The Chartered institute of Building (CIOB) has announced that its international intensive training seminar, the Masterclass, is to come to Brussels.

The Brussels event is part of the long-running series held across the globe, and organised by the CIOB in partnership with international construction consultancy Hill International, to address issues affecting the industry’s top professionals.

The Brussels Masterclass will be held across two days on the 24th & 25th of November 2008 at The Plaza Hotel.

Experts from across the globe such as Andrew Burr, a barrister and editor of European Construction Contracts, and Thomas Hofbauer, a claims management consultant from Hill International’s Munich office, are confirmed to appear.

The focus of the Brussels event is ‘Delay and Disruption in Construction Contracts’ with topics to include:

· Planning for excellence
· Delay clauses in European and international contracts
· The use of visualizations in disputes
· Valuation and analysis of disruption

Held throughout the world, the aim of the Masterclass is to disseminate the most up-to-date information to construction and legal professionals in a bid to cascade the information throughout the industry’s larger organizations to minimise costly disputes.

A key focus of the Brussels event will be to address growing economic and legal issues which are leading to increased pressure upon companies to pursue litigation in disputes.

The conference will explore the different proactive and reactive approaches companies should now be adopting.

The lectures will begin by examining proactive dispute avoidance in terms of managing the risks of change and preparing for delay. The second day of the conference will explore reactive approaches to disputes, and examine the subject of managing disputes, analyzing and presenting delay and disruption.

Stuart Wilks, senior manager from host and event sponsor, Hill International, explained: “This is a key event for anyone involved in the construction and legal process. With construction growth at a 12-year low, the industry is about to start feeling the inevitable effects of the current economic climate, which will undoubtedly see an increase in claims, disputes and litigation."

Renny Borhan, managing director of Hill International EMEA commented: "Masterclass speakers are all carefully selected. Each has an exceptionally high level of expertise which puts them in an optimum position to anticipate the key issues facing the industry both today and in the future.”

Michael Brown, director of CIOB International, added: “The CIOB sees the Masterclasses as a crucial vehicle to disseminate comprehensive information and advice to update the industry’s top professionals about key industry issues.

“Delegates are informed about potential issues and then equipped to address them by improving both their own and their business’ efficiency and professionalism.”

Due to the ongoing demand for places at Masterclass events, early booking is advised.

Email: speace@ciob.org.uk