ACES Regional Conference 2024

"FUTURE TRENDS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY"

Summary

The ACES conference titled “Future Trends in the Construction Industry” took place at the Sava Center in Belgrade from October 10 to 11, 2024. This event was a significant highlight for the construction industry in the region.

Organized by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Serbia (ACES), the conference featured over 40 distinguished speakers, including experts from various fields, along with 25 sponsors and more than 300 attendees.

Throughout the conference, speakers shared their extensive experience and insights on innovations, as well as their perspectives on the future of the construction sector.

This prestigious event brought together key participants, decision-makers, and experts from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of construction, engineering, and the use of modern technologies in this region of Europe.

The conference theme encompassed a wide range of topics, including public procurement, international standards, the integration of artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and alternative dispute resolution.

The conference attracted significant media coverage, further emphasizing its importance and impact on the industry. The extensive media representation helped disseminate key messages and topics discussed, making the conference more recognizable to the general public.

As one of the leading organizations for consulting engineers in the Balkans, ACES plays a vital role in fostering professional excellence, promoting best practices, and driving innovation.

This year’s conference featured a diverse program that facilitated the exchange of knowledge and cooperation between local and international participants, creating a strong platform for the development and enhancement of the construction industry in the region.

Sessions and speakers

The conference opened with a welcome speech by Branislav Simović, president of ACES, who highlighted the importance of cooperation and innovation for the region’s development. Goran Vesić, the Minister of Construction of Serbia, and Inés Ferguson, the President of the European Federation of Consulting Engineers’ Associations (EFCA), delivered opening remarks that set the stage for discussions on the latest trends and challenges in the construction sector.

Moderator: Nikola Matić, Vice President of ACES

This session focused on public procurement strategies, examining lessons learned from the past and the advantages of modern approaches. The discussion covered the specifics of procurement as defined by international financial institutions (IFIs), the role of the MEAT criteria, and the debate between direct negotiations and open procedures within the EU. Experts from ACES, EFCA, NALED, and the European Investment Bank shared their insights and experiences.

Moderator: Blažo Begović, CTO at VMS Belgrade and a certified ACES trainer.

The discussions focused on the advantages of properly applying FIDIC contracts and the risks associated with their misuse. Key topics included the roles of engineers, professional liability insurance, and the implementation of “golden principles” in local practices. Notable speakers for the event included Luis Villarroya Alonso, Vice President of FIDIC, and Zoltán Záhonyi, Former President of FIDIC Contract Committees.

Moderator: Slobodan Marković, Digital Advisor at UNDP

This insightful session centered on Serbia’s AI strategy and its application within the construction sector. Discussions addressed topics such as cybersecurity, the infrastructure needed to implement AI, and AI tools for communication and decision-making. Prominent participants included representatives from UNDP, Schneider Electric, and the academic community.

Moderator: Veljko Janjić, Executive Director and Co-Founder of BEXEL Consulting

This session emphasized the transformative potential of BIM, GIS software, and parametric design in enhancing construction processes.

The formal activities of the first day concluded with a networking event at Tannin Wine Bistro, providing participants with the opportunity to make connections in a relaxed atmosphere.

Moderator: Katarina Obradović Baklaja, the president of the board of directors of CDRC and a member of the ACES board of directors.

During the event, participants analyzed the role of dispute avoidance mechanisms, such as DAB and DAAB, and their application in arbitration. The speakers included legal and technical experts from Serbia, Romania, and Croatia.

Moderator: Srđan Topalović, a certified FIDIC trainer and ACES arbitrator.

This session addressed challenges such as price escalation, force majeure, and legal frameworks, including the Serbian Law on Obligations. Discussions focused on strategies for quantifying resources and managing uncertainties.

Moderator: Dragana Čukić, member of the ACES board of directors

The final session highlighted the importance of innovative materials, recycling, and advanced technologies in achieving sustainable development goals. Speakers, including Nikola Tošić from the University Politècnica de Catalunya and Vladimir Crnojević from the BioSense Institute, emphasized the need to align science, technology, and construction practices for a climate-neutral future.

Branislav Simović closed the conference by reflecting on its success and reaffirming ACES’s commitment to advancing engineering excellence in the region. The event concluded with a cocktail gathering, allowing participants to summarize the conference in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors who supported the ACES conference in 2024, held at the Sava Center in Belgrade. Your commitment, expertise, and engagement were essential in making this event an outstanding platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. Thanks to your support, we were able to bring together some of the most remarkable experts, leaders, and innovators from the construction industry.

Sponsors play a crucial role in the success of any event, and your backing has brought us closer to achieving our goal: to improve the construction industry, promote professional excellence, and advance new technologies and best practices.

With your support, we created an environment conducive to productive discussions and collaboration among both domestic and international experts. This has established the ACES conference as an essential event for anyone looking to stay updated on the latest trends and challenges in the industry.

Once again, we sincerely thank you for your support and trust.

We look forward to future projects and collaborations that will continue to contribute to the development of our industry.

Gold sponsors
BEXEL_Consulting-LOGO-1
Euro-bravo
kbv
m-enterijer-gradnja
NKP
e36f8a0f-profile_RA_square_blue_cmyk_Large
SE
Silver sponsors
acb
celik
DRE
elnos
eptisa
gradina
ka
koto
msc
modulor
peri
Sika
vms
zp
Media partners
blic
Novosti
Friends of the conference
PKS