On April 13th and 14th 2011 Cost Engineering has successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the Cost Engineering Event. The theme of the event was "Cost Engineering as an Added Value". With this event Cost Engineering created an opportunity to share knowledge through presentations, showcases, workshops and socializing dinners to gain new insights in the field of cost engineering. The event took place at the beautiful location of Hotel Ara, a perfect place to exchange ideas and network with peers.

With almost 200 people attending, all available seats were booked way ahead of the event. With participants from 29 different countries and 100 different companies it shows that the field of cost engineering lives in a wide range of industries all around the world.

With an international set of speakers from well-respected areas of expertise, valuable knowledge was shared. Due to the open setting of the event it was also the perfect opportunity to meet with peers and discuss current topics in the field of cost engineering.

"Excellent location, friendly and
professional services from the hotel, good food"

After a cup of coffee, the event started with a short introduction from Ko des Bouvrie, followed by the keynote presentation from Peter Dijkgraaf who was elected 'Maintenance Manager of the Year'. Despite his busy schedule he managed to reserve some time for us. Peter gave some good insights how improvements at BP were realized and was a real eye-opener for many attendees.

Presentations then took place in two separate rooms, so participants could choose the presentation of their preference. After a delicious lunch - which took place mostly outside because of the beautiful weather - and the opportunity to socialize, presentations continued.

Keynote speaker Peter Dijkgraaf and due to the beautiful weather breaks were spent outside.

Different speakers from the AACEI gave valuable insights in the standard recommended practices developed by the AACEI committee. Interesting topics like 'how to deal with uncertainty', how to handle risks' and 'provided means to improve the quality of the cost engineering process' were covered. Their presence made it possible to share knowledge on the US and European approach, and learn from each other.

 

AACEI speaker Larry Dysert is giving his presentation about understanding estimate accuracy.

At the end of the day the excitement increased when a brand new iPad 2 was given away and the winner of the Chapeau Award was elected. Based on his contribution to the field of cost engineering and his willingness to share his knowledge, Maarten Vrijland was elected as the winner of this award. The first day finished with a nice dinner in an open setting, where participants could evaluate the knowledge they had acquired through the day.

The first lucky iPad winner!

The second day continued with more presentations from respected speakers in the field of cost engineering. Despite the tight schedule and the use of two different rooms, logistics went well and overall everyone was able to attend the presentation of his/her liking in time.

"Compliments to this event.
Good organization and great speakers"

The second iPad 2 was given away (fortunately with less confusion about the winner than on day 1). The event concluded with a special moment where our respected colleague and technical director of Cost Engineering Ko des Bouvrie was awarded for being an outstanding promoter of the profession and a stimulator of sharing knowledge. He was given a brand new iPad 2 as well!

Ko des Bouvrie is given an award for his promotions of the profession

Finally, a selective group of participants attended the workshop "Fundamentals of Factored Estimating for the Process Industries", given by Larry Dysert. During this workshop participants could put their newly acquired knowledge to practice.

Based on the responses from both participants and speakers, it is safe to say that the event was a success in that it was a great opportunity to gain and share knowledge. Participants went home with new and useful insights on the field of cost engineering that they can use in their everyday work.

"A good balanced program,
with neutral and objective information sharing"

Special thanks go out to all the speakers. Due to their contribution, knowledge and insights were shared that will add value in day-to-day operations. Last but not least, Cost Engineering would like to thank all participants who were willing to travel the globe to attend this event and make this event a success.

Hopefully we will see you again at our next event that will take place in 2013!

- All the employees at Cost Engineering