We have another great opportunity for networking and learning! Join the BIA and The Advisory Panel (T.A.P.) for an insightful and timely discussion led by Tim Hampson & Brian Celeste Managing Directors at Ankura, as they discuss key insight to managing construction project risks before disputes arise.  

With each having over 20 years of construction project advisory and dispute resolution, they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and a practical perspective to the challenges facing developers today.

This presentation will focus on complex construction projects rarely drift into dispute because of a single mistake. More often, risk forms through a series of reasonable decisions made under pressure. This includes unresolved uncertainty, optimism about recovery, and workarounds that quietly reshape the critical path. Drawing on Ankura's experience advising projects during execution and evaluating them later under full scrutiny, this session translates dispute hindsight into practical, forward-looking guidance. Attendees will explore how uncertainty compounds, how project controls lose their diagnostic power, and how improving decision quality and preserving flexibility can reduce downstream risk, long before disputes arise.

Sponsors: Special thanks to Eckert Seamans for hosting this event and sponsoring the refreshments.

Who Should Attend:
Professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region who work with developers, general contractors, and real estate professionals.

Takeaways Include:

• Understanding the causes of how uncertainty compounds


• Controls lose their diagnostic power

• How improving decision quality and preserving flexibility can reduce downstream risk, long before disputes arise

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with peers facing similar energy challenges.

Agenda

Networking from 9:00 - 9:20 am

Introductions & Updates 9:20 - 9:30 am

Presentation from 9:30 - 9:55 am

Adjourn 10:00 am

Thursday, May 7, 2026
9:00 am to 10:00 am

Location

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott
Two Liberty Place
50 S 16th St 22nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Brian Celeste, PE
Managing Director, Ankura

Brian Celeste, PE is a Managing Director in Ankura’s Philadelphia office with more than 20 years of experience in construction project advisory and dispute resolution. He advises project teams, developers, contractors, and attorneys, analyzing project performance, managing risk, and resolving claims on complex domestic and international projects Brian’s experience spans infrastructure, energy and power, sports, healthcare, residential, commercial development, and hospitality projects. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and frequently supports matters involving schedule delays, productivity impacts, and project controls. Brian believes that collaboration and clear communication are essential to successful projects and values connecting with peers who are committed to improving how projects are delivered.

Tim Hampson, PE
Managing Director, Ankura

Tim Hampson, PE is a Managing Director in Ankura’s Philadelphia office with more than 20 years of experience in construction project advisory and dispute resolution. Tim specializes in CPM schedule analysis, analyzing labor productivity, contract compliance, evaluating disruption impacts, and strategically managing risk through the lifecycle of projects for owners, developers, contractors, and their counsel. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with experience in advising clients in commercial development, transit, energy, oil & gas pipelines and facilities, power generation plants, manufacturing plants, and roadway infrastructure. Tim is an author and speaker in the scheduling, risk, and productivity space.