Continuing Education – Civil + Structural Engineer magazine

SFPE Announces New Course on Ethics for Fire Protection Engineers

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000

GAITHERSBURG, Maryland – The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), the world’s leading professional society for fire protection and fire safety engineering, announces a new one-hour course on ethics for fire protection engineers.

Based on the SFPE Code of Ethics, this on-demand course titled “SFPE Introduction to Ethics for Fire Protection Engineers” provides an overview of ethics, the importance of ethics to engineers, and the ethical obligations of a fire protection engineer. The course includes actual ethical challenges faced in the field, guidance on identifying conflicts of interest, plus several case studies. This course is intended for all career and knowledge levels of engineering professionals, with a specific focus on fire safety professionals. The “SFPE Introduction to Ethics for Fire Protection Engineers” course has been developed to comply with many states’ requirements for continuing education credits and engineering ethics training; the course is eligible for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH).

The SFPE Code of Ethics ensures member compliance to 17 canons on knowledge, skill, honesty, impartiality, competence, and prestige in fire protection engineering. The SFPE Code of Ethics was first published in 1984 and most recently updated in 2018.

“Fire protection engineers must maintain and constantly improve their competence, while adhering to the highest principles of ethical conduct,” stated Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Society of Fire Protection Engineers. “This on-demand course provides engineers with a convenient overview of the SFPE Code of Ethics along with real-world applications.”

To learn more or to sign up for the “SFPE Introduction for Fire Protection Engineers” on-demand course, visit www.sfpe.org/ethics-course today.

Thought leaders envision the future of water policy, regulation, access and management

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A diverse group of influential thinkers from within and outside the water community today released nine recommended actions for the future of water governance as part of the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) ongoing Water 2050 initiative.

The Water 2050 Governance Think Tank Report is the fourth in a series of five think tank reports associated with the initiative. Water 2050 seeks to envision the future of water and chart a course for long-term sustainability.

The 27 participants in the Water 2050 Governance Think Tank, which took place Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2023, at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in Washington, D.C., included highly respected voices from the water and wastewater utility community, regulatory agencies, international development agencies, manufacturing and consulting firms, advocates, academics, and CEOs. The group engaged in a series of facilitated discussions and developed recommended actions that can be grouped into four broad categories:

Implement a “One Water” governance approach
Optimize utility governance and business models
Develop governance that promotes innovation and sustainability
Advance collaboration to drive (governance) innovation

The fifth and final think tank, focusing on social/demographics, is scheduled for late April in Birmingham, Alabama. High-level recommendations are reported after each think tank and are a key component in the broader Water 2050 effort. Outcomes will be presented at AWWA’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE23) in Toronto June 11-14 to support the water community in realizing the Water 2050 vision.

To engage in AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative or to learn more, visit the Water 2050 webpage. To access the Water 2050 Governance Think Tank report, visit this webpage.

Safe Piping Matters Offers Educational Webinar

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000

Safe Piping Matters announces the release of a one-hour webinar, “Material Considerations for Plumbing Systems.” The course is appropriate for architects, engineers, and plumbing industry professionals who want to know the latest research-based recommendations for piping materials such as copper, iron, PVC, CPVC, HDPE, and PEX.

The course examines how pipe used for water, drain/waste/vent, and fire-suppression systems impact the health, safety, and sustainability of buildings. It is based on issues and recommendations from the Plumbing Specification Guide that Safe Piping Matters recently published. The course is approved for continuing education from the American Institute of Architects, including health, safety, welfare (HSW) credits.

At the end of the course, participants will achieve several learning objectives, being able to:

Assess strengths and weaknesses of common materials used for drinking water and wastewater systems, including cast iron, (C)PVC, copper, HDPE, PEX, & steel, in contrast with failed piping materials such as lead and polybutylene plastic.
Describe sustainability issues and relative product lifecycles of piping materials starting from production, through use, and after demolition.
Give examples of fire risks and firestopping considerations that impact the health and safety of occupants and first responders.
Understand how material characteristics relate to other important health and safety factors such as leaching, permeation, and water age.

“Our first few sessions of this course have proven very successful. We are encouraged by the positive feedback and good discussion with building professionals,” said Paul Hagar, Executive Director of Safe Piping Matters. “We believe this course can help improve the safety and sustainability of pipe systems that run throughout homes and businesses,” he added.

Safe Piping Matters offers the course at no cost to participants. Interested parties can visit the SafePipingMatters.org website to schedule a session.

Upcoming Webinar: TOPODRONE LiDAR and bathymetric solutions to perform reservoir characterization & modeling

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:41:09 +0000

February 2, 2023

To learn more about TOPODRONE LiDAR and bathymetric solutions to perform reservoir characterization and modeling join a free online webinar.

About TOPODRONE

TOPODRONE (https://topodrone.com/) is a Swiss based designer and manufacturer of high-precision surveying equipment for installation on UAVs, vehicles and backpacks. TOPODRONE’s hardware (LiDARs, high resolution cameras and PPK) are used for mapping and 3D modeling. Application areas include but are not limited to forest and agricultural monitoring, construction and urban planning, and bathymetry. TOPODRONE’s advanced post-processing software provides users with easy-to-use innovative data processing workflows for automatic data generation, georeferencing and alignment using GNSS and IMU data post processing, and SLAM algorithms.

TOPODRONE synchronized LiDAR and bathymetric surveying methods to study a floating solar farm in Israel

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:28:47 +0000

Montreux, Switzerland – TOPODRONE, a Swiss based designer and manufacturer of high-precision surveying equipment, has synchronized airborne photogrammetry, and LiDAR and bathymetric surveying methods which was used to study a floating solar farm. The synchronization was performed upon a request from the Israeli drone service provider ERELIS to conduct a pilot project of reservoir surveying with a UAV for ETZ HADEKEL Ltd. in Northern Israel. The surface of the reservoir is covered by solar panels, which made it difficult to carry out work using standard methods of surveying from a boat.

Image 1 A survey at a reservoir in Northern Israel © TOPODRONE

ERELIS performed two-stage drone surveying to deliver a high-precision 3D model of the reservoir. First, aerial photogrammetry and LiDAR surveys were performed using a DJI M300 drone equipped with a TOPODRONE camera P61 and a LiDAR HI-RES system to

determine the location of possible obstacles. LiDAR scanning provided accurate detection of cables in the water.

Second, an underwater bathymetric survey using a TOPODRONE AQUAMAPPER mounted to the same drone was conducted avoiding detected obstacles (cables, solar panels and other objects). The flight mission was planned and executed with the UgCS software by SPH Engineering.

The collected LiDAR & bathymetry data was processed by TOPODRONE Post Processing software. As a result, a georeferenced orthophoto map, a 3D model of the relief and objects, a 3D model of the bottom of the reservoir, contour lines and isobaths were generated. Such 3D models can be used for high-precision assessment of sediment volumes, general monitoring of reservoir banks and visual monitoring. In addition, surveying with a TOPODRONE AQUAMAPPER made it possible to estimate sludge deposits of the reservoir.

Image 2. Orthophoto, LiDAR point cloud, bathymetry data and 3D model of the reservoir bed © TOPODRONE

“Our company has been performing drone-based bathymetric surveying services for water reservoirs/basins and coastal waters since 2021. The unique ability to use the same UAV (DJI M300) with different kinds of TOPODRONE equipment, LiDAR HI-RES systems, a high resolution camera and AQUAMAPPER, makes it possible to unify equipment use, thereby reducing costs and eliminating the need for additional tools. The aerial and echo-sounding data synchronization at the post-processing stage helps to obtain the full geo-data package that could be used for survey and data digitization, modeling, mapping, aerial photogrammetry, quantities calculation or other output products by client demand,” commented Roman Kirsanov, CEO of ERELIS. “Back in autumn 2022 we had our first AQUAMAPPER client that used the device together with TOPODRONE LiDAR ULTRA for an EU road construction project to build a highway in one of the toughest terrains with a river component in Romania, EU. We are proud to see clients developing new application areas of our equipment, including reservoir characterization and modeling,” added Maxim Baklykov, CEO of TOPODRONE.

To learn more about TOPODRONE LiDAR and bathymetric solutions to perform reservoir characterization and modeling join a free online webinar on February 2, 2023: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T43KeI2uQU-8jbI7o4N21Q

About TOPODRONE

Registration Is Open for the ISM 15th International Workshop on Micropiles

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Registration is open for The International Society for Micropiles (ISM) 15th International Workshop on Micropiles on May 31 – June 2, 2023, at The Sebastian in Vail, Colorado.

The theme of the workshop is Taking Micropiles to New Heights.

The workshop provides an opportunity for attendees to meet, present and exchange data, and share experiences and developments on a relatively informal basis. The workshop includes technical presentations covering states of practice; advancements of micropile construction, materials, research and development; and educational/promotional activities.

“The ISM Steering Committee and Workshop Organizing Committee are excited to be hosting the 15th workshop in-person in spectacular Vail, Colorado,” says Dan MacLean, P.Eng., of Keller Canada and chair of ISM. “Our last workshop was in 2019 so we are expecting an enthusiastic gathering of ISM delegates and micropile experts.”

The Workshop also features the 11th Lizzi Lecture being presented by J. Erik Loehr, Ph.D., P.E., the 9th Lizzi Scholarship and the 4th World Cup of Micropiles.

The technical program chair is Ty Jahn, P.E., Condon-Johnson Associates.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the workshop. It’s an opportunity to “heighten” the exposure for your company, products and services before, during and after the workshop — and demonstrate your leadership in the development, advancement and promotion of micropile technology.

For more information on the workshop, visit www.ismicropiles.org or contact ISM Executive Director: Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., D.GE, Nicholson Construction Company at melarge@ismicropiles.org.

See Command Alkon’s Cloud-Based Solutions in Action at 2023 World of Concrete in Las Vegas

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0000

Command Alkon, the leading software and solutions provider bringing together technology and people to support the heavy building materials community, is delighted to once again exhibit at the 2023 World of Concrete at The Las Vegas Convention Center, January 17-19. This is the industry’s largest annual international event showcasing innovative products and technologies, construction machinery and equipment, educational and training courses, and unlimited networking opportunities for sustaining and grow business.

“I’m thrilled to participate in my first World of Concrete,” said Ranjeev Teelock, Chief Product Officer at Command Alkon. “This is a unique opportunity to engage and connect with concrete producers from around the world and to deliver further knowledge of best practices and problem-solving strategies through collaboration, as well as share updates, innovative features, roadmaps of our solutions with live product demonstrations.”

Join Command Alkon in the North Hall at N1436 where we will be featuring Inventory and Replenishment and Dispatch. Cloud-based Dispatch offers centralized management of plant data and pricing and a consolidated view of total customer demand and operational capacity each day. Command Alkon’s Inventory and Replenishment enables operations to automatically forecast inventory needs, place vendor orders, and replenish inventory based on scheduled daily orders.

Solutions experts will be highlighting Dispatch, Inventory and Replenishment, and more through In-Booth Demonstrations:

Tuesday | Jan 18th
10:00a – 10:20a: Modernized Fleet Telematics with TrackIt
11:00a – 11:20a: CONNEX Dispatch
12:00p – 12:20p: Automating Management of Your Inbound Materials with CONNEX
1:00p – 1:20p: Take Charge of Your Inbound Trucking with Ruckit
2:00p – 2:20p: Concrete Telematics Data from the Drum with COMMANDassurance
3:30p – 4:00p: The CONNEX Approach: Your Journey to Automating & Digitizing Your Operations & Supply Chain

Wednesday | Jan 19th
10:00a – 10:20a: Fleet Delivery Cycle Monitoring, Engine Data Analysis & Alerts
11:00a – 11:20a: CONNEX eTicketing & Insights
12:00p – 12:20p: Concrete Telematics Data from the Drum with COMMANDassurance
1:00p – 1:20p: Automating Management of Your Inbound Materials with CONNEX
2:00p – 2:20p: eTicketing Compliance for DOT Work
3:00p – 3:20p: CONNEX Dispatch

Thursday | Jan 20th
10:00a – 10:20a: CONNEX Dispatch
11:00a – 11:20a: Take Charge of Your Inbound Trucking with Ruckit
12:00p – 12:20p: Concrete Telematics Data from the Drum with COMMANDassurance
1:00p – 1:20p: Fleet Delivery Cycle Monitoring, Engine Data Analysis & Alerts
2:00p – 2:20p: Automating Management of Your Inbound Materials with CONNEX

To learn more about 2023 World of Concrete, visit the website.

Command Alkon’s February TRAININGDAYS Event to Take Place in Chicago

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Command Alkon, the global leader in integrated software and technology solutions for the heavy building materials industry, will offer their TRAININGDAYS Regional event in Chicago, IL. System users and administrators gather at these events to stay current on new functions and features, hone skills on administration and configuration, and to learn best practices/share tips for receiving maximum value from their systems. The training sessions, led by Command Alkon application and industry experts, will be held February 6-9 at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile.

“We are excited to be making our way back to Chicago for TRAININGDAYS,” said Steve Cox, Vice President of Customer Success. “This live, focused, hands-on training experience enables users to interact face-to-face with application experts and industry peers. Our clients find value in having an environment dedicated to learning where they can focus on refining their skills as well as sharing knowledge with other system users.”

Product users and system administrators that attend these sessions receive personal, comprehensive training on Command Alkon products that are at the heart of their daily operations. Training offerings will be available across the following product lines: Apex, COMMANDbatch, COMMANDseries, Integra, COMMANDqc, Ruckit, TrackIt, Libra, COMMANDassurance, and CONNEX Dispatch.

Registration fees are $850 per person for 1 day, $1200 for 2 days, $1500 for 3 days, and $2000 for 4 days. In addition to the wide array of classes to choose from, these fees also include lunch and drinks on each training day attended and laptops for hands-on classes.

Detailed class outlines, event schedule, hotel reservations, and online registration are available here.

Command Alkon holds sessions like these at locations around the globe throughout the year. Visit commandalkon.com and click on “Events” to stay informed about this and future learning opportunities.

LiftEx 2023 is coming to Liverpool

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0000

The new LiftEx 2023 website is now live at liftex.org. The site provides an essential hub for details of the unmissable global event for the lifting industry, taking place at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool on 21-22 November 2023.

The annual event hosted by LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association), the leading global representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry worldwide, offers the ideal chance for exhibitors to connect with customers, meet new clients and do business.

Almost 100 exhibitors and over 1,500 industry professionals will be attending across two days of knowledge sharing and training, as well as the celebrated LEEA Awards.

The show attracts end users from a wide range of vertical markets, including oil & gas, energy, offshore, road & maritime transport, construction, utilities, rail, renewable energy, civil engineering, entertainment, manufacturing and more.

Among the useful features to be found at liftex.org is a film of highlights from the 2022 show and there are news bulletins on what’s coming up in 2023. A floor plan is also featured for interested exhibitors. Requests will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis, so please contact Leah Phelps on +44 20 3488 2865 or at enquiries@L2Events.com to secure a sponsorship package or a prime position at the exhibition.

Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, said: “LiftEx will be celebrating its 18^th year in 2023 and we are very excited that it should be doing so in the world famous city of Liverpool. It will be a jam-packed event so keep an eye out for the schedule of on-site activities and show features to be announced over the next few months. Our thanks go to Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd, confirmed as Sponsor of LiftEx 2023, and to DELTA Hoisting Equipment, confirmed as Silver Sponsor.”

Sign up to register your interest here: https://liftex.org/liftex-liverpool-2023/contact

Do’s and Don’ts of HSS

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:24:43 +0000

December 15, 2022 at 2pm CST

Over the years, the Steel Tube Institute has fielded hundreds of inquiries about the proper specification and design of HSS members and their connections. We have selected a few of our favorite do’s and don’ts and will share them throughout the course of the webinar. Our broad overview will include provisions related to end distance, weld length, wall thickness, material, and more.

Learning Objectives:

Do understand the subtleties between available material specifications.
Don’t always rely on the full length of your weld.
Do know how to avoid end distance reductions or know how to apply them.
Do understand limits of applicability.
Don’t miss out on many more tips related to efficient and appealing connection design

Speaker: Beth Suminski, PE, SE

Beth has worked for 25 years as a structural engineer in the fields of consulting engineering, software, and continuing education. During her first few years, her experiences in construction defect litigation cemented her understanding of how and how NOT to design a structure. She spent the following years as a practicing consulting engineer in San Diego, and later as a director of structural software sales and development with Bentley. In her current position with FORSE, she continues to pursue both the design and educational aspects of structural engineering. Beth is a licensed PE and SE in California and a licensed PE in Arkansas.

[qsm quiz=76]

Registration Opens for The Precast Show 2023 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Registration for The Precast Show 2023 is now open. The Precast Show is Feb. 23-25 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, and marks the largest precast-specific trade show in North America, bringing together the industry’s most important suppliers and foremost equipment specialists under one roof.

Reserve your spot now at ThePrecastShow.org.

With more than 120,000 square feet of show floor space and nearly 5,000 participants expected to be on hand, The Precast Show brings together industry leaders, innovators, educators and new technologies to create connections, drive business growth and showcase the industry.

“The Precast Show is the highlight of the year for our industry,” NPCA President FRED GRUBBE said. “It is an event that showcases the industry as a whole but also prides itself as a place where active conversations lead to millions of dollars’ worth of business.”

The Precast Show is hosted by the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) alongside participating associations the Precast/Prestressed Institute (PCI) and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute/National Concrete Masonry Association (ICPI-NCMA). Learn more about The Precast Show at the event website: ThePrecastShow.org.

How to Make 2023 Your Most Profitable Year Yet

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:39:00 +0000

Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 12pm CST

As the end of the year approaches, firms look inward and consider what they should do differently to make the coming year more profitable and aspirational. In this webinar, Steven Burns, FAIA, and Enoch Sears, AIA, will take their combined 60 years of experience in AE firm operations and distill it into 45 minutes of essential information that firms of all sizes will want to consider as they prepare their resolutions for the coming year.

This session will share techniques and technologies that your firm must embrace to have the highest efficiency and profitability. Your firm can apply the same rigor and discipline you apply to your projects but focused inward. Learn best practices for Client Relationship Management (CRM), marketing, project management, billing, and accounting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

In this webinar, you will learn how to:

Implement proven AE marketing essentials to attract and retain clients
Present your services in a successful, persuasive manner
Demonstrate the best practices for nurturing relationships that can lead to winning better projects
Explain how technology plays an integral role in firm success
Summarize the critical reports that all firms need to understand

About the Speakers:

Steven Burns, FAIA – Chief Creative Officer, BQE Software

Steven Burns is a member of the College of Fellows of the AIA and Chief Creative Officer of BQE Software.

After receiving his Master of Architecture degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Steve spent 7 years at SOM – working in Chicago, London, and Berlin before founding his own firm, BBA Architects in 1993.

In 2007, with 17 architects on staff- Steve sold BBA to pursue his passion for business management software – starting with his creation of ArchiOffice.

In 2009 with over 600 firms using the ArchiOffice platform, Steve sold his second company to BQE Software and is now focused on the product development of BQE CORE ARCHITECT – a fully-integrated, cloud-based firm management platform that includes time billing, invoicing, accounting, and project management for firms of all sizes.

Steven is a global speaker and thought leader on topics related to firm management and emerging technologies.

Enoch Sears, AIA – Founder, The Business of Architecture

Enoch Bartlett Sears, AIA, is the founder of Business of Architecture and a well-regarded architectural practice management expert. He’s recognized for developing the SMART Practice Method for managing a smooth-running architectural practice.

He’s the author of two books, The Architect’s Marketing Field Guide, and Social Media for Architects. He’s also host of the #1-rated interview podcast for architects, the Business of Architecture show, where he interviews guests like M. Arthur Gensler, Jr., Thom Mayne and others. Enoch is a frequently invited speaker on the topic of the business of architecture.

About BQE:

BQE CORE is the award-winning firm management software, created by engineers for engineers, that project-based firms trust to run their operations for better project outcomes, and more profitable futures. Their fully integrated suite of intuitive tools with 24/7/365 support provides back-office automation to power front-office insights, making firm management more agile, informed, and data-driven. Learn more at www.bqe.com.

[qsm quiz=75]

The New Economy Versus the Old Economy: Winners and Losers in Tomorrow’s Built Environment

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 17:53:20 +0000

Which areas will fare better through a recession and which will contract? Download the paper to gain insights into areas of the new economy that will likely experience growth, such as data centers, life sciences, semiconductor fabrication and distributed power. You’ll also understand areas of the old economy that are likely to decline such as shopping malls, office spaces and sports facilities.

