Launched in 2024, AggNexus has rapidly become a key forum for digital innovation in the aggregates, concrete, and broader construction materials industries. The 2025 Digital Innovation Forum took place from September 17–19 at the University of Texas at Austin, Thompson Convention Center, bringing together producers, vendors, and thought leaders to explore emerging technologies, operational improvements, and practical strategies for digital transformation. The invitation-only event spanned three days, with attendees engaging in keynotes, panels, and vendor presentations that covered topics from AI applications to workforce management and sustainability.
Agenda Snapshot: What happened over three days
Day One – September 17, 2025
The forum opened with a keynote from Pierre Villere, President and Senior Managing Partner of Allen-Villere Partners. With more than four decades in investment banking and a practice dedicated to construction materials since the mid-90s, Pierre offered a seasoned perspective on the financial outlook for the industry. Drawing on his long-standing involvement with NSSGA, NRMCA, and numerous state associations, he set the tone for AggNexus.
Host presentations and vendor introductions showcased tools and solutions aimed at improving production efficiency, data integration, and customer engagement.
The first day concluded with dinner and a charitable auction. CheckProof’s contribution to the charity auction turned out to be one of the evening’s highlights: a 1/14 scale RC Model Hydraulic Dump Truck. Fully equipped with 6×6 drive, motor, sound, and light features, receiver units, warning lights, and remote control, the model drew enthusiastic interest from the room and, encouraged by the passionate auctioneer, sparked a spirited round of bidding before finally finding its new owner.
Day Two – September 18, 2025
Day two focused on panel discussions and feature presentations. Highlights included sessions on the practical applications of AI in predictive maintenance and workflow automation, workforce challenges in retention and recruitment, and advances in rapid, predictive testing in material science.
The Paths to Sustainability panel – featuring CheckProof’s CEO, Håkan Holmgren – explored regulatory pressures, traceability in recycled materials, and the financial viability of sustainable practices. Additional panels such as Conversations with AI and Logistics Lessons emphasized how data and digital tools can drive operational efficiency, while Frictionless Transactions showcased new innovations in AP/AR and streamlined workflows.
Day Three – September 19, 2025
The final day focused on Emerging Technologies, Autonomous Vehicles in Production, and a wrap-up panel. Håkan Holmgren participated in the Emerging Technologies panel, sharing how producers can implement AI and digital solutions incrementally while preparing for future innovations.
Speaker & Panel Highlights
Håkan Holmgren, CheckProof CEO
Håkan shared perspectives on traceability, regulatory trust in recycled materials, and practical steps producers can take to implement digital systems effectively. During Paths to Sustainability, he highlighted restrictions in government acceptance of recycled materials due to lack of faith and traceability. In the Emerging Technologies panel, he emphasized starting small with AI and integration projects, ensuring teams understand the tools and their benefits while laying the groundwork for broader adoption in the future.
Immediately Actionable AI Panel
Moderated by Barry Hudson (XBE), this session explored AI applications that address repetitive tasks, predictive maintenance, and forecasting. Speakers encouraged companies to focus on repeatable, high-value processes and leverage AI to support complex decision-making rather than attempting to replace human expertise entirely. Discussion also included predictive behavior modeling, helping AI anticipate outcomes based on historical patterns rather than just offering best-case scenarios.
Retention & Recruitment Panel
This panel was moderated by Mark Kuhar (Editor, Rock Products) and included Crystal Burgess, Sarah McGuire, Manny Tejano, and Vila Fitzpatrick, who emphasized generational differences in workplace expectations. Younger employees prioritize purpose and work-life balance over higher pay. Strategies discussed included strengthening employer branding, creating opportunities for skill development, providing mentorship, and proactive engagement to prevent disengagement. The panel also highlighted the importance of capturing knowledge from retiring employees to avoid operational disruptions.
Particle Packing: Role of Size & Shape
Nishant Garg (Associate Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) highlighted advancements in material science, particularly predictive particle analysis. Accelerated testing methods, enabled by AI, can provide accurate predictions for concrete strength within minutes, a significant improvement over traditional 7- or 28-day test cycles. These innovations allow producers to optimize mix designs, reduce waste, and improve quality control.
Paths to Sustainability Panel
This session was moderated by Barry Honig (TruckPay) and explored the intersection of sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and financial viability. Panelists, including Håkan Holmgren, Mark Masotti, Andrew Paluszkiewicz, and Logan Pickels, shared tools for assessing the cost-benefit of recycling initiatives. Håkan Holmgren underscored the need for traceable processes to gain regulatory confidence and promote wider adoption of recycled materials in construction.
Conversations with AI & Logistics Lessons Panels
Panelists stressed actionable approaches: start with small, manageable AI implementations; focus on simple wins in logistics and operational workflows; train staff to interpret AI outputs accurately; and encourage data sharing (without compromising confidentiality). Those who embrace transparency and collaboration are likely to advance faster, while those who cling to siloed practices may miss opportunities for efficiency.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Resistance to Change & Fragmented Systems
Producers often rely on legacy systems with limited interoperability. Fragmented tools and knowledge tied to specific individuals can create bottlenecks. Panels emphasized the need to connect data systems to enable predictive insights and operational efficiencies.
Integration & Data Interoperability
ERP, financial, inventory, maintenance, and logistics systems need to communicate effectively. Accurate, integrated data enables predictive AI tools to alert teams before failures, optimize inventory, and improve decision-making.
AI & Automation - Practical Implementations
Speakers highlighted AI for repetitive tasks, predictive maintenance, and forecasting. Practical steps include focusing on repeatable tasks, freeing human teams for complex problem-solving, and experimenting with predictive behavior models. Discussion of autonomous fleets indicated that while not immediate, these developments are approaching faster than expected.
Talent, Retention & Knowledge Transfer
Workforce panels emphasized purpose-driven roles, work-life balance, and training programs over simple pay incentives. Succession planning and knowledge retention are critical as experienced employees retire.
Sustainability & Traceability
Panels explored recycled materials, regulatory constraints, and financial implications of sustainable practices. Håkan Holmgren highlighted the importance of traceability to gain government confidence in recycled materials.
Logistics and Operational Efficiency
Discussions underscored the value of small, actionable steps in logistics, transaction management, and AI deployment. Internal data sharing and staff training are essential for maximizing efficiency.
Recommendations for Industry Stakeholders
- Audit existing systems and data flows to identify gaps.
- Pilot predictive maintenance and AI-driven inventory tools on a small scale.
- Invest in knowledge capture and succession planning.
- Engage proactively with regulatory bodies on traceability standards.
- Strengthen employer branding and workplace culture to attract and retain top talent.
- Prioritize simple, high-impact AI initiatives like predictive maintenance and inventory optimization.
- Ensure employee buy-in and provide training to make digital adoption successful.
- Address knowledge retention proactively as older employees retire.
- Focus on traceability, predictive workflows, and integrated reporting to meet regulatory and operational needs.
Future Outlook
AggNexus 2025 highlighted that digital transformation combines technology, data, and people. Producers who invest in integration, predictive AI, and workforce development are positioned for greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
We’re looking forward to AggNexus 2026, where innovation coupled with collaboration will continue to drive digital transformation and progress for the aggregates and construction materials industries.
Founding Vendors
CheckProof is thrilled to be a founding member of AGGNEXUS, joining an eminent line-up of innovative tech companies, listed below:
These companies represent the forefront of innovation in aggregates, concrete, and construction materials technology.
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