and prefabrication.
The forum kicked off with a deep dive into the intersection of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and prefabrication, setting the stage for two days of intensive knowledge sharing. SNIPS Contractor of the year, B&I Contractors, took center stage, with Noe Gamez delivering key insights on 3D scanning technology, while colleagues David Moorehead, alongside Blauch Brothers' Chuck Schaeffer, showcased real-world applications of augmented reality in construction operations.
"I really enjoyed seeing what other companies were doing and how they solved similar issues that we are experiencing," reflected Mark Galek of Legacy Mechanical. "I was impressed with the whole group and their willingness to share. It felt like we were all on the same team working for the same company."
Data-Driven Innovation
Cameron Webster, B&I's Data Scientist, emphasized a crucial shift in the industry: the power of in-house innovation. His presentation highlighted how building custom, scalable solutions—rather than relying on off-the-shelf products—can transform a company's competitive edge through rapid data analysis and decision-making.
The theoretical met the practical as attendees toured B&I Contractors' Fort Myers facilities, witnessing firsthand their integrated BIM and prefab processes across sheet metal, piping, and plumbing operations. Todd Jacks of Wiegmann Associates praised the experience: "B&I employees were all so generous with their time and effort to make everyone feel welcomed while sharing their knowledge and successes."
Advancing Industry Standards
Day two maintained the momentum with Intech Mechanical's Ricky Ramos leading discussions on standardizing shop drawing practices, followed by an in-depth exploration of ITM versus Revit Families. The afternoon featured Gregg Kennedy's hands-on workshop on workflow-enhancing add-ins, while companies including Peterson Sheet Metal and VHV Company shared successful implementations of BuildCentrix updates and Scribe SOP practices.
The forum concluded with focused sessions on project coordination and cost management, but perhaps the most valuable outcome was the connections formed. As Bryan Baker of VHV Company noted, "If I hadn't attended this meeting, I would've missed building relationships with others. The relationships created here are priceless."
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