Webinar to Explore Future Challenges, Opportunities in Architecture and Construction

Economic uncertainty, brought about by the events like the COVID-19 pandemic, has presented many challenges to leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. To equip current and future AEC professionals with industry-leading insights from C-suite executives and national leaders, Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) program will host its first interactive webinar exploring the looming challenges — and potential opportunities — facing the AEC industry.

Developed for design and construction professionals across all levels and disciplines, “Challenges on the AEC Horizon” will be held Thursday, July 23 at 12:30 p.m. CST via Zoom. The event is open to the public, but registration is required. 

The 90-minute event will offer an in-depth understanding on the future of the AEC industry, with topics including what to expect in design construction, increasing cyber security enterprise risks, and financing trends. Participants will also learn how the EMDC program is uniquely structured to provide professionals with the managerial leadership skills necessary for a career in this ever-changing industry. 

EMDC program director Raymond Krizek, Stanley F. Pepper Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will deliver opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion featuring C-suite executives and national leaders in construction, consulting, and finance. Speakers include: 

  • Christopher Burke, founder and CEO of Christopher B. Burke Engineering, a full-service engineering consulting and surveying firm that specializes in environmental projects, municipal engineering, transportation, and water resource management.
  • Christian Burger, president of Burger Consulting Group, an IT consulting firm that helps clients in the construction industry select and deploy the latest technology advances for projects. Burger is also an adjunct professor in the EMDC program.
  • Robert Frentzel, president and managing director of specialized industries CIBC Bank, where he oversees several industry sectors, including asset-based lending, construction and engineering, insurance and securities, non-bank financial institutions, security alarm, surface transportation, and technology banking.
  • Justin Brown, president and CEO of Skender Construction, where he oversees all construction business operations and works across business functions to create sustainable value for the firm and its clients.
  • Karen Layng (moderator), CEO of M.A.I.T. Co., a consulting company specializing in construction, development, and strategic governance, ethics, and insurance and compliance investigations and reviews. Layng is also an adjunct professor in the EMDC program. 

Register for the webinar.

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