Trends we examine in this paper include:

Urbanization
Declining health
Growing data
Power distribution

Understanding the broader economy and how that will impact your local business is critical for developing a strategy that will enable you to execute on projects in the new economy.

White Paper

Learn more about FMI.

ElevateAEC 2022

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:44:37 +0000

By Chad Clinehens

At this year’s ElevateAEC Conference, we’ll celebrate and show the world what a successful career in AEC looks like.

What makes the Elevate AEC Conference & Awards Gala different? The mission and the energy behind it. Launched in 2018, the rebranded event reflects Zweig Group’s vision to “elevate the industry.” “Elevate the industry” means a lot of things. At its core, it is a recruiting and retention revolution, and it is a logical, yet magical evolution of Zweig Group’s long-standing mission to drive performance and purpose in AEC firms. The value creation and transformation of firms through Zweig Group’s numerous resources over the past 34 years has elevated the industry. When we launched this new big idea in 2018, I used John F. Kennedy’s quote, “A rising tide lifts all ships,” to paint a picture of what we are trying to do – work together to show the world the incredible impact this profession has on every human, and that you can make a good living doing this important work. Since 2018, the Elevate AEC Conference & Awards Gala has been the platform for people to gather to network, learn, and celebrate – all important pillars of the event and the vision.

There have been a number of things inspired by “elevate the industry,” but there’s one in particular that we know is going to change the world: ElevateHER. ElevateHER, as the manifestation of our belief that diversity brings about positive change, is an initiative to better the future of the AEC industry. This movement is a commitment to embrace, promote, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone in the AEC industry regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, and thus recruit and retain the best in the industry, and I am thrilled we’ll be able to kick off ElevateAEC this year with the first in-person symposium for ElevateHER.

Overall, the ElevateAEC Conference will facilitate the largest in-person gathering of industry leaders, the ElevateHER cohorts, and award-winning firms, all interested in advancing the “elevate the industry” vision. Here is more about what we have in store September 14-16 in Las Vegas:

• ElevateHER Symposium – September 14. This program was launched in 2020 with virtual symposiums for the first two years. The virtual platform provided access to a much larger audience, however, we know the value of meeting in-person and this year we will welcome all three years of cohorts. The 2022 ElevateHER Symposium will be a combination of inspiring talks, roundtable discussions, and presentations from the 2022 ElevateHER cohorts. The 2022 ElevateHER cohort members met at the program kickoff in April, and received resources such as presentation coaching, training, Zweig Group research, and networking opportunities. They have since been working on smaller project groups on self-chosen topics, creating a focused deliverable to be shared with the rest of the industry at the symposium on September 14. Project topics run the gamut, and include a variety of methods to increase interest in AEC career paths, support for those at all stages of their career, resources for those looking to improve their workplace environment, diversify their firm, and so much more.

This pre-conference symposium is the perfect complement to the ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala to be held in the same space the following two days, September 15-16.

• ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala – September 15-16. The Elevate AEC Conference & Awards Gala is going to be better than ever. We are taking the “best of” from our events and putting it all into a big bash in Las Vegas. The pillars of the event – to network, learn, and celebrate – will stand tall this year through an expanded and packed agenda that includes the following:

• Keynotes and “ZTalks.” We’ve got a dynamite line-up of speakers including Pete Hinojosa of Insperity, J.D. Enright of TMGcore, and Michael Renshaw of Trilon Group.

• Panel discussions. There will be a panel of the No. 1 Best Firms To Work For and the top three Hot Firms. Hear the strategies and tactics they use to achieve the top of these prestigious lists.

• Breakouts. We’ve got 16 sessions to choose from covering every area of the business from project management to marketing to ownership transition to recruiting and retention and more.

• Roundtables. Back by popular demand, we’ll have time in roundtable sessions where you’ll rotate every 20 minutes, selecting the topics you want to discuss with peers. Facilitated by industry leaders, these sessions will focus on hot industry topics from our AEC Executive Roundtable in June.

• Awards ceremonies and after party. Similar to last year, we’ll present our Rising Stars and Top New Venture winners during an awards luncheon on Thursday and present our Courage in Leadership, Best Firms To Work For, Hot Firms, Excellence in Client Experience, and Marketing Excellence Award winners during our black tie awards gala on Thursday night. Friday after the conference, we will have an optional after party experience seeing Blue Man Group at the Luxor Hotel & Casino.

We as an industry must tell the world how important and valuable our work is. If we won’t, nobody else will. That is what it means to “elevate the industry.” We’ll celebrate and show the world what a successful career in AEC looks like. Join us from September 14-16 at Green Valley Ranch Resort for a rich experience that will be chock full of valuable takeaways. Spend some time with your peers, investing in yourself and your company as we celebrate success and “elevate the industry” together. Viva Las Vegas!

FREE ONLINE STEEL BRIDGE LIVE LECTURE SERIES TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 13-29, 2022

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:00:38 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is teaming up with the University of Wyoming, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) to launch a free online six-part live-lecture educational series for students, faculty and others with an interest in steel bridges that will cover the many aspects of designing, fabricating and constructing steel bridges.

The “Steel Bridge Education Lectures: From Concept to Delivery” series will run from September 13 – 29, 2022. Online lectures will be provided on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during those weeks from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm EDT. The lectures can be viewed synchronously (in real time) and asynchronously (recorded version).

The lectures will be delivered live by Michael Barker, Ph.D., P.E., professor of civil and architectural engineering at the University of Wyoming, via the WyoLearn Learning Management System. Dr. Barker has over 30 years of experience in bridge design and construction.

Participants must complete and pass a quiz after each lecture to earn a Certificate of Completion at the end of the series, which can be used toward building students’ resumes and preparing them for jobs in the bridge industry.

Many engineering programs do not offer courses on steel bridge design and construction, so these lectures provide a wide scope of learning opportunities typically unavailable to students. The lecture series is timely as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to create many new jobs that are high in demand for an educated workforce to address the 224,000 bridges that need repair or replacement.

More information on the lecture series, course syllabus and registration details are available at https://www.shortspansteelbridges.org/steel-bridge-lectures-september-13-29-2022/.

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is a group of bridge and buried soil steel structure industry leaders who have joined together to provide educational information on the design and construction of short span steel bridges in installations up to 140 feet in length. For more news or information, visit www.shortspansteelbridges.org or follow us on Twitter at @ShortSpanSteel, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Leadership Skills for AEC Professionals: Strategy and Tactics

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:55:39 +0000

August 11 & 12 | Royal Sonesta – New Orleans LA

Leadership Skills for AEC Professionals: Strategy and Tactics

This course is not your average leadership training seminar.

This course is a no fluff, data-driven strategy course that aims to equip you with the power to solve any strategic problem inside your firm.

Leadership Skills for AEC Professionals is brand new for 2022! Zweig Group’s Strategy Approach, previously reserved for Advisory clients, is brought to the training environment for the first time ever.

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This course equips leaders with practical skills to identify opportunities, develop and execute strategy, and build support for initiatives within their organization.

This training provides a high impact learning experience that is designed to help emerging and current leaders master the one area that is so often neglected in modern leadership training: developing and executing strategy to solve complex problems.

Using a case-based approach, this course will teach you how to:

Identify a strategic opportunity within your firm;
Develop a strategic plan to capitalize on it;
Develop an implementation plan to successfully execute your plan;
Develop the leadership skills necessary to effectively build and lead a coalition within your firm to execute on your opportunity.

This course takes a project-based approach to identifying, dissecting, and solving a series of issues that plague modern AEC firms. Attendees will collaboratively work business cases that focus on leading through uncertainty, recruiting and retention, upskilling staff to close competency gaps within their firms, enhancing client experience to drive higher fees, and staff performance management, among others.

At the conclusion of this training, attendees will leave with a personalized strategic plan, a series of new skills to successfully lead the implementation of their plan at their organization, and a leader briefing plan to bring back to their firm.

Truck Scale Buying Guide

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:00:42 +0000

The purpose of this guide is to provide educational information to both new and sea-soned truck scale buyers. It is intended to provide more and different information than you find in sales brochures. While brochures typically discuss “who” and “what,” this guide answers “how” and “why.”

Most content in this guide is intended to be unbiased and universal in nature. However, there are occasional notes that reflect information about METTLER TOLEDO products. Most often, this is to explain how our systems and components work. You should have no trouble distinguishing the universal information from the information that is specific to METTLER TOLEDO.

Whitepaper

SPH Engineering and GreenValley International synchronize drone technologies for LiDAR data collection and processing

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:58:37 +0000

Riga, Latvia – June 28, 2022 – SPH Engineering and GreenValley International partner combining their expertise to deliver drone software technologies for LiDAR data collection and processing. The companies align UgCS mission planning software and LiDAR360 data processing software to optimize the workflow with LiDAR data collected with a UAV.

The partnership is ready to provide a full end-to-end software toolchain for airborne LiDAR applications. It includes flight planning and data collection (done with UgCS) and data processing (using LiDAR360), which are necessary for delivering meaningful results such as elevation models, terrain mapping and modeling, forestry scanning, and power line inspection.

“Manual drone flight planning does not guarantee a stable flight. Moreover, during large-scale projects, you cannot see the drone at all times. Automated mission planning using UgCS allows users to plan LiDAR surveys with adjustable corner radius and calibration segments, overcoming these issues and guaranteeing the results to be more accurate,” describes Alvin QIU at GreenValley International.

“We decided to test LiDAR360 upon the recommendation of one of our partners. We have evaluated multiple software packages for LiDAR data processing and found that LiDAR360 is the most universal and provides a good balance between user friendliness and professional results”, explains Alexey Dobrovolskiy, CTO at SPH Engineering.

To learn more about the aligned technology, join the webinar.

About SPH Engineering

SPH Engineering (sph-engineering.com) is a global provider of UAV software solutions, integration services, consulting and custom development to expand drone applications. Its innovations support UAVs of different manufacturers and advance drone technologies for surveying, data collection, and entertainment. Founded in 2013 in Latvia (EU), the company has a global customer and partner network in 150+ countries.

About Green Valley

GreenValley International (greenvalleyintl.com) is a leader in complete 3D surveying and mapping solutions. Partnering with renowned LiDAR sensor producers like RIEGL and Livox, GreenValley focuses on LiDAR and image fusion technology, specializing in lidar, UAV, SLAM, photogrammetry, and other technologies to achieve an accurate digital representation of three dimensional space. GVI high-precision lidar scanning systems, such as LiAir (UAV/Fixed-Wing), LiMobile (vehicle-mounted), LiBackpack, and LiPod (terrestrial), help create smart cities and provide intelligent solutions in energy, agriculture, forestry, roadwork, geographic information (GIS), mining, and more. LiDAR360, LiPowerline, LiStreet, and other GVI software solutions provide core processing and analysis for accurate point cloud editing and visualization.

New Vehicle Weighing Laws

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 20:06:37 +0000

The NIST Handbook 44 standard defines the specifications and tolerances for weighing and measuring devices used in the United States, including vehicle scales. In 2022, single draft weigh-in-motion (SD-WIM) vehicle scales were added to the scope of Handbook 44.

This white paper will explain the potential impacts of this exciting new law change and how operations can capitalize on it to speed up weighing, reduce processing costs, and maximize the efficiency of their vehicle weighing.

Whitepaper

UgCS for High-Resolution vertical inspections of concrete arch dam with Niricson – WEBINAR

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 15:14:14 +0000

Jun 2, 2022 10:00 AM CT

UgCS by SPH Engineering gives professional drone pilots the ability to plan detailed survey missions in a 3D environment on PC/Mac. One of the features of UgCS is the ability to plan vertical inspection missions with terrain following based on custom imported digital elevation models (DEM).

Niricson is one of the fastest growing start-ups in Canada, having top hydro dam owners and engineering consulting firms as customers around the world. Niricson’s AUTOSPEX cloud-based platform, enables asset managers and civil engineers to quickly gather insights and proactively plan the repair of their assets. The platform helps them manage their budgets and help ensure the safety of the high consequence structures during their service life and beyond.

Agenda:
– Connecting your drone to UgCS
– Custom camera configuration and actions
– Planning vertical missions
– Importing digital elevation models
– Performing hydro dam inspections using drones (Niricson) and processing data

The webinar is free of charge and requires registration.
The webinar will be recorded – please register to get the link to the video recording!

Discover UgCS https://www.ugcs.com/
About SPH Engineering https://sph-engineering.com/
Discover Niricson https://niricson.com/
With any questions please contact support@ugcs.com.

Join us on June 2, 6 PM (GMT+3) to learn more about how UgCS vertical inspection and DEM import features can be utilized to collect 1mm/pixel resolution data on concrete arch dams.

Things are changing – quickly!

Tue, 24 May 2022 20:24:37 +0000

By Christy Zweig Niehues

The rapidly changing economic conditions we’re experiencing are putting salary pressure on AEC firms.

New Hire Survey

New Grads Survey

The U.S. economy grew 5.7 percent in 2021, the fastest rate since 1984, and a rate which only accelerated into 2022. A report from the the U.S. Labor Department in April 2022 stated that its consumer price index jumped 8.5 percent in March from 12 months earlier – the biggest year-over-year increase since December 1981. There’s no doubt that nearly everyone has felt the effects of increases in the cost of housing and price of gasoline. The AEC industry is not immune to these changes!

Zweig Group released the 2022 Salary Reports at the beginning of this year. These reports were compiled with data gathered over the 12 months previous to its release (January 2021-December 2021), and are an accurate and data-based representation of what salary levels were during that time; however, these rapidly changing economic conditions are putting salary pressure on AEC firms, both for new hires and existing employees.

A recent spot survey of webinar attendees for Zweig Group’s Driven by Data series on Competitive Compensation found that almost 50 percent of firms had budgeted more than usual for salary increases at the beginning of this year, but even for the firms that planned ahead, it may not be enough. This same survey found that nearly all respondents reported challenges of increased salary expectations, with statements such as, “Expectations of base salary substantially increased due to inflation. Cannot keep salaries aligned with expectations.” The waterfall effect includes many firms in the industry reporting retention issues, and fee pressures such as, “It’s very difficult for our clients to accept higher billing rates that are necessary for current compensation requirements and scarcity of qualified and experienced professionals.” While 60 percent of firms report they have or are increasing their fees, some respondents report these fee increases are tough to juggle, and may not be enough to meet salary expectations.

Is it all about the money?

Annual base salaries are just one piece of the puzzle when recruiting or retaining valuable talent in an AEC firm. Almost one-quarter, 22 percent of Competitive Compensation Webinar attendees responded affirmatively when asked if non-monetary benefits were providing a suitable alternative to competitive salaries/bonuses/raises; and while 50 percent answered in the negative, almost all respondents agreed that benefits, especially as it relates to flexible schedules and remote work options, are very important to today’s workforce. Seventy-one percent of firms in Zweig Group’s “AEC Workplace of the Future Survey” (the survey Report can be read here) reported their firm has changed its remote or flexible work options since March 2020, and many people are now working differently than pre-March 2020.

In Zweig Group’s second Driven by Data Webinar: Recruitment and Retention, 65 percent of attendees reported that remote or flexible work options have helped their firm’s ability to hire. Adding to this, more than 23 percent of respondents who currently have remote and flexible work options, stated they would consider looking for a new job at a different firm if these options were made unavailable to them.

Even best in class firms are experiencing these same challenges. While the vast majority of employees working at Zweig Group’s 2021 Best Firms To Work For Award-winning firms say they are well satisfied with flexible work hours, these employees are often less satisfied with compensation for extraordinary effort, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and mentoring programs. Firms looking to go the extra mile to recruit and retain with added benefits would be wise to carefully consider these areas in addition to their total compensation and work-from-home policies.

The next generation entering the AEC workforce has had both an upbringing and educational experience that is vastly different from any generation before. While many Zweig Group clients are already reporting increased starting salary expectations for recent graduates, these individuals also have vastly different expectations for policies, work environments, and team structure. In response to this, Zweig Group has launched two brand-new surveys – unlike anything we’ve ever investigated before.

The first survey is aimed at new hires (those with fewer than three years of experience in the industry) and investigates both salary expectations and attitudes toward workplace policies, firm culture, leadership, and factors that impact productivity, creativity, and motivation.

The second survey asks similar questions, but is aimed at those who are either about to graduate or have just graduated and are considering entering the AEC industry. Both surveys provide survey-takers with a free report of aggregate responses as well as special offers on other Zweig Group resources.

The results of these important studies will be imperative in shaping the AEC workplace of the future and will help guide current industry leaders in making some of the most pressing business management decisions of this era.

Christina Zweig Niehues is Zweig Group’s director of research and e-commerce. She can be reached at czweig@zweiggroup.com.

AEC Workforce of the Future Surveys Zweig Group’s newest surveys investigate salary expectations and attitudes toward workplace policies, firm culture, leadership, and more. If you have fewer than three years’ experience in AEC, please fill out the first survey. If you know someone who is about to graduate or has just graduated and is considering entering AEC, please share the second survey.

The Principals Academy 2022

Thu, 19 May 2022 17:59:23 +0000

June 16th & 17th – Miami FL

Zweig Group’s leadership team draws from our 30+ year history working with AEC firms to teach the latest approaches to managing and operating successful firms – using our comprehensive data set of industry benchmarks and best practices. The Principals Academy is like a mini-MBA for design and technical professionals and is an impactful way to learn how to build your career and your firm.

Advantages of FEVE Fluoropolymer Topcoats for New and Existing Bridges – WEBINAR

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 17:10:01 +0000

Thursday, April 28, 2022

In this one hour course, we will discuss the ability of FEVE fluoropolymer topcoats to resist UV degradation, corrosion and the ill effects of chemical exposure for both new bridges and maintenance re-coating of existing bridges. We will review the real-time and accelerated testing of FEVE fluoropolymer coatings in Japan, where they are used extensively on bridge infrastructure. We will also compare the life-cycle cost advantages of FEVE coating systems to the costs of other coatings, even though FEVE systems have higher initial costs.

Learning Objectives:

Compare FEVE fluoropolymer topcoats with conventional coating formulations
Review the outstanding weathering and corrosion resistance that FEVE fluoropolymer topcoats offer based on accelerated and real time testing
Discuss shop and field applications for new construction and maintenance of existing FEVE bridge topcoats
Substantiate life cycle cost advantages and environmental benefits of FEVE coatings for bridges

About the Speaker:

Winn Darden

Title: Business Manager, LUMIFLON® Resins

Email address: Winn.Darden@agc.com

Winn Darden is Business Manager for LUMIFLON® Fluoropolymer Resins for North America. He has been involved in sales and marketing for coatings and coating raw materials for more than 30 years. Mr. Darden has given presentations at numerous conferences and for organizations including the Society for Protective Coatings, the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, National Steel Bridge Alliance, Polymers in Oil & Gas Symposium, the ABRAFATI Coatings Show in Brazil, the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting, and the PCI Powder Coating Conference. He has published articles in the Journal of Protective Coatings, Journal of Architectural Coatings, and Bridges Magazine. He has helped to develop programs registered with the AIA for continuing professional education. Mr. Darden has a BS in Chemistry and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He holds 12 U. S. Patents.

Students Earn $500 in Sustainable Design Workshop, Hosted in West Michigan by Wege Prize

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 22:00:03 +0000

Wege Prize announces the second year of paid learning opportunity: ‘Wege Prize High School | A Collaborative Studio’ for students in grades 11-12

Workshop created by KCAD invites educators and school leaders to nominate passionate students to learn about whole-systems design thinking, sustainability, and the circular economy

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) has announced a second year of opportunities and applications for Wege Prize High School | Collaborative Studio, a unique learning experience that pays student participants $500 each. The organizers are calling on principals, teachers and counselors to nominate their most interested students for KCAD’s successful summer program, which inspires and honors rising high school juniors and seniors with the stipend and a unique chance to collaboratively design circular solutions that address “wicked problems” found in West Michigan.

With a framework inspired by the globally recognized Wege Prize collegiate competition – whose international success has ensured its five-year continuation with a doubled total purse prize of USD $65,000 – the cutting edge, two-week high school student workshop was created by KCAD’s Wege Center for Sustainable Design. During this session running from July 25th through August 5th, 2022, an academically talented cohort of 15 students from West Michigan schools will work together to first identify systemic issues that affect the region’s community and environment — and then devise their own actionable and feasible solutions, whether a new service, business model, or project.

KCAD’s program is open to only 15 West Michigan rising high school juniors and seniors. Students with diverse interest areas and eager, enthusiastic viewpoints are encouraged to apply.

