Introducing Build Forward: The New SDS2 Summit

Your favorite users conference is getting a new name and revitalized mission in 2025.

We’re excited to introduce Build Forward, the premier networking and learning event for SDS2 and ALLPLAN users in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you've been using SDS2 for years or are exploring the broader ALLPLAN ecosystem, you'll leave with powerful connections, fresh ideas, and the inspiration to build what’s next.

Taking place October 15-16 in Omaha, Nebraska, Build Forward is expanding upon the established success of SDS2 Summit with exclusive opportunities to level up your skills, gain fresh ideas and perspectives, and forge meaningful connections to advance your career.

What does the new name mean for you?

In many ways, attendees who have enjoyed our conference in the past will notice little difference between the former SDS2 Summit and the new ALLPLAN Build Forward conference.

The conference will still cater largely to steel detailers and fabricators who make up the majority of ALLPLAN’s customer base in the U.S. It will maintain the same tight-knit, community-driven format that made SDS2 Summit so special and unique, with the same formula of breakout sessions, lively discussions and networking, and opportunities to let loose.

But as SDS2 continues to integrate more fully with the ALLPLAN ecosystem, it’s time to start building forward (pun intended) and redefine our annual event with the future in mind.

We have an opportunity to invite other voices into the conversation, from precast concrete fabricators and rebar detailers to civil and structural engineers—and any professionals exploring the intelligence and innovation ALLPLAN products bring to the market.

And while these niche user communities might not work together on a daily basis, we all stand to learn from each other. The construction industry is not getting any easier to navigate, after all. Solving the challenges that lie ahead is going to require some creative, out-of-the-box thinking.

We want to position Build Forward as the place to get that ball rolling.

And so, as we open our doors wider, we need a new name—one that’s not tied to a particular software solution, but rather to a shared mission to work together and build what’s next.

Why “Build Forward”?

Event organizers opened up the naming of the event earlier this year and received many interesting and compelling ideas. We ultimately chose ‘Build Forward’ because the name is simple, memorable, and brings together the full spirit of the event we want to create alongside our customer base.

• Build – This is the foundation of what we do. Every ALLPLAN customer plays a role in turning ideas into reality, and the straightforward, simple verb ‘build’ reflects the get-it-done grit we admire in our long-standing user base and others in the construction industry. Building is also what this event is all about, whether you’re talking about skills, relationships, solutions, ideas, or careers. We’re coming together to build each other up.
• Forward is about our shared commitment to progress and innovation. As much as we love to share stories of the past, this event is about looking ahead—to new challenges, opportunities, and possibilities. ‘Forward’ signifies growth, evolution, and the readiness to forge ahead with optimism and determination.

Together, Build Forward represents our shared goals and purpose and provides a launchpad to innovation, so you can take all the ideas and inspiration you gain from the event and put them to work in your own businesses and careers.

It’s a name that aligns with who and what we are now, with plenty of room to grow and expand along with the changing technological landscape—and ALLPLAN’s place in it—for many years to come.

How you can participate

Whether you’re a seasoned SDS2 user or are just dipping your toes into ALLPLAN’s innovative products, we hope you’ll join us in Omaha this October for the inaugural run of Build Forward. As always, we encourage you to register early for the best deals, and be sure to check out our website at allplan.com/build-forward to get the full rundown of what to expect and subscribe to our event newsletter to stay up to date on all the latest happenings.

And if you want to do more than just attend, you can help shape the event by:

• Applying to present a breakout session – we’re always looking for customers to share their tips and tricks and unique insights with other users. Plus, it’s a great way to earn free registration!
• Entering your project or team into the ALLPLAN Awards (formerly the SDS2 Solid Steel Awards). This year we’re introducing even more categories you can win, including a new complex miscellaneous award for SDS2 projects in addition to the usual commercial and industrial categories, as well as three exciting awards for individuals or teams. As usual, all winners will be announced live at the Customer Appreciation Banquet to cap off the conference.

If you have any questions about the event, you can reach us at buildforward@allplan.com.