Reflections from the 2025 International Mass Timber Conference
Par Shawna Wagner, Partner at DMC Recruitment, & Tiffiny Yaxley, Senior Recruitment Consultant
The 2025 International Mass Timber Conference in Portland offered a dynamic and insightful experience. The event spanned three days filled with learning, connection, and conversations with professionals from across the world who are driving the mass timber movement forward.
Held at the Oregon Convention Center, this year’s conference brought together over 3,100 attendees from 29 countries—making it the largest event of its kind. The international presence emphasized how truly global the mass timber conversation has become, with experts from architecture, engineering, forestry, manufacturing, and construction sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for sustainable building practices.
As sessions and discussions unfolded, five key themes emerged that are shaping the future of the mass timber industry:
Top 5 Takeaways from the 2025 Mass Timber Conference
- Fire Safety Standards Are Advancing Rapidly
Fire safety has long been a point of concern in mass timber construction, but this year’s conference helped bring clarity and optimism to the topic. Multiple sessions explored rigorous fire testing protocols, evolving code standards, and real-world case studies—showcasing how mass timber can meet or exceed traditional materials in terms of fire performance.
One key factor is how mass timber chars on the outside when exposed to fire, creating a protective layer that slows combustion and preserves structural integrity. This behavior is a significant advantage over light-frame construction. As updated testing data and code revisions gain traction, developers and regulators alike are becoming more confident in specifying mass timber for larger and more complex projects.
- Prefabrication and Modular Construction Are Gaining Traction
Mass timber’s compatibility with off-site construction is becoming more evident, with prefabricated panels enabling faster builds, reduced material waste, and fewer disruptions on-site.
This year’s conference highlighted numerous case studies where modular mass timber systems were deployed in both dense urban environments and remote regions. From mid-rise multifamily housing to schools and civic buildings, project teams are embracing these methods to improve speed and efficiency in construction.
- Carbon Transparency Is Now Driving Design Decisions
Environmental performance is increasingly becoming a deciding factor in building approvals and project planning. Developers, clients, and municipalities are placing more pressure on design teams to quantify and report embodied carbon at every stage of development.
Mass timber’s ability to store carbon and reduce emissions during manufacturing positions it as a material of choice in sustainable construction. Many firms are now using third-party lifecycle analysis tools to validate their claims, with carbon accountability becoming a standard requirement in procurement and funding processes.
For hiring teams, this shift is creating new demands for skillsets—particularly in architecture and engineering—where experience in sustainability reporting and carbon modeling tools is becoming a valued differentiator.
- North American Manufacturing Is Scaling Up—And Talent Demand Is Following
The growth of mass timber manufacturing across Canada and the U.S. is driving increased production capacity—and with it, an evolving demand for specialized talent.
New facilities are opening, and existing plants are scaling operations to meet a growing appetite for sustainable building materials. Design firms are seeking professionals who understand mass timber detailing, tolerances, and materials. Construction teams are prioritizing candidates experienced with panel sequencing, hybrid systems, and coordination across disciplines. Development groups are looking for leaders who can evaluate timber’s financial and regulatory viability.
Across all phases of the supply chain, organizations are seeking professionals who can bridge knowledge gaps and drive innovation forward in this specialized space.
- Collaboration Is Fueling Innovation
A defining feature of the mass timber industry is the collaborative spirit shared among its stakeholders. From architects and engineers to manufacturers and builders, professionals are working together to problem-solve in real time—whether that’s related to fire safety, logistics, or installation techniques.
Rather than competing in silos, many firms are actively sharing insights, lessons learned, and strategies that are helping accelerate adoption and performance across the industry. This open exchange is creating a more unified and innovative path forward for mass timber construction.
Final Thoughts
Outside the conference hall, the setting of Portland added to the experience. With cherry blossoms in full bloom and a vibrant culinary scene, the city provided an ideal backdrop for connection and reflection. Structured breakout sessions and casual evening meetups alike offered opportunities to strengthen relationships and form new partnerships within the sector.
There is a strong sense of community across the mass timber industry—one that supports shared learning and continuous improvement. For those working in sustainable design and construction, the International Mass Timber Conference remains a must-attend event.
For the DMC Recruitment team, this gathering offered not only industry insight, but also a clearer view of the talent needs shaping the future of mass timber. As the sector grows, having the right people in the right roles will be essential—and DMC is committed to helping companies build forward with confidence.
