AACE Conference and Expo 2023
The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International is holding their annual AACE Conference and Expo 2023 in Chicago on June 11-13 at the Hilton. AACE has a global membership and this conference will attract a wide range of industries. ranging from Construction, Oil and Gas and Defence to Consulting and Utilities.
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL, USA
The ACCE Conference and Expo 2023 will have over 100 hours of tracks to cater for the expected 1600 delegates who will attend, over the three days. There will be two Keynote Speakers,an Exhibiting Hall and Networking.
AACE Conference and Expo 2023 Keynotes
Monday Keynote
Jamie Notter is an author, constant, and culture strategist at PROPEL. Jamie will offer a keynote address on ‘Sharpening your Culture to Attract Top Talent.’ Drawing upon his 30 years of experience in designing and managing culture, Jamie will offer thought-proving insights. Jamie will offer tips from his three books ‘Humanize’, ‘When Millennials Take Over’ and ‘The Non-Obvious Guide to Employee Engagement’.
Tuesday Keynote
A panel consisting of, Greg Hall, PSP, Carlos Ortega and Jenifer Therrin will present ‘Covid- Related Claims and the Challenges of Measuring Associated Impacts.’ Following the global pandemic, cost professionals within the construction industry are faced with the quantification of Covid-related claims and associated impacts.
The panel will discuss claims stemming from material shortages and supply chains as well as labour inefficiencies and shortages.
Tracks, Tracks & Tracks
With over 100 hours of tracks presented by industry experts, AACE has classified them into Planning and Scheduling, Project Controls, Earned Value Management, Project Management and Decision and Risk. Below is a sample from each category.
Planning and Scheduling
Thomas C. Long will present ‘Schedule Updates Using Remaining Original Duration versus Remaining Work Duration’. Thomas will discuss that when updating a critical path method (CPM) schedule, calculating remaining durations based on remaining original duration versus remaining work duration provides different information. Updating in-progress activities based on the remaining original duration can more accurately quantify the impact of a delay or acceleration, whereas progress based on remaining work can more accurately show the cause of the delay. Therefore, both are important to calculate. Thomas will offer his insights on the differences between the two updating methods and offer examples of how the two methods of updating can provide insights into different aspects of schedule analysis.
Jack Thysens, PSP will present ‘Schedule Analysis Using Data Visualization’. Jack will offer his insights on how schedule analysis can be challenging when only hard copy schedules are available because when only an image or PDF of a schedule is available, the data available for technical reviews can be minimized. Jack will explain that to perform an analysis of a hard copy schedule, it is necessary to visually compare activities or to manually recreate the schedule using a scheduling program such as Primavera P6 or an application such as Microsoft Excel. Jack will offer his insights on Tableau, a data visualization application. By inputting the minimal data available in hard copies of schedule updates, analysts can visually identify differences in schedules more efficiently and accurately.
Charles E. Bolyard, Jr. CFCC and Laura Freas will present ‘The Schedule Delay Analysis for Subcontractors – Different by Necessity’. Charles and Laura will offer their insights on the differences between schedule delay analysis for a subcontractor in contrast to schedule delay analyses performed on behalf of contractors and owners. Charles and Laura will explain because a subcontractor does not have the privity of contract with the owner and other subcontractors, the courses of remedy for delays caused by others rests solely with the general contractor. Charles and Laura will offer insights on cost estimating, scheduling, performing delay analyses and providing expert testimony on behalf of subcontractors across a wide range of projects. Charles and Laura will discuss AACE International’s recommended practices (RP) on planning, scheduling and schedule delay analysis.
Project Controls
Kim D. Forbes, PSP; Ghaith Al-Hiyari, CCP; Carlos Ortega and Lucia Vernon will present a panel discussion on ‘Project Controls- a Profession on the Edge of Extinction or Rebirth?’ The construction industry is on the cusp of a transformational change, with machine learning and artificial intelligence increasingly encroaching on tasks and deliverables that formed part of the traditional project controls and the cost engineering profession.
These technological advances, normalization and analysis are at a much faster rate and efficiency than we have ever imagined. Is the project control profession on the edge of an existential crisis?
