Whether or not the new administration and Congress come up with federal money, construction of new infrastructure and repair of existing infrastructure continues to be essential to the public and to the construction industry. As part of the construction side of this equation, we are responsible for using the public’s money wisely and efficiently. That means training our people and using the latest technology to maximize efficiency and quality.
As a step towards raising the bar on this, we are presenting the Infrastructure Imperative this fall, a two-day conference to discuss three important issues. We have enlisted three dynamic leaders to help us think in innovative ways and exchange ideas with the goal of designing and building resilient infrastructure in the 21st century in an efficient and productive way:
- How to Streamline Infrastructure Projects—led by Anne M. Ellis, P.E., FACI, F.ASCE, former president of ACI and leading thinker in the construction industry
- Improving Construction Productivity—led by Gregg Schoppman, Principal, FMI who is leading an industry effort to solve the productivity crises
- Designing and Building Resilient Infrastructure—led by Jacques Marchand, Eng., Ph.D., President, Simco, a leader in defining the quality and life cycle of construction
Leading off the program, ASCE Executive Director Thomas Smith will describe the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card and what it means for the future of the country.
In addition, there will be talks on the connected worksite, the Panama Canal, Miami’s efforts to build resilient structures, and trends in residential construction that will drive infrastructure needs.
The Infrastructure Imperative, cosponsored by the American Concrete Institute, takes place November 7 and 8 in Cleveland, Ohio. To learn more or to register, go to www.infrastructureimperative.com. If you have questions or comments, I would be glad to talk with you directly: wpalmer@hanleywood.com, 773-494-4619.