2nd Annual FCON-TECH
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT

In this International Keynote Address – Darren Bechtel will examine the innovation Brick & Mortar Ventures are seeing, the tech trends they see shaping the global industry and what construction technology they are investing in and why? We ask – how will this impact the industry in Australia and what opportunities will there be for forward thinking companies to deploy the next generation of ConTech across their organisations? 

The mission of Brick & Mortar Ventures is to invest in and grow emerging companies who are developing innovative software and hardware solutions for the industries of construction, architecture, engineering and facilities management. 

Alan Dunn, Chief Information Officer, Richard Crookes Construction

In this session we hear from Atul Khanzode who is the Chief Technology Officer for DPR Construction in the USA. With more than 10,000 staff in 32 offices across the US, Europe and Asia, DPR are leaders in technically challenging construction. In this keynote we hear how Atul and his team work to develop new and cutting-edge tools to achieve superior outcomes for their clients.

We hear how innovation and technology plays a fundamental role in developing unique solutions for the complex construction projects they undertake globally.

• Engaging senior management to drive a culture of innovation
• Working with clients to better understand their needs and take a collaborative approach to complex construction challenges
• Assessing the full suite of technology solutions that can deliver high quality projects – on time and on budget

• What’s worked, what hasn’t and what lessons have been learnt along the way in developing innovative solutions for DPR and its clients?

Atul Khanzode, Chief Technology Officer, DPR Construction (USA) 

This panel discussion pushes the boundaries of infrastructure development, exploring how a dynamic blend of data, cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches are shaping the future of construction. We’ll move beyond traditional methods, delving into how real-time data collection, user-friendly technology, and groundbreaking advancements empower stakeholders to build smarter, more sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. Drawing on the expertise of our diverse panellists, we’ll explore: 

• How to pilot new technologies to scale and successfully deploy them across your organisation and within your existing technology stack 
• Navigating the tech jungle: Choosing the right tools from an ever-expanding landscape of data-driven solutions 
• Hardware harmony: Seamlessly integrating new technologies such as drones, sensors, and wearables for real-time project insights 
• Managing different technologies across different projects and with different clients  

Panellists

Atul Khanzode, Chief Technology Officer, DPR Construction (USA) 

Chloe Williams, National Manager – Digital Engineering, Innovation and IP, Fulton Hogan (NZ)

Bryan Lai, Rail Systems Interface & Integration Manager, DT Infrastructure

Ekaterina Lanshakova, Business Support and Service Delivery, Mirvac

Facilitator

Brett Moffitt, Executive Director & Vice-President – APAC, Cupix

In this session we bring together delegates to participate in a 40-minute interactive roundtable discussion, led by industry experts. Join the table that most interests you and discuss the latest technology and industry trends with likeminded individuals.  

Round Table 1: Examining what Technologies can the construction industry adopt to help reduce embodied carbon within construction materials? 

Moderated by:  Prof. Tuan Ngo, Research Program Leader – Building Transformation, Building 4.0 CRC & DBI  

Round Table 2: Aligning strategies: Bridging team needs with embedded technology in organisational operational systems 

Moderated by: Ekaterina Lanshakova, Business Support and Service Delivery, Mirvac 

Round Table 3: Maximising tech ROI on a budget: Unveiling tips and tricks for optimal returns 

Moderated by: Shivendra Kumar, Managing Director, Shivendra & Co. 

Round Table 4: Encouraging more woman into technical roles within construction 

Round Table 5: AI – The Architect of Efficiency: Explore AI’s impact on construction, from streamlined workflows to enhanced safety 

Round Table 6: How to pilot new technologies to scale and successfully deploy within your organisation  

Round Table 7: Data integration: Harnessing the power of construction technology to drive informed decision-making and streamline project management 

Round Table 8: Sustainability reinvented: Leveraging innovative construction technology to build greener 

Round Table 9: Using reality capture to streamline the collection of data on the jobsite  

Round Table 10: Optimising your data management strategy to better gather, share & report data internally 

Facilitators

 Prof. Tuan Ngo, Research Program Leader – Building Transformation, Building 4.0 CRC & DBI

Ekaterina Lanshakova, Business Support and Service Delivery, Mirvac

Shivendra Kumar, Managing Director, Shivendra & Co

From design, to construction, completion, and handover to document management, comms, safety, quality, site access and operations  

Reserved for Simpel

This fireside chat transcends the typical discussion of AI and Robotics in construction, shifting the focus towards the symphony between humans and the adoption and use of these rapidly evolving technologies. We will explore how AI and robotics have become invaluable collaborators, not replacements for the human workforce. 