There’s no cost to participate — and each student receives a $500 stipend and daily free lunch.
Interested students can be nominated by an educator or apply on their own.
Students only need to submit their application for consideration by June 27th, 2022.

Accepted students will be notified on July 1, 2022. In the application, students detail their areas of interest and provide nomination and letters of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or counselor. They also describe personal experiences, passions, and awareness of related subjects.

About the Program

The students in Wege Prize High School | Collaborative Studio learn about varied topics and then advance through a design process that promotes co-creation and alignment with the core principles of the circular economy – instead of the current linear economic model of “take, make, and waste.” The sessions are facilitated by experienced leaders and speakers who are experts in varied fields related to the environment, sustainability, business, waste management and more. These diverse leaders help guide students through their work, helping them build their ideas into fully researched, developed solutions that could be prototyped and tested in a real-world context.

“Wege Prize High School | Collaborative Studio not only offers students a platform for their voices to be heard through their own ideas to help solve today’s wicked problems in West Michigan, but it also gives them access to personalized support from innovative thinkers who can elevate their goals,” says Gayle DeBruyn, a KCAD professor of Collaborative Design who also leads Wege Prize.

By participating in Wege Prize High School | Collaborative Studio, students will be able to build lifelasting skills of community networking, team building, and personal development, says DeBruyn. Students also come away with portfolio-quality design work products, a certificate of completion, and letter of recommendations that can be used for college, internship, and job applications.

“We have designed our program to be a significant, transdisciplinary experience that teaches high school students about the importance today’s increasingly influential ideas in regenerative and restorative solutions,” adds DeBruyn. “It also opens their eyes to a range of future academic and professional opportunities, from higher education to career choices.”

To submit an application or nominate a student, please visit: Wege Prize High School | Collaborative Studio. For press information or interviews, contact C.C. Sullivan.

Upcoming Webinar by SPH Engineering – UGCS EXPERT + LIDAR PLANNING TOOLS

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 18:07:41 +0000

April 7, 2021 6 PM (GMT+3)

As LiDAR sensors become more and more popular, the webinar by SPH Engineering will focus on training drone pilots new to UgCS flight planning software on how to effectively plan survey missions for LiDAR. This will include knowledge useful for new as well as intermediate users of UgCS.

The webinar will also cover topics such as flight planning with terrain following and flying with UgCS offline. In addition, the webinar will cover the workflow of how to gather DSM/DTM data and use both datasets to plan safe and efficient magnetic surveys.

Webinar agenda:

Connecting your drone to UgCS
Simple flight planning with terrain following
LiDAR Area scan planning
LiDAR Corridor scan planning
Adding calibration segments
Route management and export
Using custom maps and elevation models
Tips for using UgCS offline
Q&A

Join us on April 7, 6 PM (GMT+3) for the live webinar to have a quick-start guide on flight planning for LiDAR in UgCS.

8 AM Los Angeles, CA, USA (PST = GMT-7)
10:00 Mexico City, Mexico (CST = GMT-6)
11:00 Toronto, Canada (EST = GMT-4)
11 AM New York, NY, USA (EST = GMT-4)
17:00 Berlin, Germany (CET = GMT+2)
18:00 Riga, Latvia (EET = GMT+3)
19:00 Dubai, UAE (GMT+4)
23:00 Beijing, China (CST = GMT+8)
00:00 Tokyo, Japan (JST = GMT+9)

FREE ONLINE STEEL BRIDGE LIVE LECTURE SERIES TO BE HELD APRIL 4-20, 2022

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:00:22 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance and the University of Wyoming, in cooperation with the American Iron and Steel Institute, American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Steel Bridge Alliance, will provide a free six-part live-lecture educational series that will cover the many aspects of designing, fabricating and constructing steel bridges.

The “Steel Bridge Education Lectures: From Concept to Delivery” series will run from April 4-20, 2022. Lectures will be provided on Monday and Wednesday evenings during those weeks from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm EDT. The lectures can be viewed synchronously (in real time) and asynchronously (recorded version). Registration is open to students, faculty and anyone else with an interest in steel bridges.

Student participants must complete and pass a quiz after each lecture to earn a Certificate of Completion at the end of the series, which can be used toward building their resumes and preparing them for jobs in the bridge industry. Many engineering programs do not offer courses on steel bridge design and construction, so these lectures provide a wide scope of learning opportunities typically unavailable to students. The lecture series is timely as legislators have passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is expected to create new jobs as funding is released toward fixing the 224,000 bridges in the U.S. that need to be repaired or replaced.

More information on the lecture series, course syllabus and registration details are available at https://www.shortspansteelbridges.org/april-4-20-2022-free-steel-bridge-lecture-series/. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

M&A Next Symposium

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 15:25:33 +0000

April 28th & 29th – Charleston, SC

Reserve your seat at the table as Zweig Group’s M&A thought leaders share insights and provide deep learning through an interactive experience focused on current and “next” practices in the world of M&A.

This highly interactive event is designed to provide M&A education and practical application through interactive roundtable discussions, thought leadership from expert panelists, and focused networking to connect leaders from across the country. You will end the day better informed about the opportunities for M&A as a growth strategy.

Simulation World 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:43:55 +0000

Date: May 18, 2022

Time: 10:00am EST

Location: Virtual

It’s back! Join us at Simulation World to discover how simulation enables creators to explore limitless possibilities and take advantage of digital transformation opportunities.

Simulation World 2022 is the first in a series of events planned for this year designed to inspire and educate executives, engineers, R&D, and manufacturing professionals about how engineering simulation strategies are helping innovators Take a Leap of Certainty to bring their world-changing ideas to life.

During the event you can

Engage in a full and exhilarating experience including inspirational keynotes from change-making leaders, thought provoking breakout sessions, and Ansys expert-guided training — for free!
Explore interactive sessions and spontaneous group discussions, and engage in numerous opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.Register Here

AEC Executive Roundtable 2022

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 20:10:09 +0000

June 22-24 – Dallas, TX

The 2022 AEC Executive Roundtable is a unique opportunity for AEC firm leaders to engage and interact with industry peers to discuss current issues facing firms today, explore industry trends and next practices, and confront the biggest challenges they face leading their firms. Through a combination of short informative presentations and panel discussions, along with multiple topic focused roundtables, this event will allow leaders to truly find the knowledge and insight they are looking for.

Zweig Group’s leadership team moderates the program, guiding group conversations, encouraging integration, and networking, and ensuring attendees gain valuable insight, new ideas and tools – and a new network of colleagues – to foster effective leadership at their respective firms. Come prepared to discuss your biggest challenges and successes during this highly interactive session. With you in control of the subject matter, roundtable discussions strike at the heart of what you need to effect change in your organization. Areas of focus will include some of 2022’s greatest challenges – the AEC workforce, risk management, governance, and more.

Past attendees of CEO Roundtable events state “there is no better forum for dialogue than with peers experiencing the same issues I am” and “the statistics provided by Zweig Group through their continual research of firms and firm leaders gives me the exact benchmarking data I need to justify change and action in my firm”. Come join your peers for the first in-person roundtable.

Tap into AEC Opportunities with the Infrastructure Bill – WEBINAR

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:20:34 +0000

Airing March 8, 2022 2PM CT

Is your firm pursuing government work or considering diversifying your strategy? With an anticipated large influx of new projects coming at the state and local level, now is the opportune time to tap into these opportunities and develop your firm’s plan for success.

Join state and local market analyst, Chris Dixon, to explore:

Which types of infrastructure projects are on the horizon and when they are coming
How your team can tap into these new opportunities to grow your business
Why now is the time to explore adding government opportunities into your firm’s strategy”

About the Speaker

Chris Dixon Biography

Chris Dixon, senior manager, SLED Market Analysis, conducts targeted research aimed at shedding light on the state, local, and education (SLED) markets across multiple industries. In addition to investigating, evaluating, and tracking existing market trends, Dixon provides strategic research, analysis, market forecasting, and opportunity analysis. He also provides consultative guidance to vendors to help them capitalize on procurement opportunities.

Previously, Dixon held several positions at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) where he was instrumental in establishing and supporting the organization’s in-house issues research and policy development processes. As senior issues coordinator, he oversaw NASCIO’s health IT, broadband, and cybersecurity agendas, as well as built relationships with city and county CIOs and their professional organizations. During his tenure at NASCIO, Dixon’s responsibilities also included supporting policy and issues committees covering information/enterprise architecture, digital government, telecommunications, and economic development. He conceived and implemented the association’s Compendium of Digital Government in the States publication as well as the comprehensive member survey from which it is compiled.

Prior to NASCIO, Dixon managed the community assessment and grant-making processes for a local, non-profit health and human services funding organization. He has also worked in campaign politics at the state and local levels in the South and Midwest regions.

Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Morningside College.

Sponsored By:

Leadership Skills for AEC Professionals

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:00:22 +0000

August 11-12, 2022 – New Orleans, LA

Practical leadership skills are vital to the health and success of every company in any industry. Effective leaders motivate their teams to achieve exceptional results, inspire others to be better than they thought possible, and create an environment where their team is focused and working towards a common vision. Zweig Group’s team of management experts – who have extensive experience working with AEC firms providing solutions to the challenges facing AEC firms today – deliver practical solutions that technical professionals can put to work immediately to lead their firms to success.

Simplifying Multi-State Licensing and Business Compliance for AEC Firms – WEBINAR

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 19:44:47 +0000

February 9, 2022 – 1PM ET

Course Description:

How can architecture, engineering, and construction firms manage the complexity of professional licensing more efficiently and effectively? What are the diverse requirements for each state in order to pursue business opportunities? How can AEC firms manage—and stay ahead of—operating and regulatory deadlines?

This webinar will discuss the challenges of managing the corporate lifecycle for businesses operating in multiple states. AEC firms face complex licensing requirements at the individual, firm, and even specialty trade levels. We offer strategies and best practices to handle the complexity of multi-state business operations and licensing requirements specifically for AEC firms.

PDH/LU: 1 credit.

Learning Objectives

To explore AEC corporate lifecycle management, tax registration, and business licensing, and individual professional licensing requirements.
To discuss challenges AEC firms encounter when expanding into new states, managing qualifiers, and maintaining good standing using relevant, real-life examples.
To highlight the importance of a comprehensive management solution needed to compete for business in multiple states and avoid widespread regulatory issues
To identify strategies and best practices for AEC firms’ principals and compliance officers, including tax and legal professionals, to satisfy licensing and business requirements across the nation.

Presented By:

Laura Worker, MBA, PMP, is the AEC Market Manager at Harbor Compliance. She brings 20 years of marketing experience, much of it focused on architecture, engineering, and construction firm clients. Prior to joining Harbor Compliance, Ms. Worker worked in energy efficiency consulting and commercial HVAC systems industries. She received her bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and her MBA from Temple University’s Fox school of business.

Geo Week 2022

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 20:10:42 +0000

February 6-8, 2022
Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO, USA

Geo Week is the intersection of geospatial + the built world. The event brings together AEC Next Expo & Conference, SPAR 3D Expo & Conference and the International Lidar Mapping Forum into a single powerhouse event. Co-located partner events include USIBD, ASPRS, MAPPS Annual Meeting. Industries covered include Architecture, Engineering & Construction; Asset & Facility Management; Disaster & Emergency Response; Earth Observation & Satellite Applications; Energy & Utilities, Infrastructure & Transportation; Land & Natural Resource Management, Mining & Aggregates, Surveying & Mapping, and Urban Planning/Smart Cities. The combined conference program and tradeshow floor will feature commercial applications of 3D technologies, innovations and case studies in the built environment, advanced airborne and terrestrial remote sensing solutions, smart products for a full project team and much more! Professionals from a range of disciplines will network and gain insight into the increasing confluence of their worlds, providing even more opportunities to support the next generation of digital technology. It is presented by Geo Week News and organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Americas, Commercial UAV Expo Europe (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Digital Construction Week and GEO Business Show (London, UK).

Visit www.geo-week.com for more info.

The Principals Academy

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 20:06:38 +0000

June 16-17, 2022 – Miami, FL

The Principals Academy is Zweig Group’s flagship training program encompassing all aspects of managing a professional AEC service firm. Elevate your ability to lead and grow your firm at this impactful two-day program designed to inspire and inform existing and emerging AEC firm leaders in key areas of firm management leadership, financial management, recruiting, marketing, business development, and project management. Learning and networking at this premiere event challenges traditional seminar formats and integrates participatory idea exchange led by Zweig Group’s CEO Chad Clinehens, PE, and Zweig Group’s Managing Principal, Jamie Claire Kiser. Zweig Group’s leadership team draws from our 30+ year history working with AEC firms to teach the latest approaches to managing and operating successful firms – using our comprehensive data set of industry benchmarks and best practices. The Principals Academy is like a two-day mini-MBA for design and technical professionals and is the most impactful two days you can spend learning to build your career and your firm.

FIU partners with Break Through Tech to increase diversity and gender equality in Miami’s tech ecosystem

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:00:17 +0000

Florida International University’s (FIU) College of Engineering and Computing Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Science (KFSCIS) has partnered with Break Through Tech to develop programs that will propel women and underrepresented communities into technology degrees, careers and leadership positions. Part of the Gender Equality in Tech (GET) Cities Initiative, this partnership also will help expand the talent pipeline that is infusing South Florida’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

“With more than 650 FIU undergraduate students earning degrees in computing annually and 75 percent of our female computing students representing minority groups, FIU is the ideal host of the fourth Break Through Tech city in the nation,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “Break Through Tech’s pioneering mission is well-aligned with our commitment to increase diversity and gender equality among students of one of the fastest growing computing programs in the country, advantageously located in a city that is rapidly becoming a tech epicenter.”

Through a strong collaboration with Break Through Tech and partners, FIU aims to more than triple the number of female students graduating with an FIU computing degree by 2026. Launched in 2016 at Cornell Tech with the support of academic and corporate partners, Break Through Tech’s goal is to increase the number of women graduating with degrees in computer science and related tech disciplines, particularly Black and Latina, low-income and first-generation students attending large public universities.

“The growing number of women and minorities pursuing undergraduate degrees represents one of the most important trends in higher education over the past half-century, but yet continues to encounter insurmountable systemic barriers in achieving social and economic parity,” said Mark Weiss, project lead and distinguished university professor, Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Science and associate dean for undergraduate education. “FIU is already known as the university that is making positive strides to change this, and we look forward to significantly amplifying our efforts with Break Through Tech in South Florida.”

FIU’s Break Through Tech program will include:

A summer program for students new to computer science, designed to ignite interest in tech by teaching them how to code real-world, mission-driven applications.
A paid, three-week mini-internship (called a Sprinternship) program, which gives first- and second-year students a resume credential and real-world experience to make them more competitive when applying for a paid summer tech internship
Innovations to the introductory course sequences and academic pathways to broaden access to computing.
Encouraging a growing community of women in tech in South Florida to support, engage and motivate one another.

“As we continue to expand our national footprint, we are thrilled to be bringing Break Through Tech’s innovative programming to FIU. Together we will help make real the promise of Miami as one of the nation’s most diverse and thriving tech ecosystems. The future of innovation depends on all of us and our partnership with FIU will help fuel a future in which women are technology creators and not just consumers,” said Judith Spitz, founder and executive director at Break Through Tech.

Break Through Tech already is established in three other tech hub cities – New York City, Chicago and D.C. It’s expansion into South Florida was made possible through the Gender Equality in Tech (GET) Cities, an initiative supported by a $50 million investment from Pivotal Ventures, a Melinda French Gates company, as well as an additional $7 million investment from the Cognizant Foundation and Verizon. GET Cities is led by both Break Through Tech and SecondMuse Foundation, in partnership with Pivotal Ventures – and together they seek to drive systemic change in the ecosystem to support gender equity in tech from the time a young woman begins their educational journey to when they launch their tech career and ultimately strive to become leaders in both industry and as entrepreneurs.

“The college is proud to be a top national producer of minority computing graduates and has long been dedicated to recruiting, retaining and graduating historically marginalized students and serving South Florida’s ethnically diverse community,” said John L. Volakis, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “The Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences is a top computing school and will strongly partner with Break Through Tech to make the computing pipeline more representative of our South Florida’s dynamic female talent pool.”

“As community demand for careers in technology rapidly grows in Miami, the Knight Foundation School of Computing, in collaboration with Break Through Tech and GET Cities, will continue to provide the tools Miamians need to succeed in the local and global tech economy,” said Raul Moas, director of Knight Foundation’s Miami program. “This partnership is key to achieving the kind of systems change that will lead to a more engaged, participatory and representative community among tech practitioners in Miami.”

To learn more about Break Through Tech Miami at FIU please visit: cis.fiu.edu. To learn more about GET Miami and GET Cities and to get involved, please visit: https://www.getcities.org/

A Roadmap for Soil Organic Carbon Measurement and Verification

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:09:35 +0000

One of the world’s most effective climate solutions lays dormant under our feet.

Regenerative agriculture restores the health of soils, improves ecosystem services, offers additional revenue for farmers, and provides an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and store enough carbon each year to meet 10% of the world’s Paris Climate Accord commitments.

Rapid deployment of reliable and low-cost soil organic carbon (SOC) monitoring and verification (M&V) solutions, along with careful attention to the equitable design of carbon markets, will accelerate the adoption of regenerative practices at scale.

Pecan Street’s Digital Dirt program spent a year systematically seeking out the expertise of leading researchers and practitioners in soil science, big data, land management, carbon and ecosystem service markets, and social justice.

This R&D roadmap summarizes key learnings and includes specific recommendations made by an interdisciplinary, multi-institution AI for Soil Carbon Monitoring and Verification Working Group.

Download A Roadmap for Soil Organic Carbon Measurement and Verification

Download Here

Learn more about Pecan Street’s Digital Dirt Program.

Synaptiq CEO Stephen Sklarew to Host NASCLA’s Artificial Intelligence in Construction Webinar on December 9

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:00:05 +0000

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote best practices and license uniformity for agencies that regulate the construction industry. The AI in Construction webinar is open to the public and will focus on how artificial intelligence solutions are helping construction companies streamline operations, save costs, prevent safety and compliance issues, and be better positioned for future success.

Portland, Oregon (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Synaptiq CEO and Co-Founder Stephen Sklarew will host a webinar on artificial intelligence in construction for the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 10:00am Mountain Time. The webinar is open to the public and participants can register here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed huge changes across the entire construction industry, including widespread digital transformation and the development of new innovations launched in response to the virus – and especially the data that these new technologies generate.

“With all of this great data – from videos to images to paper documents and blueprints – comes the opportunity to unlock it with AI,” says Sklarew. “Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to apply AI throughout the entire construction project life cycle, from design management to preconstruction, resource and equipment management, operations, scheduling and staffing, health and safety compliance, and project retrospectives. Construction companies can be faster, more flexible, creative, and efficient as they navigate yet-to-be-seen challenges, and emerge stronger and better positioned for future success.”

In this webinar, Sklarew will provide an overview of artificial intelligence, applications in construction, recommendations for how to achieve success with AI initiatives, and will host a live Q&A.

“NASCLA’s membership is very interested in technological innovation, how it applies to construction, and specifically how AI is growing and impacting the industry,” says Kenee Walton, NASCLA Programs and Events Manager. “Synaptiq does a lot of meaningful AI work in construction, we are excited to welcome Stephen Sklarew as NASCLA’s December Webinar speaker, and we look forward to the discussion.”

For more information about artificial intelligence in construction, please contact Synaptiq and register for the webinar to attend the session.

About Synaptiq

With over 50 clients in 20 sectors worldwide, Synaptiq is a full-scale AI consultancy bringing impactful solutions to the enterprise using machine learning, machine vision, natural language processing, and other data-driven techniques. The firm creates customized platforms for image and document-intensive industries that are more powerful than existing off-the-shelf tools. Its team of management consultants, AI researchers and data scientists, and product development experts works directly with clients to leverage the unbeatable advantages of artificial intelligence, navigate potential obstacles, and become a smart enterprise of tomorrow. For more information about Synaptiq please visit www.synaptiq.ai.

About NASCLA

NASCLA’s mission is to promote best practices and license uniformity for agencies that regulate the construction industry across the country. NASCLA supports best practices in the construction industry and works to promote quality standards and public safety, mutual interests and regulation of business practices. Pertinent information regarding the regulation of the construction industry is made available to NASCLA members via educational webinars, conferences and informative publications. NASCLA’s goal is to streamline contractor licensing processes by reducing licensing barriers.

