FIFTH ANNUAL
OCTOBER 29, 2026
NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT WAREHOUSE ARTS DISTRICT
859 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD, NEW ORLEANS, LA
The Blueprint Conference, presented by Riess LeMieux, brings together developers, contractors, designers, engineers, insurers, attorneys, and other construction industry professionals for a day of education and connection. The 2026 conference will feature a keynote panel with New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, and Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., focused on economic development across New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and the surrounding region.
The conference will also feature Matthew H. Baker, Architect, Director of the State of Louisiana’s Office of Facility Planning and Control, and Knud Berthelsen, Professor of Practice and Senior Advisor for AI Literacy at Tulane University. Matthew will bring firsthand experience with Louisiana’s Construction Manager at Risk process and the planning and delivery of state-funded capital projects. Professor Berthelsen will bring an applied perspective on artificial intelligence and its impact on industries and the way professionals work.
Throughout the day, sessions will examine upcoming work, the rise of CMAR, and key developments in law, insurance, design, project delivery, technology, and other areas affecting construction projects from planning through completion. The conference is designed to move beyond broad overviews and take a closer look at the decisions, risks, and fine points that can make or break a project.
The event also provides an opportunity to connect with industry professionals and executives from across Louisiana. Continuing education credit opportunities for architects and engineers are currently being pursued, with additional information to be announced.
SCHEDULE
*Subject to Change*
8:00 - 8:50:
Registration
8:50 - 9:45:
Session 1: What Worries Your Chief Legal Officer
9:45 - 10:00:
Networking Break
10:00 - 10:55:
Session 2: CMAR Procurement, Selection, Trends, and Changes
10:55 - 11:10:
Networking Break
11:10 - 12:10:
Session 3: Economic Development Keynote
12:10 - 1:00:
Networking and Lunch
1:00 - 1:45:
Session 4: AI Integration with Your Construction Business
1:45 - 2:00:
Networking Break
2:00 - 2:45:
Session 5: Ask the Insurance Experts
2:45 - 2:55:
Coffee, Dessert, and Drink Service Begins
2:55 - 3:30:
Session 6: Cases and Cocktails
3:30:
Cocktail Reception
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
SPONSORS
HOST SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSOR
RECEPTION SPONSORS
REGISTRATION, BREAKFAST & COFFEE SPONSORS
SESSION SPONSOR
NETWORKING BREAK SPONSOR
NAILS SPONSOR
PRINTING SPONSOR
INDUSTRY SPONSORS
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SPONSORS
