CONFERENCE

Global
Construction &
Infrastructure
Global Construction Rethink: Trends that will Shape
Tomorrow’s Construction and Infrastructure

20 June 2024
 Oxford Economics forecasts that the global volume of
construction work is expected to increase by US$4.2 trillion
over the next 15 years, bolstered by the burgeoning green
economy. China is expected to witness a resurgence in its
construction sector from 2025 onwards, while the United

Type of event States contends with a $150 billion shortfall in housing.

Meanwhile, India is on track to become the fastest-growing
Online
construction behemoth globally, with the United Kingdom
leading the pace in Western Europe.

CPD Hours The industry stands at a pivotal junction, marked by a

6 technological renaissance and environmental imperatives.
Formal Sustainable development is surging, with advanced
technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of
Things (IoT), and robotics increasingly integrated into
Included in construction practices. These advancements, along with a
CPD Support Package concerted effort towards infrastructure modernization, are
steering the sector toward an era of unprecedented growth
and change. This evolution is in sync with the global
imperative to build sustainable, efficient, and intelligent
urban environments, amidst the challenges of urbanization
and climate change.

This year’s conference offers a critical platform for industry

Book your professionals to learn from global thought leaders about
adapting to emerging sustainability standards,
place today comprehending the newest eco-friendly construction trends
and technologies, deliberating over strategies to overcome
Click here sector-specific obstacles with inventive solutions, and to
facilitate cross-regional industry collaboration. This is a
unique opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing, and
partnering with industry peers worldwide, enabling industry
professionals to remain at the forefront of innovation and
contribute to a more sustainable and technologically
advanced future in the built environment.

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APAC EMEA
20 June 2024 20 June 2024

Time zone: (GST=Dubai Time, BST=London Time, EST=New York Time)

GST BST

10:30 7:30 Registration and virtual networking

11:00 8:00 Welcome remarks from Conference Chair

11:10 8:10 Opening Speech from RICS President Elect

Justin Sullivan FRICS, President Elect, RICS

11:20 8:20 Virtual networking and exhibition break

Opening keynote: Global Construction and Infrastructure Futures

11:30 8:30
This session will delve into the latest global construction market trends and
provide a forward-looking forecast of the sector's future.
• Examine the outlook for the global economy and understand the
headwinds and tailwinds shaping the future of global construction and
infrastructure – across all regions and key countries.
• Look at the potential impact of upcoming elections globally on
construction and infrastructure – especially the US and UK election cycle.
• Review the key drivers of demand globally for construction and the
challenges and opportunities posed by rapid urbanization on cities of the
future.
• Examine prospects globally for construction and in key country markets.
• Consider the impact of net zero and climate change on construction and
infrastructure.
• Learn how a circular economy and new circular business models can drive
greater sustainability and new business opportunities in construction –
including how an emerging deconstruction industry might evolve.
• The imperative for sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

This presentation will offer valuable insights into how these factors are
collectively reshaping the construction and infrastructure landscape
worldwide. Attendees will gain an understanding of the strategic directions,
emerging innovations, and necessary adaptations in workforce and policy
that are pivotal for navigating and succeeding in this rapidly evolving sector.

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Graham Robinson, Global Infrastructure and Construction Lead, Oxford
Economics
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12:10 9:10 Virtual networking and exhibition break

Panel discussion: Adapting to Climate Change: Construction's Role

12:30 9:30
The construction industry is one of the world’s largest consumers of energy
and raw materials. With over 40% of carbon emissions coming from the built
environment, 28 countries have joined the Buildings Breakthrough initiative,
which was officially launched at COP28 UAE. They have committed to work
together to ensure that “near-zero emission and resilient buildings become
the new normal by 2030”.

This panel will bring together environmental scientists and industry

professionals to explore strategies for building resilient structures, look
at how construction can adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change
and explore how the construction industry can contribute to climate change
mitigation.

This session will focus on building climate-resilient structures, climate impact

assessments for projects, how global standards ICMS3 and WLCA 2nd
edition activate the industry to achieve net-zero ambitions and sustainable
construction practices.

Moderator: Amit Patel MRICS, Head of Professional Practice – Construction,

RICS

Panelists: Bhavya Kukrety, Managing Director, Meinhardt Group

Heather Evans, Partner – National Head of Sustainability, RLB

13:10 10:10
Virtual networking and exhibition break

Keynote presentation: Advancements in Construction Technology: A

13:20 10:20
Global Overview

This session will showcase the digital revolution reshaping construction.

• Examine cutting-edge technologies transforming the construction
industry globally, such as 3D printing, AI, BIM, IoT and robotics.
• Capture the untapped value of AI adoption and data analytics in the
construction & infrastructure sector.
• Share case studies from various regions on how these technologies are
being implemented, and cutting-edge tools that are streamlining project
management and elevating construction standards.
Ben Huskisson, Chief Digital Officer, Gleeds
James Garner FRICS, Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics, Gleeds
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APAC EMEA
20 June 2024 20 June 2024

Time zone: (GST=Dubai Time, BST=London Time, EST=New York Time)

GST BST

14:00 11:00 Virtual networking and exhibition break

Panel discussion: Decarbonising Construction: Innovative Building

14:10 11:10 Materials and Construction Techniques

The UNEP's report "Building Materials and The Climate: Constructing A New
Future" from September 2023 highlights the significant carbon footprint of
the buildings and construction sector, which accounts for 37% of global
emissions.

This session will explore the latest advances in construction innovation. Our
panel of experts in prefabrication, modular construction, and advanced
materials, will delve into how these cutting-edge techniques are reshaping
the construction landscape.

