FIDIC’s contracts have formed a key part of our history and for more than a century they have helped to establish FIDIC as a trusted organisation across the global industry.As ever this year, this conference is taking place against a background of challenging global events and a somewhat uncertain economic backdrop. This is nothing new for our industry of course and an audience of this nature will be well used to dealing with risk, managing it and delivering under pressure. That is not to say that this isn’t a challenge, but we are confident that our industry is more than capable of rising to the many challenges we face and delivering on behalf of our clients.This Official FIDIC International Contract Users’ Conference will highlight and discuss many of these challenges as well as offering delegates an indispensable update on FIDIC’s contract suite and exploring some of the latest developments in the contracts arena. A key part of the conference is also the opportunity for attendees to meet and network with key global stakeholders from across the FIDIC contracts ecosystem, so please make sure that you take advantage of that over the next two days.During the conference, delegates will also receive essential updates on the latest state of play with FIDIC contracts that are being planned or under development and you will also hear from leading contractual and legal experts on their experience of using FIDIC forms, as well as their insights current and emerging issues in the ever-evolving world of global construction contracts.FIDIC’s wide range of contract documentation has served our industry well for many decades. They are the ‘go-to’ contracts for many of the world’s leading clients and funding organisations and conferences like this one are invaluable in ensuring that we stay abreast of the latest developments, trends and changes in our global industry that impact on the legal, governmental and contractual frameworks in which we all work. We feel a keen sense of responsibility to continue to support our community of contract users and conferences like this one over the next two days are a key part of that support network.Our event will also celebrate success in our industry’s use of FIDIC contracts and we will be showcasing that success and examples of good practice through collaboration from across the world during our FIDIC Contract Users’ Awards Gala Dinner which takes place on the Tuesday evening of this conference. Thank you to everyone for attending this important conference. Collaboration is key to good contracting and successful project delivery and the feedback we receive over the next two days will enable us to help us to keep FIDIC contracts relevant and updates as we seek to ensure that they remain the documents of choice for the global construction sector.We wish you all a very successful conference!
On behalf of everyone at FIDIC, a very warm welcome to all delegates and visitors to London for this 2023 Official FIDIC International Contract Users’ Conference and Awards event. We are delighted to welcome you all back to London again this year after last year’s successful event. It’s particularly pleasing to be welcoming attendees as we come to the end of what is also this year the 110th anniversary of FIDIC’s formation back in 1913.
Catherine KarakatsanisPresident, FIDIC
Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBECEO, FIDIC
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Delivering successful construction contracts in an ever-changing world In an ever-changing industry and business landscape, the construction sector finds itself at a key moment in its development. As governments around the world identify investment in infrastructure and sustainable development as being key to rebuilding and revitalising their economies in the face of growing economic and political instability coupled with climate change challenges, the responsibility on the construction industry to deliver the goods and services has never been more sharply posed.This in turn poses a number of new and evolving challenges to the engineering and construction sector. These include changing client needs, market competition, economic challenges, shortages in goods and supplies, shortage of labour, regulatory requirements and technological change – and all these are impacting on our industry. As a result, construction contracts in particular need to keep pace with all this change and be able to encourage innovation, manage risk effectively and remain robust in the face of the challenges the industry faces. The conference will offer delegates an invaluable update on FIDIC’s contract suite as well as discussing the latest developments in the international contracts arena, highlighting key and emerging issues and giving attendees the opportunity to meet and network with key global stakeholders from across the FIDIC contracts ecosystem.A certificate of attendance will be provided to each conference participant which may be used for CPD verification in your local region.
Conference theme
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Conference programme
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08:00 - 08:45
Registration and arrival refreshments
08:45 - 09:00
Welcome and opening remarks
09:00 - 09:50
Fireside chat discussion
09:50 - 11:00
Panel session 1 - Opening the FIDIC contracts toolbox – Part A
11:00 - 11:30
Mid-morning refreshments
11:30 - 12:40
Panel session 2 - “Going Underground” – Launch of FIDIC Emerald Book Guide and Reprint
12:40 - 13:40
Lunch and networking
13:40 - 14:40
Panel session 3 - Worldwide use of FIDIC contracts
14:40 - 15:40
Panel session 4 - Opening the FIDIC contracts toolbox - Part B
Discussion table: Use of FIDIC White Book and Sub-Consultancy Agreement. FIDIC Green Book 2021 and White Book 2017 Adjudication mechanism discussed
19:00 - 24:00
FIDIC Gala Dinner and Contract Users’ Awards ceremony
Tuesday 28 November 2023
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Monday 27 November 2023
14:00 - 17:00
Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Forum
18:00 - 20:00
Welcome drinks reception
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Conference programme
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08:30 - 09:00
Registration and arrival refreshments
09:00 - 09:10
Welcome and opening remarks
09:10 - 10:20
Panel session 6 - Opening the FIDIC contracts toolbox – Part C
10:20 - 11:00
Panel session 7 - Presentation of the FIDIC Practice Note on Dispute Avoidance
11:00 - 11:30
Mid-morning refreshments
11:30 - 12:40
Panel session 8 - Contracting and delivering megaprojects
12:40 - 13:40
Lunch and networking
13:40 - 14:50
Panel session 9 - “Prevention is better than cure” – The dispute avoidance features of FIDIC forms.
