Infraday Midwest 2026 | The Old Post Office Chicago

Current Agenda

2026 Venue

The Old Post Office

433 W Van Burn Street

Chicago, IL 60607

Point of Contact: Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com

The Big Picture

The 7th Infraday Midwest
July 20-21 | Denver, CO

Real conversations. Real decisions. Real infrastructure.

The Midwest is entering a critical phase of infrastructure transformation and its systems are under increasing pressure.

Industrial growth, freight movement, manufacturing expansion, energy demand, and aging infrastructure are reshaping how transportation, water, power, and digital systems are planned, funded, and delivered across the region. At the same time, public agencies and private partners are being forced to make decisions in a constrained environment marked by workforce shortages, rising costs, supply chain pressure, and tightening capital availability.

Infraday Midwest is where those conversations happen.

Why Attend

This is not a theoretical conference.

Infraday brings together the public owners, utilities, cities, and private-sector leaders responsible for actually delivering infrastructure across the Midwest and focuses on how projects are getting done today.

Single-track program
Fast-moving panels + real-world case discussions
Direct access to decision-makers across agencies and utilities
Built for operators, not spectators

What You’ll Learn

Across two days, the agenda is built around the real pressures shaping infrastructure delivery right now:

Systems Under Pressure

Growth, load, and infrastructure constraints across the region
Transportation, freight, and regional mobility systems
Water scarcity, drought response, and long-term resilience
Power, transmission, and industrial load growth

Delivering at Scale

Managing multi-billion-dollar capital programs
Alternative delivery models
Materials, supply chain volatility, and cost escalation
Workforce shortages and the delivery bottleneck

Digital & Technology Shift

AI in infrastructure
Digital delivery and connected data environments (BIM, GIS, program controls)
Robotics, automation, and field execution
Cybersecurity risks across critical infrastructure

Growth, Capital & Coordination

Housing vs. infrastructure capacity constraints
Industrial development and site selection driven by infrastructure
Broadband, fiber, and digital infrastructure deployment
Infrastructure funding and the next capital cycle
Coordination across utilities, cities, and developers

What’s Coming Next

Data center-driven demand on power, water, and connectivity
Grid resilience and climate risk
Airports, logistics, and regional economic infrastructure
How infrastructure decisions are actually made under constraint

Who You’ll Meet

Join leaders from across the infrastructure ecosystem:

Public agencies and municipalities
State DOTs and transportation authorities
Utilities (power, water, broadband)
Infrastructure developers and operators
Engineering, construction, and consulting firms
Technology and data platform providers
Investors and capital partners

The Format

Single-track program (everyone in the room for every conversation)
Panels, presentations, and working discussions
Built-in networking and private meeting opportunities
End-of-day reception with speakers and attendees

The Bottom Line

If you’re involved in infrastructure, planning it, funding it, designing it, or delivering it, this is where you come to understand:

What’s actually getting built
Where the constraints are
Where the opportunities are emerging

Point of Contact:
Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com
www.infraday.com

2026 Speakers Included

Ashish Sharma, Climate & Urban Sustainability Lead, Discovery Partners Institute, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ashish Sharma is a climate and sustainability leader at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Discovery Partners Institute, where he leads initiatives focused on climate resilience, sustainable transportation, clean energy, and infrastructure innovation. He serves as Director of the Clean Energy and Equitable Transportation Solutions (CLEETS) Global Center and is the driving force behind AerisIQ, an AI-powered platform that helps organizations anticipate and respond to weather and climate risks. Ashish works at the intersection of research, industry, and government to transform scientific innovation into practical solutions that strengthen infrastructure systems and accelerate climate adaptation. Recognized as one of Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40, he is a leading voice on climate technology, urban resilience, and the future of sustainable infrastructure.

Brian Katamay, Long Term Control Plan Project Assistant, City of Aurora

Brian Katamay is a data analytics and infrastructure professional with extensive experience helping municipalities optimize water, wastewater, and public works systems through technology, asset management, and operational innovation. As Long Term Control Planner for the City of Aurora, he leads planning initiatives focused on infrastructure performance, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making. His background spans municipal operations, business intelligence, SCADA systems, GIS, asset management, and utility analytics, with previous leadership roles at the Village of Schaumburg and Concentric Integration. Brian combines engineering expertise with practical implementation experience to help agencies leverage data, AI, and digital tools to improve infrastructure planning, resilience, and operational efficiency.

Bruce Coffing, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Chicago

Bruce Coffing is Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Chicago, where he leads cybersecurity strategy and protects critical technology systems that support millions of residents. With more than 30 years of experience spanning government, financial services, consulting, and technology, he has held senior cybersecurity leadership roles at the City of Chicago, Bank of America, ABN AMRO, and Accenture. Bruce is a Board Member of the Coalition of City CISOs and a recognized leader in municipal cybersecurity, risk management, identity and access management, and cyber resilience. He holds a degree in Computer Information Systems from Bradley University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Dale Lewis, Director of Data Center Project Development, The Boldt Company

Dale Lewis is Director of Data Center Project Development at The Boldt Company, where he leads the development of mission-critical infrastructure solutions supporting hyperscale, AI, and cloud computing facilities. With more than a decade of experience in data center construction and development, he has held leadership roles with Microsoft, Walsh Construction, and Executive Construction, overseeing some of the industry's largest greenfield and expansion projects. Dale combines expertise in construction, power infrastructure, modular delivery, and strategic business development to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape. He is also a Board Member of AFCOM Chicago and an active advocate for sustainable, community-focused growth across the data center industry.

