AEC Summit

Theme: Spatial Computing and Digital Twin Enterprise:
Unlocking Digital Potential Across Infrastructure Lifecycle

24-25 APRIL 2025 Madrid Marriott Auditorium

CONCEPT NOTE

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is on verge of a transformative phase, driven by the digitalization of infrastructure. Global challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and aging infrastructure demand innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions. As the world shifts towards smarter, more sustainable cities, the integration of technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twin, and spatial analytics is reshaping how infrastructure is planned, built, and maintained across its lifecycle.

BIM has revolutionized project design and execution, fostering better collaboration, reducing costs, and improving accuracy. Digital Twin technology takes this further, creating real-time digital replicas of physical infrastructure to enable predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and optimization. Spatial analytics leverages geospatial data to offer deeper insights into environmental factors, helping to design sustainable, climate-resilient systems and improve decision-making throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

The theme of this summit-"Spatial Computing and Digital Twin Enterprise: Unlocking Digital Potential across Infrastructure Lifecycle" focuses on how these technologies can unlock new possibilities for smarter & more resilient infrastructure. Through the integration of spatial computing and digital twins, this summit will uncover ground-breaking approaches to optimize infrastructure management, boost long-term asset performance, and drive sustainability across the entire lifecycle of buildings, transportation systems, and urban environments.

The AEC sector has long been burdened by traditional practices and fragmented processes. However, with global urban populations expected to reach 68% by 2050, the urgency for digital transformation is clear. The adoption of digital technologies is no longer optional but essential to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and resilient infrastructure. With the global market for BIM projected to exceed $15 billion by 2027, and the digital twin market poised to surpass $115 billion by 2030, the time for action is now. This summit aims to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to accelerate the digital transformation of the AEC industry, creating a roadmap for building the future of infrastructure.

The Agenda and Our Speakers

Thursday, 24th April

0930 - 1130
Plenary: Spatial Computing and Digital Twin Enterprise: Unlocking Digital Potential Across Infrastructure Lifecycle

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Need for integrated spatial computing and digital twins in transforming infrastructure planning, design, and management for greater efficiency and resilience.
  • The role of digital twin enterprises in enabling real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and lifecycle optimization across infrastructure sectors.
  • Impact of geospatial intelligence, AI, and IoT integration in driving data-driven workflows, enhancing asset performance, and improving sustainability.
  • Key challenges in cross-sector collaboration, data interoperability, and governance frameworks to maximize the benefits of digital twins.
  • Policy frameworks and regulatory considerations for scaling digital twin adoption and ensuring secure, standardized implementation.
  • Best practices and strategies for leveraging spatial computing to build intelligent, adaptive, and future-ready infrastructure ecosystems.
John P Wilson

Moderator

John P Wilson
Professor and Founding Director Spatial Sciences
University of Southern California
USA

Plenary

Dr. John P. Wilson is the Founding Director of the Spatial Sciences Institute and a Professor of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Population and Public Health Sciences, and Sociology at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on the modeling of human and natural systems and makes extensive use of GIS, spatial analysis, and various forms of environmental modeling. Much of this work is collaborative with the goal of improving our understanding of the factors connecting people, the environment, and their health.

Seng-Chuan Tan

Keynote Address

Seng-Chuan Tan
President
World Federation of Engineering Organizations
Singapore

Plenary

Tang Hsiao Ling

Keynote Address

Tang Hsiao Ling
Director, Urban Planning and Architecture
Jurong Town Corporation
Singapore

Plenary

Amr Raafat
Amr Raafat
Chief Innovation Officer
Windover Construction
USA

Plenary

Amr Raafat is the Chief Innovation Officer at Windover Construction, where he leads the VDC team in integrating cutting-edge technology to optimize project delivery. With over 20 years of experience blending architecture, construction, and engineering, he also leads Windover's IDEATM (Innovations for Design, Engineering, and Automation) platform, providing advanced solutions on a global scale that streamline the construction process and enhance project outcomes. Recognized as a pioneer in the AEC industry, Amr was awarded the Global Autodesk AEC Innovator of the Year in 2019 and named Autodesk Construction Champion in 2024. He also hosts the popular Autodesk series "On the Road with Amr," where he travels worldwide to engage with industry leaders, exploring innovations that drive efficiency and transform the construction landscape. Amr holds a master's degree in architecture from Boston Architectural College.

