Engineering firm CEOs put on their optimistic faces at an annual invite-only industry conference in New York City on Oct. 21. Amid market uncertainty, a record turnout of more than 300 executives gathered to give their take on sector conditions; some see growth ahead, others see new missions for firms in helping clients through the recession.
Design firms project a median of 3% growth in 2010 and better the following year, says EFCG Inc., the industry financial and acquisitions consultant that sponsored the meeting. The numbers are based on a survey of 210 large and small firms with total revenue of $83 billion. EFCG President Paul J. Zofnass says that, by region, work in Canada ranks highest in growth and profits. The U.S. is growing slower but more profitable, and Europe is last in both categories.