14:50 - 16:00
Panel session 10 - Construction Arbitration and case law
16:00 - 16:10
Closing remarks and summary of conference
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Wednesday 29 November 2023
The Leonardo Royal Hotel London Citywill serve as the official venue for our Official FIDIC International Contract Users’ Conference and Awards 2023. The auditorium on the 1st floor will host the main conference events from 28-29 November and the Gallery and Wakefield rooms, located also on the first floor, will host the welcome drinks reception taking place on Monday 27 November as well as the sponsor exhibition and networking breaks.Scan or click on the QR code to view the full programme.
Scan or click on the QR code to view the full list of speakers and moderators.
The event will also include two workshops:FIDIC Workshop on Emerald Book: Conditions of Contract for Underground Works•Date: 27 November 2023. •Time: 9.00 – 12:30 UK time. •Location: Crown Suite, first floor.FIDIC Workshop - Claims and Dispute Resolution under FIDIC 2017 Contracts, Reprinted 2022 with amendments•Date: 30 November 2023. •Time: 09:00 – 16:30 UK time.•Location: Crown Suite, first floor.If you wish to attend either workshop and haven’t registered yet, please do so by logging into your account and following the steps described in the joining instructions to modify your registration.
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Workshop programme
Conference speakersand moderators
Access your digital delegate bag
You can now access your digital bag and unlock a world of benefits waiting for you. Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of resources and offers from our esteemed sponsors and FIDIC bookshop. Don’t miss out on exclusive educational content that will enhance your experience at the event. Dive in and explore all that’s in store for you!Access your delegate bag here.
The conference will take place at Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, London. From this city centre location, delegates can enjoy convenient conferencing facilities, comfortable guest accommodation and an ideal base from which to explore the many sights London city has to offer.Conference venue address8-14 Cooper’s RowLondon EC3N 2BQUnited Kingdom+44 20 7863 3700Closest airportLondon City: 37 minutes by car or 35 minutes by underground.Other airports: Gatwick, London Stansted and London Heathrow.Taxis from the hotel to the airport and pick-up from Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and London City airports to Leonardo Royal Hotel London City can be arranged for guests upon request by calling the hotel on +44 207 863 37 00. Taxi fares are subject to airport terminal (London Heathrow only) and the number of passengers travelling. Please note that flight details, number of passengers and a contact telephone number is required to make a taxi booking.Underground and railTwo minutes walk from Tower Hill Station for access to London Underground and a short walk from both Fenchurch Street rail and Tower Gateway DLR stations.
Conference venue
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Travel cardsPlease note that travel cards can be purchased in tube stations.ParkingThere is on-street parking available outside the hotel (parking meter charges apply). The nearest car park is Tower Hill car park located on 50 Lower Thames Street, which has 110 car park spaces – including 13 disabled spaces. Please telephone +44 20 7283 1501 for details of current parking charges, or visit http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/ for more parking locations.Please note that the London Congestion Charge applies to most vehicles entering central London, so a toll may be payable when driving to the hotel.Emergency numbers112 or 999 for police, fire and ambulance.
Covid-19 updateFind the latest information on United Kingdom’s latest Covid-19 measures and regulations below:
Where to buy lateral flow tests: click hereFor further information click herePlease bring your own masks should you wish to wear one during the conference. Hand sanitiser will be available outside each meeting room.
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Travelling to the UKFind the latest information on United Kingdom’s border control below:
FIDICCUC 2023 networkingConference participants can network in one of the many public areas in the venue and can make use of the online networking space on the Conference Website.In order to schedule any networking meetings, you can do so on the following tabs on the events website:
Registrant directoryThis page shows the people attending this event. Click on the “request meeting” button to set up a meeting with someone, which may be in-person at the venue or online on the platform.