• Unlocking robotics potential: Seamlessly integrating contractor-supplier collaborations for enhanced efficiency and innovation. 
• How to move beyond proof of concepts and develop tech that can be rolled out efficiently and within R&D budgets? 
• Innovation in action: Developing and field testing products for enhanced performance and reliability in real-world environments. 
• AI – The Architect of Efficiency: Explore AI’s impact on construction, from streamlined workflows to enhanced safety 

Speaker

Greg Peters, Principal Product Engineer, Laing O’Rourke

In this session, we hear from 5 leading ConTech start-ups who are each delivering innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving challenges of modern construction. The founders will share their insights into why they have developed their solutions and how they transform key aspects of the construction industry. 

Facilitator:

Shivendra Kumar, Managing Director, Shivendra & Co

In this session, we hear about the crucial collaboration required between clients and contractors for delivering complex major projects with cutting-edge technology.  This panel dives into the game-changing tools and strategies needed to harness information and technology for Australia’s ambitious infrastructure projects. Our panel of experts will explore how information management and technology are transforming large-scale construction nationwide as we draw on real-world experiences, the discussion tackles: 

• Moving beyond silos & building bridges: Discover collaboration platforms that empower seamless, inclusive project delivery 
• Embedding effective information management technologies that ensure assets can be managed and maintained easily post completion 
• Tips and insights for managing the intricate relationship between clients and their contractors and contractors and their subbies 
• Implementing AI-powered predictive maintenance and other digital tools for creating self-healing infrastructure – myth or reality? 

Panellists:

Gert van Aswegen, Digital Engineering Manager , Department for Infrastructure & Transport, SA

Atsushi Yamamoto, Director, Strategy, Planning & Innovation, Infrastructure NSW

Sally Walkom, General Manager Innovation and Enablement, John Holland Group

Abbey Johnson, Head of Design and Innovation, Taylor

The construction industry is at a crossroads. Economic pressures, evolving regulations, and fierce competition are forcing companies to adapt and embrace new technologies. This session will explore these challenges and the role of technology in managing risk, driving down costs and building smarter.

• How are traditional approaches in construction hindering further innovation?
• How can disruptive thinking in the planning, design and construction phases improve project delivery?
• Implementing emerging technologies, data, and creativity to drive efficiency while increasing performance throughout project delivery lifecycles
• Challenging the status quo, identifying uncommon resources, and embracing disruptive thinking
• Getting buy-In from senior leadership to establish a shared technology strategy and broader adoption across multiple projects

Reserved for partner

In this case study we hear from Group Manager of Digital Delivery & Innovation for CPB – Max Godley on the initiatives he is pioneering for the group. CPB are leaders in innovation and digital delivery that enhance their productivity, safety and the timely delivery of their projects. In this session we examine the work and initiatives Max is leading and the use of digital delivery across the projects CPB are undertaking. 

• Pioneering Initiatives: Dive deep into the innovative practices CPB is implementing on their groundbreaking projects.  
• Learn how these initiatives are transforming project delivery across CPB and their projects 
• Unlocking the full potential of Digital Delivery and its use  
• Effectively integrating digital solutions across CPB’s projects for improved productivity and to foster tangible insights for project teams and clients alike 

Max Godley, Group Manager – Digital Engineering & Innovation, CPB Contractors

Our panellists discuss the strategic utilisation of digital tools and methodologies that are having a major impact on project delivery and outcomes. 

• Understanding how using data within digital construction delivers transformative growth and better outcomes 
• Exploring the utilisation of a 3D federated model to bolster the capabilities of a well-informed digital ecosystem 
• Scaling the use of successful technology trials to create efficiencies within your organisation & beyond 
• Fast-tracking the future: Mapping out the maturity roadmap for emerging digital technologies 

Panellists:

Mitchell Erickson, Group Manager – Digital Engineering, John Holland Group

Quan Nguyen, Senior Digital Engineering Manager – Australia, McConnell Dowell

Dwayne Warman, MEI Systems and Technology, CIMIC Group

Shelley Van Hoos, Head of IT and Business Systems, Martinus

Nidhi Sharma, Digital Engineering Manager, Mott MacDonald

• Understanding the learning style of your audience and the training methods and frequency that resonates best 
• Going beyond technology-specific training towards process-specific training to create the right efficiencies internally 
• Building a learning and development platform that ensures ease of access to all training material and documentation 
• Identifying the key stakeholders that are involved in the pursuit of innovation internally 
• Fostering an environment of critical analysis and feedback across project and organizational levels to identify meaningful innovation opportunities 
• Discussing the culture shift of how failure is viewed in the context of innovation and empowering your innovation champions to take ownership of their initiatives 
• How do you invest in the latest tech when you’re a Tier 2 on a limited budget with tight margins across your projects