Marc Kleemann
Marc Kleemann
Business Relations Executive
con terra
Germany

Plenary

Elliot Hartley
Elliot Hartley
Managing Director
Garsdale Design Limited
UK

Plenary

Chris Jackson
Chris Jackson
European Business Development Lead - AEC
Esri
UK

Plenary

Dan Isaacs
Dan Isaacs
Chief Technology Officer
Digital Twin Consortium
USA

Plenary

Dr Mohamed Elhabiby
Dr Mohamed Elhabiby
Chief Executive Officer
Micro Engineering Tech Inc
Canada

Plenary

1130 - 1330
Networking Break followed by Lunch
1330 - 1500
Session 1: Seamless Technology Integration: Key to Modernisation of High-Speed Rail and Metro Networks Dresden

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Challenges in modernisation of high-speed rail and metro networks and possible technology-driven solutions to address them.
  • Role of Digital Twins and BIM in enhancing design, construction, and maintenance, enabling improved asset visualization, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle cost optimization.
  • Impact of AI, IoT, and geospatial technologies on rail operations, driving automation, improving safety measures, and enhancing real-time decision-making capabilities.
  • Need for seamless data interoperability across multiple systems and stakeholders, ensuring efficient information flow and collaboration for better operational outcomes.
  • Strengthening cybersecurity measures for critical rail infrastructure, addressing risks associated with increasing digitization and interconnected systems.
  • Future of rail and metro networks with innovative technology adoption and cross-industry collaboration, shaping smarter, more resilient, and sustainable transit systems.
Steve Brown

Moderator

Steve Brown
Head of Digital Twins
SWECO
Denmark

Plenary

Mangal Dev
Mangal Dev
Head - Green Energy Mobility, South Asia
Hitachi Rail India
India

Plenary

Dmitri Garbuzenko
Dmitri Garbuzenko
BIM and AIM Coordinator
Rail Baltica
Estonia

Plenary

Luca Sandigliano
Luca Sandigliano
Head of Bim
INTECSA
Spain

Plenary

Dr Y Pari
Dr Y Pari
Global Head Geospatial Technology
LTI Mindtree
India

Plenary

1500 - 1600
Coffee Break & Visit to Exhibition
1600 - 1730
Session 2: Railway Asset Management: Maximizing Lifecycle Efficiency with Digital Technology Solutions Dresden

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Key challenges in railway asset management and how digital solutions can enhance asset efficiency, addressing issues like aging infrastructure, high maintenance costs, and operational inefficiencies.
  • Transforming asset monitoring and reducing downtime through Digital Twins, BIM, and IoT-powered predictive maintenance, enabling proactive decision-making and extending asset lifespan.
  • Real-world applications of AI and geospatial technologies in railway asset performance, showcasing how data-driven insights improve maintenance scheduling and resource allocation.
  • Integrating diverse data sources for better asset visibility, planning, and lifecycle optimization, ensuring a more connected and efficient asset management framework.
  • Cost-effective strategies for balancing maintenance investments while ensuring safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, helping rail operators maximize returns while maintaining high service standards.
Abdelrahman AbouHadid

Moderator

Abdelrahman AbouHadid
Senior Digital Delivery Manager
Diriyah Gate Development Authority
UAE

Plenary

George Floros
George Floros
Associate Director - Head of Digital Construction
Atkins Realis
UK

Plenary

Shervin Yousefzadeh
Shervin Yousefzadeh
Head of Construction
GS1 UK
UK

Plenary

Vikrant Nashine
Vikrant Nashine
Global Delivery Head
Tech Mahindra
India

Plenary

Akshay Loya
Akshay Loya
Chief Executive Officer
GISKernel Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
India

Plenary

1330 - 1500
Session 1: Leveraging Digital Technologies for Sustainable design, Operations and Management of Ports Stuttgart

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Key challenges in port design, operations, and management, and how digital technologies can drive sustainability.
  • Optimizing port infrastructure and resource utilization through Digital Twins, BIM, and geospatial technologies, enabling smarter planning, maintenance, and logistics management.
  • Impact of AI, IoT, and automation in enhancing port operations, focusing on improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and advancing smart port initiatives.
  • Integrating real-time data and predictive analytics for better port resilience and decision-making, ensuring adaptability to disruptions and long-term sustainability.
  • Best practices for sustainable port management, including strategies for energy efficiency, environmental monitoring, and circular economy approaches to minimize ecological footprint.
Eduard Loscos

