Engineering Inc. - January/February 2009 - (Page I12)

D Annual Convention and Legislative Sum on’t miss ACEC’s annual Washington, D.C., meeting of A/E/C business leaders and key policymakers in Congress and federal agencies. Program highlights include: Top-Tier Business Education Sessions • Education programs to make your business more successful, complete with PDH credits • New business models for design firms • Finding engineering talent • New ideas in risk management • CEO Roundtables—peer networking at its best Premier Legislative Summit • Lobbying Congress on key industry issues • Legislative briefing and advocacy training • Name speakers with an inside take on the Washington scene and the new administration • Briefings on new business opportunities from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DOT, GSA and other agencies Engineering Excellence Awards Gala Called the “Academy Awards” of the Engineering Industry, ACEC’s annual black-tie gala hosts business leaders, Congress and the administration to honor our industry’s most outstanding achievements of 2008. This is truly a “can’t miss” event for convention attendees. SeSSionS HigHligHt today’S ‘Hot topicS’ Business Management & Quality LEED® Us Not Into Temptation Randall L. Lewis, XL Insurance While “green” design can offer environmental benefits, it has attendant risks which need to be recognized and understood so that they can be managed. This session will explore how different market sectors are embracing “green design,” uncover the root causes of related risks, examine how design firms can manage that risk through sound practice management strategies, and develop their practice to support sustainable project objectives. Conflict Avoidance Is Not the Answer: Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills for Engineering Firms Kenneth Gibble, Gibble Norden Champion Brown Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Donna Maltzan, Consultant Engineers routinely face conflict with staff, other consultants, clients, contractors, and in their own board rooms. While healthy conflict is often a catalyst for change, typical responses to conflict situations are often ineffective. Presenters will demonstrate critical skills for addressing warranted and unwarranted conflict using two case studies—one in project management, the other between partners—to work through useful skills and techniques which can be passed along to staff. Participants will receive a self-assessment of their current conflict and negotiation skills level. Leveraging Customer Relationships to Sustain Growth in the Engineering Sector Gary Jandegian, URS Corporation Engineering firms are increasingly adapting strategies predicated on relationship-based portfolios to drive growth in a highly competitive and regulated marketplace. This session will explore how engineering firms can take positive, proactive steps to cultivate and enhance client relationships, creating partnerships that result in long-term contract dedication over time, and a go-to affiliation that increases revenue by encouraging ongoing transactions. Jandegian will source URS Corporation’s success using a client-centered business model, and lessons learned in positioning the company as a value-adding member of the client’s network. From Engineering Firm to Professional Services Firm David Kipp, Ross & Baruzzini The consulting engineering industry is in continual danger of becoming commoditized in the eyes of clients. Those firms that can embrace related professional services of higher value will more easily differentiate and compete. One way firms can adapt is to develop interesting and innovative new professional services, with Visit www.acec.org for the most up-to-date listing of sessions and events. Plan now to join us! I-12 InstItute For BusIness ManageMent http://www.acec.org/conferences/annual-09/index.cfm http://www.acec.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - January/February 2009

Table of Contents
Engineering Inc. - January/February 2009
From ACEC to You
News and Notes
Market Watch
Legislative Action
Exclusive Interview
RX to Ease Employer Health Care Pain
2009 Spring Course Catalog
That's Entertainment
2008 Professional Liability Insurance Survey of Carriers
Annual Convention Preview
Members in the News
Business Insights

Engineering Inc. - January/February 2009