Join DIALOG’s Magda Warshawski, Partner, Architect, and Edmonton Studio Chair; John Souleles, Partner and Architect; and Michael Markowski, Director of Risk and Commercial Management on October 8, 2024, at the Infrastructure Partners Conference in Edmonton, AB.
The speakers will present sessions on alternative building methods and emerging technology, workforce development, and risk transfers.
Plenary Session 1 | Alternative Building Methods and Emerging Technology
Time: 10-11 a.m. MT
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre, Hall D
Panelists will explore how alternative building methods and emerging technologies are revolutionizing the design, construction, and management of vertical infrastructure; discuss real-world applications and case studies demonstrating the impact of these technologies; and identify challenges and opportunities associated with integrating emerging technologies, and approaches in the industry.
In this session, Partner John Souleles will focus on the CAGBC Net-Zero Carbon Design Certified UCalgary – MacKimmie Complex project, a deep retrofit that renovates and reuses the existing Tower, adds two floor levels, and replaces the existing Block and Link with a new academic learning environment focused on the student experience.
Panelists:
- Platform Technology | William Johnston, Pr. Eng. (RSA), WSP
- Building Information Modelling | Vincent Plourd, Director VDC, Chandos and Tracey Didluck, Project Manager, University of Alberta
- Alternative Building Delivery Case Studies: MacKimmie Complex | John Souleles, Architect, LEED AP, DIALOG
Plenary Session 2 | Workforce Development
Time: 11-12 a.m. MT
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre, Hall D
Moderated by Partner Magdalena Warshawski and Ken Kozakewich, CEA, this group of industry experts will explore critical skills and competencies required for future success from an education system perspective, discuss the evolving nature of infrastructure and construction and its impact on workforce requirements, and provide practical examples of upskilling and reskilling programs. They will also discuss clear pathways for entering and progressing within the industry, from early education to professional development.
Panelists:
- Polytechnics: Leading the Way in Workforce Development | Peter Leclaire, Vice President, Academic, NAIT, Sara Cardinal, Manager, Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre
- Wrap Around Supports to get Unemployed Women into Sustainable, Non-Traditional Careers | Christie Lavan, Director, External Relations and Growth, Women Building Futures
Breakout 2 | ‘Risk Transfer – Who Best to Carry the Load?’ with Michael Markowski
Time: 2:30-3 p.m. MT
Location: Salon 9
In this session, Michael will provide insights into why simply transferring risk might not be best for the project, ultimately putting all parties at inherent risk. He will discuss the collaborative process of industry associations working with AI for updates of their agreements and the process to delineate what risks are held by what party. Attendees will gain an understanding of reinforcing the value of mitigating risk before transfer is considered, and how collaborative contracting can support that intent. Michael will also address why driving home that transfer of risk is most effective when parties with the most control of that risk are assigned that risk.