Summit Keynotes

WEDNESDAY, October 15, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.

One Vanderbilt Structure: The Interplay Between Engineering and Architecture in Midtown’s Tallest Office Building

This talk will examine the engineering and data analysis techniques that gave rise to Midtown Manhattan’s tallest office tower. Initially, computational pedestrian traffic analysis was used to design the critically important links to Grand Central Terminal and the flow of people in one of the most densely traversed parts of the city. Then, as the building took shape, the foundation entailed New York’s largest continuous concrete pour structural steel. 

Above grade, cantilevers and diagonal transfers cleared away parts of the base of the building in order to open up view corridors that animate the public realm. Finally, the steel-first core construction, aided by a Peri system, brought this supertall to completion during the course of the pandemic. All of this supports a crystalline tower top whose transparency allows for “Summit,” an observation deck experience consisting of mirrored floors walls and ceilings, that has become one of New York’s top tourist attractions. 

FRIDAY, october 17, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Small Teams with Big Impacts: Taking the Next Steps with AI Adoption

This keynote brings together members of the NCSEA Foundation’s AI Grant Team to share real-world examples of how small structural engineering teams are using artificial intelligence to transform workflows and business models. The keynote builds on last year’s popular “Getting Started with AI” session, showing how data, automation, and custom tools can transform operations—even without a large technology budget. 

Attendees will come away with practical guidance on identifying useful business and engineering data, evaluating available AI tools, and building a roadmap for AI training and implementation—whether through in-house development or outside resources. The AI Grant Team will also host a group discussion following the keynote for anyone looking to dig deeper. 

Presenters include Jesse Light, S.E., P.E. (Starling Madison Lofquist, Inc.); John-Michael Wong, PhD, S.E. (KPFF); Aditya Kaushik, P.E. (Walter P. Moore); Dave Martin, S.E. (Degenkolb); Andrew Sundal, AIA, P.E. (HGA); Ayush Singhania, P.E. (HOK Group); Emre Toprak, PhD, P.E. (WSP); and Sheng Zheng, P.E. (Martin/Martin). 

THURSDAY, October 16, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.

mastering the moment

Risk-taking sounds good in theory, but most of us have a hard time moving from wishful thinking to execution. Why? Because when we have a chance to take a risk in the moment, we feel awkward – and that awkwardness bumps up against our deep desire for others to approve of us and what we do. As it turns out, it’s what we improve in the face of taking risks – often despite others’ judgment – that leads to the greatest growth. After all, the fastest path to major improvement comes from strengthening what’s weak, rather than what’s strong.

Join 2x TEDx Speaker, Executive Coach, and Workplace Performance Expert, Henna Pryor, to learn how embracing the Good Awkward is your secret weapon for skyrocketing teamwork, speaking up boldly, and strengthening your risk-taking muscle.

After this keynote, you’ll be able to:

  • Pinpoint the exact reason it’s been difficult to take risks - and how to move past it

  • Use deliberate discomfort and strategic microstressors to rebuild our social and risk-taking muscles

  • Create a custom plan for speaking up, sharing ideas, and being courageous and risk-ready whenever the chance arises

  • EASY AI: How to be a Human Seller with a Robot Helper