ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL -- (Marketwired) -- Oct 16, 2014 -- How do forward-thinking managers establish communication and motivational strategies within companies whose employees span as many as four generations, all with different life and career goals? More than 80 young AEC architects, designers, engineers and construction managers gathered in September at Building Design+Construction's 5th annual Under 40 Leadership Summit in New York City to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas and network.

Generational expert Preston Swincher identified the goals and communication gaps of four different generations, then reassembled attendees into seven work groups where they devised solutions to their biggest workplace challenges.

Ray Kogan, AIA, and Cara Bobchek, co-authors of "Strategic Planning for Design Firms," conducted a workshop on "scenario planning" where attendees had to devise three strategies for a fictitious company.

Chairman and CEO Brad Perkins of the Perkins Eastman international planning, design and consulting firm shared his outlook on healthcare and education trends, and encouraged attendees to seek business from other countries where there are "projects you will never see in this country."

Attendees participated in AIA-accredited architectural tours throughout Manhattan and a "backstage" tour of the Renzo Piano-designed New York Times Building in Midtown.

The U40 Summit was sponsored by Dorma, Bayer MaterialScience, SageGlass, and Huber Engineered Woods.

The BD+C 6th annual Under 40 Leadership Summit will be held in Chicago, October 14-16, 2015. For information on sponsoring or attending, contact BD+C Associate Publisher John Rogier at Email Contact; 847.391.1053.

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