Focus on the Future: GBA Crystal Ball Workshop Underway
GBA leaders, industry partners, subject matter experts, and representatives of GBA member firms have convened in Olathe, Kansas, for the 2025 Crystal Ball Workshop (CBW) this week (June 24-25) to explore how emerging technologies can help firms bridge workforce gaps, meet the demands on our profession, and sustain profitable business growth.
The geoprofessions are undergoing a transformative period marked by two significant trends: a shrinking labor force and the rapid emergence of powerful automation and artificial intelligence (AI). These trends are converging in ways that will profoundly impact the industry – understanding this interplay is crucial for navigating our future.
The focus of this year’s CBW is:
“Addressing the impacts of the shrinking geoprofessional workforce with automation and artificial intelligence.”
While the decline in skilled professionals and higher demand for geoprofessional services poses significant challenges, AI offers tools and solutions that can mitigate these issues and even drive the industry forward. Embracing AI and adapting to the evolving landscape will be essential for geoprofessionals to thrive amidst these changes.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Tier 1: GBA, The California Geotechnical Engineering Association, Metafield by Agile Frameworks
Tier 2: American Council of Engineering Companies Geoprofessional Coalition, BoreDM, Deep Foundations Institute, Spectra QEST
Tier 3: The Canadian Geotechnical Society, Colorado Association of Geotechnical Engineers, Pile Driving Contractors Association
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
• Kevin Benedict – Futurist and Speaker, Future of Business | Tata Consultancy Services
• Dr. Enrique Farfan, P.E., ENV SP – Senior Engineer | HDR
• David Harwood – Senior Vice President for Business Transformation | Terracon
• Mark McKelvey – Head of Data and Automation Solutions Division | Creative Planning Business Services
• Brian Moynihan – CEO & Founder | Dreamspace AI Solutions
• Dr. Kenichi Soga – Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering | University of California, Berkeley
• Dr. Dimitrios Zekkos – Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering | University of California, Berkeley
GBA offers a special thank you to Terracon for hosting this event at their company headquarters.
The future of the geoprofessions will likely be characterized by a smaller and more tech-savvy workforce, enhanced by AI capabilities, that can meet the growing demands for infrastructure, environmental protection, resilience, and innovation. The CBW will serve as a catalyst for related action.