HOLLYWOOD, FL – Pithy panel discussions at this month’s Construction Super Conference (CSC) in Hollywood, Fla. yielded lively conversation, thoughtful ideas, and quite a few challenges. Ideas, wit, and wisdom flowed freely during a conference that featured record participation with more than 500 attendees. Here are a few of the thoughts heard during CSC 2023.
“The big question has been; How is China’s foreign policy going to change? Is weakness inside going to make China less friendly, more aggressive, more belligerent, or more friendly? We are getting a very positive answer to that question at the moment. It is a very different story than what we see from Russia.” — Willis Sparks (pictured), director of Global Macro, Eurasia Group, from the Opening Keynote on Geopolitics: Trends and Hotspots, presented by Cozen O’Connor
“We see the struggles in QC and QA. We are losing that crusty old superintendent who really drives his team…and it does delay projects.” — Melissa Morea Evola, senior managing director, Construction Disputes & Advisory, Ankura Consulting Group – panelist for a presentation on Liquidated Damages
“What are the benefits of delegated design? Why get the specialty contractor involved? The construction industry has recognized that it’s important to draw on the experience of the subcontractors. They understand the latest developments in their specialty area.” — Edward Seglias, partner, Cohen Seglias, panelist on Delegated Design
“We’re exchanging information so fast that it can cause problems…Technology allows easier communication and even easier miscommunication. I just finished an arbitration and it came down to text messages…The importance of mindful communication can’t be overstated.” — Christopher Brasco, senior partner at Watt Tieder Hoffar & Fitzgerald, L.L.P. during a panel discussion on Risk Management Maxims that Will Change Your Approach to Project Delivery.
“When you see talent acquisition and legal both concerned about labor supply, it is a real issue…We’re seeing graduates coming out of the best construction management schools in the country, and they expect to be able to work from home for two days per week. These young college graduates are not willing to sacrifice their personal life for work.” — Katie Tinsley (pictured), senior counsel, JE Dunn Construction – panelist for a presentation on Liquidated Damages
“I always say, ‘Don’t come to me with problems unless you have at least one solution.’” — Jayme Newbigging, vice president, Ballard Marine Construction, during a panel discussion on Risk Management Maxims that Will Change Your Approach to Project Delivery
