The 2006 Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo will be held Nov. 29-30 in Washington D.C. The second annual event will bring together the entire team of structural engineers responsible for the nation’s buildings and offer education for all levels.

The two-day program will deliver the latest techniques, trends, and technologies from some of the industry’s most respected experts, with an emphasis on technical design and analysis, the latest codes and guidelines, risk and liability issues, market opportunity, as well as project and business management issues and topics.

The 2006 conference chairman is Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E. He is chairman and CEO of Charles H. Thornton & Company—a consulting firm he founded in January 2005—and founding principal of Thornton-Tomasetti. Thornton spent more than 40 years with Thornton-Tomasetti and its predecessor firms. During his tenure, he provided the leadership to allow the firm to grow from a 50-person local firm to a 500-person, global engineering firm with gross revenues of more than $60 million. Thornton has been recognized for his introduction of both innovative engineering solutions and management strategies.

"I am pleased to be involved in this year’s Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo," said Thornton. "The technological changes in the virtual building process—including the improved interoperability of 3-D modeling and the move towards the more seamless nature of design-build projects—presents structural engineers with a unique opportunity to assume a leadership role in the future of the industry. The timely focus of this year’s conference on the emerging leadership role of structural engineers will allow attendees to further equip themselves to be more competitive in the process moving forward."

Conference sessions

Once again, the Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo will provide outstanding educational opportunities during the many keynote and focus sessions. Remaining true to the mission of the event, the line-up features sessions covering topics of interest for all career levels—big-picture issues, such as emerging technology and industry leadership, and the detailed and highly technical topics of project management and design techniques.
The 2006 conference themes include the following sessions:
• Virtual modeling: Technology advances and the structural engineer;
• Leading the way: How to capitalize on market changes and industry evolution;
• Business management: Successful strategies for every leader;
• Project management: Essential elements of successful project execution; and
• Technical innovation: The latest building-design techniques and tools.

The agenda includes an impressive group of speakers, as well. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Joseph G. Burns, P.E., S.E., AIA, managing principal, Thornton-Tomasetti; James G. Jacobi, P.E., principal and CIO, Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc.; Stephen K. Harris, S.E., associate principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.; Martin Fischer, director, Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University; and Stephen Hagan, FAIA, Project Knowledge Center, Property Development Division, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration.

Focus session speakers include well-known industry experts such as John R. Henry, P.E., principal staff engineer, International Code Council, Inc.; Karyn Beebe, P.E., and Bryan Readling, P.E., APA- The Engineered Wood Association; Earle Kennett, vice president, National Institute of Building Sciences; Thomas Faraone, P.E., senior regional engineer, American Institute of Steel Construction; Val Ericson, The Di Salvo Ericson Group, and chairman, Risk Management Program/CASE; and Richard E. Klingner, Ph.D., professor, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin.

The conference will conclude with a question and answer session moderated by Thornton. During this time, the conference presenters will be available to answer attendee questions that may not have been asked during the conference. This unique opportunity will provide an open forum for dynamic interaction of all conference attendees. 

Exposition

The successful exposition at last year’s event in Chicago generated great enthusiasm from the attendees and exhibitors alike. The exposition offers opportunities to connect one-on-one with leading industry partners and to learn about the latest structural engineering products and services, such as software, specifications, aggregates, engineered wood, building codes, geotechnical services, post-tensioning devices, and business consultation. Exhibitors already committed to the event are listed below.
New this year, conference organizers are partnering with several of the exhibitors to offer product-related learning sessions to all conference attendees.

Conclusion

In addition to technical content, the Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo will provide invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with peers, extending the opportunity for information exchange far beyond each session. During scheduled breaks, lunches, and the Wednesday night reception, as well as during concurrent sessions, attendees will be able to ask questions, participate in candid exchanges, and create their own professional network.

Learn more about the Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo online at www.sebuilding.net. To register, call ZweigWhite Events at 800-466-6275. I hope to see you in Washington, D.C.!

Sidebar: Platinum Sponsor
Bentley Systems, Inc., is a global company providing software for the lifecycle of the world’s infrastructure. Its comprehensive portfolio for building, plant, civil, and geospatial applications spans architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and operations. Bentley software users design, build, map, analyze, and operate the engineering projects of the world, such as utility networks, roadways, railways, bridges, airports, skyscrapers, and industrial and power plants. Bentley is the leading global provider of integrated multi-disciplinary building information modeling (BIM) solutions. With 2005 revenues exceeding $336 million, Bentley is the leading provider of AEC software to the ENR Design 500 and major owner-operators. Visit www.bentley.com/structural.


Sidebar: Agenda for the Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo

WEDNESDAY—November 29, 2006

7:30 a.m. Exhibit Hall Opens

7:30 - 8:15 a.m. Registration, Networking, and Continental Breakfast

8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., chairman and CEO, Charles H. Thornton & Company and founding partner, Thornton-Tomasetti; and Huw Roberts, global marketing director, Building and Integrated Engineering, Bentley Systems, Inc.

KEYNOTE SESSIONS
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Virtual Modeling: A Leadership Opportunity for Structural Engineers
Joseph G. Burns, P.E., S.E., AIA, managing principal, Thornton-Tomasetti

9:00 - 9:30 a.m. The Business Implications of 3-D Project Delivery: How Technology
is Changing the Work Process
James G. Jacobi, P.E., principal and CIO, Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc.