Moderator

Eduard Loscos
President
Building Digital Twin Association
Spain

Plenary

Dr Enrique Belda Esplugues
Dr Enrique Belda Esplugues
Director General
Port of Valencia
Spain

Plenary

Mikel Borras Morrison
Mikel Borras Morrison
Innovation PMO Manager
IDP
Spain

Plenary

Vanesa Mateo Perez
Vanesa Mateo Perez
Director of Water
Government of Asturias
Spain

Plenary

Alessandro Flamini
Alessandro Flamini
Head of Marketing and Sales
Europe e-GEOS
Italy

Plenary

Peter Hellinckx
Peter Hellinckx
Professor
University of Antwerp
Belgium

Plenary

1500 - 1600
Coffee Break & Visit to Exhibition
1600 - 1730
Session 2: Geospatial Innovations in Optimizing Water Networks and Management Stuttgart

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Challenges in water network management and the role of geospatial technologies in improving efficiency and resilience, addressing issues like water loss, aging infrastructure, climate impact,
    • etc.
  • Optimizing water distribution, leak detection, stormwater and asset management through GIS, remote sensing, and digital twins, demonstrating their impact on proactive infrastructure management.
  • Advancements in AI, IoT, and real-time data analytics for smarter water networks, enabling predictive maintenance, improved resource allocation, and sustainable water conservation.
  • Integrating geospatial data with existing water management systems for seamless interoperability and performance, ensuring a holistic approach to network optimization.
  • Best practices in sustainable water network management, focusing on climate resilience, demand forecasting, and reducing non-revenue water losses.
  • Future directions for water infrastructure management, leveraging geospatial innovations and digital transformation to build smarter, more adaptive water systems.
Dr D Vasudevan

Moderator

Dr D Vasudevan
Chief General Manager
Varanasi Smart City
India

Plenary

Miranda McBride
Miranda McBride
Geospatial Services Program Manager
ReWa
USA

Plenary

Sudesna Biswas
Sudesna Biswas
Head Hydrology, Transportation Infrastructure IC
Larsen and Toubro
India

Plenary

Francisco Ortega Fernandez
Francisco Ortega Fernandez
Professor
University of Oviedo
Spain

Plenary

Juber Ahmad
Juber Ahmad
Chief Technology officer
Eau Labs Engineering Consultant
India

Plenary

Friday, 25th April

0930 - 1030
Session 1: Resolving Highway Planning and Design Challenges Through Digital Innovation Dresden

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Critical challenges in highway planning and design and the role of digital innovations in overcoming them.
  • The impact of BIM, GIS, and digital twins in enhancing project planning, feasibility studies, and design optimization, ensuring more efficient and data-driven decision-making.
  • Harnessing AI, machine learning, and IoT for smarter highway development, improving route alignment, traffic flow analysis, and environmental sustainability.
  • The benefits of real-time data integration and cloud-based collaboration in streamlining project execution and enhancing stakeholder coordination, reducing delays and inefficiencies.
  • Best practices in digital survey techniques, including LiDAR and remote sensing, for accurate terrain modeling, infrastructure development, and improved project accuracy.
  • A roadmap for accelerating digital adoption in highway planning, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and long-term cost efficiency in infrastructure projects.
Titas Roy

Moderator

Titas Roy
Industry Manager - Infrastructure
Geospatial World
India

Plenary

Andrew Williams
Andrew Williams
Chief Operating Officer
LandClan
Ireland

Plenary

Martin Kriz
Martin Kriz
Senior Function Lead
Strabag
Austria

Plenary

Lee Braybrooke
Lee Braybrooke
Key Accounts & Alliances Director
Trimble
UK

Plenary

Lee Braybrooke has been working in information management and data analytics for over 30 years. Now in his role as Key Accounts and Alliances Director for Trimble, Lee's focus is on championing the needs of today's multi-disciplined Geospatial customer, allowing those needs to inform the development of the ever expanding Trimble solutions portfolio.

