7:00 am Registration & Networking Breakfast

7:30 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

Workforce Strategies for Modern Project Environments

7:40 am Attracting & Retaining Skilled Planners & Schedulers in a Competitive Labor Market

Synopsis

• Addressing common misconceptions about the complexity and desirability of scheduling roles to attract and retain new talent

• Approaches for identifying, training, and retaining individuals in scheduling roles to build a robust talent pool over time

• Initiatives and strategies to promote careers in scheduling and project controls, ensuring a steady future workforce

8:20 am Panel: Navigating Remote Work Dynamics for Improved Productivity & Collaboration

Synopsis

• Analyzing how remote work affects team dynamics and engagement

• Discussing how the preference for remote work influences recruitment and the negotiation of work terms, particularly in the context of planning and scheduling jobs

• Exploring the use of technology, like virtual collaboration tools and platforms, to mitigate the challenges of remote work in planning and scheduling

9:30 am Morning Refreshments & Networking

Scheduling Innovation

Collaborative Risk Management

10:10 am Audience Discussion: Maximizing Data & Technology for Enhanced Forecasting & Production Management

Synopsis

• Utilizing lead time data for materials and equipment to streamline project planning and procurement

• Addressing challenges and strategies for standardizing data collection and utilization practices

• Exploring technologies to streamline field data gathering processes for construction teams

• Sharing techniques for optimizing analytics to forecast future project requirements and improved resource allocation

10:50 am Accommodating Project Scope Changes to Minimize Risk

Synopsis

• Exploring cost-effective methods for managing major project changes

• Adapting project schedules to meet accelerated completion dates, including efficient timeline restructuring

• Discussing how project managers incorporate buffer or “float” to manage delays effectively

• Developing subcontractor-friendly scheduling solutions for efficient projects, positive relationships, and cost minimization

11:30 am Practical Strategies & Essential Tools of Forensic Delay Analysis to De-Weaponize Schedules & Foster Collaborative Scheduling

Synopsis

• Understanding the foundational concepts of forensic delay analysis and how to apply them

• Exploring the importance of graphical exhibits in forensic delay analysis

• Different methods of forensic delay analysis and how to choose the appropriate method

Departmental Strategy

Building Your Scheduling Department

10:10 am Elevating the Role of Scheduling for Enhanced Project Success

Synopsis

• Discussing how to measure the success of scheduling departments and the impact they have on project outcomes

• Understanding how to move from a siloed role to integral parts of the project team

• Overcoming perceptions of scheduling as a ‘Necessary Evil’ to a valuable strategic tool

• Exploring leadership’s role in transforming the perception and effectiveness of the scheduling function

10:50 am Panel: Mapping Career Paths for Schedulers to Foster an Environment of Continuous Development & Enhance Workforce Retention

  • Noah Aronson Senior Scheduling Manager, Holder Construction
  • Matt Enochs National Scheduling Director, Alston Construction

Synopsis

• Developing a structured career path for schedulers from entry-level positions to senior roles

• Strategies to prevent career stagnation and provide continuous growth opportunities

• How can we better promote scheduling as a career?

11:30 am Strategies for Developing Essential Scheduling Skill Sets to Empower Autonomy & Success

Synopsis

• Identifying the essential qualities and skills required for an evolving discipline

• Addressing challenges in training junior schedulers when resources are limited and experienced colleagues are busy

• Leveraging project teams to facilitate skill development among schedulers

• Establishing metrics and methods to measure success

12:40 pm Lunch

1:40 pm Leveraging Visualization Tools in Schedule Reporting for Effective Decision-Making

Synopsis

• Communicating complex scheduling data to non-technical stakeholders to ensure clarity and understanding

• Investigating techniques to break down schedule data into manageable chunks, making it easier for field teams to understand and execute tasks effectively

• Exploring how visual planning and dashboard tools can be integrated at both project and division levels to enhance outcomes and promote engagement

2:20 pm Panel: Future-Proofing Construction Schedules to be Fit for the Projects of Tomorrow

Synopsis

  • Explore the future of construction scheduling, focusing on innovative tools and technologies poised to reshape the field as projects grow in complexity.
  • Discuss critical process improvements and strategies for enhancing stakeholder collaboration to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Discover the next steps needed to future-proof construction schedules and consistently deliver projects on time and within budget.

3:00 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks

3:10 pm End of Conference