Official Contract Users' Conference - North America, Latin America and Caribbean time zone event


Book your place now for the Official FIDIC Contract Users' Conference (North America, Latin America and Caribbean time zone event)

 

Main Conference: 25-28 May 2021

Location: Virtual Conference 

Delivered Live (EST Time) and on-demand afterwards

Translations are available in Spanish and Portuguese.

 
The Official FIDIC Contract Users’ Conference (North America, Latin America and Caribbean time zone event) is being staged online and delivered in-house by FIDIC on 25-28 May 2021. This event, targeting both the Latin America, the Caribbean and North America contract users’ community, offers a unique opportunity to share progress on the application and use of FIDIC contracts internationally and across the region and will include participation from MDBs, private sector organisations and clients, government, engineers, contractors, investors, consultants, and other stakeholders who have an interest in FIDIC contracts. 
 
It is a must-attend event for all those working with FIDIC contracts in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean and bookings are open now.
 
Our Official FIDIC Contract Users’ Conference events offer comprehensive guidance on selecting, using and managing FIDIC contracts. All attendees at these conferences will have access to the latest practice advice on leading major projects and resolving disputes, hear new case studies of FIDIC contracts in practice and be able to compare experiences with other contract users on the most common challenges facing the industry. Attendees will also hear directly from the FIDIC Contracts Committee about the latest updates on the committee’s work and have an opportunity to engage directly with FIDIC and the FIDIC Contract Users’ community.  
 
Remember, that the Official FIDIC Contract Users’ Conferences are the only contracts user events endorsed and officially approved by FIDIC, so you can be assured that you are getting the latest information and insights about FIDIC contracts by attending this event. Delegates will have access to unrivalled and valuable face-to-face time, see the ‘faces behind FIDIC’ and the people who created FIDIC contracts in the first place.
 
Time

12.00  - 3.30 PM EST

Strategic sponsor:
CMS is a Future Facing firm. With more than 70 offices in more than 40 countries and 4,800+ lawyers worldwide, we combine deep local market understanding with a global overview, giving us the ability not only to see what’s coming but to shape it. In a world of ever-accelerating change where technology is increasingly important in the deployment of global strategies, our clear, business-focused advice helps clients of every size to face the future with confidence. We’re immersed in your world. Your interests and priorities are at the heart of what we do. Our lawyers are genuine experts in their fields, with a grasp of detail that’s second to none. Our next-generation mindset is woven into all we do. It means we can anticipate the likely challenges, accelerate our pace and create the space to develop innovative solutions. We’re diverse, supportive and inclusive, embracing our corporate social responsibility and creating a culture in which every one of our people, can maximise their potential and thrive. For more information, please visit our website: https://cms.law
 
 

Tuesday 25 May 2021 - “FIDIC contracts in the spotlight” 

 
The first day of the conference will put FIDIC contracts in the spotlight, look at their impact globally and preview what’s new and in the pipeline, including new initiatives. Keynote speakers will take a deep dive into the world of FIDIC contracts, looking at how they are used across the globe and preview new initiatives that are coming soon. Panel sessions will explore FIDIC contracts in greater detail, with a particular focus on the Emerald Book, upcoming updated Green Book, and highlight examples from international projects and contract application on projects. Day 1 will also look at the impact of Covid-19 on infrastructure projects and works contracts and consider the FIDIC Covid Guidance Memorandum for works contracts and the topical issue of force majeure.  
 
 
 
 

12.00

12.05

Opening Remarks (5 Min.)

William Howard, President, FIDIC

12.05

13.00

SESSION 1: FIDIC AT A GLANCE (Moderated by Vincent Leloup)

FIDIC objectives, FIDIC Body of Knowledge FBOK and Stakeholders’ engagement  (20 Min.)

Anthony Barry, President Elect, FIDIC

Evolution of FIDIC Contracts, FIDIC Contracts in the pipeline, new initiatives, and developments (new FIDIC Green Book) (20 Min.)

Vincent Leloup, Chair, FIDIC Contracts Committee

Q&A (15 Min.)

13.00

13.15

Networking Break

13.15

14.10

SESSION 2: FIDIC SUITE OF CONTRACTS (Moderated by Siobhan Fahey)

FIDIC Suite of Contracts - FIDIC Red, Silver, Yellow 1999 VS 2017, Green, Gold – main features and differences. (15 Min.)