However, the construction industry is increasingly getting more complex and volatile, with more new untested technological inputs, stakeholders’ interfaces and global supply chain interconnectivity than ever before. A small event in one area can have a ripple effect throughout the entire world. While machine learning and AI are being increasingly deployed, complexity, volatility and uncertainty are on the uptake as well. The Panel will share their perception of the evolution, revolution or rather the demise of the profession in the coming future.
Sudhakar R. Pulagam, P.Eng will present ‘Controlling Small Projects’. Sudhakar will offer his insights on the project control of small projects where resources are often limited but the time frame to complete project deliverables is tight. Sudhakar will explain that regular monitoring, along with project updates will keep the project team appraised of the status of completed and planned activities which are of critical importance.
Sudhakar will discuss how adopting a few key planning steps during the early stages of a project can make a difference and establish a clear path for the project team to execute the work on time and within budget. Sudhakar will also offer various methods used to evaluate project status, progress reporting, and appropriate use of tools for small projects.
Stephen L. Cabano, FAACE will Present ‘Project Control for Owners’ Small Project Portfolios’.
Stephen will explain that effective project control has immense value in keeping large projects on track to achieve cost and schedule objectives. Stephen will offer his insights on how there is a consensus that extensive project control is unnecessary for small project portfolios that do not require the size and depth of coverage applied for large projects. Stephen will explain that there are adaptations of these tools and techniques that can provide the transparency required to keep small projects and overall portfolios on target. Stephen will share lessons learned along with successful organizational structures, control tools and processes that result in small project solutions suitable for the plant or site-based project environment.
Earned Value Management
Michelle Banner and Scott R. Major will present ‘Earned Value Management – Is It All Smoke and Mirrors?’ Michelle and Scott will offer their insights on how Earned Value Management (EVM) has evolved into a familiar comprehensive project management tool. Michelle and Scott will explain that there is ample evidence to support the efficacy of EVM on projects, portfolios, and programs. Michelle and Scott will discuss how EVM provides data to project stakeholders and answer three major questions; where has the project been, where is the project now, and where is the project going, offering valuable insight into the health of projects.
Glauco Bezerra da Silva will present ‘Using Earned Value and Parametric Methods to Estimate Remaining Costs of Construction’. Glauco will explain that complex, construction projects are often subjected to changes by the owners during their life cycle leading to the discontinuity of projects and implementation of new projects in place of the previous one. Glauco will offer his insights on how to preview the costs of construction of the remaining works of a discontinued project. Glauco will explain that it is achieved with the use of a parametric cost estimate of revamping existing facilities, and it is associated with an estimate of completion (EAC) of the original project.
Glauco will discuss how this is achieved using the techniques of earned value management and conceptual cost estimating to project the costs of these remaining works. From the indicators of performance, time, and cost of the construction it is possible to determine the costs of the project in the states in which they are. It is applied in the result of a parametric cost estimate of the revamp project to forecast the cost of this new project.
Project Management
Dr Nick J. Lavingia, PE will present ‘How to Create a World Class Project Management Organization?’ Dr Nick will offer his insights on how a company created an organization that delivered pacesetter project performance and achieved its goal of being number 1 in return on capital employed (ROCE) and total shareholder return (TSR). Dr Nick will offer his insights on 5 key steps to success:
- Understand project management’s impact on the bottom line of the company by improvingROCE And TSR.
- Implement a structured project development and execution process which enables effectivecommunication between decision-makers, multifunctional project team and stakeholders.
- Demand the use of project management best practices that optimize the safety, cost, schedule, andoperability of a project.
- Insist on the use of total cost management tools to plan, schedule, estimate, monitor and reportproject progress.
- Require training and certification of executives, managers and project professionals.
Lira Vargas will present ‘Estimating Small Projects’. Lira will offer her insights on how estimating small projects may seem like a small task Lira will explain that sometimes small projects are so specific, that it is not very accurate to estimate costs based on available historical data. Moreover, given that the amount is small, inaccuracy or omission in the understanding of the scope could give a significant impact on the final estimate. Lira will discuss, based on the experience of some cost estimators how to approach the realization of this type of cost estimate. Lira will offer her insights on what kind of information regarding scope should be available at a minimum to be able to perform the cost estimation. Lira will also discuss, good practices for the realization to ensure quality and accuracy will be presented.
