Save the Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025, New Location: Cintas Center
Morning Keynote
David Zach
David Zach is a Futurist. No, really. He actually earned a Master’s Degree in Futures Research from the University of Houston. That’s a real degree from a real university. Then again, he got that degree way back in 1981, so it’s pretty much history at this point.
Since then, he’s given over 1500 keynote presentations, with over 100 talks to AEC industries; a list that begins with the American Institute of Architectural Students and ends with the National Demolition Association. He served two terms on the AIA-WI board and from 2010 to 2013 he was a public director on the AIA National Board. In 2012, he received an AIAS Presidential Citation for his work with emerging professionals. It is also the only citation he’s ever received that did not come with a hefty fine. He is a founding member of Studio Nunya in Milwaukee, WI – an artist/designer/builder collective where he gets to concoct lots of creative and constructive mischief.
Lunch Keynote
David Linich
David is a partner in PwC’s Consulting practice with over 20 years of experience helping companies unlock value through sustainability. He leads PwC’s Decarbonization and Sustainable Operations services in the U.S. and coordinates sustainability services for industrial products clients, including those in the construction sector.
David has guided organizations across strategy, operations, supply chain, and reporting to drive revenue growth, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and talent engagement. His expertise spans greenhouse gas inventories, decarbonization programs, life cycle assessments, energy optimization, carbon footprinting, sustainable product claims, packaging optimization, circularity, and ESG reporting compliance.
Prior to consulting, David spent five years in industry, where he led a division and managed a P&L for a consumer and industrial product manufacturer. He also served on the executive team of a leading construction contractor, overseeing talent and operational excellence. Earlier in his career, David was a partner at another Big Four firm, where he led the Process Intelligence and Sustainable Supply Chain practices and spearheaded internal sustainability efforts across 100 offices and 40,000 employees.
Afternoon Keynote
Josh Jacobs, LEED AP BD&C
Josh is responsible for engaging and understanding the global marketplaces' sustainable rating systems, codes, purchasing policies, and standards for WAP Sustainability. In this role he helps develop and track the environmental programs that are being utilized throughout the world.
As a LEED AP+ BD&C, Josh has served on over 40 sustainably focused committees, including but not limited to LEED Steering Committee, USGBC’s Pilot Credit Committee, ASHRAE 189.1, and served on the water/IEQ work group that developed the first public draft of the IgCC. He is a recurring guest lecturer at multiple universities and has spoken on sustainable building practices and purchasing on 5 continents.
He works with organizations teams to understand global laws and regulations impacting their processes and products. Josh served as Chairman of the US Mirror Committee for ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement, the 2015 NAHB Material/IEQ Working Group, Chair for USGBC’s Pilot Credit Committee, and Chair of the LEED Steering Committee Chair and currently serves as Vice Chair of ASHRAE 189.1