In years past, when a layperson thought of a computer-based trade show, guys with pocket protectors wearing funny glasses who spoke in the latest incomprehensible computer jargon might have come to mind.
Times have changed for the better. At least the pocket protectors and funny glasses are gone.
As for the computer jargon, most of the attendees of the A/E/C Systems 2000 event should be up to par on the lingo, and for those who may not be there are plenty of keynote presentations, tracks and sessions, as well as networking opportunities to bring one up to speed.
Scheduled for June 5-8 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, A/E/C Systems 2000 is chocked full of exhibitors, approximately 350, including ROADS & BRIDGES in booth #1462.
Additionally, over 70 sessions are slated including 10 hands-on workshops and four keynote presentations focusing on the most innovative technologies for the industry.
Attendees are encouraged to choose from the eight conference tracks available. The tracks include: Internet; Architecture; Civil Design; Construction; Facilities Management; A/E Firm Management; IT Management; and GIS/Mapping. According to A/E/C, these intensive four-day programs are the best way to learn and bring value back to the workplace.
Keynote presentations
A total of four keynote presentations are to be held during A/E/C 2000, beginning with Dr. Joel Orr, president of Orr Associates International, on Monday, June 5, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Orr’s presentation, "Extranet: Lifeblood of a Project," will reveal to attendees everything they need to know about taking the next step in Extranet technology.
On Tuesday, June 6, from 8:45 - 10 a.m., Dr. Orr also is the moderator for the second keynote session entitled "The AEC Internet Revolution."
During this presentation, attendees will hear how six companies are taking the Internet to the world of design, engineering and construction. The six companies involved in this session are Bentley Systems Inc., Bidcom, Bricsnet, buzzsaw.com, Cephren and Revit Technology Corp.
The third session, "Industry Leaders Embrace the Internet Age," is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, from 8:45 - 10 a.m.
Moderator Dave Weisberg, president of Technology Automation Services, will pick the brains of panelists Keith Bentley, CEO, Bentley Systems Inc.; Gábor Bojár, co-founder, president and CEO, Graphisoft; and Joel Koppelman, president, Primecontract.com formerly known as Primavera. Moderator and panelists alike are to explore the direction that the A/E/C industry leaders are taking as they unveil their strategy for the Internet Age.
Finally, Anthony A. Williams, the mayor of Washington, D.C., is the keynote speaker at the session entitled "D.C. Under Construction." Held Thursday, June 8, from 8:45 - 10 a.m., Mayor Williams will discuss his plans to encourage the right type of future development for the city.
Attendance at all keynote presentations is free with registration.
Co-located events
A host of additional events are concurrently taking place at A/E/C 2000. Listed below are a few of the events relevant to the readers of ROADS & BRIDGES. Please consult your show program for a full listing.
- The 4th Annual IT Summit for Design Firms: This invitation-only event is held for high-level professionals so that they may ex-change information in a roundtable format;
- The National CAD Standard Version 2.0: Addressing the original standard, covering file formats, layering, drawing and sheet organization, plotting, presentation and various other aspects of CADD are among the highlights of this event;
- CAD Principals Council: An open meeting to discuss how the A/E/C industry is moving beyond "computers as pencils";
- A Day in the Life of A Project: Features six 45-minute presentations highlighting collaboration between owners, architects, project managers and clients; and
- Build U.S.A: The construction and facilities show for the building industry, focusing on the newest product technologies in the construction market.