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Smoking policyThe Leonardo Royal Hotel London City is a non-smoking venue. Participants are requested to go to the designated smoking area.Mobile phonesDelegates are kindly requested to keep their mobile phones on silent mode in meeting rooms when conference sessions are in progress.Wi-Fi name: Leonardo Guest Wi-Fi - no password required.(Available for the full conference area)FIDIC conference administrationFor any enquiries contact the FIDIC Events team at events@fidic.org
Download our conference and awards app
FIDIC’s Official International Contract Users’ Conference and Awards event app is now live and ready to use!Click or scan the QR code to download the Attendee Mobile app and search for FIDIC International CUC 2023 which will give you access to the following features:•Conference agenda•Workshop programme•Awards programme•Speakers•Attendees•Sponsors•FIDIC website•FIDIC Bookshop•FIDIC Academy•Location•Social mediaPlease note all the features mentioned are accessible once you have logged in to the app using your reservation login credentials.
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Social events
FIDIC welcome drinks receptionDate: Monday 27 November 2023.Time: 6pm to 8pm.Venue: Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Gallery & Wakefield.Dress code: Smart casual.This event is included for all conference registered participants. Registration is required.
Description: Whether you’ve attended the FIDIC Workshop on Emerald Book: Conditions of Contract for Underground Works and/or other various FIDIC activities, or have just arrived for the conference, we invite you to join us for an informal gathering on the first evening of the main event. Catch up with colleagues, make new friends, network with CEOs, decision makers from major consulting engineering firms, international institutions’ representatives and delegates from over 48 different countries attending the FIDIC conference.The welcome drinks reception will be held on the first floor at the Gallery and Wakefield rooms.
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FIDIC Gala Dinner and Contract Users’ Awards Ceremony
Description: The FIDIC Gala Dinner and Contract Users’ Awards, now in their fifth year, recognise excellence in the use of FIDIC contract forms for project delivery, the promotion of FIDIC contracts and their use in the global construction sector and showcase examples of good practice through collaboration from across the world.The judging panel for the awards, chaired by former UK High Court judge Sir Vivian Ramsey, chose 16 successful entries across a range of categories including Project of the Year, Client of the Year, Adjudicator of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Legal Firm of the Year. The 16 successful entries will be presented with winner, highly commended or merit award prizes at the awards dinner in London on 28 November 2023.To view the successful entries for 2023 click here.
Date: Tuesday 28 November 2023.Time: 7pm to 12.00pm.Venue: Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Auditorium room.Dress code: Lounge suit. This event is included for all conference registered participants. Registration is required.All registrants for this event will receive separate information.
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Project of the YearThis award is for any project procured under a FIDIC contract. Entries should give a description of best practice achieved on their FIDIC project(s) with particular emphasis on the 1999 or 2017 editions of the FIDIC contract form.Client of the YearThis award is for any client or organisation. Candidates should give a description of best practice achieved with their supply chain on their FIDIC project(s) with emphasis on the 1999 or 2017 editions of the FIDIC contract form.Adjudicator of the YearThis award is given to to reward the efforts of an indvidual or company in the provision of adjudication services for FIDIC contractsTrainer of the YearThis award is given to reward the efforts of an individual or company in the provision of training for FIDIC contracts.Legal Firm of the YearThis award is given to reward best practice by a legal firm during the year based on outstanding contribution to the wider use of FIDIC contracts.
FIDIC Gala Dinner and Contract Users’ Awards Ceremony
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Other recommendations for your stay in London
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St Katharine Docks St Katharine Docks is a vibrant area of London that combines a marina with offices, shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. Located next to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, it’s a great area to look at the boats moored in Central London’s only marina (as well as perhaps dreaming you own one of them!) and sit in a café watching the world go by.For further information click here.Borough Market For a 1,000 years, a market has existed at the southern end of London Bridge, making this still-busy ancient gathering point a superb spectacle. Overflowing with small shops, food stalls and wholesale greengrocers catering to London’s top-end restaurants, Borough Market makes a delicious lunch stop, afternoon grazing session or pure dinner-party inspiration. The market is committed to sustainability and supporting small-scale food producers.For further information click here.Visit LondonDiscover the best of London with Visit London, the official guide to England’s exciting capital. Find things to do in London, from iconic sightseeing spots and fun-filled days out to top restaurants, theatre and unmissable London events. Click here to view the official Visit London website
The Official FIDIC International Contract Users’ Conference and Awards takes place on 28-29 November 2023 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City in London. Following a successful 2022 event, the 2023 conference once again promises to be a must-attend event for all those working with FIDIC contracts. The conference will offer delegates an invaluable update on FIDIC’s contract suite as well as discussing the latest developments in the international contracts arena, highlighting key and emerging issues and giving attendees the opportunity to meet and network with key global stakeholders from across the FIDIC contracts ecosystem. Attendees at the conference will get the lowdown on the latest state of play with FIDIC contracts that are being planned or under development and will also hear from leading contractual and legal experts on current and emerging issues in the fast-changing world of global construction contracts. The event will also include a dispute avoidance and adjudication forum, which takes place on 27 November 2023, to discuss key and emerging issues in dispute avoidance arena. As part of the overall two-day event programme, the unveiling of the winners of the FIDIC Contract Users’ Awards 2023 will also take place at a special gala dinner event on 28 November 2023. The awards recognise excellence in the use of FIDIC contract forms for project delivery and showcase examples of good practice through collaboration from across the world. The awards gala dinner is a brilliant networking opportunity for attendees at the conference and the wider industry and is not to be missed.
