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The basics:

• Scouting America‘s Building Connections event set for May 14 at Meadowlands Racetrack
• Panel to discuss transit, infrastructure planning for the 2026 World Cup
• Speakers include leaders from NJ Transit, NJDOT, Turnpike Authority
• Event supports scouting workforce development initiatives

Some of the biggest names in real estate and construction will take the stage for a panel discussion during a networking event organized by Scouting America’s Northern New Jersey Council.

Now in its eighth year, Building Connections brings together professionals in architecture, construction, real estate, engineering and the skilled trades while supporting the scouting program’s workforce development initiatives.

Scheduled for May 14 at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, the gathering includes an industry-led panel that will dig into the status of regional transit infrastructure ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Telos Advisers Principal Managing Director Eric Daleo will moderate the discussion.

Getting to the World Cup

According to organizers, the panel will explore the planning, investment and coordination needed to manage global-scale attendance for the matches at MetLife Stadium next summer while also advancing long-term mobility goals for North Jersey.

Topics include rail and bus capacity, roadway and traffic management, public-private collaboration and the broader economic impact of infrastructure upgrades. Beyond the tournament, the discussion will focus on how these investments can drive sustained growth, improved connectivity and long-term regional competitiveness.

According to the Northern New Jersey Council, participating panelists include:

• Stephen Dilts, chief operating officer, New Jersey Turnpike Authority
• Christopher Feinthel, assistant commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation
• James Kirkos, president and CEO, Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce
• Lauren LaRusso, co-host city manager and general counsel, FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee
• Binu Thomas, senior advisor, World Cup planning, NJ Transit

Scouting honorees

The event will also recognize the following individuals with “Good Scout Awards” to honor their dedication and service to the community:

• Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, D-36th District
• Jill Hirsch, president and CEO, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
• Priya Jain, commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation
• Kevin McCabe, commissioner, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
• Cyndie Williams, executive director, Carpenter Contractor Trust

In addition to offering an opportunity to network while supporting the Scouting program, Building Connections seeks to highlight iconic real estate projects in New Jersey.

In recent years, the Northern New Jersey Council has held the event at venues such as MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Ironside Newark in Newark, American Dream in East Rutherford, the Print House mixed-used waterfront development in Hackensack and Eisai Inc.’s U.S. headquarters at the ON3 campus in Nutley.

Building Connections will take place from 4–7:30 p.m. May 14. Prior to the welcome reception and panel discussion, there will be VIP tours of the Meadowlands Racetrack. The event will wrap up with a cocktail reception and networking.

To purchase tickets or learn more, click here.