Ravindra Kumar
Ravindra Kumar
Chief Scientist
Central Road of Research Institute
India

Plenary

1030 - 1130
Session 2: Digital Project Management: Revolutionizing Highway Construction Workflows Dresden

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Addressing inefficiencies in traditional highway construction workflows and how digital project management is reshaping the process
  • The role of cloud-based platforms, real-time collaboration tools, and digital dashboards in streamlining communication and project coordination, ensuring transparency across stakeholders.
  • Leveraging BIM, digital twins, and 4D/5D simulations for smarter project planning, scheduling, and cost management, enhancing efficiency and predictability.
  • The impact of AI, IoT, and automated monitoring systems in optimizing resource allocation, mitigating risks, and improving quality assurance, leading to better project outcomes.
  • Best practices for integrating digital project management solutions with existing construction management frameworks, ensuring smooth adoption and long-term success.
Titas Roy

Moderator

Titas Roy
Industry Manager - Infrastructure
Geospatial World
India

Plenary

Jose Cordovilla
Jose Cordovilla
Director of Infrastructure Advisory
Typsa
Spain

Plenary

Antonio Muruais
Antonio Muruais
Deputy Director General of Sustainability and Innovation
General Directorate of Roads of Mitma
Spain

Plenary

Eva Ramirez
Eva Ramirez
GNSS Expert and Space-related Project Manager
INECO
Spain

Plenary

Beatriz Crespo
Beatriz Crespo
Transportation Digital Lead
AECOM
Spain

Plenary

1130 - 1200
Networking Break
1200 - 1300
Session 3: Local to National: The Role of Digital Twins in Strategic Urban Planning and Development Dresden

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • The role of digital twins in aligning local urban planning with sustainable development goals.
  • Real-world applications of digital twins in city planning, infrastructure development, and policy formulation, showcasing measurable improvements in urban efficiency.
  • Integrating real-time data, IoT, and AI-driven simulations to enhance urban resilience, sustainability, and disaster preparedness, making cities smarter and more adaptive.
  • Strategies for fostering collaboration between municipal, regional, and national stakeholders through a unified digital twin framework, driving integrated urban growth.
  • Leveraging geospatial intelligence and predictive analytics to support evidence-based smart city initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and future-readiness.
  • Scaling digital twin adoption from localized projects to nationwide urban transformation, creating a strategic roadmap for broader implementation and impact.
Mila Koeva

Moderator

Mila Koeva
Associate Professor
University of Twente
The Netherlands

Plenary

Dr D Vasudevan
Dr D Vasudevan
Chief General Manager
Varanasi Smart City
India

Plenary

Karel van Oordt Montalvo
Karel van Oordt Montalvo
Project Coordinator
Eurocities
Spain

Plenary

Dr Nora Reinecke
Dr Nora Reinecke
Head of the Connected Urban Twins Projekt
Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg
Germany

Plenary

Dr Abhay Kimmatkar
Dr Abhay Kimmatkar
Managing Director
CS Tech
India

Plenary

1300 - 1400
Lunch
1400 - 1500
Session 4: Role of Integrated Urban Digital Twins in Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience Dresden

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • The role of digital twins in aligning local urban planning with sustainable development goals.
  • Real-world applications of digital twins in city planning, infrastructure development, and policy formulation, showcasing measurable improvements in urban efficiency.
  • Integrating real-time data, IoT, and AI-driven simulations to enhance urban resilience, sustainability, and disaster preparedness, making cities smarter and more adaptive.
  • Strategies for fostering collaboration between municipal, regional, and national stakeholders through a unified digital twin framework, driving integrated urban growth.
  • Leveraging geospatial intelligence and predictive analytics to support evidence-based smart city initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and future-readiness.
  • Scaling digital twin adoption from localized projects to nationwide urban transformation, creating a strategic roadmap for broader implementation and impact.
Dessislava Petrova Antonova

Moderator

Dessislava Petrova Antonova
Research Group Lead
Sofia University
Bulgaria

Plenary

Claudius Lieven
Claudius Lieven
Head of Urban Digital Twin Application Development
Ministry of Urban Development and Housing / Hamburg
Germany

Plenary

Florian Huemer
Florian Huemer
Co-Founder
PropX
Austria

Plenary

Steve Brown
Steve Brown
Head of Digital Twins
SWECO
Denmark

Plenary

Senthil Rajendran
Senthil Rajendran
Head Middle East Business Unit
RMSI
India

Plenary

0930 - 1100
Session 1: Driving Sustainability in Airports and Terminal Building Design and Operations Through Digital Advancements Stuttgart

