In this episode of Overtime @ ACE, host Matt Ellis sits down to kick off 2026 with a forward-looking discussion on the biggest trends shaping the construction industry. From shifting market demand to rapid technology adoption and rising regulatory complexity, this conversation breaks down what’s changing and what it means for contractors in the year ahead.

2025 set the tone for a volatile but opportunity-rich environment, and 2026 is shaping up to continue that trajectory, just with sharper divides between winning and struggling sectors.

From data centers and infrastructure growth to ongoing labor shortages, increasing project complexity, and the rise of AI and modular construction, this episode highlights the forces redefining how work gets done in construction.

In this episode, we cover:

• Overall construction growth trends and why demand is still strong beneath the surface
• Which sectors are accelerating (data centers, infrastructure) and which are cooling (retail, hospitality)
• Why labor shortages and cost pressures are not going away
• The shift from high-volume work to fewer, higher-value projects
• The rise of off-site modular construction, 3D building methods, and prefab workflows
• How AI, drones, and digital tools are changing jobsite tracking, reporting, and decision-making
• Why AI adoption is quickly becoming a competitive necessity in construction
• Regulatory uncertainty, tariff impacts, and ongoing material cost volatility
• The growing impact of CMMC requirements and compliance complexity across projects

Whether you’re a contractor, project leader, or construction executive, this episode offers a clear view into where the industry is headed in 2026 and what firms need to do now to stay competitive.