VERTEX will join leaders from across the construction and insurance industries at the Perrin North American Construction Summit on February 9–10, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona, contributing through sponsorship, speaking participation, and an exhibit presence.
The summit brings together construction, legal, and risk professionals from across North America to examine emerging risks, evolving dispute trends, and strategies shaping project delivery. Through a combination of expert-led discussions and networking opportunities, the program explores practical approaches to managing complex construction challenges and navigating disputes in an increasingly dynamic industry landscape.
VERTEX Featured Speaker
Construction Claims in the Wake of AI (February 10th | 2:45–3:45 PM)
VERTEX’s Christopher D. Ling, AIA, NCARB, PP, LEED AP, Senior Managing Director, Claims, Disputes & Forensics, will join industry leaders for a forward-looking discussion on how AI is reshaping the construction and design landscape.
Panelists:
- Christopher D. Ling, AIA, NCARB, PP, LEED AP – The Vertex Companies, LLC
- Anthony D. Capasso, Esq. – Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP
- Damon Ranieri, CRIS – Construction Innovation & Sustainability Partner, AXA XL
Session Focus:
This session will explore the expanding role of AI in project planning, design development, and safety monitoring and what these advancements mean for construction law and general liability claims. Discussion topics include shifts in the A/E standard of care, emerging risk considerations, and practical guidance for preparing defensible positions as AI-driven processes become more embedded across the construction lifecycle.
Additional VERTEX Leadership at the Summit
In addition to our featured speaker, VERTEX Claims, Disputes & Forensics team members attending the summit includes:
- Michael Bator, PG – Senior Managing Director
- Isaac Gaetz, PE, SE, LEED AP – Managing Director
- Catherine Pierce, MBA – Senior Managing Director, Growth Strategy
They will be available throughout the summit to engage with attendees and discuss project risk management and dispute resolution strategies. Together, they bring deep technical, forensic, and environmental expertise, offering insights on complex construction, environmental, and claims-related challenges to help clients navigate risk and achieve informed, defensible outcomes.
How VERTEX Supports Construction Professionals
VERTEX’s multidisciplinary teams help owners, contractors, counsel, and insurers address complex construction challenges by providing technical clarity and informed analysis across the project lifecycle. Throughout the summit, VERTEX representatives will be available at the exhibit table to discuss project risk, forensic evaluation, and dispute resolution strategies, and to share how our Claims, Disputes & Forensics and Commercial Damages & Investigations teams support clients across diverse project environments.
Attendees are invited to stop by the VERTEX exhibit table to connect with our team, discuss current challenges, and learn how our Claims, Disputes & Forensics and Commercial Damages & Investigation professionals support complex construction matters across diverse project types.
To learn more about the Perrin North American Construction Summit, including the full agenda and registration details, visit the event website here.
To learn more about VERTEX’s Forensic Consulting services or to speak with a Forensic Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.
The Author
Michael Bator
PG
Senior Managing Director, Claims, Disputes and Forensics
Michael Bator is a Senior Managing Director of Environmental Insurance at VERTEX with over 22 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. In this position, Mr. Bator is responsible for claim investigations, invoice and proposal reviews, and environmental site assessments.
The Author
Isaac Gaetz
PE, SE, LEED AP
Senior Forensic Engineer, Director of Operations, Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Isaac Gaetz, PE, SE, LEED AP, is a forensic engineer with 19+ years of structural expertise and leadership in claims and disputes nationwide.
The Author
Christopher D. Ling
AIA, NCARB, PP, LEED AP
Senior Managing Director, Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Mr. Ling is a Registered Architect and Professional Planner who has been working in the construction industry since 1986. He is licensed in many states, plus D.C. and holds a national certificate for architecture from NCARB.
The Author
Catherine Pierce
MBA
Senior Managing Director, Growth Strategy, Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Ms. Pierce has 23+ years of experience in environmental consulting and insurance. She manages account programs and identifies growth opportunities as VERTEX's Senior Managing Director, Growth Strategy for Claims, Disputes & Forensics.