GF's Inaugural Flow Symposium Draws 700 Industry Leaders to Explore the Future of Construction

APPLE VALLEY, MN — GF Building Flow Solutions and GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions welcomed approximately 700 attendees to the inaugural GF Flow Symposium, held May 3–6, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The event brought together builders, developers, contractors, engineers, and executive leaders from across North America to explore evolving flow solutions for residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial applications.

Designed as the first flagship event jointly hosted by GF Building Flow Solutions and GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions, the symposium focused on addressing real-world construction and infrastructure challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical education.

Symposium Featured Technical Education and Product Demonstrations

Over the course of more than two full days of programming, attendees participated in keynote presentations and nearly 40 breakout sessions covering building systems, construction trends, regulations, sustainability, and project performance.

The event also included a large-scale Product Showcase featuring hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning opportunities designed to give attendees direct exposure to the tools, systems, and technologies shaping the future of construction and infrastructure projects.

“One company isn’t going to single handedly solve the challenges we are facing in the built environment,” said John Reutter, President, GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “This event was about building relationships, celebrating innovation, and coming together as one to move the industry forward.”

“It was our goal to bring together some of the best minds in the North America construction industry to collaborate on how the future of North America will be built,” said James Jackson, Head of Americas, GF Industry & Infrastructure Flow Solutions. “I would say it exceeded our expectations and we’re so proud to have hosted this fantastic event.”

Featured speakers and topics included:  

• Elliott Eisenberg, Ph.D., of Graphs and Laughs, LLC: 2026 Economic Forecast Fun: An Entertaining Look at the Current Economy and the Impact on Future Business  
• Hosted Panel with Fred Mills of B1M: Megaproject Construction Trends: Harnessing Opportunities, Anticipating Challenges, and Maximizing Results  
• Dustin Demetriou, Ph.D.: The Twin Engines Driving the AI Era: Innovation and Impacts of Semiconductors and Data Centers 
• Panel Discussion with Senator Joe Manchin: Working Together to Build the Future of America: How Government, Manufacturing, and Construction Partnerships are Propelling Purposeful Growth 
• Catherine Hunt Ryan of Bechtel: Enabling AI Infrastructure 
• Adam Tarr of Hoffman Construction: The New Productivity Paradigm: Offsite Prefabrication with Onsite Construction Coordination 
• Michael Beatty of Nalco Water: Maintaining AI Amid Major Challenges: Water Treatment for Data Centers and Chip Fabrication 

Other session topics included: 

• Contamination of Our Potable Water Supplies: What Does Our Future Hold? 
• Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Tackling Labor Shortages and Retaining Skilled Tradespeople 
• Water-Energy Nexus 101: The Push, Pull, and Interconnectedness of Water and Energy 
• From South Texas to North Dakota: What a Data Center Boom Reveals About Our Readiness 
• Offsite Trends: Integrating Kitting and Prefabrication with PEX to Accelerate Productivity and Gain a Competitive Advantage 
• Meeting Modern Building Systems Demands: Emerging Applications for High-Performing Piping Solutions 
• Protecting Cycle Times While Reducing Risk: Creating Intelligent Single-Family Plumbing Designs 

Collaboration and Industry Partnerships Took Center Stage

Relationship-building remained a central theme throughout the symposium, reflecting the increasing importance of collaboration across complex construction and infrastructure projects.

Networking opportunities included a welcome reception, a social event tied to the Product Showcase, and the event’s closing “Hoedown Flow Down” celebration featuring live music and entertainment inspired by Nashville’s culture.

Attendees also discussed ways to improve project efficiency, long-term value, and sustainability through stronger coordination between stakeholders and the use of advanced building and flow management technologies.

“Events like this are crucial, as construction leaders are managing complex projects with fewer resources,” said Chris Hartwick, General Manager of Canada, GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “The GF Flow Symposium reinforced the power of connection and offered proven real-world examples of how success can be driven with the right products and solutions.”

Watch the event recap:

To learn more visit www.gfps.com.