Kick off the conference in style as we begin with an unforgettable evening of networking and camaraderie at our exclusive Welcome Reception. Rub shoulders with fellow attendees, esteemed industry leaders, and potential collaborators in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while priming yourself for thought-provoking discussions, invaluable insights, and game-changing connections that will propel your consulting engineering business to new heights.
Wenesday, October 23 Morning program: Today's opportunities and challenges
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast Keynote: The Canadian business climate - what you need to know
Start the conference with an insightful breakfast keynote addressing the state of the political and economic landscape. Gain strategic insights into the national business and regulatory environment, setting the stage for the day's discussions on seizing opportunities, driving innovation, and overcoming barriers to elevate business growth in consulting engineering,
9:00m-10:00am Panel 1: ACEC’s Industry Forecast and Sentiment Survey
Gain an exclusive preview of the latest findings from the ACEC Research Institute Economic Forecast and Sentiment Survey, providing a comprehensive overview of our industry's economic health and sentiment. Following a presentation of the results, engage in a panel discussion with diverse stakeholders, including leaders from consulting engineering firms and contractors, to analyze the survey results and identify actionable insights for your firm.
10:00am-10:30am Nutrition break
10:30am to 12:00pm Panel 2: The Project Pipeline and Accessing Federal Funding
Delve into upcoming projects and programs from the federal government and its agencies and partners. Whether it involves aiding the federal government’s own projects or accessing infrastructure and capital investment programs that can facilitate your projects and those of your clients, learn where the opportunities will lie and gain insight and market intelligence to ensure readiness and maintain a competitive edge.
Afternoon program: Facing the future
12:00pm-12:30pm Lunch
12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch Keynote: Doing Business in 2035 - will we be ready?
Partake in a thought-provoking lunch keynote envisioning the firm of 2035. Explore exciting new scenarios, technological advancements, and market trends shaping the business world over the next decade. Gain valuable insights into how your firm can adapt and innovate to thrive in the rapidly evolving business landscape.
1:30pm-2:30pm Panel 3: Evolving delivery and procurement models
Engage in an interactive session providing valuable insights into the real-world performance of project delivery and procurement models in Canada. Reflect on recent experiences to evaluate the effectiveness of various delivery and procurement models in the Canadian context. Explore how well these models have distributed risk and reward among stakeholders and met the expectations of the public, project owners, and investors. Contribute to shaping the future of the consulting engineering industry.
2:30pm to 3:00pm Nutrition break
3:00pm-4:00pm Panel 4: AI and its opportunities, limitations, and risks
Explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in consulting engineering and its implications for future-readiness. Delve into opportunities for leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and drive innovation, while also addressing the limitations and risks associated with AI adoption. Engage in a dynamic panel discussion with industry thought leaders and experts to gain actionable insights for integrating AI into your firm's operations.
4:00pm-5:00pm Closing Keynote – Where to go from here?
Stay tuned for an inspiring closing keynote delivering compelling and actionable takeaways to help you chart a course for future professional success.
5:00pm-5:15pm Closing remarks
5:15pm-6:00pm Closing networking reception
Wrap up the conference with a networking reception, providing valuable opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Foster new relationships, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships that will elevate your business.
