8.00 Check-In & Networking
8:30 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Evolving the Role of Estimators
8:40 am Exploring Role & Skills Requirements of Estimators to Meet the Demands of an Evolving Industry
Synopsis
- Outlining how estimators add value beyond counting to provide analytical insights to support business development teams and clients
- Exploring the issue of ‘freecon’, is it a burden or benefit to drive company growth and how does it change the role of estimators?
- How are MEP firms recruiting to ensure they have the skillsets needed to address market requirements?
9:20 am Panel Discussion: Improving Onboarding & Training Processes to Upskill Your Estimating Team & Combat Brain Drain
Synopsis
- Implementing structured onboarding processes to ensure strong foundations for new estimators to confidently interpret drawings and estimate accurately
- Creating in-house training programs which invest in newer employees to seamlessly transfer industry expertise from experienced peers
- Developing an online education portal to increase accessibility of learning and development programs
- Establishing a system of knowledge sharing to develop lessons learned and encourage tangible change
10.00 Morning Refreshments
Balancing Capacity, Opportunity & Risk
10:30 am Panel Discussion: Managing Company & Team Capacity to Target the Maximum Market Opportunity
Synopsis
- Balancing volume and value to assess the right opportunities to pursue
- Analysing backlog and work in progress to accurately establish internal resource availability
- Working with external partners to reinforce capacity and capabilities
11:10 am Case Study: How We’re Using AI to Automate Tasks & Expedite the Estimating Process
Synopsis
- Identifying instant-win opportunities to drive efficiently through automation and AI
- Exploring data collection and process standardization requirements
- Balancing out-of-the-box vs in-house development and how to work with technology providers to support the needs of MEP firms
11:50 am Identifying instant-win opportunities to drive efficiently through automation and AI • Exploring data collection and process standardization requirements • Balancing out-of-the-box vs in-house development and how to work with technology providers to suppo
Synopsis
- The impact of MEP specialist expertise in predicting and mitigating risk to project scope and timelines
- Navigating when MEP estimates have to be adjusted to fit changing project scope
- Examining common pitfalls for large complex projects and how to reduce risk from MEP and GC perspectives
12.30 Networking Lunch
Managing Materials & Supply Chain
1:30 pm Audience Discussion: Managing Long Lead Times & Critical Path Materials Effectively to Avoid Costly Delays
Synopsis
- Ensuring a seat at the table to gain early insight into key systems requirements and flag potential challenges and alternative solutions
- Maintaining relationships with critical suppliers and vendors to stay up to date on critical materials and component availability
- Building in realistic contingency plans and cost escalation for long lead items
- Establishing robust processes to ensure the supply-chain is integrated into project schedules
2:10 pm Staying Informed of Advances in Building Systems & Technology Requirements to Deliver Better Value in Estimating
Synopsis
- Learn how to track and understand the implications of advancing systems technology to understand the precise material and design implications to prevent change orders and scope gaps
- Dynamically compare costs and impacts across different technological models and itemize these for clients
- Fostering ongoing education and information exchange between the estimating team and project partners to combat siloed information and decision making