ECC kicks off in Grapevine
Catherine Watkins, Publisher, Hydrocarbon Processing
The Texas Ballroom of the Gaylord Texas Resort in Grapevine, Texas, was abuzz Thursday morning as 665 attendees from more than 300 different companies, 35 U.S. states and four countries convened for the 53rd annual ECC PerspECCtives conference. The Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association brought together representatives from owner-operators, contractors, suppliers, consulting firms, industry association partners and academia, all excited to finally meet again in-person for a worthwhile industry event. From the welcome reception to the individual presentations, the enthusiasm from both the Future Leaders meetings and the conference attendees was palpable throughout the event.
Kymberly Butts, Zachry Group, called the conference to order and introduced the theme, “Performing While Transforming: Executing Now, Evolving for Tomorrow.” The morning keynote speakers included Bill Taylor, author and co-founder of Fast Company, and Dr. Daniel Yergin, author and Vice Chairman of IHS Markit, who provided insights and leadership strategies closely tailored to the conference's theme.
Breakout sessions included training on diversity issues, the energy transition, the case for modular chemical process intensification and contracting insights. Speakers included Jon Goldsmith, Director of Emerging Energy, Phillips 66; Bob Reymond, President, Burns & McDonnell; Natalie Kiser, VP Strategy, KBR; and Don Heimbach, Director of EPC Contracting, LyondellBasell. Other notable attendees included Greg Garland, CEO, Phillips 66; Mike Jennings, CEO, HollyFrontier; and John Zachry, CEO, Zachry Group.
Later in the afternoon, the industry recognized the “Spirit of ECC Award” winner, followed by an industry discussion with Chet Thompson, CEO, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), and Mike Jennings, HollyFrontier. On Day Two, ECC will announce the winner of the ECC Achievement Award, as well as recognize the more than 110 ECC Future Leaders who will be joining the senior leadership of the industry.
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