Cadventure Digital Intelligence Conference – A personal reflection
Elaine Lewis,
Managing Director, Cadventure Ltd
It seems hard to believe that it is only just over a month ago that we launched our Cadventure Digital Intelligence Conference in the Think Tank at 8 Bishopsgate, in London.
The early arrival of delegates, some of whom had travelled from Europe as well as throughout the UK, created a buzz around the registration desk and networking areas – our first indication that this was going to be an extraordinary day. Whilst we were inundated with late registrations and last-minute requests to attend, it is not until that moment that you know that people have made space in their diary to come that you can be confident you have got something right!
With a packed auditorium and momentous entry music, as the blackout blinds came down and pulses were racing, we kicked everything off with Ian Gordon, Data & Advanced Analytics Leader | Digital Services for Arup as our Chair for the day.
I have to say that Ian is a natural in this role. His quietly spoken delivery with an incredibly dry sense of humour set the tone for the conference and he drew plaudits from all for his effortless but quirky contributions that punctuated the day.
For me it was a joy to see so many familiar faces of our clients, as well as new participants; to have the tremendous personal support from my colleagues at Bentley Systems and to welcome everyone who were so delighted to be together.
Our agenda commenced with a empowered presentation by Fabrice Bourrelly, Senior Consultant at Cityscape Digital who introduced us to the RealTime revolution with stunning images of projects using gaming technology. He talked about the importance of iteration and interaction with output to futureproof the imagery inviting audiences to act and react to the creativity as a feedback mechanism. Visualisation using real-time technology lies in its ability to enhance communication of design intent. It allows us to engage directly with designs, just like players immersing themselves in alternate universes, which fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration.
We learned about the history of photo-realism first used by Pixar on Toy Story; how raytracing underpinned the visual effects for the Matrix and how Fortnite the now familiar video game netted $4 billion in its first year. Who knew?
Fabrice also made the technology seem accessible to all with the use of Unreal Engine and TwinMotion.
Next up was Simon McGowan, Digital Project Delivery Coordinator forBalfour Beatty Vinci.
His theme was Defining the Information Management Strategy for your project lifecycle
He took us on a technical journey to discover the importance of defining your information requirements at the earliest point possible in your project. His description of automating the process to add thousands of items of data to models had the tech enthusiasts in the room all hooked. This was particularly so when he explained the scale of the challenge.
353 models tagged with 24,810 components which was about 70 per model. To complete the task, they will finish with 2,223 graphical models with an estimated 156,000 components. Phew!
Simon concluded with three key messages for the audience: “Establish the model’s framework early on, embrace change when necessary, and don’t put it off!.”
After a short break, one of the hotly anticipated sessions was AECOM double-act with James Colclough, Digital Director, Transport Europe & Indiaand Chris Andrew, Associate Director – Digital. They were there to take us on a journey to understand how they have worked with National Highways Information Management for an ongoing A303 project. They focussed on the importance of graphic data management, data exchange, and collaboration using asset information models comprising over 2,000 data layers.
They highlighted the significant challenge posed by the scale of digital information management. Their primary takeaway emphasised the importance of ensuring data suitability for its intended use, backed by robust reporting mechanisms, including dashboards and other deliverables. And of course their presentation graphics included a roadmap of the project’s progress.
The panel discussion chaired by Tom Price, Managing Director of Informed Engineering Limited, shared insights on “Delivering better projects through improved collaboration”
Joining Tom on stage were Marcus Rowsell, Head of Corporate Solutions & New Markets at HOCHTIEF ViCon, Lampros Arvanitis, Associate Director at Laminar Projects, Andrea Scrutton, CDE Systems Manager George Christophorou, Head of Information Management, both at Balfour Beatty Vinci
A lively debate ensued between the panellists and the audience looking at how to effectively recruit and upskill the next generation to participate. Andrea asked us all to “think outside the box” when hiring. She asserts that aptitude and attitude are key ingredients and if candidates can demonstrate their learning capabilities with structured training, this is a sure-fire way to close the skills gap.