Siobhan Fahey, FIDIC Contracts Committee Member

Key topics of FIDIC Suite of Contract examined - Time, payments, design, Variations, risk and insurance, taking-over. (15 Min.)

Peter Collie, FIDIC Contracts Committee Member

FIDIC Contract Form for Underground Works (Emerald Book) (10 Min.)

Andres Marulanda, Member of FIDIC Task Group 10

Q&A (15 Min.)

14.10

14.25

Networking Break

14.25

15.30

SESSION 3: Impact of Covid 19 on infrastructure projects – lessons learned

 (Moderated by Husni Madi)

How governments have reacted and how to deal with impacts of Covid 19 under FIDIC Forms, Force Majeure – Exceptional Events and FIDIC Covid Guidance memorandum for works contracts, impacts on services agreement (20 Min.)

Husni Madi, Vice-Chair, FIDIC Contracts Committee

Implications of Covid19 impacts in different jurisdictions, is there a room for collaboration? Civil law VS Common Law perspective and lessons learned. (20 Min.)

Christopher R. Seppala, FIDIC Contracts Committee Special Advisor

Q&A (15 Min.)

15.30

15.35

Closing Remark - Day 1 (5 Min.)

Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, CEO, FIDIC

 
 
 

Wednesday 26 May 2021 - Why procurement matters – getting it right with FIDIC

 
Day 2 of the conference will look at the key importance of procurement and how FIDIC contracts can help you make the right choices in this crucial area for projects. Speakers will look at the selection of the right forms, the key importance of the FIDIC Golden Principles and why procurement really matters. Panel sessions will also examine the FIDIC services and consultancy agreements (FIDIC White Book and JV Agreement for Consultants), Covid issues and the vital area of dispute avoidance and effective dispute resolution. Speakers and panellists will also look at international arbitration and the key role of dispute boards and DAB/DAAB members - all you need to know about dispute boards.
 
  

12.00

12.05

Opening Remarks Day 2 (5 Min.)

Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, CEO, FIDIC

12.05

13.00

SESSION 1: WHY PROCUREMENT MATTERS (Moderated by Zoltán Záhonyi)

Procurement of projects – the key aspects of procurement for successful projects and selection of right forms of contracts (15 Min.)

Zoltán Záhonyi, Past Chair, FIDIC Contracts Committee

FIDIC Golden Principles (15 Min.)

Husni Madi, Vice-Chair, FIDIC Contracts Committee

CMS (15 Min.)

Emma Schaafsma, CMS

Q&A (10 Min.)

13.00

13.15

Networking Break

13.15

14.10

SESSION 2: FIDIC SERVICES AND CONSULTANCY AGREEMENTS (Moderated by Dery Earsom)

The role of the engineer under FIDIC Contracts(15 Min.)

Nael Bunni, FIDIC Contracts Committee Special Advisor

FIDIC Services and consultancy agreements (15 Min.)

Deryl L. Earsom, FIDIC Contracts Committee Member

FIDIC White Book & JV Agreements – Key Topics examined (10 Min.)

Sebastian Hoek, Senior Partner, Stieglmeier & Kollegen

Q&A (15 Min.)

14.10

14.25

Networking Break

14.25

15.30

SESSION 3: DISPUTE AVOIDANCE END EFFECTIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (Moderated by Julio Cesar Bueno)

Claims, notices, determinations (Legal perspective) (15 Min.)

Nicholas Gould, Partner, Fenwick Elliott LLP

Dispute avoidance and dispute resolution by DB/DAAB (15 Min.)

Lindy Patterson QC, Counsel, Arbitrator, Adjudicator, Dispute Board Member at 39 Essex Chambers

Arbitration under FIDIC Contracts (ICC) (10 Min.)

Paul Di Pietro, Counsel, International Court of Arbitration (ICC)

Q&A (15 Min.)

15.30

15.35

Closing Remarks - Day 2 (5 Min.)

Luis Villarroya, FIDIC Board Member

 
 
 

Thursday 27 May 2021 – Focus on LATAM and Mexico regions (EST Time) 

  

 Regional day sponsor:
Day 3 of the conference will focus on the LATAM and Mexico regions. Keynote speakers and case studies drawn from the region will offer the employers’ and contractors’ perspective on using FIDIC contracts and consulting engineers will also highlight their experience of contract administration and the handling of claims. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions will offer delegates full opportunity for discussion of the key issues and challenges of working with FIDIC contracts in the region.  
 
