Conference Schedule

Evolve | Shape | Lead

Welcome to the SCSI National Conference, 7th December 2023, Croke Park, Dublin 3 — special thanks to our media partner The Irish Times. The SCSI’s National Conference theme is Evolve | Shape | Lead.

The SCSI Excellence Awards will be awarded throughout the National Conference.  The Conference Chair is Claire Solon FSCSI, FRICS Managing Director of Greystar Ireland.

8:30 am

Evolve

Evolve | Responding to the Future

Throughout the morning, attendees will examine the topics that require our sectors to Evolve. The evolving market demands, policy changes, and demographic requirements will set the scene in the opening session. Our speakers and panel draw from experts across industry, research and policy to offer attendees a unique perspective to explore the trends and changes they need to prepare a forward-thinking strategy for their work and organisations.

Speakers and Panellists include: 

  • Colin Richardson, Head of Research, CBRE 
  • Hannah Dwyer FSCSI, FRICS, EMEA Head of Work Dynamics Research and Strategy, JLL
  • Dr Conor O’Toole, Associate Research Professor, ESRI
  • Sarah Miley, Principal Officer, Dept. of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science

Evolve | The Viability & Affordability Gap

In this 2nd session, the SCSI will launch its Real Cost of New Housing Delivery Report 2023 (3rd edition). The panel discussion to follow will explore affordability and viability as we discuss the cost drivers and the financing opportunities for new housing delivery.

Speakers and Panellists include:

  • Micheál Mahon MSCSI, MRICS, Managing Director, MGM Partnership
  • Eibhlin O’ Connor, Chief Commercial Officer, Cluid Housing
  • Fergus McMahon, FSCSI, FRICS Commercial Director, Cairn Homes
  • Aileen Gleeson, Principal Officer – Shareholding and Financial Advisory Division, Department of Finance
  • Katherine Flattery MSCSI, MRICS, Acquisitions and Investment Director, Regency Ireland

10:30 am

Coffee Break

 

At the heart of our conference is a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and collaborations for members and attendees to network. We also encourage you to meet our exhibitors for the National Conference: Triflex and Euro Carparks.

11:00 am

Shape

Shape | Innovating the Profession & Sectors

During our mid-morning session examining what will Shape how the profession and sectors respond, the topics of Innovation and Sustainability will be our focus. Technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, offer – or at least seem – a solution to skills gaps and productivity issues that threaten the property, land and construction sectors’ ability to meet objectives.

However, adapting work and skills will be critical to the profession; our speakers will provide an industry outlook on Artificial Intelligence followed by a broader panel discussion, including the training needs and opportunities of Modern Methods of Construction.

Speakers and Panellists include: 

  • Philip Brown MRICS, Director at Arcadis
  • Johnny Morris, Co-Founder of  Fifth Dimension AI 
  • Ross Gissane MRICS, UK & Ireland Sector Managing Director for Property and Investment at Aracdis
  • Martin Searson, Head of MMC Certification, NSAI
  • Avril Behan FSCSI, FRICS, Director Further Education and Training, Solas

Shape | Sustainability within the Built Environment

In this session, we will look at  Sustainability and the Climate Action requirements of the built environment. The regional context for the work of the SCSI will be set with a presentation from the European Commission DG GROW, which is working on the ‘green transition’ of the property, land and construction industry across Europe.

The Minister of State responsible for Public Procurement and the Circular Economy will discuss what this means regarding the government’s changes from the policies in place to those that professionals can expect to impact how they work.

Speakers: 

  • Philippe Mosley, Sustainable Industrial Policy and Construction, European Commission 
  • Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications

12:30 pm

Lead

Lead | Good Governance, Good Leadership

In this session, we will examine how we Lead and the importance of Good Governance and Good Leadership. Good governance has been a recurring issue for organisations this year; when in place, it not only reduces risks but helps to instil a culture that can manage the evolving demands. Good leadership of our teams or organisations, requires us all to understand the unconscious bias impacting our decision and hampering from shaping a new path for the profession and industry. The panellists will discuss how Good Governance and Good Leadership principles are being applied in the industry to drive innovation, diversity, and sustainable development. 

Speakers and Panellists include: 

  • Enda McGuane, FSCI, FRICS, SCSI President
  • Ciaran Nevin, Senior Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure at PWC
  • Dr. Jonathan Westrup, Partner with Board Excellence and Principal Teaching Fellow at Warwick Business School and Governance Expert
  • Shirley Coulter, CEO of SCSI and Board Member of Tailte Éireann
  • Louise Philips MSCSI, MRICS, Managing Director, Aramark Property
  • Philip Matthews MSCSI, MRICS, Managing Director – Ireland, Turner & Townsend

1:20 pm

Presidents Concluding Remarks and Presentation of the President's Award for Outstanding Contribution to the SCSI

 

As part of the Concluding Remark, the SCSI President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the SCSI and the wider profession will be awarded. Achievement honours exceptional leaders who have significantly contributed to advancing professionals in the built environment by volunteering for various projects, reports and events. The Award is the highest honour bestowed upon an individual by SCSI.     

1:30 pm

Conference Ends

 

Lunch & network for all delegates until 2 pm.

Exhibitors