Simpson Strong-Tie Launches Curriculum Resources for Architecture, Engineering and Construction Management Educators

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has created curriculum resources for educators of students in structural or civil engineering, construction management and architecture. Resources include online courses, educational videos and Simpson Strong-Tie software and technology, along with relevant industry associations.

The assets can be used in a virtual or classroom setting, either by the educator alone or with the help of a Simpson Strong-Tie Outreach Coordinator. The company also has developed eLearning courses that include the necessary curriculum to teach the course.

“We have a long history of academic partnerships in research and development and student support, which includes our Strong-Tie Undergraduate Fellowship,” said CEO Karen Colonias. “We’re happy to expand our resources for the colleges and universities that are educating the next generation of construction leaders.”

To access the curriculum resources, go to: strongtie.com/about/research-testing-innovation/academia/resources-for-educators.

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support have been core to our mission since 1956. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Drone show industry and the opportunities that open up for you where the sky is the only limit – PANEL DISCUSSION

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:32:14 +0000

November 11, 2021 08:00 AM PST

Main idea:

Tell the guests through the prism of knowledge and opinions of invited members of the drone show community and professionals in their field about the potential of the industry and about the professions and opportunities that are hidden in it for everyone who likes to try new things.

You will learn:

– What does the drone show industry consist of, what kind of specialists are involved there?
– What has the entertainment industry gained with drone shows, what new opportunities have opened up for the largest agencies and creative companies?
– How from a 3D animator-beginner become a specialist in drone show choreography in demand in the international market?
– The most incredible collaborations of 2021, in which drone shows took a key place.
– 2nd International Drone Show Competition – an opportunity for everyone.

Moderator
Luke Carothers, Civil+Structural Engineer Media, Editor

Speakers
– Isabel Caballero Fernandez, 2020 Competition’s 2nd place winner
SkyLab-Entertainment, Drone show designer
– Helen Pukszta & Steve Akins,
Drone Arrival, Co-founders
– Eriks Pastars, DroneShowSoftware Sales Manager, SPH Engineering Ltd,
– Drone Show Software provider

Discover 2nd International Drone Show Competition https://droneshowsoftware.com/competition

For any questions reach out to competition@ugcs.com.

Solving all the right problems – WEBINAR

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Aired: September 23, 2021 2 PM CT

Talk/demo/Q&A with Replica CEO Nick Bowden

It’s never been more important for cities to have accurate, reliable data that reflects the full complexity of the built environment. The right data can better equip you to help your clients plan for a post-COVID transit recovery, design transportation networks that connect people to opportunity, determine the equity impacts of large-scale projects, and discover who’s most likely to trade car trips for walking and biking. These are just some of the ways Replica data has been utilized by architecture, engineering, and consulting partners, nationwide. Join CEO Nick Bowden on September 23rd to learn how the Replica platform has helped engineering firms and their public sector clients solve the built environment’s most complex problems.

Speaker:

Nick Bowden is the CEO and co-founder of Replica, a data platform for the built environment.

Sponsored by:

Foundations for Extremes Part II – WEBINAR

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:00:16 +0000

Part I Aired: Thursday, August 19, 2021 2PM CDT
Part II: Thursday, August 26, 2021 2PM CDT

Watch Part 1

Join CHANCE® for a two-part webinar to learn how extreme events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters often cause substantial damage to the foundation of existing structures that requires rapid response for repair. In some areas, recurring events produce repeating damage to traditional foundations of lightly loaded residential and commercial structures. Learn why helical piles are an attractive engineered solution that can be used to provide rapid high capacity load bearing characteristics in most geologic settings for both new foundations and remedial repair.

Learn what to consider when engineering foundations that will likely encounter extreme weather events.
Explore real-world examples of successful implementations of helical piles to remediate a structure following a storm event.
Compare the pros and cons helical pile technology to alternative methods.
Discuss how to design helical pile foundations for seismic zones.
Discover the research and testing that has been done to prove the resilience of helical piles during seismic activity.

Speakers:
Gary L. Seider, PE
Director of Engineering for CHANCE® Foundation Solutions

Cary Hannon, PE
Vice President of Engineering for Foundation Technologies, Inc.

Jeffrey Martin, PE
Sole Proprietor and Owner at Steelhead Engineering

Each webinar is PDH eligible.

[qsm quiz=73]

Foundations for Extremes – Part I – WEBINAR

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:47:05 +0000

Part I Aired: Thursday, August 19, 2021 2PM CDT
Part II Aired: Thursday, August 26, 2021 2PM CDT

Watch Part 2

Speakers:
Gary L. Seider, PE
Director of Engineering for CHANCE® Foundation Solutions

Cary Hannon, PE
Vice President of Engineering for Foundation Technologies, Inc.

Jeffrey Martin, PE
Sole Proprietor and Owner at Steelhead Engineering

Each webinar is PDH eligible.

[qsm quiz=72]

Advanced Project Management for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 19:34:27 +0000

Start Date: August 17, 2021.

Program Description: This is a four-week program with 90-minute modules each week of live Zoom meetings. This seminar will take a deeper dive into project management skills for more experienced PMs. This virtual seminar will be limited to 18 attendees so RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW.

PDH/LU: 6

Price: $799

The Principals Academy – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 19:31:30 +0000

Start Date: August 9, 2021.

Program Description: This is a three-week program with four hours each week of live Zoom meetings. This will be the same great content that is taught during our in-person The Principals Academy seminar that has trained over 900 attendees in the last five years. The Principals Academy is Zweig Group’s flagship training program encompassing all aspects of managing a professional AEC service firm. Elevate your ability to lead and grow your firm with this program designed to inspire and inform existing and emerging AEC firm leaders in key areas of firm management leadership, financial management, recruiting, marketing, business development, and project management.

PDH/LU: 12

Price: $999

Elevating Doer-Sellers: Business Development for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 21:40:24 +0000

Start Date: July 7, 2021.

Program Description: This is a four-week program with 90-minute modules each week of live Zoom meetings. Elevating Doer-Sellers: Business Development for AEC Professionals is specifically developed to help design and technical professionals in architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental firms become more comfortable managing clients and promoting the firm and its services. Led by two CEOs with extensive experience from the design desk to the board room, this one-of-a-kind seminar presents business development techniques proven to drive real growth and value in your AEC firm.

PDH/LU: 6

Price: $699

Overview & Insights from Zweig Group’s 2021 Policies, Procedures & Benefits Report – WEBINAR

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:35:10 +0000

Airing: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 1pm CDT

Program Description:
Nearly 100% of firms have changed policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the majority are not planning on reverting. Zweig Group’s 2021 Policies, Procedures, and Benefits Report provides industry statistics on policies and procedures, so you can support your decisions with hard data. To help you better utilize this insightful set of data to its fullest potential, Zweig Group is offering a free webinar to complement the report.

You can expect to hear from Zweig Group’s research and recruitment experts, breaking down the latest trends in AEC firm compensation policies, benefits, budgets, HR department composition, and other major HR issues.

This webinar is an added benefit to all those who purchased the full report; but purchase is not required, registration to this webinar is free and open to all. It is ideal for HR professionals at AEC firms; as well as firm owners and principals interested in benchmarking and staying competitive in the current state of recruitment and retention.

PDH/LU: N/A
Price: FREE

WSP USA’s Gary Hamilton Elected to National Society of Black Engineers’ Leadership Role

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 21:00:52 +0000

Motivated by disparities in COVID-19’s impact on communities of color, WSP USA senior vice president will serve as deputy director for nonprofit’s national healthcare innovation board.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) has elected WSP USA’s Gary Hamilton to serve as deputy director of its Healthcare Innovation Special Interest Group (HISIG) board.

Hamilton, senior vice president and Northeast region healthcare practice lead at WSP, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, is a long-time member of NSBE, a non-profit organization with more than 600 chapters and 24,000 active members in the U.S. and abroad.

“Last year we saw how disproportionately communities of color were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hamilton said of his motivation to volunteer for the leadership role. “HISIG is doing a terrific job to promote the development and implementation of innovations that will improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries, illness and disease among black and brown people. This is in line with the impact I am trying to have within the healthcare industry.”

“Gary is an outstanding and respected healthcare engineer within the Washington, D.C. regionand across the U.S.,” said Rick Rome, executive vice president and national health care practice director at WSP. “As a recognized advocate for advancing opportunities for people of color, he was a perfect choice for this position. Gary’s leadership role with NSBE is an extension of what WSP is doing to challenge racial inequality in the U.S. and exemplifies the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. The percentage of African American graduates among engineering degree candidates remains well below the 13.2 percent that represents parity. NSBE’s Game Change 2025 initiative has set a goal of graduating 10,000 black engineers in the U.S. annually by 2025.

Hamilton has led several of the firm’s key healthcare projects on the East Coast, and currently serves as principal-in-charge for Universal Health Services’ new $375 million St. Elizabeths East hospital in Washington, D.C. WSP is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, low voltage, acoustic and enclosures design services for a 136-bed facility that includes maternal health, newborn delivery services, a verified trauma center, ambulatory office building for outpatient and community health services, and a 500-space parking garage. When completed in late 2024,the hospital will bring healthcare services to a historically underserved area of D.C. He also serves as project manager for Wexford Hospital in Wexford, Pennsylvania, a 344,000-square-foot 160-bed medical facility where WSP is providing mechanical-electrical-plumbing-fire protection engineering services to develop an energy-conscious facility.

Hamilton was a 2015 recipient of Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 40 Under 40 award and is a Fellow of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE). He is also a founder of ASHE’s Capital Region chapter. He won two first place technology awards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ National Chapter and Region III.

Hamilton earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, Trinidad, and completed his master’s degree in energy engineering at Southbank University in London. He is a certified evidence-based design professional with the Center for Health Design. He is the founder of the nonprofit Dreams to Reality Foundation (DTR), a broad-based community initiative that assists low-income children to help them complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency through sports.

Acoustic consultancy develops new R&D capability

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 13:00:38 +0000

KP Acoustics Group gives rise to new ‘Research Labs’

Acoustic Consultants, KP Acoustics, is restructuring its business. The acoustic consultancy will now sit within the holding group, KP Acoustics Group, which also includes KP Monitoring and KP Acoustics Research Labs. The company is now in the unique position of being the only acoustic consultancy which possesses its own Research and Development capability in-house.

KP Acoustics has been growing. The consultancy is now one of three divisions within KP Acoustics Group. In an industry first, the new formation is launching its own R&D division. KP Acoustics Research Labs has recruited two experienced academics to lead this exciting new project.

The Research Labs already has an exciting array of proposals lined up. These include projects on noise emissions from drones and electric vehicles, virtual and augmented reality, and the possible use of hearing tests for improved dementia screening.

The team will be building relationships with both public and private sector organizations to pursue multiple streams of research. According to Dr. Kyriakos Papanagiotou, founder and director of KP Acoustics, the academics will be the company’s ‘‘imagineers,’’ combining scientific expertise with imaginative curiosity as they help push the boundaries of existing research.

The Research Labs will also allow the company to offer its own bespoke courses. Whether it is for recent engineering graduates or professionals who have been working in the acoustics industry for many years, the team will be able to tailor its expertise and resources to deliver new and innovative courses on acoustics, no matter how specialized.

While KP Acoustics will continue offering the full range of acoustic consultancy services, a separate division has also been created for the group’s monitoring products and services. KP Monitoring will focus on the growing range of monitoring services and products the company can offer for noise monitoring, vibration monitoring and dust monitoring.

‘‘Synergy has always been a central part of our ethos,’’ explained Dr. Kyriakos Papanagiotou, director of KP Acoustics. ‘‘With this restructuring, and the creation of our own Research Labs, we are demonstrating the value of a synergetic relationship between business and academia, bringing the best of both together.’’

“We can continue to offer the full range of acoustics services through KP Acoustics, while our new monitoring division will soon have an exciting new product to launch that we believe will be the gold standard in noise and vibration monitoring. These are definitely exciting times.’’

Leadership Skills for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 16:00:48 +0000

Starting June 8, 2021

OVERVIEW:

This program provides AEC professionals with the skills to become more competent leaders and helps attendees develop and affirm the leadership skills, strategies, and techniques necessary to grow personally and professionally.

SUMMARY DETAILS:

- Four-week program, with one, 90-meeting meeting each week of live content
- Taking place on a Zoom meeting, participants are able to network with the instructors as well as the other participants
- Six credit hours
- Space is limited for this program to keep a cohort-style learning environment. Register now to secure your place.

Concrete Society & Rapid International to host online technical seminar on Roller Compacted Concrete

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 19:00:20 +0000

County Armagh, Northern Ireland – In partnership with The Concrete Society, Rapid International Ltd, will deliver an online technical seminar on the growing benefits of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) as a more accessible concrete pavement. The popular event will take place on Tuesday 29^th June 2021 at 1pm and is free of charge and open to all.

Already well established in the USA and Canada, with growing popularity across Europe, Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a high-strength pavement application offering durability, cost efficiency, fast construction and high load carrying abilities. Ideal for roads, ports, airports and industrial facilities, RCC is a zero-slump concrete mix typically placed with an asphalt-type paver, followed by a combination of passes with rollers for compaction.

The technical seminar will be of interest to all those who are involved in the design, specification and construction of concrete, including but not limited to, concrete producers, engineers in contracting firms, consulting engineers, concrete technologists and site supervisory personnel. The event will define RCC and its typical uses, as well as market growth opportunities and its advantages over traditional blacktop/vibrated concrete pavements. Advice on mix designs and suitable machinery will also be discussed.

With over fifty years of mixing technology expertise, Rapid International manufacture machinery for the concrete, construction and environmental industries. Rapid’s most well-known product, the Rapidmix 400/600 mobile continuous mixing plant, has been utilised for RCC projects by a range of international contractors on a variety of applications. Rapidmix is currently producing RCC on the largest RCC paving project in the world, in Texas, USA.

To register or find out more information on the upcoming seminar, contact Neil Cooke: ncooke@mattest.com

Rapid International Ltd

Established in 1969, County Armagh based Rapid International delivers high quality, reliable equipment to the concrete, construction and environmental industries. Today, with a presence in more than twenty countries worldwide via an ever expanding international dealer network, Rapid is a trusted partner to a wide variety of customers ranging from multinational construction groups to small concrete producers.

RAPID IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN THE MANUFACTURING OF:

Pan, Planetary and Twin Shaft Concrete Mixers
Mobile Continuous Mixing Plant/Pugmills
Specialised Mobile Continuous Mixing Plant
Mobile/Fixed/Bespoke/Compact Batching Plants
High Pressure Mixer Washout Systems
Silos
Spare Parts

Rapid’s vast experience over the last four decades ensures the highest quality design and manufacture of all equipment. Quality, reliability, efficiency and technological advancement are the greatest aims of Rapid’s workforce, based at its impressive 50,000 sq ft production facility and headquarters in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Always innovating, Rapid’s emphasis on product development is driven by the needs of its wide reaching customer base, and the company’s in-house technical team consistently strive to meet the demands of total quality while exceeding customers’ expectations.

Environmental Hazard Monitoring Expert Casella Announces 2021 Webinar Series for Dust, Noise, Vibration and Asbestos Monitoring

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:00:23 +0000

Global occupational health and workplace hazard monitoring expert Casella has announced its schedule of industry leading webinars for 2021. The schedule of free to attend, virtually accessible webinars covers Casella’s areas of core competency, including workplace monitoring for dust, gas and vapour hazards, as well as instrumentation usage and best practice. The sessions will also cover monitoring for Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) and sampling for asbestos. In order to reach worldwide attendees, two sessions will be run on each date, with one taking place at 10am and a later session at 3pm to ensure learners across multiple time zones can benefit. Each webinar will conclude with a Q&A session to recap.

The webinar schedule is set to run as follows:

23rd June – Setting up Air Sampling Pumps

Setting up air sampling pumps and their associated items is paramount to ensuring accurate exposure data. This webinar covers selecting the correct pump, setting up a ‘sample train’ and ensuring accurate flow, as well as best practice to ensure good quality data.

21st July – Introduction to HAV Monitoring

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a serious condition that can be prevented with the correct control of exposure. This webinar reviews the terminology around HAV measurement, legislation and exposure limits, as well as how to measure exposure on tools correctly and subsequently calculate exposure levels.

11th August – Introduction to Asbestos Sampling

This session will provide a quick insight into the international use of asbestos, both now and historically, its associated health risks and how to perform air sampling for asbestos. Attendees will be guided through the equipment and accessories needed with best practice advice on how to set up equipment.

15th September – Introduction to Dust Sampling

This webinar will guide attendees through different facets of dust monitoring using air sampling pumps, including types of dust to measure and the selection of equipment, such as sampling heads or filters. Additionally, the webinar will cover how to calculate airborne concentration and exposure.

20th October – Use of SLM’s and Noise Dosimeters

This session will guide attendees through the applications and uses of noise dosimeters and sound level meters, and the pros and cons of each. This session will also provide a best practice guide to getting the most from noise monitoring equipment, and critical ‘do’s and don’ts’ of instrumentation.

24th November – Introduction to Sampling Gases and Vapours

Personal sampling of vapours and gases requires knowledge to select the correct sampling media and the right accessories and flow rates. This webinar covers sources of information, how to set up a ‘sample train’, and how to select the correct air-sampling pump and equipment calibration.

To sign up for any of these webinars, free of charge, please visit;

UK & International – https://www.casellasolutions.com/uk/en/support/training/Casella-Webinar-Schedule.html

USA – https://www.casellasolutions.com/us/en/support/WebinarScheduleUS.html

To find out more about Casella’s industry-leading range of monitoring solutions, please visit www.casellasolutions.com

The Resilient AEC Tech Stack – WEBINAR

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:00:52 +0000

How to maximize the value of your technology investments

Aired: April 28th, 2021 2PM CST

Join Deltek, EleVia Software, and Thornton Tomasetti to learn how having a powerful tech stack can help you focus on your core business. A powerful technology ecosystem allows your team to be the AEC experts they are and bring resilience to your organization in times of crisis and uncertainty. In this webinar we will discuss:

Cost vs. quality of service
Business continuity
What’s the value equation?
Utilizing Deltek and EleVia tools to run your business
Real-life examples

Speakers:

Paul Flaherty

Director, Solution Engineering, Deltek

Ron Noden

Executive Vice President, EleVia Software

Featuring:

Rebecca Huston

Billing and Collections Manager, Thornton Tomasetti

Benjamin Barnett

Financial Systems Manager, Thornton Tomasetti

Sponsored by:

UP42 to Offer CATALYST Analytics on the UP42 Geospatial Marketplace

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:00:17 +0000

BERLIN, Germany, – UP42 will offer automated geospatial processing analytics from CATALYST on the UP42 marketplace and developer platform. Available in March, the first offering will be the CATALYST InSAR processing block, which measures millimeter-scale ground deformation from time series Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data sets.

Introduced in 2020, CATALYST is a new brand from PCI Geomatics, the Canadian pioneer in remote sensing science and geospatial software development. CATALYST launched the CATALYST Insights suite to package its algorithms and analytics tools into integrated, customizable processes. Designed for both geospatial professionals and non-technical users, these analytics extract actionable information from image data and present results in readily understandable formats.

“Our partnership with CATALYST will give UP42 users access to a range of powerful processing and analytics capabilities for satellite data,” said UP42 CEO Sean Wiid. “The initial InSAR processing block detects subtle terrain changes known as ground deformation. This has a range of vital applications related to monitoring critical infrastructure, tracking subsurface water levels, and predicting geohazards.”

The UP42 platform offers extensive Earth observation data sets and advanced processing algorithms – along with cloud computing power – to create custom geospatial solutions easily and inexpensively. Users purchase just the data needed to cover their area of interest and then leverage off-the-shelf processing capabilities to analyze the datasets without investment in their own computing infrastructure.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with UP42 to help us fulfill our goal of simplifying access to earth data. By deploying CATALYST algorithms on the cloud next to the earth observation imagery, we empower developers to access our proven science to build innovative applications for critical infrastructure monitoring,” said CATALYST VP Product and Marketing Kevin Jones. “We look forward to deploying more workflows and exposing more of our science through UP42, a geospatial market leader embracing cloud native platform development for information processing and delivery.”

UP42 users will be able to apply the CATALYST InSAR analytics to Sentinel-1 satellite data available on the developer platform, as well as other SAR data sets in the future.

For land deformation detection, UP42 users will find the InSAR processing block is a valuable monitoring tool in protecting critical infrastructure by detecting small terrain changes before potentially catastrophic ground movement. InSAR measures subsidence— slumping and slope creep that pose risks to oil & gas wells, hydrocarbon pipelines, dams, mining sites, transportation corridors, and agriculture irrigation systems.