 
 

12.00

12.05

Regional Opening Remarks (5 Min.)

Dr Jorge Díaz Padilla, Past President, FIDIC

12.05

13.00

SESSION 1: Keynote Session (Moderated by Henrique de Aragao)

Key aspects for successful projects and challenges of consulting engineering sector – regional perspective (20 Min.)

Henrique de Aragao, President, FEPAC

Construction industry and FIDIC forms in LATAM Region (20 Min.)

Jaime Gray, Partner, NPG Abogados

Q&A (15 Min.)

13.00

13.15

Networking Break

13.15

14.10

SESSION 2: FIDIC Forms in LATAM Region (Moderated by Roberto Hernandez Garcia)

Adoption of FIDIC Forms in LATAM region (15 Min.)

Roberto Hernandez Garcia, managing Partner, COMAD, S.C.

Funding infrastructure - Brazilian Development Bank BNDES perspective (10 Min.)

 

Construction sector in the region – Contractor’s perspective (15 Min.)

Alex Wagemann, Lawyer and Founding Partner, Wagemann Lawyers & Engineers

CICA

Q&A (15 Min.)

14.10

14.25

Networking Break

14.25

15.30

SESSION 3: FIDIC Contracts - Spanish & Portuguese translations (Moderated by Julio Cesar Bueno)

Benefits of using the FIDIC forms in Spanish & Portuguese. (12 Min.)

Pablo Laorden, Founder and Managing Partner, Lámbal Abogados, S.L.P.

Application of FIDIC Contracts in the region, Spanish and Portuguese translations (12 Min.)

Julio Cesar Bueno, Partner, Pinheiro Neto Advogados

Case studies from the region (12 Min.)

Leonardo Toledo da Silva, Partner, Toledo Marchetti Advogados

Q&A (15 Min.)

15.30

15.35

Regional Closing Remark - Day 3 (5 Min.)

Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, CEO, FIDIC

 

Friday 28 May 2021 – Focus on USA/Canada and Caribbean regions (EST Time)

 
Day 4 of the conference will focus on the USA/Canada and Caribbean regions. Keynote speakers and case studies drawn from across the region will offer the employers’ and contractors’ perspective on using FIDIC contracts and consulting engineers will also highlight their experience of contract administration and the handling of claims. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions will offer delegates full opportunity for discussion of the key issues and challenges of working with FIDIC contracts in the region. 

12.00

12.05

Regional Opening Remarks (5 Min.)

Catherine Karakatsanis, FIDIC Board member

12.05

13.00

SESSION 1: Keynote Session (Moderated by Deryl L. Earsom)

Regional overview - USA, Canada, Caribbean region (12 Min.)

Deryl L. Earsom, FIDIC Contracts Committee Member

US based engineering firm user perspective and experience with FIDIC Contracts (12 Min.)

Mike Long, Power Engineers, Inc.

Experiences and practices using FIDIC Contracts within IADB Projects (15 Min.)

Roberto Laguado Giraldo, IADB

Q&A (10 Min.)

13.00

13.15

Networking Break

13.15

14.10

SESSION 2: Ask the FIDIC Contracts Committee – Open Q&A on FIDIC Contracts (Moderated by Daduna Kokhreidze - FIDIC General Counsel)

Meet the members of the FIDIC Contracts Committee and ask your questions!

          Vincent Leloup

          Deryl Earsom

        Husni Madi

         Peter Collie

         Eoin Cullinane   

          Siobhan Fahey

14.10

14.25

Networking Break

14.25

15.30

SESSION 3: FIDIC Contracts in the region (Moderated by Karen Gough)

FIDIC Contracts in the Caribbean – legal perspective (12 Min.)

Karen Gough, Barrister, Attorney at law, Chartered Arbitrator, 39 Essex Chambers

Construction contracts in Canada – Owners’ perspective (12 Min.)

Bruce Reynolds, Co-Managing Partner, Singleton Reynolds

FIDIC Contracts in the Caribbean – Contractors’ perspective (12 Min.)

Ignacio Palacios

Q&A (15 Min.)

15.30

15.35

Regional Closing Remark - Day 4 (5 Min.)

Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, CEO, FIDIC

 
Ticket price
 
Full Conference (4 Days): €395.
Per day ticket price: €150 / Day.