Session

Join us for the Opening Keynote of the Building Innovation 2025 Conference with The Honorable Garret Graves, former U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District. A passionate advocate for disaster relief and resilient infrastructure, Congressman Graves will share his extensive experience in responding to the increasing threat of hazards, particularly in Louisiana, one of the nation’s most vulnerable regions.

In this powerful keynote address, Congressman Graves will discuss his work in disaster recovery, policy advocacy, and building adaptable communities that can not only survive but thrive in the face of tragic events like hurricanes and floods. Drawing on real-world examples from Louisiana’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and innovate, he will outline how the public and private sectors can collaborate to create resilient infrastructure, provide timely relief, and invest in long-term solutions that protect communities from future disasters.

As the frequency and intensity of hazards increase, it is more important than ever to learn from those who are leading the charge to create safer, more resilient communities. This keynote will inspire action and provide a roadmap for integrating disaster resilience into the built environment, equipping attendees with the knowledge to lead in shaping adaptable and sustainable infrastructure in their own regions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in disaster relief and infrastructure resilience as we kick off Building Innovation 2025.

We will close out this session with the 2025 NIBS Scholarship Program.