Webinar on April 8

Subject: Learn how to calculate velocity of ground movement with CATALYST’s InSAR Stack Workflow on UP42

Register: https://catalyst.earth/knowledgecenter/webinars-2-2/webinar-registration/

About UP42

UP42 is changing the way geospatial data is accessed and analyzed. The platform and marketplace bring together multiple sources of data such as satellite imagery, weather data, and more—together with algorithms to identify objects, detect change, and find patterns. Industry leaders use UP42 to inform business decisions and build scalable customer solutions. Know when and where to fertilize crops. Measure air quality and map emissions. Count cars, trucks, planes, and ships. Developers and data scientists across all industries now have access to a platform to build, run, and scale projects in one place. Visit www.up42.com.

About CATALYST

CATALYST is a PCI Geomatics brand, which has been introduced to put our leading-edge technology into the hands of decision makers. CATALYST offers proven algorithms rooted in photogrammetry and remote sensing to offer engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals accessible earth data measurements on a reliable basis derived with leading edge, scalable software solutions and platforms.

Driving Project and Business Value with a Hybrid-Cloud – WEBINAR

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:00:49 +0000

Aired: February 25th, 2021

1 PDH

Project teams are dispersed now more than ever before — either working in different geographies, at a home office, or at a job site. Given the remote nature of today’s workforce and that data is stored in a variety of locations, project team members need to access and manage their project data from wherever they are, from any device.

Join Newforma to learn how you can streamline workflows and improve project delivery with a hybrid solution.

Learning Objectives

The evolution of Project Information Management
How Project Information Management challenges have evolved
Why a Hybrid solution makes sense for the AEC Industry
What to look for in a hybrid solution
Examples of common workflows improved with a hybrid solution

Speakers

Thomas Maleski, Solutions Engineer, Newforma

Tom is a Solutions Engineer with over twenty years of experience working for Architectural, Structural, and MEP/FP firms by providing training, mentoring and guidance, project audits and troubleshooting, and maintaining software installations and licensing.

Sponsored by:

Elevating Doer-Sellers: Business Development for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:57:47 +0000

Starting April 6, 2021

OVERVIEW:

This is a four-week program of 90-minute meetings each week of live Zoom meetings with our seminar instructors. These meetings will be a mix of presentations as well as open-ended Q&A sessions.

Elevating Doer-Sellers: Business Development for AEC Professionals is specifically developed to help design and technical professionals in architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental firms become more comfortable managing clients and promoting the firm and its services. Led by two retired and current CEOs with extensive experience from the design desk to the board room, this one-of-a-kind seminar presents business development techniques proven to drive real growth and value in your AEC firm. Beyond the buzzword heavy, ra-ra approach of other business development and sales training seminars, this seminar focuses on what really works in today’s AEC firm utilizing practical and proven techniques that resonate across the organizational chart. Utilizing a unique workshop approach, current CEO of Zweig Group, Chad Clinehens, and retired CEO of Garver, Dan Williams, will lead participants through an immersion of what it takes to grow an AEC firm. Topics include what drives value in an AEC firm, building a strong brand, how to develop more business, and maximizing the client experience taught through a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops, and a complete project pursuit activity.

SUMMARY DETAILS:

- Taking place on a Zoom meeting, participants are able to network with the instructors as well as the other participants
- Four-week program, with one, 90 minute meeting each week of live content
- Six credit hours

Advanced Project Management for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:55:04 +0000

Starting February 3, 2021

OVERVIEW:

Spots for this program are limited to 18 attendees. Reserve your spot as soon as possible.

The recommended prerequisite for this course is Zweig Group’s Project Management for AEC Professionals as this advanced-level content builds on and hones the skills developed in this course. This course is ideal for people that have existing experience leading projects and teams A new advanced skills training course for project managers led by a panel of three experts backed by a ton of research on how to best train project managers to be more effective and efficient. This advanced project management course is designed to take a Project Manager to the next level, with a focus on anticipating problems, communicating with leadership and other important stakeholders, and transitioning from managing to leading people and projects. It will focus on the nuances of different situations that commonly arise and how to adapt and optimize your responses to situations in order to maximize the impact of core PM skills. This will address ways to change your approach to be more effective in leading projects in greater magnitude of budget and importance and discuss precision in communication. This course features elements not offered in any other project management course, including being led by an industry expert with almost 2 decades of project management experience, and two psychologists with expertise in people skills, behavior change, group dynamics, and implementation science.

Specifically, this course offers:

Education and training regarding skills that can be immediately implemented
Collaborative problem-solving and skill practice
Individualized feedback
Tailored and specific examples
Ongoing implementation assistance throughout the course
Education
Small cohort class (18 attendee limit)

INSTRUCTORS:

This course is taught by Zweig Group’s strategic partner; Start 2 Rise.

The Principals Academy – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:25:50 +0000

Starting May 4, 2021

OVERVIEW:

With the uncertainty of traveling to In-Person events, Zweig Group has created a NEW virtual seminar program. This is a three-week program of four hours each week of live Zoom meetings with our seminar instructors. These meetings will be a mix of presentations as well as open-ended Q&A sessions. This will be the same great content that is taught during our in-person The Principals Academy seminar that has trained over 900 attendees in the last 5 years.

SUMMARY DETAILS:

Three-week program, with two, two-hour meetings each week of live content
The same content that is taught during the in-person The Principals Academy seminar
Taking place on live Zoom meetings, participants are able to network with the instructors as well as the other participants
12 credit hours
Space is limited for this program to keep a cohort-style learning environment. Register now to secure your place.

Project Management for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:24:24 +0000

Starting January 6, 2021

OVERVIEW:

A new training for project managers led by a panel of three experts backed by a ton of research on how to best train project managers to be more effective and efficient.

Each team member brings their own unique experiences and skillset to project teams. Effectively leveraging the talents of your team can optimize team effectiveness. Project Management for AEC Professionals provides people-focused, science-driven practical skills to help project leaders harness the power of their team. By addressing the most important aspects of any project – the people – this course will provide practical techniques that can be immediately implemented for a positive impact on any AEC team or business.

AEC Professionals are extensively trained on technical skills and less so on how to manage a team. However, with rapidly evolving technology, increasing fee pressure, multi-generational teams, and many other challenges, effective team leadership in project environments has proven to be the key to thriving in the high-pressure AEC environment. These challenges, coupled with the fact that project managers are often left to learn on the job, leaves new and seasoned leaders left to use a trial and error style team leadership that is prone to missteps. Each decision made can impact profit, risk, and client-relationships. This course will take the guesswork out of leading your team and develop project leaders who are equipped with practical, science-backed skills to empower their teams to achieve and surpass their goals.

WHY THIS COURSE?

94% of attendees would recommend this course to other Project Managers.
97% of attendees state that the skills learned in this course will help them to better lead their team.
96% of attendees state that the course helped them develop skills to be a more effective Project Manager.

“What would you tell others about this course?”

“Probably the best project management course I’ve taken.”
“This is a great course for project managers and others to learn new skills to implement to become more effective in the AEC environment.”
“The course was very skills focused and provided actionable things to do, unlike some courses that stay ‘big picture.’”
“Do it. It’s awesome.”
“Worth the time. High value course for anyone doing Project Management.”
“Well worth your time.”
“The people hosting the course are real, honest, and interesting to listen to. Very helpful.”
“Very engaging and lots of practical tools.”
“The single best PM course I’ve taken (and I’ve taken many). It was focused, on-topic, and applicable.”
“Take it!”

FORMAT AND CONTENT:

This is a four-week program consisting of four ninety-minute live, virtual modules, one module per week, led by the seminar instructor team. These meetings will be a mix of presentations, discussions, and open-ended Q&A sessions. This is the same great content that is taught during our in-person Project Management for AEC Professionals seminar. This course is taught by Zweig Group’s strategic partner; Start 2 Rise.

This training course covers the four critical focus areas every AEC Industry project manager should be familiar with: Time and Task Management, Communication, Team Leadership, and Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution. The course is presented in lectures, tutorials, individual exercises, role plays, and case study workshop sessions. Attendees will leave armed with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational characteristics, skills, and techniques successful project managers must have to succeed in their role.

INSTRUCTORS:

This course is taught by Zweig Group’s strategic partner; Start 2 Rise.

How Payment Integration Automates the Receipt Process and Improves Cash Flow – WEBINAR

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 21:03:58 +0000

Aired: Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The availability to pay electronically has become increasingly popular in B2B. Accepting ACH payments eliminates the traditional paper check and gets money in the bank sooner. But what if your organization took it one step further with payment receipt integration into your ERP?

Join us for this webinar as we discuss how payment receipt integration:

Speeds payments
Automates manual coding and reduces manual steps
Improves cash flow and cash flow visibility

We’ll also show you invoicing and accounts receivable tools that minimize your efforts and improve security and compliance. If you use Deltek Vision® or Vantagepoint®, you won’t want to miss this!

Presenters:

Rick Janes, Senior Director – EVPay Solution, EleVia Software

Rick has over 25 years of experience connecting large diverse organizations to processes and technology that improve business performance. He has led numerous sales and technology teams across a broad spectrum of vertical markets including expense management, enterprise network design and configuration, cash flow management and payments processing. Rick loves to engage clients with fresh perspectives and help them leverage technology to get real, measurable results.

Ron Noden, Executive Vice President, EleVia Software

Ron is deeply committed to organization improvements and helping customers be more successful. Ron has served as CEO of one of Minnesota’s fastest growing technology companies and as a principal in sixteen startups. Ron assisted in the development of a revolutionary technology advancement in retail distribution for one of the world’s largest retailers. He loves to blend the power of technology with the power of talented people.

Register Now

Sponsored by:

Extending Infrastructure Life Using FEVE Bridge Coatings – WEBINAR

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:19:30 +0000

Aired: Tuesday, December 1, 2020

In this one hour course, we will discover the strengths and advantages of FEVE fluoropolymer topcoats for both new bridges and maintenance re-coating of existing bridges.

We will review the decades-long history of real-time and accelerated testing of FEVE fluoropolymer coatings in Japan due to their extensive use on bridge infrastructure.

We will also assess the life-cycle cost advantages of FEVE coating systems despite their higher initial cost compared to other coatings.

Upon completion of this course, the design professional will be able to:

Define FEVE and discuss FEVE coating composition, history and unique weatherability properties
Discuss real-time and accelerated testing of FEVE coatings that demonstrate their proven performance in terms of corrosion resistance, color/gloss retention, and long life
Discuss guidelines for proper specification, ease of application and low maintenance needs of FEVE bridge coatings
Quantify life cycle costs cost and sustainability benefits of FEVE coatings for bridges

Presenter:

Kristen Blankenship, AGC, Inc. – Lumiflon

Kristen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Evansville. She has spent the last 19 years in the coatings industry working for various coating, chemical, and material manufacturing companies. She began her career as an analytical chemist at Red Spot Paint (Evansville, IN) focusing on defect analysis. This experience allowed her to develop a unique approach to formulation with a focus on structure-property relationships. She eventually became a UV curable coatings formulator at Red Spot and later moved up chain to Cytec Industries, Inc. (now Alnex) as a technical service chemist in the area of waterborne liquid coating resins. In January of 2013, she accepted the position of technical service chemist at AGC Chemicals Americas, based in Exton, PA. After nearly three years working with LUMIFLON resins in the lab, she moved into a business development role. She now supports strategic accounts in developing high performance coating technology based on LUMIFLON® FEVE resins.

Register Now

Sponsored by:

Driving Consistent Performance Using Technology – WEBINAR

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:45:33 +0000

Aired: October 29, 2020 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT

During these unprecedented times, AE finance and accounting leaders have adjusted their business processes to help their teams be successful in the “new normal”. With remote work here to stay, technology will continue to play a major role in driving this success.

Join EleVia Software and Chris Nguyen, Principal and Controller from Interior Architects as he shares how his organization uses technology to maximize performance regardless of where their team is located. By embracing technology, learn how Interior Architects is automating mundane tasks to help their team work on the highest order opportunities in their business.

In this webcast, we will discuss:

Functioning financially while working remotely and benefits of automation
How automated Payables Approval and Tracking helped make the remote move possible
Special achievements – annual audit and ASC606 compliance
Virtual implementation of financial platforms and tools
Simple tips and tricks for success when managing a remote team
Understanding and shaping a Financial Technology vision for 2021 and beyond

Chris Nguyen
Controller and Principal, IA Interior Architects, Inc.

Chris has over 30 years of financial leadership in the AE industry, starting with Engineering then leading to Architecture. With his broad experience, Chris is passionate about harnessing technology together with compliance expertise to add nimbleness to the stewardship of his organization.

Ron Noden
Executive Vice President, EleVia Software

Ron is deeply committed to organizational improvements and helping customers be more successful. Ron has served as CEO of one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing technology companies and as a principle in sixteen startups. He loves to blend the power of technology with the power of talented people.

Register Now

Sponsored by:

Newforma & Autodesk BIM 360 – Working Together – WEBINAR

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 19:00:32 +0000

Chasing specific business applications to solve a unique challenge used to be the answer to one problem, except as the technology stack grows, so does the disjointedness. This problem introduces more data and workflow challenges to be solved. As the construction technology landscape continues to evolve, one solution will not be the answer to today’s complex file sharing and storage challenges.

Join Newforma, Autodesk, and Schmidt Architects to learn how the construction technology space is progressing towards more unity and the benefits of working in a connected environment. Discover how Newforma’s integration with Autodesk BIM 360 further streamlines collaboration to provide increased flexibility to view, search, and manage project files to improve project delivery.

This webinar was aired on Thursday, September 17th at 2pm CST.

Sponsored by:

Economic Floor Systems with Composite Steel Joists – WEBINAR

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:46:00 +0000

Composite steel construction has been recognized for a number of years as one of the most economical systems for constructing building floors. This webinar will focus on information contained within SJI’s “2nd Edition CJ-Series Composite Joists,” which includes the standard specifications, weight tables, bridging tables and code of standard practice; share how one can utilize SJI’s Floor Bay Tool for estimating the cost of CJ-Series joists; and describe recent projects where CJ-Series composite joists have been utilized.

Learning Objectives of Webinar

Potential benefits of using SJI’s CJ-Series composite joists.
Computational aspects of composite steel joist behavior per SJI’s new 2nd Edition CJ-Series Specifications.
Guidelines for installing welded shear studs onto the chords of CJ-Series joists and serviceability considerations.
How to efficiently utilize SJI’s Composite Steel Joist Catalog.
Preliminary estimating of CJ-Series costs utilizing SJI’s new Floor Bay Analysis Tool.
Typical projects for CJ-Series composite joists.

Sponsored By:

See more webinars from Steel Joist Institute here.

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Leadership Skills for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 18:55:35 +0000

Starting October 29, 2020

Register Now

Overview:

Summary Details:

Four-week program, with one-hour meetings each week of live content
Taking place on a Zoom meeting, participants are able to network with the instructors as well as the other participants
Four credit hours

Registration Includes:

Four live meetings with the Zweig Group instructors
The same highly-rated seminar content will be taught in the convenience of your own home/office
Polls, quizzes and interactive material that will keep participants engaged
Participants will also get the recorded sessions to look back on for years to come
A comprehensive seminar workbook

Schedule:

Module One: Thursday, October 29th, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

Module Two: Thursday, November 5th, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

Module Three: Thursday, November 12th, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

Module Four: Thursday, November 19th, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

Instructors:

Phil Keil, Director, Strategic Services, Zweig Group

Discussion Topics Include:

Leadership Theory
Leadership Styles & Listening
Public Speaking & Communication
Role of Routine
Decision Making
Recruiting and Workforce Personalities
Mentoring
Change Management

What attendees will learn from this program:

Essential skills for leading high-performing organizations
Enhanced listening and speaking skills
How to lead in a time of crisis
The importance of mentorship and mentoring programs
Strategies for leading effecting change in an organization
How to effectively recruit and retain top talent
The importance of forming daily routines
How to formulate effective decision-making strategies

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for leaders at all levels with an emphasis on aspiring, emerging, and mid-level leaders. It’s intended to prepare professionals for their increasing roles and responsibilities as team leaders and client managers.

The Principals Academy – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 16:00:16 +0000

Starting October 13, 2020

Register Now

Overview:

With the uncertainty of traveling to In-Person events, Zweig Group has created a NEW virtual seminar program. This is a 6-week program of 2 hours each week of a live zoom meeting with our seminar instructors. These meetings will be a mix of presentations as well as open-ended Q&A sessions. This will be the same great content that is taught during our in-person The Principals Academy seminar that has trained over 800 attendees in the last 5 years.

Summary Details:

6-week program, with 2-hour meetings each week of live content
The same content that is taught during the In-Person The Principals Academy seminar
Taking place on a Zoom meeting, participants are able to network with the instructors as well as the other participants
12 credit hours

Registration Includes:

6 live meetings with the Zweig Group instructors
The same highly-rated seminar content will be taught in the convenience of your own home/office
Polls, quizzes and interactive material that will keep participants engaged
Participants will also get the recorded sessions to look back on for years to come
A comprehensive seminar workbook

Schedule:

Pre-Seminar Meet & Greet Happy Hour – Monday, October 12, 2020 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT

Week One: MODULE ONE – Tuesday, October 13, 2020 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT

Week Two: MODULE TWO – Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT

Week Three: MODULE THREE – Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT

Week Four: MODULE FOUR – Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT

Week Five: MODULE FIVE – Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT

Week Six: MODULE SIX – Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CT

Instructors:

Chad Clinehens, President & CEO, Zweig Group

Jamie Claire Kiser, Managing Principal, Advisory Services, Zweig Group

Chad Coldiron, Director, Executive Search, Zweig Group

Phil Keil, Director, Strategic Services, Zweig Group

Will Swearingen, Director, Ownership Transition, Zweig Group

Dawson Fercho, Vice President, CTA

Discussion Topics Include:

What it Means to be a Principal
Business Planning
Driving Financial Results
Marketing Fundamentals
Recruiting & Retention
Leadership for Principals
Firm Ownership & Transition
Basics of Business Development
Mergers & Acquisitions
How to Lead a Successful Firm

Who Should Attend?

AEC C-suite & firm owners
Experienced principals looking to enhance their knowledge
Legal, accounting, insurance, consulting, and advisors specialized in the AEC industry
Emerging firm leaders and recently-named principals
Department, division, and branch managers
Project Managers and senior design/technical staff

Why The Principals Academy?

Learn what it takes to be a successful leader in the AEC industry
Hear about industry best practices that the most successful firms use to stay on top
Gain a broader perspective on AEC firm management
Learn leadership and team-building strategies to share at your firm
Discuss how business planning will help your firm succeed
Explore the fundamentals of sound financial management

Unique Feature: Career and Firm Growth Roundtable

The Principals Academy program includes an extended Q&A session with industry leaders Chad Clinehens, PE, Jamie Claire Kiser, and the panel of instructors. The Principals Academy provides attendees with an opportunity to discuss in-depth the issues facing them at their firms with advice offered from industry-leading experts.

Elevating Doer-Sellers: Business Development for AEC Professionals – VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:00:49 +0000

Starting October 26, 2020

Register Now

Program Overview:

This is a six-week program of one hour each week of a live zoom meeting with our seminar instructors. These meetings will be a mix of presentations as well as open-ended Q&A sessions.

Summary Details:

Taking place on a Zoom meeting, participants are able to network with the instructors as well as the other participants
Six-week program, with one-hour meetings each week of live content
Six credit hours

Registration Includes:

Six live meetings with the Zweig Group instructors
Live presentations so attendees can ask questions and get real-time answers
The same highly-rated seminar content will be taught in the convenience of your own home/office
Polls, quizzes and interactive material that will keep participants engaged
Participants will also get the recorded sessions to look back on for years to come

Schedule:

Week One: Monday, October 12, 2020 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CT

Week Two: Monday, October 19, 2020 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CT

Week Three: Monday, October 26, 2020 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CT

Week Four: Monday, November 2, 2020 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CT

Week Five: Monday, November 9, 2020 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CT

Week Six: Monday, November 16, 2020 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CT

Discussion topics include:

What drives real growth in today’s AEC firm
What’s different about business development and marketing and how to leverage both for maximum success
Dispelling the myths about business development unique to this industry
Proven methods and tips for improving your win rate
A practical system of targeting and closing sales
How to maximize the client experience to gain a tremendous competitive advantage
How to develop proposals and presentations that beat the competition

Who should attend?

