How collaborative contracting methods are being used to tackle the challenges of a cautious construction market will be shared this month at a convention in Melbourne.

Alliancing Association of Australasia (AAA) is holding its AAA Annual Convention in Melbourne, 25 - 26 October 2012, the focus on how industry continues driving productivity despite the constrained public infrastructure market.

The convention theme, ‘finding the cheese’, draws on the timeless allegory from international best selling book, ‘Who moved my cheese?’ by Spencer Johnson and frames the discussion for industry about how to continue driving productivity in the new economic environment.

Acting CEO Ron Quill said uncertainty in Europe, slowing growth in China and the high Australian dollar have created a risk averse market very different to that when collaborative delivery was in full swing in Australasia six years ago.

He said that ‘deconstruction’ of the design and construction alliance procurement model means that experienced owners now fine-tune collaboration to their project need and objectives.

Keynote speaker Tim Bamford, Executive Director Major Projects Victoria, will share opportunities and challenges for the people of Victoria and the infrastructure sector. Mr Bamford will discuss delivery of functional and affordable infrastructure, major new infrastructure project opportunities in Victoria, investment challenges and the role of collaboration to plan, invest and deliver in this sector.

The role of technology to enhance infrastructure delivery productivity is a program highlight, including speakers such as:

  • Sarah Kay, Principal of Woods Bagot Architects, who will consider “agile” collaborative work environments and how they enhance productivity, flexibility and efficiency based on mobile technology. She has completed commercial interior architecture assignments throughout Australia, Europe, Middle East and Asia for clients such as Google, Macquarie and Bloomberg.
  • Vice President, Operations of IBM Australia and New Zealand, Janet Matton, who will focus on workplace transformation and technology trends based on her key roles with IBM in Australia, South East Asia, the United States, Japan, China and Europe.
  • Mark Pope, Chief Executive, Chase Performance, who will present on current trends and how they are influencing human behaviour.