AACE Bulletin
A Successful Conference - AACE Nigeria Hosts Physical Pre-Training and Conference
The AACE Nigeria section’s Physical Pre-Training and Conference, held 25 to 27 November 2025 at Clear Essence Hotel and Resort in Ikoyi, Lagos, brought together cost engineering and project controls professionals for three days of learning, discussion, and connection.
This year’s objectives focused on strengthening cost leadership as a lever for economic revival, creating a common platform for exchanging ideas, discussing industry cost challenges through the lens of cost engineering and total cost management, and building networking opportunities that support lasting professional relationships within the section.
The program included pre-certification training, along with technical sessions covering practical cost estimation tools and risk assessment and management. The conference theme, “The Role of Cost Engineers in a Digital Economy,” carried into a panel discussion that explored how cost engineers can optimize resource allocation, reduce wastage, and improve project viability in a digital context. Discussions also touched on structured risk thinking using TECOP (technical, economic, commercial, organizational, political), risk-adjusted valuation approaches such as EMV and scenario analysis, and the importance of integrating ESG considerations and early-stage planning into decision-making. A recurring message was that cost engineering is expanding from a single-metric view to a more multi-dimensional evaluation that considers environmental and social impacts alongside financial outcomes.
Looking ahead, the section shared enthusiasm for gathering again in 2026 in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Great Lakes Section hosted a holiday social
In December, the AACE Great Lakes Section hosted a holiday social at HOMES Brewery – Brewpub in Ann Arbor. Members connected over food and drinks and teamed up for trivia and casual games to close out the year.
In October, the section held a site tour of the UM Central Campus Residential Development – Phase 1 in Ann Arbor, led by Shawn Debo, PSP, CDT (The Christman Company). The program included a project briefing in the job trailer and a guided walk of the site. The Phase 1 build is an approximately $550 million addition delivering about 2,300 beds for first- and second-year students. Procurement began in early 2023, groundbreaking took place in August 2023, and the project was reported at about 70 percent complete with a target completion in July 2026.
AACE New Jersey Section partnered with the ASCE Princeton University Student Chapter for a student outreach session
In December 2025, the AACE New Jersey Section partnered with the ASCE Princeton University Student Chapter for a student outreach session introducing Princeton students to AACE International, what the organization does, and ways students can get involved early through recommended practices and technical guidance, certification pathways, mentorship, networking, and local section activities. The session was led by Section President Teja Pulla, with support from section volunteers including Saumil Maniar, Spandana Patibandla, Luis Reyes, and Chi Fai Lam.
In January 2026, the AACE New Jersey Section served as a Silver Sponsor for the 2026 Future City Competition New Jersey, held at Rutgers University. Section President Teja Pulla and Treasurer Saumil Maniar represented the section at the AACE booth, sharing what AACE does and how students can benefit from networking, mentoring, and professional development as they prepare for future careers. Despite snowy conditions, student teams showed up ready to present, and the energy in the room was inspiring. The Meet the Professionals session was a highlight, with students asking thoughtful questions and showing strong interest in careers across engineering, construction, and project controls. The competition also showcased innovative, sustainability-focused ideas that reflected the creativity of the next generation.
The AACE Metro New York Section partnered with Young Professionals in Energy NYC (YPE NYC)
In January, the AACE Metro New York Section partnered with Young Professionals in Energy NYC (YPE NYC) for “Plugged In: The Realities of Grid Interconnection,” a discussion on transmission and the interconnection process, one of the key enabling challenges facing today’s energy transition.
Hosted at Exponent’s New York offices, the session explored why connecting new generation resources and growing load demand to the grid has become so complex, with a focus on the planning, coordination, and process hurdles that often drive cost, schedule, and risk. The program featured Alex Tai (Renewable Engineer, Hartford Steam Boiler), Linkesh Diwan (Senior Engineer, Hartford Steam Boiler), Josh Langevin (Exponent), and Laura Darling (Partner, Young/Sommer LLC), followed by networking with attendees from across the AACE and YPE communities.
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