We also talked about how to deliver better project outcomes by collaborating effectively with the client to ensure better project delivery. Tom challenged us to see that presenting an early warning on a project is not intentionally aggressive but can be a hand up for help to support a process to get everyone working together on a shared problem. We also explored how to integrate lessons learned on previous projects including the legacy of Crossrail.
If you would like to see what you missed in this powerful debate, it is available on demand to watch now.
Elin Kågas Ramström, Business Developer Digitization Road & Rail at Tyréns, explored the integration of digitalisation and innovation within the AEC industry. Her inspiring presentation showed the growth mindset within Tyréns to be able to unleash the entrepreneurs within to launch their innovation projects with the support and recognition from the company. To date five hundred projects have been presented.
Elin, as Chair of the Bentley Swedish User Group, also championed the value of an active independent Bentley User community to share best practice and contribute to discussions with Bentley as the voice of the customer.
After a busy lunch break Morton Price, BIM Manager for Balfour Beatty Vinci took us on a journey with his BBV/HS2 interactive Flythrough – arguably one of the coolest events of the day. It was great for everyone in the room who is associated with this project, including the client, to see just what is possible with this Bentley technology.
Next up was Joan Mulvihill, Digitalisation and Sustainability Lead for Siemens
She was an instant breath of fresh air with her presentation encouraging us to celebrate the human side of information. Talking on her theme of The Function of Fellowship in Transforming Lives, she defines creativity with purpose and articulated what is described as the artful knowing. Reading from John Ruskin for two and a half minutes, she held the audience spellbound. In a sea of digital data and information management collaboration this was one of the most unexpected but commented on presentations of the day.
Greg Demchak, Senior Director, Digital Innovation Lab, for our conference partner, Bentley Systems followed, providing attendees with a glimpse into the Metaverse’s role in designing and operating infrastructure projects and how spatial computing and the industrial metaverse can unlock new value for the design, construction and operations of infrastructure projects
The last three presentations of the day were to inspire and connect.
Alison Watson MBE, Founder & Chief Executive of Class Of Your Own along with Cadventure’s Mike Clarke, Project Information Management Services Director and
Zubran Solaiman, Director of Product Portfolio (Digital Cities) at Bentley Systems highlighted some of the fantastic work being done in Sabden, a small village in Lancashire. Collaborating with school children and the local community this is destined to become the first Digital Village – all using Bentley’s OpenCities Planner and associated technologies.
More importantly, Alison urged us to educate the next generation of construction industry leaders that she does so expertly with her Design Engineer Construct qualification programme for 11to18 year-olds.
Everyone was keen to hear what Mark Enzer OBE, Strategic Advisor for Mott MacDonald had to say. His thesis is that the future is connected. He shared what we have learnt about ecosystems of connected digital twins. He articulated and illustrated his topic so well that his slides were the ones that everyone wanted to take away and study.
Finally we rounded off the afternoon with our closing keynote Paul Shillcock, Managing Director at Operam Academy who talked about how Teamwork makes the dreamwork…
Drawing on his personal experience as an athlete and his military career Paul talked about the importance of teamwork in a collaborative environment. He likened the teamwork required to deliver an ISO 19650 project to standard was like being a player for AC Milan. Everyone needs an effective team manager, clear communication, well-defined roles, and responsibilities with a first in last out mentality that means no one gets left behind.
The day was then topped off with a networking reception and trip to the 50th Floor of 8 Bishopsgate with its impressive views of London at twilight.
To sum up my thoughts of the day, key words that resonate with me are collaboration, people, purpose, technology and the importance of teamwork. We should look for purpose with an eye to creativity and focus on connected systems, not simply projects. Together we can work to overcome siloed working and skills shortages and look to adopt lessons learned from this project to take forward into the next project – not simply diving in with fast starts and repeating the same patterns again.
Since the event closed we have been delighted with the comments and feedback posted on social media and personally to our Cadventure Team. If I am ever having a down day, I will go back and read them all again. Overall, we had an illuminating day for discussion, debate, discourse and enlightenment.
If you were unable to join us this year, you can register now to attend the Cadventure Digital Intelligence Conference 2025 right here!