FIDIC Official
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International Contract Users’ Conference and Awards
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Thanking our Gold Sponsors
Thanking our Strategic Partner
Thanking our Platinum Sponsors
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Know. Construction law
The largest construction and energy law firm in the UK, we work closely alongside clients to offer a full range of legal services for construction, engineering and energyprojects worldwide.
Top-tier experts in dispute management, avoidance and resolutionCMSis a future-facinglaw fi rm: weaimto giveyouan advantagetoday by anticipatingyour challenges of tomorrow.Our dedicatedICE Disputes Team focuseson resolving disputes arising inthe Infrastructure, Construction andEnergy sectors.For all your project advisory, risk management, litigation and alternativedispute resolution needs, you are in safe hands with us.
Key contacts at the conference
Adrian Bell Partner // CMS UKCo-head of the Infrastructure,Construction and Energy (ICE)Disputes GroupT +44 20 7367 3558Eadrian.bell@cms-cmno.com
Jeroen BerlagePartner// CMS Netherlands Co-Head of the CMS Infrastructure & Projects GroupT +31 20 301 63 06E jeroen.berlage@cms-dsb.com
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Conference media partner
FIDIC’s first media partner for the conference is Infrastructure Global(IG), the news and information platform for the international construction and infrastructure sector.IG is passionate about global infrastructure and the contribution it makes to the quality of life of citizens around the world. The global infrastructure market totalled US$3.1 trillion in 2017 and is expected to reach US$4.4 trillion in 2022, growing by 7% on an annual average basis. This is a massive sector providing significant economic and social benefit on a world scale.IG aims to provide a platform for the sector on an international basis to report its latest news, provide analysis and thought leadership through comment, opinion and feature articles and to give a voice to the companies, organisations, people and personalities that work in one of the most important business sectors on the planet.With new technology and digitisation speeding up work processes quicker than ever before, there is an opportunity for those at the cutting edge of infrastructure to take a leadership role and shape the future of our world. IG offers the global industry and all those who work within it the chance to promote their work and insight to an international audience, raising awareness of that work and the companies behind it.During the conference, IG will be reporting live, including on social media, and interviewing speakers and participants on the key issues facing the industry.If you work in the international construction and infrastructure sector, IG wants to hear from you. Send your news, views, comment, opinion and features to the team and make sure that what you are doing is reported in Infrastructure Global.You can email Infrastructure Global at editorial@infra.globalFollow IG on Twitter at @infraglobal1 and on LinkedIn here.
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FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, is the global representative body for national associations of consulting engineers and represents over one million engineering professionals and 40,000 firms in approximately 100 countries worldwide. The buildings and infrastructure sector in which FIDIC members work contributes around US$36trillion to global GDP.Founded in 1913 and celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, FIDIC is charged with promoting and implementing the consulting engineering industry’s strategic goals on behalf of its member associations and disseminating information and resources of interest to its members.FIDIC objectives•Be the recognised international authority on issues relating to consulting engineering best practice.•Actively promote high standards of ethics and integrity among all stakeholders involved in the development of infrastructure worldwide.•Maintain and enhance FIDIC’s representation of the consulting engineering industry worldwide.•Enhance the image of consulting engineering.•Promote and assist the worldwide development of viable consulting engineering industries.•Promote and enhance the leading position of FIDIC’s forms of contract.•Improve and develop FIDIC’s training and publishing activities.•To promote and encourage the development of FIDIC Future Leaders in the consulting engineering industry.
Organiser
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FIDIC is transparent and accountable to its members, stakeholders and clients. Information on the deliberations of our board, committees and task groups are made available via the FIDIC website and we issue regular press releases and statements on FIDIC’s work.FIDIC is governed by a set of statutes and bylaws which have been agreed by member associations and are updated as required and ratified at the General Assembly Meetings (GAM) during the annual conference.These statutes and bylaws govern a range of issues including membership, the election of the board and the running of various committees and operations.