Michael P. Ryan PSP and Matthew Marzilli, PSP will present ‘Identifying and Understanding Schedule Revisions using Basic Primavera Software’. Michael and Matthew will explain that identifying and understanding impacts due to revisions is an important part of the schedule review or forensic analysis process, especially on larger projects. It can be a struggle to simply organize and tabulate the hundreds of revisions made to each update without the use of external software. Michael and Matthew will demonstrate how to organise schedule revisions using tools available in Primavera P6. Michael and Matthew will offer their insights on lessons learned during the analysis of revisions on previous projects. Using case studies Michal and Matthew will demonstrate how identification of the impacts due to these revisions improved the schedule review process.
Decision and Risk
Vahan Hovhannisyan, Alan Mosca, Peter Zachares, and Yael Grushka-Cockayne will all present ‘Data-Driven Schedule Risk Forecasting for Construction Mega-Projects’. Vahan, Alan, Peter and Yael will offer their insights on how forecasting and mitigating schedule risks in construction projects is a valuable and challenging task. Vahan, Alan, Peter and Yael will discuss the performance of machine learning models compared to more traditional state-of-the-art approaches for construction mega-project schedule risk forecasting. Vahan, Alan, Peter and Yael will explain that extensive experimental results on thousands of projects from various industries and sectors were reported and analysed to understand the importance of data-driven methods for project risk forecasting. Vahan, Alan, Peter and Yael will review these results which offer a clear message: construction mega-project schedule risks should be analysed using data-driven models to enable more accurate and scalable risk analyses when appropriate data is available.
Glen R. Palmer, CFCC and Dr Lev Virine, P.Eng. will present ‘Why Large Capital Projects Are Too Often Over Budget and What to Do About It?’ Glen and Dr Lev will explain that there are many reasons that large Capital projects are over budget including resource issues, supply chain issues, understated estimates of costs to get projects approved, and poor project planning, all of which led to increased labour and material costs. Glen and Dr Lev will offer their insights on integrated project risk management, risk analysis, and project controls. Using real-time examples, Glen and Dr Lev will demonstrate how cost analysis is performed on each phase of the project and determines the forecasted project cost. Glen and Dr Lev will explain that detailed mitigation and response activities are planned in advance.
Exhibiting Hall & Networking
Vendors will be offering hands-on demonstrations of their products as well as advice on best practices and tips and tricks. Networking will be available after each technical track, where colleagues and friends can meet up and discuss best practices, and new emerging trends. Delegates can choose to network globally or geographically. Industry experts will be available to discuss their presentations further.
Registration Details
1-Day Technical Program (June 11, 12, or 13) | Full Technical Program and Expo (June 11-13) | |
Member | $900 | $1,225 |
Non-Member | $1,000 | $1,425 |
Student Member | N/A | $800 |
Guest | $300 |
Accommodation
We reviewed two top hotels close to the AACE Conference and Expo 2023, The Best Western Grant Park Hotel and Hotel Blake.
The Great Western Grant Park Hotel
1100 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago Loop
Chicago, IL 60605
The Great Western Grant Park, is a three-star hotel situated approximately 0.2 miles from the AACE Conference & Expo venue. The staff are friendly and professional. The rooms are super clean with comfy beds and a fridge and microwave provided. The hotel is in an unbeatable location overlooking Grant Park. A two-night stay costs $572.35
Hotel Blake
500 South Dearborn Street
Chicago Loop
Chicago, IL 60605
Hotel Blake is a four-star hotel situated approximately 0.3 miles from the AACE Conference & Expo venue. Hotel Blake is a great boutique hotel, and the design is modern whilst tying into the hotel’s history. The rooms are enormous with comfortable beds and tea & coffee making facilities. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable of the local area. A two-night stay costs $767.26.
Summary
The AACE Conference and Expo 2023 attract delegates from around the globe because it has so many different technical tracks available. By categorizing the tracks delegates can easily find the ones that may enhance their careers, whether that is Project Management, Project Controls, Earned Value Management, Planning and Scheduling or Decision and Risk.
Delegates who register for the full technical program will receive the session recordings. One-day attendees have the option to purchase all of the session recordings at a discounted rate.
Networking is invaluable and contacts made here usually last long after the AACE Conference and Expo 2023 has finished.