TWIN TALKS NORTH CAROLINA
A SMARTER APPROACH TO RESILIENT, RESPONSIVE MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE
An evening Twin Talks conversation at Duke University bringing together city leaders, practitioners, researchers, and technology partners to explore how North Carolina municipalities can plan, manage, and deliver infrastructure that is resilient, responsive, and ready for the future.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Across North Carolina, cities and towns are navigating growing pressures, from flooding and extreme weather to aging infrastructure, rapid growth, and rising costs.
Twin Talks North Carolina brings state and local infrastructure leaders together for a practical, forward-looking discussion on how municipalities can move beyond reactive fixes toward smarter infrastructure systems. The focus is not just on assets, but on the planning, policies, empowerment and technologies that shape how infrastructure performs over time.
This event also marks the official launch of Built to Endure, a new national policy paper developed by Duke University with Bentley Systems, ASCE, AECOM, and Microsoft.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
- Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
- Location: Gross Hall at Duke University, 140 Science Drive, Durham, NC
REGISTRATION
To register to attend this event register below.
WHAT IS BUILT TO ENDURE - AND WHY IT MATTERS
Built to Endure looks beyond individual projects to the systems that determine whether infrastructure delivers value over time. It introduces a practical framework for municipalities focused on:
- System-wide planning across infrastructure networks
- Reforming policies for clearer, more effective decision-making
- Empowering infrastructure decision-makers and communities to act earlier and with confidence
- Better use of data and digital tools to support long-term decisions
The framework is designed to be adaptable, making it especially relevant for the diverse risks, capacities, and governance contexts of cities across North Carolina.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NORTH CAROLINA
From coastal flood risk to fast-growing urban regions, North Carolina communities are on the front lines of infrastructure and climate challenges. This Twin Talks conversation will explore how policy reform, technology, and smarter decision-making can help cities plan, prioritize, and deliver infrastructure that works, today and over the long term.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
6:00pm – Welcome and networking reception (refreshments served)
6:30pm – Twin Talk Panel Discussion
7:30pm – Audience Q&A and informal discussion (refreshments served)
8:30pm – Event concludes
SPEAKERS
Opening remarks:
- Jerry Lynch, Dean, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Losos, Executive in Residence, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
- Nick Novelli, High Performance Building Specialist, AECOM
- Stuart Brown, Flood Resiliency Blueprint Program Manager, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Moderator:
- Rory Linehan, Director of Infrastructure Policy Advancement, Bentley Systems
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- City and county leaders, public works, utilities, transportation, and resilience teams
- State agencies and regional planning organizations
- Engineers, planners, and infrastructure practitioners
- Faculty, researchers, and students focused on cities, climate, and infrastructure
- Community and civic leaders interested in practical, solutions-oriented dialogue
HOSTS
Hosted by Duke University, in collaboration with Bentley Systems, AECOM, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Microsoft, and Accelerator for America.
SPEAKERS
Martin Imbleau
President and CEO, Alto
Michel Binette
CEO, Conseil des Infrastructures
Melissa Di Marco
Event Moderator
Associée / Partner, Accuracy
BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
REGISTER NOW
To register to attend this event please visit this page:
Link coming soon
REGISTER NOW
Join a select group of infrastructure leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a meaningful exchange of ideas. These invite-only gatherings offer a chance to explore forward-thinking approaches, share your perspective, and help shape the future of infrastructure. Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot.
We respect your privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to us collecting, storing, and processing your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be used solely for event registration and for sharing post-event content and marketing materials, as outlined in our Privacy Policy. We will not share your information without your explicit consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our team.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Thank you for your interest in this event. Registration is now closed as we have reached full capacity.
If you would like to join the waitlist in case any registered delegates are unable to attend, please fill out the form below.
We respect your privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to us collecting, storing, and processing your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be used solely for event registration and for sharing post-event content and marketing materials, as outlined in our Privacy Policy. We will not share your information without your explicit consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our team.