Doer-Sellers
Business Developers
Market Leaders
Marketers
Project Managers

Instructors:

Chad Clinehens, PE

Chad Clinehens is the president and CEO of Zweig Group, the leading research, publishing, and consulting firm for the architecture and engineering industry. Passionate about the business side of design and technical service firms, Chad has built a career on leading them through growth and change.

Chad has worked with AEC firms throughout the U.S. on a variety of needs – strategic business planning, turnarounds, partner separations, organizational restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and sales, growth campaigns, and more.

As a registered professional engineer, Chad brings an in-depth knowledge of what makes professional service firms and the people who work for them unique. Working in the industry for more than 25 years, he has been involved in many aspects of the business including design, project management, department management, regional office management, and directional leadership.

Chad holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a registered professional engineer.

Dan Williams, PE

Dan is an executive consultant with Zweig Group, putting his 40-year career in AEC to work for our clients. Starting as a design engineer, Dan has experienced essentially every aspect of the profession. For the last 15 years of his career, he served as COO and then CEO and guided his firm during rapid growth from 200 to over 700 employees while opening 19 new offices. His firm finished both in the top three of the Zweig Best Firms to Work For and as a Zweig Hot Firm for five consecutive years.

Dan is now offering his expertise to Zweig, providing business consulting, strategic planning, cultural initiatives, and executive coaching. Dan has extensive experience in developing effective boards, ownership transition strategies, organizational restructuring, internal training programs, mergers and acquisitions, and much more. He is currently completing his certification in executive coaching and is effective working one-on-one or with leadership groups. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas and is a registered professional engineer in several states.

Leadership is Everything – How to Successfully Lead Your Team and Firm Through Crisis and Change – LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:20:13 +0000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

A 2020 Leadership Development “Webinar and Discussion Series”

There are four key elements needed for success today: Projects, Profits, People, and Purpose. This program is designed to focus on a number of the most important “People” aspects that are increasingly critical to our success both individually and organizationally.

Goal: Especially during this time of significant crisis and great change, provide essential tools and insights to current and aspiring leaders and managers to improve our individual and collective success, growth, and resiliency.

Format: 4-part live and online webinar and discussion series; each with a 60-minute presentation followed immediately by 30 to 60 minutes of group discussion and Q&A.

Cap limit: 45 people so each participant will have time to ask questions and get the same cohort feel as an in-person seminar does.

Steel Joists for Any Application – Specialty Profiles – WEBINAR

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:31:11 +0000

Steel joists and Joist Girders can be used to construct more than just flat roofs. This session will provide designers with details and design guidance to help with these situations. Included will be guidance on designing and detailing steel joists in pitched roofs, curved roofs and hip roof framing details.

Learning Objectives of Webinar

Identify the unique considerations for designing and specifying steel joists and Joist Girders with pitched chords, including hip roof framing.
Identify the unique considerations for designing and specifying steel joists and Joist Girders with radiused chords.
Describe the factors that impact special profile steel joists and Joist Girders.
Summarize the general concerns with using special profile steel joists and Joist Girders.

Sponsored By:

See more webinars from Steel Joist Institute here.

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Protected: Improving Multi-Story Building Design – WEBINAR

Fri, 01 May 2020 17:07:02 +0000

Project Certification and Closeout in a Virtual COVID World and After

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:01:16 +0000

As we experience and emerge from “the great shutdown” of 2020, things have and will change in all aspects of life – including the design and construction process. Nowhere in the design and construction interface and transformation has the impact been greater than with respect to on-site design engagement during construction. Designers, contractors, and owners have all had to adapt and create new approaches and protocols to manage communication, satisfy obligations, and keep projects moving.

Download the Case Study

Sponsored by:

Dealing with “Time is of the Essence”

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:54:52 +0000

In this (or any other) time of social and/or business disruption, delays, or shutdowns, focus frequently goes to the scheduling clauses contained in design and construction professional service agreements. One common phrase frequently used in such agreements is “time is of the essence.”

Download the Case Study

Sponsored by:

Herding the Dollars: Cash Flow Management for AEC – WEBINAR

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:02:15 +0000

Watch Now

About The Webinar

The conversion of projects into cash – and every step from the timesheet to the invoice to the bank account – is important for the survival of any business. With a median average collection period of 70 days, AEC firms may not be able to control every aspect of the collection process, but there are steps that each firm can take to more effectively manage working capital. In this hour-long webinar, we will review Zweig Group’s data and discuss what the data tells us works for AEC firms and we will discuss specific cash flow tips to improve the collection process and control disbursements.

Who Should Watch: Everyone from Project Managers up to Principals, as well as Accounting Department Members

This webinar will be taking place at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST on June 9, 2020.

Viewers will learn ways to improve the collection process.
Viewers will learn what the average collection period is and why 90 days is not OK
Viewers will learn strategic cash-flow tips to accelerate collections and control disbursements.
Viewers will learn best-practice collection policies that they can implement within their firms.

Sponsored by:

Leveraging Your ERP System for Effective Virtual Work – WEBINAR

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:17:24 +0000

Description:
Join this session to learn how to leverage your Deltek Vision and Vantagepoint ERP systems to better perform in today’s ever-changing environment. You will see a live presentation on how to utilize Electronic Invoicing (EI) to better manage your invoicing process. You will also hear first-hand from Dawn Dostie of TRC on how EI has helped achieve their goals, whether working in the office or virtually.

Attendees will learn:

Common billing challenges and how to overcome them.
How to stay on top of billing while working remote.
Ways to streamline billing workflows.
How to maximize cash flow and use reporting to help manage your business.

Speakers:
Dawn Dostie, Billing Manager for TRC
Dawn is always looking for ways to make billing for TRC more efficient without sacrificing quality. She loves to utilize new technology or better the use of existing tools.

Nelda Kane, Senior Consultant for EleVia Software
Nelda has 16 years of ERP implementation experience. She loves to help clients utilize EleVia products to improve and streamline their unique business processes.

Ron Noden, Executive Vice President for EleVia Software
Ron is deeply committed to organizational improvements and helping customers be more successful. Ron has served as CEO of one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing technology companies and as a principle in sixteen startups. He loves to blend the power of technology with the power of talented people.

Sponsored by:

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Ask the Experts: Becoming a Mobile Workforce

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 15:10:34 +0000

Description

Your projects have no room for error, yet many engineering projects have several challenges that can make this seem impossible. The fact that teams are working out of the office more than before – either from a home office, or at a job site, or visiting clients – means that they need immediate access to project documents or the most current project status, plus be able to collaborate with team members in real-time. Making use of mobile applications and other processes that can allow team members to quickly find, view, and manage project information on-the-go has never been more critical in today’s modern work environment.

How are engineering firms adopting mobile processes that meet the information-rich demands of their projects?

Join Newforma alongside special guests from Thornton Tomasetti and WSP to learn how they are leveraging processes that make project information accessible to all team members whenever and wherever they need it. Register for this webinar to learn:
– Common challenges faced by project teams and how to overcome them
– Case study examples of how mobile technology and processes were leveraged in large scale projects
– Gap analysis of various construction phases where technology eases inefficiency and collaboration challenges.
– Best practices for adoption and implementation

Meet the Speakers

Mike O’Toole Vanessa Da Rocha
Senior Associate, BIM Manager Project Director
WSP Thornton Thomasetti

Brian Guidotti
Solutions Consultant
Newforma

Sponsored by:

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The Case for Tax Incentives for AEC

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 19:16:55 +0000

Description: This is a dive into recent AEC federal and tax court cases involving two very lucrative tax incentives.

1. The Research Tax Credit (aka) the R&D tax credit or R&D tax credit
2. 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction
We will walk through cases involving architects, engineers, and even a specialty subcontractor as they took, and some kept these incentives.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the basics of both incentives
2. Determine who is eligible for these incentives
3. Understanding the importance and key elements of allocation letters (179D)
4. Understanding the definition of “funding” for R&D purposes
5. Understanding the basics of surviving and R&D and 179D exam

Sponsored by:

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Protected: Ownership Transition in the AEC Industry

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:10:02 +0000

Protected: Zweig Group’s Understanding Key Financial Statistics in the AEC Industry

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:53:56 +0000

Protected: Change Management

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:35:21 +0000

Protected: Driving Financial Results

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 19:09:35 +0000

Scientists answer coronavirus questions on new website

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:00:55 +0000

The GovLab at NYU Tandon helps debunk misinformation and provide solid advice from the American Federation of Scientists

BROOKLYN, New York,(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Unreliable tips on how to protect oneself from the novel coronavirus and fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic are spreading as quickly as the virus itself.

The Governance Lab (The GovLab) at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering has collaborated with the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and the State of New Jersey Office of Innovation to launch a free, interactive tool aimed at cutting through the noise and presenting clear, scientist-led, and evidence-based information and advice to the public.

Available in English and Spanish, “Ask a Scientist,” allows users to find answers to a wide range of commonly asked questions about the virus, the severity of the outbreak, best methods of prevention, and steps to take in the event you fall ill. All posted content is obtained from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other rigorously verified sources.

If users do not find an answer to their specific questions, they have the option of submitting them to a team of FAS researchers and a crowdsourced network of vetted science experts led by the National Science Policy Network. Users can expect an answer within an hour, although that timeframe is expected to shorten as the network increases in size. Every answer is reviewed to ensure accuracy and timeliness, then added to the knowledge base for the benefit of others.

“We are getting all hands on deck and engaging a global volunteer network of scientists, journalists and other experts to lend their know-how to provide rapid and accurate information that will help slow the spread of this disease and mitigate its impact,” says Professor Beth Simone Noveck, director of The GovLab and Chief Innovation Officer for the State of New Jersey.

Immediately after going live six days ago, “Ask a Scientist” began attracting some 4,000 users a day, and the collaborating teams are now focused on increasing the robustness of the infrastructure to handle the growing volume of queries, including crowdsourcing translation in a wide variety of languages, such as Portuguese, Farsi, and Malagasy. Many public and private organizations are installing the “Ask a Scientist feature” on their own websites as well.

“Ask a Scientist” will also be live on the Amazon Alexa by the end of the week. Just say “Alexa, Ask a Scientist,” followed by a COVID-19 question to access the service by voice.

“Since its inception, The GovLab has been dedicated to serving the public good,” says Jelena Kovačević, dean of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. “I have watched with pride and admiration as Professor Noveck and her team sprang into action to help disseminate vital information to the public. As we find ourselves in the uncharted waters of a global pandemic, they are harnessing the power of science, data, and crowdsourcing to help us all navigate through this crisis.”

About The Governance Lab

The mission of The Governance Lab at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering is to improve people’s lives by changing the way we govern. Our goal at The GovLab is to strengthen the ability of institutions — including but not limited to governments — and people to work more openly, collaboratively, effectively, and legitimately to make better decisions and solve public problems. We believe that increased availability and use of data, new ways to leverage the capacity, intelligence, and expertise of people in the problem-solving process, combined with new advances in technology and science, can transform governance. For more information, visit thegovlab.org.

About the New York University Tandon School of Engineering

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, the founding date for both the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture and the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly). A January 2014 merger created a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences, rooted in a tradition of invention and entrepreneurship and dedicated to furthering technology in service to society. In addition to its main location in Brooklyn, NYU Tandon collaborates with other schools within NYU, one of the country’s foremost private research universities, and is closely connected to engineering programs at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. It operates Future Labs focused on start up businesses in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn and an award-winning online graduate program. For more information, visit https://engineering.nyu.edu.

Protected: Recruitment and Retention

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:33:04 +0000

Understanding Key Financial Statistics in the AEC Industry

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 20:40:06 +0000

Financial statistics and ratios are crucial to assessing your firm’s financial health. Zweig Group’s Financial Performance Report of AEC Firms helps firms compare their performance against industry norms, comparable firms, and specific performance categories. This webinar will highlight several key financial statistics, how they are calculated, and what the industry trends for each measure look like over the last five years.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
– Discuss revenue factor and the different ways to calculate it
– Understand how to calculate the investment your firm is making in labor
– Understand how to forecast your firm’s workload
– Understand why a current ratio and a quick ratio are important
– Identify trends in each of these statistics within the AEC industry

Meet the Speakers:

Tyler Thompson
Research Manager, Zweig Group
Tyler has been the Research Manager at Zweig Group since 2018. Tyler collects and analyzes data from thousands of firms in the AEC industry to produce publications and benchmarking tools for those firms to use. Prior to working at Zweig Group, he worked as an engineering consultant at a multidiscipline engineering firm for three years. Tyler graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.

Andy Chavez
Analyst, Advisory Services
Andy Chavez is an analyst within Zweig Group’s Advisory Services Group. Andy is responsible for cross-functional support to the Strategic Planning, Ownership Transition and Mergers and Acquisitions advisory groups. He also works on financial analysis and market research. Andy joined Zweig Group as an intern, Spring of 2018, and recently our DFW office as a full-time analyst. Prior to joining Zweig Group, he performed financial analysis for a multi-million-dollar company that is closely affiliated with the University. He also has experience in construction and development in the DFW metroplex. Andy earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Arkansas’ Sam Walton College of Business.

This webinar will provide .5 PDH.

Sponsored by:

To remain in compliance with AIA continuing education requirements, quizzes of nano learning courses must be passed with a grade of 100%.
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Structural Engineers Foundation Fred Haas Scholarship

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 18:00:54 +0000

Chicago, IL: The Structural Engineering Foundation (SEF) is pleased to announce a new annual scholarship in honor of Structural Engineer, Fred Haas. This scholarship is made by possible by a generous donation from the Associated Steel Erectors, and will be included in the 2020 SEF Scholarship Awards. Outstanding students that demonstrate an interest in Structural Steel Design and Construction will be considered for the scholarship of $2,500.

Mr. Haas was a past president and honorary member of the Associated Steel Erectors. He also was a past president of the Structural Engineering Foundation. He was also active with the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois and AISC, receiving the AISC Special Achievement Award in 2001 for his work in developing the AISC Erector Certification program. Mr. Haas was a graduate of Purdue University and served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. Mr. Haas passed away in 2014 and is succeeded by his wife, Diana, and two daughters, Karen and Megan.

For more information about the Structural Engineers Foundation, please visit www.SEAOI.org/SEF.

The Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF) is an independent, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to one goal: the advancement of Structural Engineering. To attain this goal, SEF has committed itself to sponsoring and funding scholarships, lectures, awards, research and publications—all aimed at strengthening the Structural Engineering profession.

Terracon Foundation Awards $67,450 in Community and University Grants

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 18:00:11 +0000

OLATHE, Kan. – The Terracon Foundation is pleased to announce the award of $67,450 in community and university grants and scholarships. The Terracon Foundation was established as the community investment arm of Terracon with a goal to reach out and become a real part of the lives of company employees and the communities where they live and work.

“We are pleased to award grants to a number of universities in order to provide students with equipment and scholarships to further their educations, as well as to a diverse group of community organizations,” said Laura Campa, P.E., chair of the Terracon Foundation and manager of the Baton Rouge, La., office. “Each grant was championed by a Terracon employee who is actively involved in the organization or university.”

University Grants

As part of an ongoing effort to support higher education, the Terracon Foundation presents university grants for scholarships, fellowships, and programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Terracon Foundation has presented a total of $45,000 to eight universities:

University Grant Recipient	Location
Auburn University	Auburn, Ala.
Arkansas Tech University	Russellville, Ark.
University of Arkansas	Fayetteville, Ark.
Iowa State University	Ames, Iowa
North Carolina State University	Raleigh, N.C.
Texas A&M University	College Station, Texas
Alamo Colleges Foundation	San Antonio
Virginia Tech Foundation	Blacksburg, Va.

Community Grants

The Terracon Foundation has awarded $22,450 in community grants to nine nonprofit organizations:

Community Grant Recipient Organization	Location
Freshwater Land Trust	Birmingham, Ala.
Whitney High School	Cerritos, Calif.
The GrowHaus	Denver
Macon Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc.	Macon, Ga.
Nahant Marsh Education Center	Davenport, Iowa
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) – University of Missouri-Kansas City Chapter	Kansas City, Mo.
Girl Scouts Louisiana East, Inc.	New Orleans
Folds of Honor Foundation	Owasso, Okla.
Wild Utah Project	Salt Lake City

For more information about the Terracon Foundation, visit terracon.com/foundation.

MBB Architects Offers Employees Travel Grant to Expand Firm’s Cultural Perspective

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:00:09 +0000

Opportunities to study and travel are widely available to architecture students and recent graduates through colleges, universities and foundations – but once employed, the chance to pursue such endeavors becomes far scarcer. Recently, leading architecture firms like New York City based Murphy Burnham & Buttrick (MBB) Architects have committed to the value that international travel experience brings to employees – and to company culture as a whole. MBB and other select firms have instituted their own private travel grants and stipends to promote continued learning and cross-cultural exchange.

MBB’s Harold Buttrick Travel Grant, named after one of the firm’s founding partners and established in 2016, is an annual grant offering one MBB employee five days of paid leave and paid travel-related expenses for the purpose of “broadening his or her understanding of architecture through a research project.” The only requirements are that the candidate must have been with the firm for at least one year and must have graduated from their last degree program within the past decade.

“Offering this grant helps MBB expand our perspective and professionalism in ways that can only be achieved through experiencing architecture as it’s practiced in worlds other than our own. The research is brought back to the firm and shared within the office,” says MBB partner Mary Burnham, FAIA. Another of the partners, Jeffrey Murphy, FAIA, LEED AP, is a graduate of Harvard Design School and himself a recipient of the prestigious Aga Khan Research Fellowship for the study of Islamic architecture as well as the post-graduate Wheelwright Prize, dedicated to advancing original architectural research through cross-cultural engagement.

“Sponsoring travel purely for the sake of enriching one’s knowledge of the built environment is an incredibly worthy endeavor,” says Murphy. “We’ve chosen to invest seriously in supporting this type of experience for our team members.”

Past recipients of recipients of MBB’s Harold Buttrick Travel Grant include Claire Ross in 2016, who traveled to Japan to explore the theme of “Embracing Impermanence,” Sanou Cisse, an associate, who studied wood timber construction in Norway in 2017, and Nyssa Sherazee who conducted research into the urbanization of South Korea in 2018. The latest winner is Kate Brown, an associate who travelled to Mexico to research architects’ efforts to recover from the earthquake in 2017.

MBB is a woman owned international architecture firm known for a strong, collaborative studio culture and expertise in educational projects and sustainable retrofits of historic structures. The firm has recently worked throughout the United States, Europe, South Asia, and Africa, and is committed to civic engagement and leadership at home in New York City as well as around the globe.

“MBB values diversity and collaboration in designing rich and nuanced architecture that resonates with our diverse world,” says Sara Grant, AIA, LEED AP, who was elevated to partner in 2015. “We believe that providing our employees the opportunity to get out and see the world through the lens of their work perfectly aligns with our mission.”

Elevate Your Business – Understanding the Why and How of Unmanned Systems in Engineering and Construction Firms

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:02:08 +0000

The integration of unmanned systems is exponentially growing throughout all industries. This webinar will guide professionals of the engineering and construction industry on the benefits of adopting new technology in the form of UAVs and the process of achieving all certifications and licenses to fit regulation standards. Adopting new technological advancements will give your firm a competitive edge by creating a more efficient workforce.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe ways to use UAVs in the engineering and construction industry
2. Understand the benefits of integrating UAVs in business practices and services
3. Understand the implications of not adopting new technology
4. Explain the process of achieving certification and licenses to operate unmanned systems
5. Understand the regulations for UAV operators

Meet the Speakers:
Michael Mitchell, C.M.
Aviation Planner, KSA Engineers
Michael joined KSA in 2016 as an Aviation Planner. At the start of his career, Michael was involved with multiple projects at airports across the US including Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas Love Field, Chicago O-Hare International Airport, and William P. Hobby Airport. He has been involved with numerous projects including runway reconstructions, terminal planning, master planning, and capital improvement programs. In 2018, Michael was tasked with creating and implementing KSA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program. Following the program’s inception, KSA has employed the use of UAS at numerous airports across the Midwest in support of aviation planning exercises, gathering data to assist with inventory and environmental analysis, aerial imagery, pavement inspection/analysis, and 3D rendering. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management, a Master of Science in Aviation & Space Science, and is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Anna M. Gomez, J.D.
Partner and Co-Chair of the UAS Group at Wiley Rein LLP
The former National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Deputy Administrator, Anna specializes in a wide range of spectrum licensing issues and regulatory, policy, and transactional matters related to domestic and international telecommunications and unmanned aircraft systems. Anna served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard and Deputy Chief of the International Bureau, where she developed and implemented Commission policy on international telecommunications and satellite spectrum. Anna is co-chair of Wiley’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Practice Group.