9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Networking Break

9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Performance-Based Engineering: Releasing the Constraints on Structural Engineering Professionals
Stephen K. Harris, S.E., associate principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Networking Break

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
Effective Communication Techniques for Successful Project Management
John Doehring, Jr., principal, managing director, Business Planning and Marketing Consulting, ZweigWhite
Navigating Your Way: Current Building Codes
John R. Henry, P.E., principal staff engineer, International Code Council, Inc.
Integrated Analysis, Design, Documentation, and Delivery in Engineering
Practices Using BIM
Huw Roberts, global marketing director, Building and Integrated Engineering, Bentley Systems, Inc.

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Networking Lunch

12:45 - 1:45 p.m. KEYNOTE SESSION
Building Information Modeling: The State of Practice within Structural
Engineering and the AEC Industry
Martin Fischer, director, Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University; and Jennifer Goupil, P.E., editor, Structural Engineer

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Networking Break

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
The Essential Elements of Ownership Transition: Part I
Ian Rusk, senior vice president, managing director, ZweigWhite Advisory Services
Recent Innovations in Post-Tensioned Construction
Pawan R. Gupta, Ph.D., P.E., P.Eng., technical director, Post-Tensioning Institute
The Evolving Role of the Structural Engineer in Loss Estimation
Methodology and Hazard Mitigation
L. Thomas Tobin, Tobin & Associates; and Phil Schneider, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)

3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Networking Break

3:15 - 4:15 p.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
The Essential Elements of Ownership Transition: Part II
Ian Rusk, senior vice president, managing director, ZweigWhite Advisory Services
Wood Frame Construction: Design and Diagnostics
Karyn Beebe, P.E.; and Bryan Readling, P.E., APA- The Engineered Wood Association
Making Technology Work for You: Advances in Automated Code Checking and The National BIM Standard
David Conover, senior advisor, International Code Council, Inc.; and Deke Smith,
chairman, NIBS National BIM Standard Committee

4:15 - 4:30 p.m. Networking Break

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
Recruit and Retain Star Employees: Winning the Talent War
Lori Oakes-Coyne, associate, ZweigWhite
Structural Design Aspects of Insulated Precast Wall Panels
Chris W. Leaton, P.E., S.E., owner and president, Centerline Design, LLC
The NIBS Consultative Council: A New Voice for the Construction
Industry and Structural Engineer
Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E.; and Earle Kennett, vice president, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Networking Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Bentley Systems, Inc.

7:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closes


THURSDAY—November 30, 2006

7:30 a.m. Exhibit Hall Opens

7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Networking and Continental Breakfast

8:30 - 8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introduction to Day Two
Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E.

8:45 - 9:45 a.m. KEYNOTE SESSION
What Are Owners and Clients Looking for in Project Engineers? (Panel)
Stephen Hagan, FAIA, Project Knowledge Center, Property Development Division, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration

9:45 - 10:00 a.m. Networking Break

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
Delivering Value to Clients While Remaining Profitable
Paul Baggett, estimator, DBS Corporation
Current Trends in Slab-on-Ground Design
H. Rolfe Jennings, regional manager, Greater Southwestern Region, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
3-D Modeling and Interoperability: Case Studies in Saving on
Construction Costs and Time
Thomas Faraone, P.E., senior regional engineer, American Institute of Steel Construction

11:00 - 11:15 a.m. Networking Break

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
How to Build a Risk Management Program for Your Structural
Engineering Firm: Part I
Val Ericson, The Di Salvo Ericson Group, and chairman, Risk Management
Program/CASE; Doug Elliott, P.E., president, Elliott LeBouef & Associates; Doug
Ashcraft, principal and operations manager, Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc.;
and Charles Vonderheid, CBIZ Insurance Services
Code of Standard Practice for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing
Jeffrey Klaiman, principal, ADTEK Engineers, Inc.
Lessons Learned: The Dos and Don’ts of Virtual Building Projects
James G. Jacobi, P.E.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Networking Lunch

1:15 - 2:15 p.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
How to Build a Risk Management Program for Your Structural
Engineering Firm: Part II
Val Ericson; Doug Elliott, P.E.; Doug Ashcraft; and Charles Vonderheid
Seismic Load Strategies and Analysis Using Response Spectrum
Cary Kopczynski, P.E., president and Satish Jain, senior engineer, Cary Kopczynski
& Company, Inc.
Green Buildings: The Role of High-Performance Blended Cements in Sustainable Design
Buffey Hauptmann, regional technical services manager, Northeast Region, Lafarge North America

2:15 - 2:30 p.m. Networking Break

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. CONCURRENT FOCUS SESSIONS
Opportunities and Challenges in Adaptive Reuse Projects
Mark Howell, Project Development, Structural Preservations Systems
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Buildings in the U.S.: Design Basis and Case Studies
Richard E. Klingner, Ph.D., professor, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Using BIM to Increase Productivity in Shop Drawing Review
Michael Gustafson, P.E., product manager, Engineering, North America, Tekla, Inc.

3:30 - 4:00 p.m. KEYNOTE SESSION
Open Mike: Closing Group Q&A Session
Moderator: Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E.

4:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closes and Conference Program Concludes

Sidebar: Exposition
The exhibit hall, open Nov. 29-30, features displays by providers of products and services that can enhance and support a variety of building projects. Networking breaks and lunch will be provided in the hall and will offer opportunities to learn about the latest products and services available to structural engineers. Extended exhibit hall hours on the first day of the conference will provide networking opportunities during an evening reception in the hall.

As of press time, the exhibitors participating in the 2006 Structural Engineers Building Conference and Expo include the following companies:
• Arcom Master Systems
• Bentley Systems
• Carolina Stalite Company
• Hardy Frames
• Hayward Baker, Inc.
• International Code Council
• Pacemaker Building Systems
• RISA Technologies
• Simpson Strong-Tie
• Struc-Soft, Inc.
• Structural Group
• Tamlyn & Sons
• Tekla
• ZweigWhite