Technology Day 2008

Technology Day includes industry insight from top experts in the technology and software fields as well as the experience of contractors who have implemented leading-edge solutions into their daily businesses. The conference is business casual.

KEYNOTE:

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Five Big Questions
Don't miss the answers to Five Big Questions during the keynote session at Technology Day 2008. Five leading technology vendors will answer important questions regarding the future of IT in construction. Here is the catch: each vendor will be given one specific question and be asked to answer using only seven slides in only seven minutes. That means no marketing hype and nothing but the facts. Hear thoughts on standardization, interoperability, technology selection, leveraging historical data, and integration from the technology experts.
 

SESSIONS:
2:10 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. BIM: What Works and What Doesn't-Yet
Contrary to what you may think, BIM (building information modeling) is not the latest piece of software for construction. Rather, it's a new initiative that requires construction professionals to take a look at traditional business processes and how they will be affected by this collaborative change.

This track will feature a host of construction companies representing various different segments of construction embracing BIM. These professionals will talk about the change in process required and some of the related technology they use throughout the process. Panelists will range in BIM-related adoption cycles, from just beginning to highly experienced.

You will learn
  • What BIM actually means at different stages of the construction cycle
  • How to appropriately plan for BIM in your company
  • How to approach process change with regards to BIM
  • Different technology available related to BIM
 
2:50 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Technology in Education
With the changing nature of technology in construction, how prepared are workers to embrace these tools? This panel will address the topic of how IT for construction is being addressed at the university level and how educators are striking the right balance between teaching students the business of construction and training them on required technology. We will open this discussion up to the audience early and often asking you to share thoughts and experiences regarding how we can best prepare for the changing nature of technology.

You will learn
  • How academics can stay current and prepare students for new advancements in technology
  • How educators are leveraging technology currently on the market in an academic setting
  • How construction companies, technology providers, and educators can all work together to better prepare the workforce for technology
 
3:55 p.m. - 4:35 p.m. Aligning Technology and Business
Today's IT professionals in construction are finding the need to shift their focus from strictly looking at the latest technology and into more of a senior management role, working on ideas and initiatives that focus on bettering the business plan of their company. Technology still plays a strong role, however, and these individuals must look at how new technologies correlate with the long-term business goals of the company. This panel discussion will feature IT leaders from construction firms talking on the new role of technology.

You will learn
  • How to align IT goals with business goals
  • The new role of IT in construction
  • How to plan for the right technology investments
 
4:35 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Bridging the Communication Divide
Not staying ahead of constantly changing information can be detrimental to the success of any project. Therefore both general contractors and subcontractors need to be in constant communication with each other, yet find the means for doing so to be quite challenging at times. It has been well-documented on how online technologies are providing a hub for connecting general contractors and subs on project information. This panel discussion will address effective strategies for getting active participation from all project participants, while also addressing ways to overcome common challenges.

You will learn
  • How online technologies are changing the way GCs/subs are communicating
  • Effective methods for encouraging subs to actively participate
  • Common mistakes GCs make when trying to force subs to participate
  • What the future holds for such technology
 

VISION AWARDS:

  
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Dinner and Awards Ceremony
  (Recommended dress is business attire)