Schedule for EPC

Day 1

10:30 AM
The Hidden Risks in Your P90:
How Bias & Poor Analytics Undermine Capital Project Cost Estimation

Presented by Chuck Centore

Capital project cost estimates—particularly P90 estimates—are frequently understated by a factor of two to three, leading executives to commit to investments based on flawed assumptions. This chronic underestimation stems from three systemic issues: (1) strategic misrepresentation of data by project teams, (2) unchecked cognitive biases such as overconfidence, optimism bias, and availability bias, and (3) the widespread use of ineffective risk analysis methods—namely risk matrices, uncalibrated expert judgment, and the absence of parametric or probabilistic modeling. This presentation explores how improving risk quantification, challenging team biases, and adopting robust uncertainty management practices can lead to more informed decision-making and stronger project outcomes.

11:15 AM
The Invisible Threat:
Systemic Risk in Capital Projects & Its Quantification

Presented by Eric Caldwell

Many project risks are known—but the biggest failures often stem from those we think we’ve accounted for. This session reveals how systemic risk—the underlying complexity, interdependencies, and organizational factors that evade typical risk registers—drives cost overruns and schedule slippage. Attendees will learn proven techniques to quantify systemic risk, integrate it with traditional risk models, and apply these insights to set realistic contingencies and cost reserves.

12:00 PM
PDRI MATRS:
Turning Front-End Planning into Predictable Project Success

Presented by Eric Caldwell

In today’s capital project environment, poor scope definition remains one of the leading causes of cost overruns, schedule delays, and operational challenges. The Construction Industry Institute’s (CII) Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) has long been recognized as the gold standard for measuring scope definition during front-end loading/planning. With the development of PDRI MATRS (Maturity and Accuracy Total Rating System), teams now have an integrated toolset to evaluate not just the completeness of their project scope, but also the systemic factors that influence its reliability.

This session will introduce participants to PDRI MATRS, a structured and easy-to-use methodology for both large and small industrial projects. Attendees will learn how assessing both scope maturity and context-driven accuracy can significantly enhance project predictability during the FEL phase of the a project, resulting in improved cost performance, fewer changes, and greater stakeholder satisfaction. Practical examples will illustrate how organizations using PDRI MATRS have achieved up to 24% better cost control and 12% fewer change orders compared to projects with weaker scope development.

12:45 PM
Successful Innovation Delivery:
The Use of Technology Readiness Assessments for De-risking

Presented by Eric Caldwell

Innovative technologies unlock value—but if their limitations (risks) are not understood or recognized, they often derail project execution. Immature or unproven systems lead to scope creep, cost growth, and schedule delays. While many organizations use Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to screen for risk, gaps remain. This session introduces a more robust approach: Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs) tailored for Critical Technologies (CTs), enhanced with additional metrics to evaluate deployment risk. 

1:30 PM
Delivering More with Less:
The Owner’s Guide to Strategic Value Engineering

Presented by Raghu D.

Most projects leave value on the table—through overdesign, poor timing, or missed opportunities. Value Engineering (VE) offers a proven, structured method to rethink design, challenge assumptions, and deliver smarter outcomes at lower lifecycle costs.

This session will introduce a practical, field-tested approach to VE, blending techniques from SAVE International, defense programs, and industry leaders. Learn how early application of VE can maximize impact, sharpen decision-making, and turn project complexity into a competitive advantage.

2:15 PM
Unlocking the Future:
Readiness Across the Green Hydrogen & E-fuels Value Chain

Presented by Raghu D.

The global imperative to decarbonize energy systems has placed significant focus on green hydrogen and its derivatives, e-fuels and e-ammonia, as promising pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in sectors challenging to electrify. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of the readiness of the value chains associated with these energy carriers, examining their production, storage, transportation, and end-use applications. It assesses the current technological maturity, infrastructure landscape, and policy environment, while also highlighting the key challenges and opportunities that will shape their widespread adoption in the ongoing energy transition. You will gain a deeper understanding of where the true bottlenecks — and the biggest opportunities — lie in building a resilient, scalable Green Hydrogen and e-Fuels ecosystem.

3:00 PM
Bridging the Gap:
Integrated CM & Cx for Faster, Safer, & More Predictable Projects

Presented by Mark Myhre

Traditional project delivery often fragments construction management and commissioning, leading to delays, cost overruns, and operational risks. This presentation introduces a unified model—integrated Construction Management (CM) and Commissioning (Cx)—designed to eliminate these inefficiencies. By managing both functions under a single structure, project teams align incentives, enhance accountability, and streamline execution from design through startup.

We will explore how early commissioning integration during construction improves system operability, reduces rework, and accelerates time to first production. Real-world examples will demonstrate how the use of digital completions platforms, transparent governance, and cross-functional personnel deployment minimizes safety risks and improves financial outcomes. Attendees will learn why energy developers are shifting toward this model to simplify contracting strategies, reduce lifecycle costs, and ensure data-driven project delivery.

3:45 PM
Commissioning & Operational Readiness:
Closing the Value Gap Between Construction & Operations

Presented by Cody Davidson

The transition from construction to operations is one of the most value-vulnerable phases in capital projects—often resulting in schedule slippage, budget overruns, and underperformance. This session introduces the Commissioning & Operational Readiness Assessment, a structured framework designed to identify execution gaps, address high-risk “hot spots,” and improve readiness across engineering, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.

Drawing on CII research and real-world lessons, we’ll show how early alignment, role clarity, and targeted risk reviews can prevent common failures. Attendees will gain practical tools to drive team accountability, compress timelines, and ensure operations begin with full confidence—whether for greenfield megaprojects or brownfield upgrades.

This is readiness done right: disciplined, proactive, and built to protect business value.