Sponsored by:

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Risk & Resilience: America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) and Xylem Solutions

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:23:27 +0000

Presented by the experts at Xylem

Join us for this live Webinar | Friday, February 21^st, 2020 | 2:00 PM ET

Starting in March 2020, America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) will require community drinking water systems to develop or update Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRAs) and Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) if the systems serve more than 3,300 people. AWIA is a concrete example of how the water utility industry is increasingly focused on solving the risks posed by natural disasters, malevolent acts, and aging infrastructure. This webinar will educate attendees on the requirements of AWIA and include information on other government initiatives that are putting utility resiliency in the spotlight.

This webinar will highlight several solutions that are helping water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities address risk by building dynamic resiliency into their systems. We will present examples that have helped address increasing storm severity, sea level rise, aging infrastructure, and water quality degradation.

Earn complimentary CEU credits by successfully completing
this online webinar upon request.

This session will be presented by Chris Thomson, Rich Loeffler, Asad Choudry, Hunter Powell and Salvador Dominguez.

Chris Thomson
Director of Marketing for Water Utilities, Xylem
Chris Thomson is the Director of Marketing for Water Utilities in the Americas for Xylem. He has over 19 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. Throughout his career he has been active in the training community – teaching and presenting through AWWA, WEF, Rural Water, and other organizations. Chris has a Master’s Degree of Science in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina and Maryland.

Rich Loeffler
Client Solutions Architect, Xlyem
Rich earned a BS degree in Biosystems Engineering at Clemson University, specializing in natural resources and the environment. He’s been engineering treatment processes in the water industry for 14 years. His efforts began developing and designing advanced treatment systems to help communities diversify their water supplies in water-stressed areas. Rich now focuses on working with clients to leverage 21st century technologies to drive enterprise efficiency and environmental improvement in wet and dry weather conditions.

Asad Choudry
Marketing Business Development Manager for Flygt Large Systems at Xylem
Asad Choudry is the Marketing / Business Development Manager for large submersible pumps, hydroturbines and Flygt A-C Custom Pumps. Asad is responsible for growth and development of marketing execution strategies as they relate to his product portfolio. Asad has over fifteen years of experience in product and project management, sales, and applications for centrifugal pumping equipment. Asad holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Aerospace Engineering from Hofstra University in New York.

Hunter Powell
Godwin Product Manager – Americas, Xylem
Hunter Powell is the Godwin Product Manager for the Americas. Hunter is an industry expert with 14 years of engineering experience in dewatering and bypass pumping system design and standards. For the past 10 years, he has designed numerous water and wastewater projects for the Southern US and he has supported our customers through many tropical storms and hurricanes during his tenure. He holds a degree in Biological Systems Engineering with a focus on Land and Water Resource Management from Virginia Tech.

Salvador Dominguez
Product Manager – Treatment, Xylem
Salvador Dominguez is Product Manager for the Treatment division of Xylem. He has been working in the biogas and water treatment industry for 9 years. He is responsible for product development, strategies and global launches. Salvador is focused on clarification and HAB related advanced treatment solutions. Salvador is also champion in the non-profit Watermark organization, helping communities and educating the public around water related challenges. He holds a state certified degree in Business Management from Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-College and lives Charlotte NC, USA.

Introduction to Skimmer Sediment Basins – Basics of Design to Advanced Modeling

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:51:46 +0000

Most States now require sediment basins to discharge utilizing outlet structures that withdraw from the surface. Skimmers are the most common and cost-effective way to meet this requirement. This webinar provides information on the basics of how skimmer work and why they are utilized, importance of understanding flow rate and detailed information on how to design a sediment basin with a skimmer.

Objectives:

Understand what a skimmer is and why it is used

Learn the fundamentals of skimmer basin design

Understand importance of flow rate vs. skimmer size

Gain basic understanding of Advanced Skimmer Modeling methods

Become aware of benefits of post-construction uses for skimmers

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Un-Complicating the Stabilization Selection Process – Part II

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:16:13 +0000

The first part of this webinar discussed the functions of a Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM), the importance of hydraulic testing, and the critical need to validate TRM performance in various hydraulic scenarios prior to use. The second part of this webinar will focus on the remaining considerations for designing with TRMs, such as appropriate applications, material durability requirements, proper installation and maintenance, and erosion and superficial slope stability analyses.

Objectives of Webinar:

To recognize what applications are appropriate for the use of TRMs
To gain an understanding of the need for strength and durability of TRMs
To become familiar with the proper site preparation and installation procedures for TRMs
To learn how to properly analyze the erosion potential within an open channel
To understand the need for geotechnical evaluation of surficial slope stability on steepened slopes

View Part I

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Lifting the Veil

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 10:44:00 +0000

Corporate Credentials Noncompliance

By Lexi Selvig

In the professional world of successful architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, planning and construction, noncompliance isn’t an option. Corporate credentials compliance responsibilities are riddled with ever-changing non-universal requirements, whether practicing as a single professional or with multiple disciplines in several states. Now that we have your attention, are you thinking, “Do we comply, how can we comply, who can we rely on for professional guidance to comply? Let’s learn about noncompliance issues and how to avoid serious legal consequences with steep financial penalties.

Case Study:

A principal of a multi-discipline firm registered to practice in 52 US jurisdictions recently stated, “I understand the law until it gets in the way of doing business.” A couple of leaders in this firm (not all Principals were informed of this action) decided they wanted to set up an umbrella corporation to then engage in design-build projects. Initially there was no corporate compliance review/audit of 52 US jurisdictions. Of course, the firm’s legal counsel was pleased to set up the umbrella corporation. However, the law firm only considered the business laws in the jurisdiction where the firm was originally registered to practice.

Upon the threat of a seasoned administrator within the firm – “I am not going to jail for what you guys have done” – the firm’s Principal COO initiated an independent legal corporate compliance review/audit. The firm received a complete 17-page report with legal recommendations and actions to be taken.

Naïveté Still Flourishes in the 21st Century:

A professional A/E association executive recently said, “I have not had one inquiry in the last 37 1/2 years about corporate compliance issues.” To this we say, “Really!” Professional associations do not necessarily know the truth nor the whole truth of firms and their internal politics. Firms may be extra cautious about their failings in credentialing for various reasons – embarrassment because disciplinary action becomes public information, potential conflict with a client’s contractual agreement, and possibly relationship instability with supporting industry consultants.

Corporate Organizational Structure:

Corporate credentials compliance issues can simply arise because of changes in leadership, changes in ownership, elevation of an associate to principal, retirement, no transition planning due to death or even a disaster such as a fire or catastrophic weather event.

Another example of a compliance issue comes from a New York engineering licensing statute.

Can a Professional Service Corporation (PC), Registered Limited Liability Partnership (RLLP), or Professional Service Limited Liability Company (PLLC) offer stock ownership to non-licensees?

No. The ownership of PC’s, RLLP’s, and PLLC’s providing architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, geology, and/or land surveying services will still be restricted to those who are licensed and registered in New York in the profession(s) of architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, geology, and land surveying, respectively. In order to allow non-licensees to have an ownership interest, a D.P.C. must be formed.

Jurisdiction Business Licensing Requirements:

Within the United States, Washington D.C., and three US territories, each business licensing jurisdiction has its own requirements which are not universal across the remaining 53. To confirm how complicated a jurisdiction can be, below is an example of business licensing requirements for the State of North Carolina with respect to architecture, engineering and landscape architecture.

Case Study: A Complicated Compliance Review

A firm practicing in 22 jurisdictions is considering expanding to include five new jurisdictions. The following is an example of the firm’s in-house best solution for managing corporate credentials and jurisdiction requirements.

Now, let’s learn how a detailed report with recommendations can save the firm time, money, and legal ramifications.

Compliance Affects Marketing Professional Services:

Currently, while the economy for commercial construction growth is humming along, A/E firms design, engineer, and construct in many locations across the US and internationally, too. It is not uncommon to initiate design and engineering in a new jurisdiction without full knowledge of the requirements to practice. Even more critical, marketing professional services without following jurisdiction statute requirements can and has resulted in serious financial penalties/consequences. It is best to research and know the laws per jurisdiction prior to submitting an RFP, or forming a joint venture partnership to practice engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, etc. The business relationship may not be acceptable to the new jurisdiction with current corporate structures.

In Conclusion:

It is challenging to simplify the many complications facing corporate compliance within the professional A/E community. It is complex and detailed, and a moving target based on the actions of 54 separate US jurisdictions.

An overall legal compliance review/audit with a report and recommendations from a respected legal corporate credentials compliance services firm may be necessary to maintain “good standing” per jurisdiction.

Lexi Selvig, President of LS Credentialing Services, provides legal corporate credentials compliance management services in addition to individual professional credentials management/maintenance services exclusively to the international A/E community. She can be reached at lexi@aecredentialing.com. Visit her company’s website at www.aecredentialing.com.

Advancing the Civil Design Review Process with Model-Based Reviews

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:12:47 +0000

Traditional methods of coordinating design work-in-progress often hinder productivity with duplicate design artifacts and disjointed workflows. You need to find ways to eliminate these issues to work more efficiently and deliver your best results. Join this webinar to learn how you can streamline your civil design review workflows and improve the quality assurance of design deliverables.

Learning Objectives:

1. Common challenges to efficient design reviews
2. What to look for in a civil engineering design solution
3. How to save time by initiating reviews directly from design models
4. How to make it easier for you and your team to navigate and markup specific elements of your design models
5. How to leverage digital twins for 4D visualization and project coordination

Speaker Information:

Taylor Gilmore; Director, Product Management, Civil Infrastructure, Bentley Systems, Inc.

Taylor Gilmore is a director of product management in the Civil Infrastructure group at Bentley Systems and oversees the direction of ProjectWise 365 services and related iTwin services. He has spent the past nine years working on infrastructure management software and has been directly involved in the successful planning, design, and delivery of over 20 infrastructure management systems during his time as a project and product manager at Bentley. During this tenure, Taylor has been closely tied to the infrastructure industry by attending and presenting at transportation, preservation, and asset management conferences, in addition to his role in numerous inspection and asset management software implementations. Taylor has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Grove City College and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Modus Studio, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and OLIN Complete Adohi Hall at the University of Arkansas

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 20:00:03 +0000

CLT Project is America’s First Large-Scale, Mass Timber Living Learning Setting

Boston, MA – November 12, 2019 – A design collaborative led by Leers Weinzapfel Associates (Boston), Modus Studio (Fayetteville, AR), Mackey Mitchell Architects (St. Louis), and OLIN (Philadelphia), announces the completion of Adohi Hall, a $79M, 202,027-square-foot, 708-bed facility at the University of Arkansas. Now in use, the pioneering project is the nation’s first large-scale mass timber residence hall and living learning setting. A bold demonstration of sustainability, the five-story hall also signifies potential economic development for the burgeoning timber industry in Arkansas.

Occupying a linear, sloping, 4-acre site at the base of Fayetteville’s McIlroy Hill on the southern end of campus, the project provides a new university gateway that marks the start of a larger living learning district. Bound on the north by 1960s residence halls, on the east by Stadium Drive, and on the west and south by a large arena and related athletic facilities, the hall is nestled within a generous protective buffer of trees and plantings.

An emphasis on nature resonates throughout the project. Connected by a ground-level passage, a serpentine band of student rooms define three distinctive courtyard spaces that create a dynamic environment for student collaboration and interactive learning in architecture, design, and the arts. The “front porch” in the northernmost building is the key entry point for the complex; the “cabin” at the ground-level, central passage’s midpoint is the main gathering space, comprising a community kitchen, lounges, a quiet hearth, and a rooftop terrace; and the “workshops” of the lower courtyard house a dynamic live/learn program of performance spaces, music and recording studios, and maker spaces that enhance the campuswide arts program.

Four-story residential floors are arranged above the communal spaces. The main stair and elevator for each open onto a series of double-height lounges and kitchen spaces, joining upper and lower floors and inviting community interaction. Each floor contains semi-suites for two students with private baths, and pods of six to eight double rooms with a shared bath and common room. Large study rooms with generous windows at the end of each wing create a series of “lanterns” along Stadium Drive.

The warmth of the project’s exposed structural wood ceilings is apparent in student rooms, study rooms, floor lounges, and ground floor common spaces, and wood columns bring the beauty of the material within reach for all. The “cabin” also includes a wood ceiling and trusses that span the full width of its lounge spaces. Exteriors feature a light metal jacket of zinc-toned panels with accents of textured copper-tone and white that creates a floating band of living space above the natural landscape below.

Integrated into the topography of its site, the new housing complex features a cascading series of outdoor spaces that provide students and visitors with a variety of opportunities to engage and gather. Sinuous pathways are intricately woven through existing stands of mature oak trees, providing much needed shade for the new residents to enjoy warmer months outdoors. Undulating landforms, local sandstone seating areas, and drifts of native planting recall the geological and ecological vernacular of the Ozark Plateau while simultaneously creating comfortable places for people. Stormwater infiltration is carefully integrated into the grading strategy, which captures runoff from both paved areas and buildings.

The name Adohi (“a-doe-hee”) is a Cherokee word meaning “woods.” It honors tribe members who passed near the hall’s site while following the Trail of Tears (1837-1839). It also recognizes the enduring importance of wood and sustainable forestry to the region.

“In all our work, we look for the synergy between place, purpose, and means. These came together in an extraordinary way at Adohi Hall,” says Andrea P. Leers, FAIA, Principal, Leers Weinzapfel Associates. “We drew inspiration from the regional context of the Ozarks, creating a living/learning environment powerful enough to be a destination remote from the center of campus, and the wood-based construction system we developed forges a bond between setting, human comfort, and sustainability.”

“The completion of Adohi Hall signals the University of Arkansas’ commitment to an innovative, sustainably designed campus for its next generation of students and facilities,” says Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor of Architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. “The recognition of the creative abilities of Adohi’s students is matched by the employment of innovative mass timber design and construction techniques and the sensitive treatment of the immediate landscape. Adohi advances each individual student’s identity and opportunities as it also addresses U of A sustainability goals and design ambitions.”

Nabholz Construction Corporation of Rogers, Arkansas, served as Construction Manager for the project, providing installation of the mass timber package.

About Leers Weinzapfel Associates

Recipient of the 2007 American Institute of Architects Firm Award, Leers Weinzapfel designed the nation’s first Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) academic structure, the John W. Olver Design Building at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, featured in the Wall Street Journal’s “Best Architecture of 2017.” The firm’s work lies at the intersection of architecture, urban design, and infrastructure. Recognized for its inventiveness in dramatically complex commissions, its meets these challenges with uncommon design clarity, elegance, and refinement. Widely recognized with nearly 100 national and regional awards, Leers Weinzapfel’s work has been published worldwide and exhibited nationwide. Follow the firm on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Contact: Debra Pickrel, Principal, Pickrel Communications, Inc. – O 212.753.3140 / debra@pickrelcommunications.com

About Modus Studio

Operating on the idea that relevant and inspiring architecture can be sourced from simple, everyday experiences, modus studio departs from the general rule of form to create thoughtful architecture that begins to shape the present landscape and plan for a sustainable future. Modus is rooted in Northwest Arkansas and champions architecture as a means of navigating the threshold between the natural and manmade world. Based in a thinking/making philosophy, modus studio bridges the worlds of design and fabrication with modus shop, providing the ability to build the things they believe in, to the level of craft they seek. The firm recently won a Small Projects Award from the American Institute of Architects and were given the 2018 Architectural League of New York’s Emerging Voices Award.

Contact: Chris Lankford, Director of Marketing + Engagement – O 479.455.5577 / lankford@modusstudio.com

About Mackey Mitchell Architects

Founder Gene Mackey’s guidance developed Mackey Mitchell Architects into a group of thought leaders driven by a philosophy of life-long learning and dedication to the power of human potential. We are proven experts in planning, design, construction, and renovation for higher education—including residential, social, dining, and academic facilities—as well as K-12 and special needs education, workplace, and civic + cultural facilities. Mackey Mitchell’s commitment is to design places that are engaging, sustainable, and appropriate to their surroundings. We fully embrace sustainability, with more than 40 LEED-certified projects—including two LEED Platinum residence halls. With a broad range of firm awards and award-winning projects, we provide the right balance of expertise and innovation needed for the success of any project, and our broad range of experience gives us uncommon insight into how people of all ages and abilities choose to engage with their community spaces. Mackey Mitchell Architects specializes in transformation—creating places that foster learning, socialization and collaboration, where everyone feels they are a part of something greater than themselves.

Contact: Trey Bartsch, Marketing Coordinator – O 314.932.1927 / trey_b@mackeymitchell.com

About OLIN

OLIN is a professional studio of more than 90 landscape architects, planners, and urban designers. From offices in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, the firm creates distinguished landscapes and urban designs worldwide. OLIN’s work is predicated upon social engagement, craft, environmental responsibility, and timelessness, underscored by a profound appreciation for the unique complexities of the urban realm. The firm’s award-winning projects cross boundaries of scale, typology, and site condition, yet are all driven by a central mission: to create places that enhance life. OLIN’s celebrated projects include Bryant Park in New York City, the J. Paul Getty Center in Los Angeles, Mill River Park in Stamford, Connecticut, Dilworth Park in Philadelphia, and Washington Canal Park in Washington, D.C. We work on projects ranging in size from large-scale master planning commissions to mid-sized institutions to small urban interventions, creating environmentally advanced, technical projects, promoting greater social engagement and ecology for every project.

Contact: Kristen Battaglia, Senior Marketing Manager – O 215.440.0030 x 403 / kbattaglia@theolinstudio.com

About Nabholz Construction

Nabholz Construction Corporation of Rogers, Arkansas served as Construction Manager for the project, self-performing the installation of the mass timber package. Founded in 1949, Nabholz is now a multi-service contractor providing construction, industrial, civil, specialty, environmental, and railroad services from its network of 13 locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Connecticut. With more than 70 years of experience and a steady place in the top 150 on ENR’s “Top 400 Contractors” list, Nabholz continues to bring integrity, quality, and value to projects across the region.

Contact: Angi McDaniel, Director of Marketing Communication – angi.mcdaniel@nabholz.com

Online Master’s Degree Programs 2019

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 10:44:58 +0000

Civil and structural engineers have significant continuing education options for elevating their careers.

Opportunities to elevate your professional skills and knowledge while working fulltime as a civil or structural engineer have never been greater — if you can find the time and money. Civil + Structural Engineer’s annual directory has expanded to include 82 schools that confer master’s degrees through online study in a range of relevant disciplines such as civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, or sustainable engineering; project, construction, or engineering management; geospatial technologies; and even unmanned systems (i.e., drones).

In addition, many of the schools listed here offer online certificate programs in specialized fields of study that, in many cases, can later be applied toward a master’s degree.

