The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) announced that its 49th Annual CSI Show™ & Convention will now combine three leading construction organizations to bring construction professionals more than 800 exhibitors of the latest in construction products and services. The show takes place April 20-22 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Registration for access to the exhibit hall is free (www.thecsishow.com). Onsite registration starts April 19th.
The CSI show features a premier expo covering the entire facility life cycle. It serves specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and facility managers. The Masonry Showcase, presented by the Mason Contractors Association of America, is the industry's largest marketplace of masonry construction products and services. The TFM Show™ brings facility managers together with providers of such things as office furnishings, access control technologies, building automation systems, and custodial, maintenance, and grounds services.
Exhibit hours are:
- Wednesday, April 20-12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CDT)
Thursday, April 21-12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CDT)
Friday, April 22-10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (CDT)
Registering for the exhibit hall also includes admittance to two general sessions. The April 20 opening general session's keynote speaker is Charles Thornton, Ph.D. He is founding co-principal of Thornton-Tomasetti Group, the international engineering and design firm. The firm has been involved in the design and construction of such renowned projects as the 95-story Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, the world's tallest buildings, and the 65-story One Liberty Place in Philadelphia. Thornton will discuss two factors critical to the industry's future productivity: The interoperability of construction information, and the need for a well-trained work force.
On April 21, the general session keynoter is Bruce Babbitt, former Secretary of the Interior and former Governor of Arizona. Babbitt has created new chapters in conservation history by leading the country beyond simple preservation or environmental protection toward a deeper, more complex movement he calls "American Restoration." His address will emphasize the importance of environmentally friendly facility management.
In addition to exhibits, another registration option is the professional development program. The registration fee ($195 for CSI members and $250 for others) provides access to more than 130 continuing education sessions. The large number of sessions enables attendees to acquire in just four days an entire year's worth of continuing education credits to maintain licenses and certifications. Offerings serve everyone involved in any phase of the facility life cycle, regardless of experience level. Included are eight sessions on MasterFormat 2004 Edition, the revised model for organizing project information being adopted by a growing list of major owners and A/E/C firms.
A free copy of the new MasterFormat 2004 Edition is available by registering for the CSI Education program.