Find out the benefits and challenges of prefabrication and modular

construction, the use of new and sustainable materials, how these
innovations are driving efficiency in construction projects, and how they
contribute to reducing the environmental impact of buildings.

Moderator: Nicky Dobreanu FRICS , Branch Director , Omnium International

Limited (Dubai Branch)

Panelists: Annabel Thorne , Director and Sustainability Lead, AtkinsRéalis

14:50 11:50 Virtual networking and exhibition break

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APAC EMEA America
20 June 2024 20 June 2024 20 June 2024

Time zone: (GST=Dubai Time, BST=London Time, EST=New York Time)

GST BST EST

15:00 12:00 7:00 Panel discussion: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges

The global construction supply chain is grappling with skilled labour

shortages, an ageing population and geopolitical disruptions, leading to
material scarcities and increased costs. This session will dissect the
complexities of current global supply chain issues and offer strategies for
resilience.

Discover how the best in the business are managing material shortages and
cost fluctuations, and covers effective supply chain management, risk
mitigation, and adapting to global logistical challenges in the construction
industry.

Moderator: Sorina du Toit MRICS, President, SDT Cost Management

Panelists:
David Rockhill, Partner, McKinsey & Company
Lee Rudderham MRICS, Programme Commercial Lead, Transport for London

15:40 12:40 7:40 Virtual networking, exhibition break and Americas’ region registration

Welcome remarks from Americas Conference Chair and Opening Speech

16:00 13:00 8:00
Chris Smith MRICS, Senior Director, CBRE

16:20 13:20 8:20 Virtual networking, and exhibition break

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APAC EMEA America
20 June 2024 20 June 2024 20 June 2024

Time zone: (GST=Dubai Time, BST=London Time, EST=New York Time)

GST BST EST

Panel discussion: Building Inclusive and Accessible Cities

16:30 13:30 8:30
Increasing equity and inclusion are among the most pressing challenges
facing cities, exacerbated by climate change. Cities need to become smarter,
more inclusive and accessible to adapt to urban demographic changes.
Addressing the differing needs of social groups in global and local smart city
policies is crucial.

This session will showcase global best practice and solutions in creating
inclusive, equitable and accessible urban environments with a focus on
initiatives and policies aimed at improving public spaces and buildings in
various regions.

Moderator: Terry Stocks MBE, Director of Property UK&E, AtkinsRealis

Panelists: Giles Pendleton FRICS, Chief Operating Officer, NEOM – THE LINE
Proponent
Martin Smith MRICS, Director of Project Management, TFT

17:10 14:10 9:10

Virtual networking and exhibition break

Panel discussion: The Future of Work in Construction: Addressing

17:20 14:20 9:20 Labour Shortage and Skills Gap

This session will explore how different regions are dealing with labour
shortages and skill gaps in the construction industry including:
• Innovative training programs
• The impact of automation on the workforce
• The integration of automation and robotics
• GenZers preferences on upskilling themselves
• Strategies to attract and retain skilled workers in the construction sector.

Moderator: Anil Sawhney FRICS, Head of Sustainability, RICS

Panelists: Karen Ching MRICS, Regional Director, Project & Programme

Services, AtkinsRéalis

Mohamed Anees, Country Director, GRFN

18:00 15:00 10:00 Virtual networking and exhibition break rics.org

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EMEA America
20 June 2024 20 June 2024

Time zone: (GST=Dubai Time, BST=London Time, EST=New York Time)

BST EST

15:10 10:10 Panel discussion: Infrastructures of Change: Steering Global

Investments for Future-Ready Development

With substantial investments flowing into infrastructure development

worldwide, there is a renewed focus on creating more resilient, efficient, and
sustainable urban and rural infrastructures. This session will analyse current
and future trends in infrastructure investment. Key insights include global
market growth areas, investment strategies, and the economic impact of
infrastructure development on national and global scales. Gain valuable
insights into where investments are flowing and what the future holds for
infrastructure development worldwide.

Moderator: James Arrow FRICS , Project-Program Director, Risk

Management，Los Alamos National Laboratory

Panelist: Michele Connolly, Partner and EMA Sector Head for KPMG Global
Infrastructure, KPMG Corporate Finance
15:50 10:50
Virtual networking and exhibition break

Closing Keynote: The Next Decade in Construction Sector

16:00 11:00
COP28 highlighted the urgent need to escalate climate action efforts before
the end of the decade, emphasizing that the global average annual rate of
energy efficiency improvements must double by 2030. This underscores the
pivotal role of the construction industry in addressing climate change,
positioning it at a crucial juncture. The industry is both a major contributor to
global greenhouse gas emissions, and a key player with immense potential to
spearhead the transition towards a sustainable future.

This session will bring a forward-looking perspective on industry evolution,

technological advancements, and market opportunities in the next decade.
Explore skills you need in next decade, future-proof design and construction,
how circular economy can drive greater sustainability and new business
opportunities in construction, how international standards foster
collaborations in construction from global perspective and drive sustainable
growth? Get an exclusive look into what the next decade holds, with insights
on emerging trends and opportunities in the construction sectors.

Presenter：Dr. Alexander Budzier，Fellow in Management Practice at Saïd

Business School, University of Oxford
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EMEA America
20 June 2024 20 June 2024

Time zone: (GST=Dubai Time, BST=London Time, EST=New York Time)

BST EST

16:40 11:40 Conference closing remarks

17:00 12:00
End of conference

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Delivering confidence
We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive
change in the built and natural environments. Through our
respected global standards, leading professional progression
and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the
highest professional standards in the development and
management of land, real estate, construction and
infrastructure. Our work with others provides a foundation for
confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and
is a force for positive social impact.

Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa

[email protected]

Asia Pacific
[email protected]

United Kingdom & Ireland

[email protected]

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