If design-build is known for combining all components under the same roof, the same could be said this year at the 2007 Design-Build Conference and Expo in Grapevine, Tex., just outside of Dallas, from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. The Gaylord Texan resort not only provided accommodations, restaurants, and a premier conference facility all at the same place, this year it housed perhaps the most effective design-build conference to date. In addition to about 2,000 attendees and a full exhibit hall with nearly 200 exhibitors, the conference gave members a real opportunity to meet their own goals through various DBIA sessions and enjoy entertaining and motivational speakers.
gWe exceeded every goal for this yearfs DBIA national conference; attendance, expo participation, excitement, and learning were at all time highs,h said Walker Lee Evey, DBIA president, after the conference. gPeople at the conference confirmed our belief that learning combined with fun produces a great conference experience.h
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach kicked off proceedings with the opening keynote address Oct. 31 to a packed house. The former athlete entered the commercial real estate business about 30 years ago, and that history is filled with tenets similar to that of design-build. Particularly, his company values respect, integrity, and teamwork, with a collection of motivated leaders from top to bottom. His presentation was only the beginning of a series of presentations that made the event one of the most informative to date.
The Nov. 1 session included a comprehensive look at the new Meadowlands Stadium under construction in New Jersey. Presenters walked attendees through the process that made the $1 billion stadium design-build project a reality ? from the deal itself, through the design process and into its now-ongoing construction.
Another comprehensive presentation reflected what design-build had done for General Motors. These were just two of dozens of informational events that gave the conference a ghow-toh focus. Other topics addressed included gTaking Control of Quality and Punch List Processes,h the gEngineer as Contractor Advocate,h gEffective Strategies for Managing Design in Design-Build Firms,h and gFrom Concept to Close-Out, How Design-Build Defines the Process for ah First-of-a-Kind Project,h among many others.
The conference also welcomed Tom Sorley as new DBIA chairman of the board.
But that was only part of three-day series of events. The expo hall, greeted visitors to the latest in design and construction products and services from more than 200 exhibitors. It also was the site for the Oct. 31 Halloween party and costume contest, which added a bit of entertainment for those visiting the variety of exhibit booths.
Perhaps the most exciting event, however, was the Evening of Entertainment and Awards. After days of sessions, education, and exhibits, attendees had the opportunity to recognize those who really stand out in the design-build world. Among the award recipients were 26 individual design-build projects from around the world, as well as Gerry Rauenhorst, this yearfs recipient of the Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award for his half-century dedication to design-build and the building and design industry.
gWe had Roger Staubach. We had General Motors. We had representation from the New York Giants and the New York Jets. We had comedy and karaoke night. We had 60 people walk across the stage and receive their DBIA designation.?We honored the best design-build projects from across the nation. We recognized a lifetime of achievement when Gerry Rauenhorst received the Brunelleschi award,h Evey said. gWe learned, and we partied, and we all left richer for the experience.h
2008 DBIA Conference and Expo Set for Vegas
The 2008 DBIA Conference and Exposition is set for Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas. Pre-conference activities begin Nov. 2. Next yearfs e expo will accommodate more than 200 exhibitors, but space is filling up fast. Please visit www.designbuildexpo.com and click on gLas Vegas 2008h to get the latest information on the conference, periodic updates, and registration information.
Green Council Creates Certification Institute
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced last month the creation of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) to administer green building credentialing programs.
gCredentialing programs support the application of proven strategies for increasing and measuring the performance of buildings and communities as defined by industry systems such as the LEED? Green Building Rating Systems,h said Peter Templeton, vice president of education and research at the USGBC.
The new institute will ensure the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (LEED AP) program is developed according to best practices for credentialing programs.