Dan Lohrmann, Field CISO, Public Sector, Presidio

Dan Lohrmann is an internationally recognized cybersecurity leader, author, and public-sector technology advisor who currently serves as Field Chief Information Security Officer for Public Sector at Presidio. A former Chief Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Michigan, he helped pioneer some of the nation's earliest state-level cybersecurity programs and initiatives. Dan is a bestselling author, award-winning Government Technology columnist, and sought-after keynote speaker who has advised leaders from the White House to state and local governments on cybersecurity, resilience, and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a leading voice in cybersecurity, earning numerous national awards and distinctions for his contributions to public-sector technology and security.

Jim Doten, Carbon Sequestration Program Manager, City of Minneapolis - Health

James Doten is the Carbon Sequestration Program Manager for the City of Minneapolis and founder of the Minnesota Biochar Initiative, where he leads efforts to scale biochar production, carbon removal, and sustainable land management practices. A professional geologist with more than 40 years of experience in environmental policy, soil health, water resources, and sustainability, he has helped pioneer municipal approaches to carbon sequestration and urban biochar deployment. James also serves on the board of the American Biochar Institute and is a nationally recognized advocate for leveraging biochar to advance climate resilience, soil restoration, stormwater management, and durable carbon removal. His career spans leadership roles in local government, environmental regulation, military hydrology, and sustainable infrastructure development, with a focus on translating innovative climate solutions into practical, scalable programs.

Neha Soni, Senior Planner, Strategic Planning & Policy, Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways

Neha Soni, AICP, LEED ND, CNU, is a Senior Planner/Designer with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, where she works on transportation planning, urban design, mobility, and infrastructure initiatives across the Chicago region. With experience spanning public agencies, architecture, urban design, and regional planning, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the delivery of transportation and community infrastructure projects. Neha has led and contributed to projects involving complete streets, transit-oriented development, active transportation, corridor planning, environmental justice, and regional mobility strategies. Her work focuses on creating resilient, equitable, and connected communities through integrated transportation and infrastructure planning.

Nicholas Johnson, Chief Evangelist, Kahua

Nicholas Johnson is Chief Evangelist at Kahua and a recognized thought leader in construction technology, capital program management, and digital transformation across the infrastructure industry. With more than four decades of experience spanning engineering, design, construction, and technology, he has held leadership roles at Kahua, e-Builder, Trimble, Autodesk, and CBRE. Nicholas is known for helping owners, contractors, and public agencies modernize project delivery through innovation, data, and connected technology platforms. He is a frequent speaker, writer, and industry advocate focused on improving how infrastructure and capital programs are planned, delivered, and operated.

Randy Conner, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM)

Randy Conner is the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM. No newcomer to the field, he is returning to the role after previously serving as the DWM Commissioner from 2017 to the end of 2020.

Commissioner Conner brings more than two decades of experience in urban engineering and infrastructure to the department. He formerly served as the First Deputy Commissioner at both the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

At the Department of Water Management, Commissioner Conner oversees a system that delivers high-quality drinking water to more than 42% of Illinois residents daily. This system includes over 4,300 miles of water mains, 4,450 miles of sewer mains, two of the world’s largest water treatment facilities, and over 2,100 employees. He manages an annual operating budget of approximately $1.4 billion and a capital budget of approximately 750 million dollars annually.

When he previously held the position, Commissioner Conner created a Division of Performance Management to elevate professionalism in the department; established mandatory EEO training for all employees to improve the department’s culture; and oversaw the implementation of the ambitious 10-year “Building a New Chicago" capital plan which represented a $6 billion investment in water infrastructure to support the city’s future growth.

In 2024, Commissioner Conner will spearhead DWM efforts to deliver a robust capital improvement program to replace water mains, and sewer mains and renovate critical DWM facilities. He will ensure that the department will continue to increase the number of lead service line replacements throughout the City. This work is critically important as the nation looks to Chicago- the city with the most lead service lines at 406,000- for best practices on how to effectively address this legacy infrastructure issue.

Commissioner Conner is committed to improving departmental accountability, fiscal management, timely delivery of public services, workforce diversity, and equitable contractor participation. He looks forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with our suburban communities, unions, local agencies and federal partners.

He is a licensed minister and has logged thousands of service hours with many community and civic service organizations. A recipient of the Man of Honor Award from the Chicago Defender, he attended Purdue University, where he studied Engineering and Construction Principles, and is certified in Emergency Action Planning by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A lifelong Chicago resident, he resides in the West Pullman neighborhood and is the father of one daughter.

