Conference Day One
November 21, 2024
7:00 am Check-In & Networking
8:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Building Transparency with General Contractors
8:10 am Enhancing Clarification of Scope & Specification with General Contractors to Improve Accuracy of Estimates
Synopsis
• Improving information sharing during the preconstruction phase to define responsibility and establish a complete price
• Exploring how contract type can impact scope, expectations and routes to collaboration
• Enhancing client-focused communication and specification clarity on project requirements to accurately fulfil client demands
8:50 am Panel Discussion:Exploring What General Contractors Want to See in a Competitive Bid to Define Winning Criteria
Synopsis
• Gain insights into GC needs and priorities to tailor bids that meet their specific requirements
• Create and communicate value adding actions to differentiate your proposals
• Define the differences between a winning bid and a losing bid in the eyes of a GC to establish decision criteria
9:30 am Audience Discussion: Building Trust with General Contractors to Foster a Robust Long-term Relationship That Enhances Collaboration
Synopsis
• Identifying ideal partners who value trade expertise and promote transparent communication for enhanced project outcomes
• Managing MEP/GC dynamics: ensuring transparency and meeting expectations in freecon phase to secure contracts
• Learn how to build trust prior to a contractual agreement to foster stronger relationships and win more work
10:00 am Morning Refreshments & Speed Networking
Improving Efficiency Across Project Variables
10:40 am Unravelling the Evolution of Estimates to Better Mitigate Fluctuating Costs
Synopsis
• Maintaining accuracy across multiple iterations, ensuring alignment between initial estimates and final costs
• Managing fluctuating material costs, inconsistent equipment pricing, and increased labor costs
• Defining the balance between contingency planning and pricing yourself out of the competition
11:20 am Audience Discussion: Mitigating Supply Chain Challenges to Enhance Estimate Accuracy
Synopsis
• Explore strategies to address supply chain issues early without jeopardizing project costs
• Define methods to receive precise information from suppliers for accurate estimating
• Break down trade-specific challenges and cultivate collaboration to improve clarity, alignment, and estimate accuracy
12:00 pm Networking Lunch
Propelling Design Outputs
1:00 pm Streamlining Collaboration with Engineers on Design-Assist & Design- Build Projects to Improve Project Outputs
Synopsis
• Improving information sharing, workflows and data sharing practices in DD stage to enhance the accuracy of project estimates
• Integrating VDC, BIM, engineers, and estimators to streamline operations and ensure clarity in project execution
• Analyzing relationship dynamics and challenges in creating complete drawings across Design/Assist and Design/Build Projects to become the partner of choice
1:40 pm Conducting Effective Constructability Reviews with Design Teams to Reduce Error & Prevent Rework
Synopsis
• Develop robust processes to pinpoint and resolve conflicting issues within schematic designs, thereby reducing the need for rework
• Define an efficient RFI process that fosters a collaborative relationship and proactively addresses design ambiguities early on
• Elevate how estimators can offer value engineering to consider additional contextual and environmental requirements to provide expertise to designers
2:20 pm Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Overcoming Conceptual Estimating Bottlenecks
3:30 pm Mastering the Art of Conceptual Estimating to Create Accurate & Reliable Estimates
Synopsis
• Developing a comprehensive understanding of your client and market to accurately define the scope of work
• Discover tools for take-offs and quantity surveys, and use historical data for reliable estimates with limited information
• Explore practical strategies for managing high-level pricing and budgeting with minimal information