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Addressing sustainability challenges in airport and terminal design and exploring how digital technologies contribute to greener, more efficient infrastructure.
  • Real-world applications of BIM, digital twins, and AI-driven simulations in enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing space utilization, and improving operational performance.
  • The role of IoT, real-time monitoring, and smart building systems in minimizing environmental impact while enhancing passenger comfort and facility management.
  • Leveraging spatial data and analytics for smarter airport operations, improving everything from airside management to passenger flow optimization.
  • Real-world applications of GIS, digital twins, and AI-driven analytics, showcasing their impact on operational efficiency, safety, and decision-making in airports.
  • The role of IoT, sensors, and real-time data integration in enhancing air traffic control, baggage handling, and overall terminal management.
Manuel Rocamora

Moderator

Manuel Rocamora
Advisory Committee Member
World Smart Cities Forum
Saudi Arabia

Plenary

Kendall Wilson
Kendall Wilson
Senior Manager, Digital Twin
Modon Real Estate
United Arab Emirates

Plenary

Irina Khussainova
Irina Khussainova
Head of Division - Chief Aviation Inspector
Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan

Plenary

Cristina Sanchez Jimenez
Cristina Sanchez Jimenez
BIM Manager & Digital Engineer
Bovis Construction
UK

Plenary

Mariam Shai
Mariam Shai
Design Manager
CBL Holding
Saudi Arabia

Plenary

1100 - 1200
Networking Break
1200 - 1300
Session 2: BIM and Digital Twin Convergence for Resilient Buildings and Campuses Infrastructure Stuttgart

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Enhancing resilience in building and campus infrastructure through the integration of BIM and digital twins.
  • Real-world applications demonstrating how digital models improve design accuracy, construction efficiency, and facility management.
  • The role of AI, IoT, and real-time monitoring in ensuring structural durability, energy efficiency, and occupant safety.
  • Strategies for lifecycle management, predictive maintenance, and disaster preparedness using data-driven simulations.
  • Best practices for integrating BIM and digital twins to drive sustainability, operational efficiency, and smart infrastructure development.
  • A roadmap for accelerating the adoption of BIM and digital twins to future-proof buildings and campus environments.
Hesham Gamal Gaffar

Moderator

Hesham Gamal Gaffar
Digital Twin - AEC Development Manager
Esri Saudi Arabia
KSA

Plenary

Darin Welch
Darin Welch
Director of Digital Transformation Solutions
HNTB Corporation
USA

Plenary

Gary Cowan
Gary Cowan
Head of Digital Construction/VDC
Kane Group
UK

Plenary

Tareq Latayfeh
Tareq Latayfeh
Regional Director
KEO
UAE

Plenary

Selim Edde
Selim Edde
Head of Design and Delivery Digital Services
Roshn
Saudi Arabia

Plenary

1300 - 1400
Lunch
1400 - 1500
Session 3: Digital Engineering Solutions for Resilient Infrastructure Stuttgart

Session Highlight

Talking Points:
  • Leveraging digital engineering solutions, including seismic modeling and sub-surface infrastructure analysis, to enhance infrastructure resilience.
  • Real-world applications of digital twins, BIM, and AI-driven simulations in improving risk assessment and disaster preparedness, ensuring proactive infrastructure planning.
  • The role of seismic modeling and geospatial analytics in designing earthquake-resistant structures and underground networks, strengthening long-term resilience.
  • Integrating digital tools with geotechnical investigations to optimize tunnelling, utilities, and transportation infrastructure, minimizing risks and improving efficiency.
  • Best practices in predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and early warning systems, helping infrastructure managers mitigate potential failures before they occur.
  • A forward-looking strategy for scaling digital engineering adoption, ensuring future-ready, disaster-resilient urban and sub-surface infrastructure development.
Dr Gareth Barker
Dr Gareth Barker
Senior Geologist
Eiffage Kier Ferrovial BAM
UK

Plenary

Christoph Strecha
Christoph Strecha
Founder, Director of Board
Pix4D SA
Switzerland

Plenary

Dr Skevi Perdikou
Dr Skevi Perdikou
Chief Executive Officer
Geofem Ltd
Cyprus

Plenary

Adrien Friesen
Adrien Friesen
Product Manager Cities Planning & Design
ARUP
United Kingdom

Plenary

Target Segments

Government Officials and Policymakers

City Development Authorities and Municipalities

Infrastructure Developers and Investors

Project Owners/Operators/Managers

AEC Firms

Consultants

Development Banks/Investors

Research and Academia

Technology Providers /Users