Roland Flynn, Senior Emergency Management Specialist, ComEd

Roland Flynn is a seasoned emergency management professional and Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) with more than two decades of experience spanning utility resilience, public health preparedness, disaster response, hazardous materials, and homeland security. As Senior Emergency Management Specialist at ComEd, he helps strengthen emergency preparedness, response coordination, and resilience planning for critical infrastructure systems across Illinois. His career includes leadership roles with NASA, public health agencies, and disaster recovery organizations, supporting everything from COVID-19 response operations to large-scale emergency exercises and continuity planning. Roland is passionate about building stronger communities through preparedness, training, interagency collaboration, and the advancement of emergency management best practices.

Ryan Richter, Coordinating Planner - Freight, Rail & Transit Projects, Chicago Department of Transportation

Ryan Richter is a transportation planning leader with more than 15 years of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, currently serving as Coordinating Planner for Freight, Rail, and Transit Projects at the Chicago Department of Transportation. He leads CDOT's coordination with rail operators and the CREATE Program while advancing multimodal transportation, freight, and transit initiatives across the Chicago region. Ryan's expertise spans transportation planning, infrastructure policy, freight mobility, stakeholder engagement, and major capital project development, with previous leadership roles at HNTB, Metro Strategies, and community development organizations. He is a certified planner (AICP) and holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Ted Gibbs, Director and Counsel for Administrative Hearings, Illinois Secretary of State

Ted Gibbs serves as Director and Counsel for Administrative Hearings for Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, overseeing programs that support roadway safety, regulatory compliance, and driver's license reinstatement across Illinois. An experienced attorney and public-sector leader, Ted previously held senior legal and executive roles with the Illinois Tollway, the Office of the Governor of Illinois, The Walsh Group, and the Indiana Toll Road concession operator. His career spans transportation infrastructure, government administration, public policy, and complex legal matters affecting statewide operations. Ted holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago and has built a career at the intersection of law, infrastructure, and public service.

Ty Warner, Executive Director, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

Tyson Warner is Executive Director of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, where he leads regional planning, transportation, economic development, and infrastructure initiatives across Northwest Indiana. A certified planner with more than three decades of public-sector experience, Tyson has held leadership roles with regional planning organizations, county government, and metropolitan planning agencies throughout the Midwest. He is widely recognized for advancing collaborative, multi-jurisdictional approaches to transportation, land use, environmental stewardship, and economic competitiveness. Tyson regularly works with local, state, and federal partners to shape long-term infrastructure investments that support sustainable growth and regional prosperity.

2026 Industry Partners

Aurigo

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence, build with quality, and maintain their assets efficiently. With more than $300b of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government on over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held US corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

Contruent

Contruent is the lifecycle cost management solution that empowers Owners and Engineering & Construction firms to deliver complex capital programs and mega projects with precision and speed.

Contruent is faster to deliver across the project lifecycle because it integrates cost and scheduling and comes project-ready out-of-the box with 25 years of best practices built in. The result is higher accuracy, speed, and cost efficiency.

Founded in 1994 as ARES PRISM and renamed with the launch of an innovative SaaS platform, Contruent operates in 26 countries and is now headquartered in Naperville, IL.

Deloitte

Deloitte drives progress. Our firms around the world help clients become leaders wherever they choose to compete. Deloitte invests in outstanding people of diverse talents and backgrounds and empowers them to achieve more than they could elsewhere. Our work combines advice with action and integrity. We believe that when our clients and society are stronger, so are we.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

The content on this page contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms, or their related entities (collectively the “Deloitte Network”) is, by means of this publication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte Network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on content from this page.

Kahua

Kahua helps you manage processes, documents and cost on your construction programs and projects from inception to closeout. Purpose-built solutions for owners, program managers, general contractors and subcontractors help you minimize time-to-value and enhance user adoption. Kahua enables collaboration between all project participants to streamline communication and improve efficiency. Eliminate waste and rework by keeping everyone on the same page with the latest design and scope information. And with Kahua’s comprehensive dashboards and reporting, you get the visibility and control you need to minimize risk.

Kahua is a lifecycle solution, with applications for capital planning, sources of funds, design review, bid management, document management & control, cost management and asset handover. Kahua is available on all mobile devices to easily connect field to office.

Kahua apps are built on kBuilder, an Enterprise Low-Code Application Platform which enables Kahua partners and customers to rapidly build new apps or customize existing apps to extend or enhance Kahua solutions. This gives you the agility you need to adapt as your business needs evolve. To date, over 600 private and public apps have been developed on kBuilder, and public apps are available to the Kahua community on the kStore app marketplace.

Oracle Construction and Engineering

Asset owners and project leaders rely on Oracle Construction and Engineering software for the visibility and control, connected supply chain, and data security needed to drive performance and mitigate risk across their processes, projects, and organization. Feel confident in your digital transformation with modern cloud solutions that grow and scale with you at every step of your journey. Enable efficiency, collaboration, and change control for your teams that plan, build, and operate critical assets.

Procore

Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform that streamlines project workflows. It connects all project stakeholders—from owners and contractors to subcontractors—on a single, collaborative platform. For public sector projects, this means improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Procore facilitates real-time communication, document control, bid management, and cost tracking, helping ensure projects stay on time and within budget. It enhances collaboration, reduces risk, and provides valuable data insights for better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.