7:00 am Registration & Networking

8:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

Managing Integrity & Accountability on Complex Projects

8:10 am Panel: Mitigating the Multi-Schedule Dilemma to Ensure Transparency & Accountability

Synopsis

• Approaches to initiate a conversation with the owner about the purpose and scope of different schedules and explaining the reasons behind this practise

• Establishing uniformity and project processes that promote communication, transparency, and accountability

• Strategies to engage trade contractors in the initial scheduling process to incorporate their insights and avoid the creation of alternative schedules

8:50 am Scaling Planning & Scheduling Methods for Mega Projects to Mitigate Reactive Environments

Synopsis

• Exploring the bottlenecks for mega project schedule development

• Setting benchmarks and unifying schedule creation methods to ensure consistency

• Defining frequency and process of schedule updates and checks

• Developing a culture that supports efficient planning and scheduling across large teams

9:30 am From Gantt to AI: The Four Paradigms of Scheduling in Construction

  • Rene Morkos Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ALICE Technologies

Synopsis

• Introduction to the Four Paradigms of Construction Scheduling: An overview of its evolution from traditional methods to an advanced AI-driven generative scheduling technology: ALICE Core

• Optimizing Baseline Schedules with AI: How ALICE Core enables AI-driven optimization of schedules built in MS Project, Primavera P6, or Cloud, to automatically generate multiple feasible schedules based on your project objectives

• Real-World Applications of AI in Construction Scheduling: Discuss use cases such as recovering a project from unexpected delays, identifying the optimal mix of resources and optimized resource allocation, and de-risking the project

10:00 am Morning Refreshments & Speed Networking

Scheduling Innovation

Unlocking Project Insights for Effective
Decision-Making

10:40 am Analyzing Techniques in Effective Short-Term Scheduling for Practical Implementation & Alignment

Synopsis

• Aligning short-term schedules with the master schedule to avoid redundancy and ensure cohesive project management

• Sharing best practices to ensure ease of use and comprehension for all project stakeholders

• Meeting rigid contractual requirements while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness on the ground 

11:20 am Leveraging Earned Value Metrics for Enhanced Project Insights & Decision-Making

Synopsis

• Leveraging various industry software such as Primavera P6 and Autodesk Assemble to track and generate reports from earned value data, such as earned hours and spent hours, to enhance project insights and decision-making

• Utilizing multiple project baselines in earned value analysis to monitor project schedule performance and predict future outcomes

• Addressing the difficulties in maintaining highly detailed schedules and finding a balance between detail and practical value

Departmental Strategy

Aligning Project Partners

10:40 am Panel: Decoding Project Schedules for Owners to Build Trust, Engagement, & Ensure Project Success

  • Aaron Martin Director of Scheduling, Anova Technical Services/Shiel Sexton
  • Pavan Naraparaju Director of Project Controls, Texas International Terminals

Synopsis

• Addressing the challenges posed by client demand for aggressive schedules and the impact on project execution

• Understanding how funding constraints and continuous scope changes affect project schedules

• Sharing effective methods to simplify complex schedule information for owners and providing regular project pulse checks and forecasts

11:20 am Partnering With Owners & Designers for Collaborative Risk Mitigation & Project Success

  • Michael Tokar General Superintendent - Construction Executive Field Operations Leader, Gilbane Building Company
  • Shawn Pankratz Principal Division Manager, SSOE Group

Synopsis

• Balancing client preferences for specific manufacturers with practical procurement considerations, to manage schedule risks effectively

• Working with design teams to streamline permitting by addressing code compliance and jurisdictional requirements efficiently

• Supporting owners to make informed decisions that align with the project schedule and minimize delays

12:30 pm Lunch

Selecting Optimal Scheduling Methodology

1:30 pm Unveiling the Value of TAKT Planning for Improved Schedule Consistency

Synopsis

• Breaking down the core principles of TAKT planning, including creating locations, setting rhythms, and ensuring synchronized workflow

• Evaluating the differences and advantages compared to traditional scheduling techniques

• Modifying TAKT planning principles to non-traditional and complex projects where standard approaches may not be effective

2:10 pm Audience Discussion: Integrating Last Planner System for Collaborative Corrective Actions & Project Efficiency

Synopsis

• Addressing the lack of focus on corrective actions in traditional scheduling and how collaborative corrective approaches can enhance project outcomes

• Implementing PPC (Percent Plan Complete) metrics to help teams understand objectives achieved and identify areas for improvement

• Using Last Planner System to better forecast, recognize and mitigate risks early

2:50 pm Panel: Exploring Alternatives: Lean Tools vs. CPM in Project Planning & Scheduling

Synopsis

• Exploring how different scheduling techniques influence the management and utilization of project float and its effects on project timelines

• Highlighting real-world examples of how Lean tools and techniques have enhanced productivity in construction projects compared to CPM

• Evaluating the risks associated with non-CPM scheduling methods and legal requirement and how they can be mitigated effectively

Preparing for Advanced Analytics & Schedule Automation

1:30 pm Running Efficient Planning Sessions With Subcontractors for Goal Alignment & Seamless Project Execution

Synopsis

• Integrating subcontractors early in scheduling discussions to align expectations and mitigate misalignment issues

• Discussing the ideal format and duration of planning sessions that maximize subcontractor buy-in and effectiveness

• Strategies to convince experienced subcontractors of the need for updated tools and approaches

• Navigating cross-stakeholder expectations and contract terms around schedule acceleration to enhance collaboration and prevent disputes

2:10 pm Audience Discussion: Effective Technology Implementation & Integration to Ensure Fast Adoption & ROI

Synopsis

• Assessing the need for new processes or technology and their potential ROI before implementation

• Managing cultural change and assessing the impact of new technology on personnel for smooth implementation

• Setting realistic expectations and aligning stakeholder satisfaction with technology implementation outcomes

2:50 pm Panel: Navigating Tech Fatigue to Simplify Software Selection & Implementation in a Saturated Market

Synopsis

• Methods and criteria for distinguishing between multiple software tools that claim to offer similar functionalities but vary in user experience and output

• Analyzing the lifecycle of software tools in construction, from initial adoption to potential obsolescence and replacement and adoption for that lifecycle

• Strategies for testing and rolling out new software tools in a controlled manner to avoid overwhelming project teams

3:30 pm Afternoon Break

4:00 pm Evolution of Planning and Scheduling Technology & Implementation Strategies for Enhanced Efficiency & Innovation on Your Projects

Synopsis

Explore the evolution and future trends of planning and scheduling technology in construction, from foundational principles to modern cloud-based solutions.

Discover advancements in capture and compute technologies, and explore their potential convergence in project management.

Gain practical strategies for implementing and adopting technology effectively to enhance efficiency and foster innovation on your projects.

4:40 pm Audience Discussion: Emerging Technologies in Construction Scheduling: Future Potential and Current Progress

Synopsis

• Exploring the future potential of AI in construction scheduling, the transformative benefits it offers, and its current state and implementation across the industry

• Discussing the widespread industry adoption and integration of 4D planning into high-quality visualization platforms like Unreal Engine to deliver detailed, immersive project experiences with less effort

• Delving into the role of smart contracts and automation in creating irrefutable evidence for completed work, linking project milestones to payments

5:20 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks

5:30 pm End of Day One