Arizona State University

https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate

Master of Science, Construction Management
Master of Science, Engineering, Sustainable Engineering
Master of Sustainability Leadership

Auburn University

https://www.eng.auburn.edu/online/

Master of Civil Engineering, Pavement and Materials Option
Master of Engineering
Master of Engineering Management

California State University, Fresno

www.fresnostate.edu/cge/water

Master of Science, Water Resource Management

Clarkson University

https://www.clarkson.edu/academics/engineering/civil-environmental-engineering

Master of Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Master of Science, Civil & Environmental Engineering

Clemson University

https://www.clemson.edu/graduate/academics/program-details.html?m_id=Construction-Science-Management

Master of Construction Science and Management

Colorado State University

https://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/graduate-degrees.dot

Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Master of Engineering, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Columbia University

www.cvn.columbia.edu

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Construction Engineering and Management
Master of Science, Earth and Environmental Engineering

Delta State University

https://www.deltastate.edu/artsandsciences/mathematics-and-sciences/mas-git

Master of Applied Science, Geospatial Information Technologies

Drexel University

www.drexel.com/online-degrees/masterdegrees.aspx

Master of Science, Construction Management,
Master of Science, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Project Management

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

https://erau.edu/degrees/?degree-level=master&campus=worldwide

Master of Science, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Project Management
Master of Science, Unmanned Systems

Florida International University

https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/programs/online-graduate-degrees

Master of Science, Construction Management
Master of Science, Engineering Management

Harvard University

www.extension.harvard.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/sustainability-degree

Master of Liberal Arts, Sustainability

Iowa State University

https://www.distance.iastate.edu/graduate-programs/

Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering (construction engineering and management focus)
Master of Engineering, Engineering Management

Johns Hopkins University

https://ep.jhu.edu/programs-and-courses/programs

Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Environmental Engineering
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering and Science
Master of Science, Environmental Planning and Management

Kansas State University

https://global.k-state.edu/courses/degrees

Master of Engineering Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Community Development

Kennesaw State University

https://learnonline.kennesaw.edu/graduate-programs

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Engineering Management

Lawrence Technological University

https://onlinedegrees.ltu.edu/colleges/college-of-engineering

Master of Construction Engineering Management
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Louisiana State University

https://online.lsu.edu/online-degree-programs/engineering-construction-degrees/

Master of Science, Construction Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Michigan Technological University

https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/programs/degrees/

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Integrated Geospatial Technology

Mississippi State University

https://www.bagley.msstate.edu/distance/programs

Master of Engineering
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Missouri University of Science and Technology

https://dce.mst.edu/credit/degrees

Master of Engineering, Geotechnics
Master of Science, Civil Engineering (environmental, structural, geotechnical, water resources, or construction engineering focus)
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering
Master of Science, Engineering Management

Montana Tech

https://www.mtech.edu/gradschool/distancelearning/pem.html

Master of Project Engineering and Management

New England Institute of Technology

https://www.neit.edu/Programs/Online-and-Hybrid-Degree-Programs

Master of Science, Construction Management
Master of Science, Engineering Management

New Jersey Institute of Technology

https://www5.njit.edu/online/programs

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Transportation

NewSchool of Architecture & Design

https://newschoolarch.edu/academics/school-of-architecture/cm-programs/master-of-construction-management

Master of Construction Management

North Carolina State University

https://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu

Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Engineering
Master of Environmental Engineering

https://online-distance.ncsu.edu/program/master-of-geospatial-information-science-and-technology

Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology

North Dakota State University

https://bulletin.ndsu.edu/programs-study/graduate/#masterstext

Master of Construction Management
Master of Science, Community Development
Master of Science, Transportation and Urban Systems
Master of Transportation and Urban Systems

Northern Arizona University

https://nau.edu/online-paths-to-a-better-future

Master of Science, Applied Geospatial Sciences

Norwich University

https://civilengineering.norwich.edu

Master of Civil Engineering (structural, environmental/water resources, geotechnical, or construction management focus)

Ohio University

https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu

Master of Science, Civil Engineering (construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, structural engineering, or transportation engineering focus)
Master of Engineering Management

Old Dominion University

https://online.odu.edu/academics/degree/masters-degree

Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering, Environmental Engineering
Master of Science, Civil Engineering (coastal engineering focus)
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

Pennsylvania State University

www.worldcampus.psu.edu

Master of Engineering Management
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Master of Professional Studies, Community and Economic Development
Master of Professional Studies in Geodesign
Master of Professional Studies, Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
Master of Project Management

Purdue University

https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/programs/masters-degrees/interdisciplinary-engineering/engineering-management-leadership

Master of Science, Engineering Management and Leadership

Salisbury University

www.salisbury.edu/geography/msgism

Master of Science, GIS Management

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

www.sdsmt.edu/DistanceEducation

Master of Science, Construction Engineering and Management
Master of Science, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Mining Engineering and Management

Southern Methodist University

https://www.smu.edu/Lyle/Graduate/ProspectiveStudents/Lyle-Distance-Education-Program/Programs

Master of Arts, Sustainability and Development
Master of Science, Civil Engineering,
Master of Science, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

Southern New Hampshire University

www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/masters

Master of Business Administration, Engineering Management
Master of Business Administration, Project Management
Master of Science, Construction Management

Stanford University (Stanford Center for Professional Development)

https://scpd.stanford.edu/certificates/mastersDegrees.jsp

Master of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Stevens Institute of Technology

https://www.stevens.edu/academics/stevens-online/available-programs/schaefer-school-engineering-science

Master of Science, Construction Management

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

https://iol.tamucc.edu/online_degrees.html

Master of Science, Geospatial Surveying Engineering

Texas Tech University

www.depts.ttu.edu/elearning/programs/index.php

Master of Engineering
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

The George Washington University

https://onlineemse.seas.gwu.edu/online-programs/ms-in-engineering-management

Master of Science, Engineering Management

The Ohio State University

https://mgel.osu.edu/tracks

Master of Global Engineering Leadership, Civil and Environmental Engineering technical track

Thomas Jefferson University

https://online.jefferson.edu/online-degrees

Master of Science, Construction Management
Master of Science, Sustainable Design

Trine University

https://www.trine.edu/online/degrees/index.aspx

Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of Alabama – Birmingham

https://www.uab.edu/online/degrees-certificates

Master of Engineering, Advanced Safety Engineering and Management
Master of Engineering, Structural Engineering
Master of Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management
Master of Engineering, Sustainable Smart Cities

University of Alabama – Huntsville

www.uah.edu/online-learning/online-programs

Master of Science, Civil Engineering (hybrid program, primarily online)
Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of Arizona

https://online.engineering.arizona.edu/online-programs

Master of Engineering, Mining, Geological and Geophysical Engineering
Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of Arkansas

https://online.uark.edu/programs/index.php#filter=.masters

Master of Science, Engineering
Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of California – Los Angeles

www.msol.ucla.edu/sustainable-water-engineering

Master of Science, Engineering (with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management or Mechanics of Structures)
Master of Science, Engineering (with Certificate of Sustainable Water Engineering)

University of Central Florida

https://www.ucf.edu/online/masters

Master of Science, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

www.uccs.edu/easonline/degree-programs/engineering-management-degree.html

Master of Engineering, Engineering Management

University of Colorado – Denver

www.cuonline.edu/GIS

Master of Engineering, Geographic Information Systems

University of Dayton

https://udayton.edu/engineering/departments/engineering-management-systems-technology/engineering-management-systems/engineering-management-ms/index.php

Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of Florida

www.distance.ufl.edu/masters

Master of Engineering, Environmental Engineering Sciences
Master of International Construction Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering Sciences
Master of Sustainable Design
Master of Urban and Regional Planning

University of Houston

https://www.uh.edu/online/programs/online-programs/graduate/index

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Construction Management

University of Idaho

www.uidaho.edu/cogs/programs-offered/online-programs/list

Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Master of Engineering, Engineering Management
Master of Science, Environmental Science
Master of Science, Geological Engineering

University of Illinois at Chicago

https://meng.uic.edu

Master of Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

https://cee.illinois.edu/academics/graduate-programs

Master of Science, Civil Engineering (construction management, infrastructure, transportation engineering, or structural engineering focus)
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

University of Louisville Online

https://louisville.edu/online

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Computer Science
Master of Engineering, Engineering Management
Graduate Certificate, Structural Engineering
Graduate Certificate, Transportation Engineering
Graduate Certificate, Cyber Security
Graduate Certificate, Data Science

University of Maine

https://online.umaine.edu/grad

Master of Science, Spatial Informatics
Professional Science Master, Engineering and Business (Surveying Engineering concentration

University of Maryland

www.advancedengineering.umd.edu/programs

Master of Engineering, Project Management

University of Massachusetts – Lowell

https://gps.uml.edu/academic-programs/?location=online&planlevels=graduate

Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

https://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/programs/EngineeringManagement

Master of Engineering Management

University of New Haven

https://online.newhaven.edu/masters-in-environmental-engineering

Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

University of New Mexico

https://unmonline.unm.edu/programs/masters/construction-management.html

Master of Construction Management

University of South Carolina

https://sc.edu/study/academic_overview/online_education/courses/degree_programs/online_graduate_degree_programs/index.php

• Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering
• Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of South Florida

www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/graduate/msem.aspx

Master of Science, Engineering Management

University of Southern California

https://gapp.usc.edu/den/programs

Master of Construction Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering (construction or structural engineering focus)
Master of Science, Green Technologies
Master of Science, Systems Architecting and Engineering

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

https://volsonline.utk.edu/online-programs/graduate-programs

Master of Science, Civil Engineering (public works or transportation concentration)
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

University of Texas – Arlington

www.uta.edu/engineering/future-students/engineering-online/index.php

Master of Construction Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering

University of Texas at Tyler

https://www.uttyler.edu/academics/graduate/civil-engineering-degree.php

Master of Science, Civil Engineering

University of Virginia

https://cgep.virginia.edu/civil-and-environmental-engineering

Master of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering (infrastructure systems focus)

University of Washington

www.pce.uw.edu/online/masters-degrees

Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management
Master of Science, Civil Engineering: Construction Engineering
Master of Science, Construction Management
Master of Sustainable Transportation
Master of Science, Civil Engineering: Energy Infrastructure

University of Wisconsin – Madison

https://epd.wisc.edu/online-degrees

Master of Engineering Management
Master of Engineering, Sustainable Systems Engineering

University of Wisconsin – Platteville

https://www.uwplatt.edu/learn-online

Master of Science, Engineering (structural/geotechnical engineering focus)
Master of Science, Project Management

Villanova University

https://www1.villanova.edu/main/online-programs.html

Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Master of Science, Sustainable Engineering
Master of Science, Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

Virginia Tech

https://vtonline.vt.edu/MastersDegrees.html

Master of Natural Resources

Western Carolina University

https://www.wcu.edu/learn/programs/index.aspx

Master of Construction Management
Master of Project Management

Western New England University

https://www1.wne.edu/academics/graduate/engineering-management-mba.cfm

Master of Science, Engineering Management/MBA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

https://www.wpi.edu/academics/online/study

Master of Science, Construction Project Management
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering

Youngstown State University

https://ysu.edu/academics#t_online-degrees

Master of Science, Engineering Management

New Methods for Ponding Analysis of Open Web Steel Joist Roofs

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 19:42:45 +0000

This webinar will review roof ponding requirements in the SJI 2015 Specifications, IBC 2015, ASCE 7-16, the International Plumbing Code (2015), FM Global and the AISC 2016 Specification. The recently improved SJI Roof Bay Analysis Tool will also be discussed. This tool assists the engineer in selecting the most economical joist bay configuration and now also determines the stability of the bay for roof ponding. The ponding analysis method implemented in the tool, in which loads are computed based on the deformed shape of the roof, are introduced and compared to traditional methods of assessment defined within the AISC Specification. Several analysis examples of roofs constructed with joists and Joist Girders will be presented. The presentation also includes photographs of roof failures with discussion as to why the collapses occurred.

Learning Objectives of Webinar

The roof ponding requirements within ASCE 7, IBC, and FM Global.
The limitations of the method of ponding analysis given in Appendix 2 of the AISC Specification.
The stability of simple roof systems for ponding using the SJI Roof Bay Analysis Tool.
The main factors influencing the ponding stability of open-web steel joist roofs.

Sponsored By:

See more webinars from Steel Joist Institute here.

[qsm quiz=44]

Your Employees: The Most Important Asset You’re Neglecting

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:19:11 +0000

Business leaders often declare that employees are their most important assets. But few employers truly define what that means in their workplace.

Employer commitment to employees and their success is one of the top 5 drivers of happiness at work, according to the 2019 MetLife US Employee Benefits Study.

When employees are supported, they’re more engaged and productive. But when employees feel undervalued, they leave at the first opportunity available.

HR management, owners and partners are inundated with managing the day to day human resource tasks, leaving little time to focus on growing current employees.

Growing your firm, talent, and workforce takes time – there’s no shortcut to building value. In order to get a return on any asset, you MUST invest in that asset. So, if employees are your greatest asset, prove it.

After this webinar, you will know:

How to engage employees in performance reviews
Why you should never ignore minor employee incidents in your firm
How to protect your firm from legal issues associated with labor laws
Why a career path is essential for employee retention
How we’ve developed a module to aid your HR management

Presenter:
Steven Burns, FAIA
Chief Creative Officer
BQE Software

Sponsored by:

[qsm quiz=53]

Un-Complicating the Stabilization Selection Process – Part I

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:26:35 +0000

Selecting the right material for channel and bank stabilization is critical, but the selection process is often complicated by limited performance criteria, abundance of new materials, and limited installation information. Stabilization methods incorporating native vegetation are increasing in popularity because they are engineered to provide stability and enhance overall project designs. Traditionally, performance criteria for channel stabilization materials have focused on hydraulic parameters such as shear stress and flow velocity, but field performance is also dependent on non-hydraulic factors. Material selection, design, construction, and installation procedures are all critical to performance and project success. The objective of this webinar is to illustrate appropriate Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM) applications, summarize necessary hydraulic and non-hydraulic performance determination methods, present paramount installation considerations and provide design examples.

Learning Objectives

To understand the hydraulic parameters used in designing with Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs)
To gain an understanding of the effects of non-hydraulic stresses on TRMs
To become familiar with the proper site preparation and installation procedures for TRMs
To recognize what applications are appropriate for the use of TRMs
To learn the hydraulic benefits permanent earth anchors provide for TRMs

Dr. Christopher Thornton, PhD, PE, currently hold an Associate Professor position in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering serves as the Director of the Engineering Research Center and Hydraulics Laboratory at Colorado State University.

Dr. Thornton is currently the PI on the United States Army Corps of Engineers Full Scale Wave Overtopping Simulation project. This project is intended to simulate waves hitting levees, crashing across the top and accelerating down the backside to see what effect they have on different types of grass and armoring systems. In addition, during the past six years, work conducted at the Hydraulics Laboratory has been instrumental in defining and developing standards for performance testing of engineered erosion control solutions. Partnerships formed with other research institutions have resulted in interdisciplinary collaborations that have defined frameworks describing the complex problem of soil erosion and stability.

Dr. Thornton provides technical expertise to University and local communities in areas of hydraulics, open-channel flow, bio-engineering, river mechanics and erosion control. He supervises hydraulic modeling in areas of river mechanics, dam safety, flow measurement, erosion and sedimentation, riprap design, bank revetment and stabilization, stream monitoring, environmental aspects of rivers, hydraulic structures, and tailings management. Dr. Thornton earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. He is a member of ASCE, ASTM, AWRA, ECTC, EWRI and IECA.

Sponsored by:

[qsm quiz=52]

If Your Firm is so Successful, Where is All the Money?

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 21:14:49 +0000

If your firm takes pride in its ability to practice engineering that endures, you owe it to yourself and your clients to make your firm equally sustainable.

Join us in this exciting webinar presented by Steven Burns, FAIA, Chief Creative Officer at BQE Software. With more than 20 years of experience managing a successful architectural practice and having consulted with hundreds of firms over the last 15 years, Steve has been witness to every good and bad method of firm management and financial stewardship.

This webinar will cover 10 simple things your firm can start doing to becoming financially stable, which will not only take away the financial pressure so many firms face each month, but allow your firm to grow, hire the finest talent and attract coveted clients.

In this webinar you will learn:

How to organize your firm so your talent is challenged and building the best practice
Best practices for presenting winning fee proposals
Simple project management techniques so your team can focus on the project and deliverables without going over budget or schedule
Billing practices that ensure your clients skip the questions and pay invoices quickly
Why client feedback is essential to achieve success for both the firm and the client

Sponsored by:

[qsm quiz=51]

Making Connections

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:44:52 +0000

Eight Strategies for More Successful Presentations

By Rich Friedman

If your firm has implemented a strategic business development process, then you’re spending plenty of time identifying and researching prospective clients, pre-positioning work, and making thoughtful go-no-go decisions.

But what happens when you’re in the room where the final decisions are made? Over many years of conducting client interviews, we’ve heard the horror stories and the success stories. If you want to impress your clients – and win more work – then it may be time to raise your shortlist and client presentation game.

As one client we spoke with recently put it: “Nine times out of ten, deals are made in the interviews. You think you have the front-runners selected from the proposals, and then they go in and bomb. It’s all about how they connect with our group.”

While there is no cookie-cutter formula to a winning presentation, there’s also not as much mystery as you might think. Here’s what your clients want to see more of, and less of:

Give them the experience. Your number-one objective is to convey your client experience. We hear this repeatedly from clients in nearly all market sectors, public and private. They want to know what it will be like to work with your firm and your project team on this project. Successful teams are the ones that leave a positive lasting impression, not just as subject-matter experts but as collaborators and communicators. Clients value responsiveness and want a collaborative partner who is willing to understand their business. So unless it’s been specifically asked for, be careful about coming in with a fully baked design or solution.

This is where an interactive, “show-don’t-tell” approach can win the day. Think of presentations as an opportunity to demonstrate that you listen, ask intelligent questions, and model your collaboration and problem-solving processes. While they may not expect you to have all of the answers upfront, they do want to know that you’ve done your homework and that you have a clear process they can trust. Show them how you’ll go about developing those answers, whether in the form of a design or a solution to a technical problem.

Skip what they already know. “I don’t go out to 20 firms,” says one VP of facilities. “If I’ve gone out to three firms and you’re one of them, you don’t need to sell me or you wouldn’t be there.” For example, instead of spending 30 minutes selling your firm and rushing through 15 minutes of project-related content, limit your sales pitch to around 5 minutes and be sure it’s focused on the needs of the project. That provides plenty of time for valuable content and discussion that showcases your understanding of the client, their needs and your solutions.

Tailor your format. It can be tempting to model your next presentation after your last one, but as you know, not all clients are the same. Even within a client organization, the winning formula can vary from project to project, and from decision-maker to decision-maker. If you’ve been chasing clients and not projects, you’ve already done the hard work in gathering intel and pre-positioning. Use this information to tailor your presentation accordingly. Things to think about include:

How interactive can you be within the guidelines and culture of this client and this group of decision-makers?
What are they most concerned with or likely to ask? How will you address this?
What is most important to convey, and who will speak to each of these points?
What questions do you need to (or strategically want to) ask the selection committee?

Invest in your people. If there is one expense that will deliver deep ROI for your BD efforts, training your people in presentation skills is it. An articulate, confident presenter who can think on their feet is more likely to connect with clients and be viewed as someone they can trust to deliver results. You don’t want to be the team remembered for the PM who stared at the selection committee and stuttered or the principal who read to clients from a sheet of paper. One facilities director shared this insight: “My advice is to take some presentation courses. When lay people know nothing about construction or design, they select the best presenter.”

Do your due diligence. Before you walk into that room, you should know who you’re meeting and what the competition looks like. This can set you apart before you even arrive. A surprising number of firms are reluctant to ask for the names and roles of the people they’ll be meeting, the expected format of the meeting, or how many/which firms have been shortlisted. Having this information can inform your presentation content and allow you to research and make personal connections with committee members ahead of time on LinkedIn.

Focus on “why you, why now.” Use your five minutes of “sell” time wisely. What truly makes your firm different? Quality, service and modern technology are client expectations, not differentiators. If you want to get your clients’ attention, show them what makes you the best choice for this project. If it’s a repeat client, be sure to remind them of what you’ve previously done, the lessons you’ve learned and how you will apply them to the project at hand.

Build a strategic team. Selection committees, and even clients offering sole-source work, want to have a clear sense of who will be on the project and, ideally, hear from those doing the work. That includes the principal-in-charge and most especially, the project manager, but it may also include subject-matter specialists, key subs and partners, project architects and others. How will your team members seamlessly hand off or build off various pieces of the presentation? (Principals, remember, this is not a solo show!). The makeup of your team should answer the questions on your client’s mind:

Which principal(s) will be involved and what will their level of involvement really be?
Who will be doing the day-to-day work and are we comfortable with them?
Do they bring the specialty expertise we believe is needed for this project?
How well does this team understand our systems and/or requirements?

Rehearse! Even if you have stellar presenters, please don’t wing it or try to cram for your preparation. The chemistry of your team and ability to present cohesively is critical to your success. While it may be challenging to find time to rehearse, prioritize a few dry runs. After all, you’re asking your prospective client to spend the next several months or years with you. A cohesive, confident and enthusiastic team will give them confidence that they’re making the right choice.

What’s the most successful strategy you’ve used to improve your client presentations? Tell me about it at rich@friedmanpartners.com or (508) 276-1101.

Using Twitter to Expand Your Brand

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:44:49 +0000

By Heather Stegner

You’ve heard that social media is a way to position yourself as a thought leader or grow your business. But where do you start and how do you do it? One option: hosting or participating in a subject-specific discussion using a Twitter Q&A.

The American Wood Council (AWC) has been using Twitter Q&As to bring experts and partners together to discuss topics such as the building code development process, deck safety, resiliency and mass timber. In about 30 minutes, the duration of a typical AWC Q&A, our “chats” reach approximately 25,000 individual accounts.

What is a Twitter Q&A?

There are several ways to organize a “chat” on Twitter. The method AWC has used is to gather a panel of experts to discuss a given topic.

For example, during National Forest Products Week last October, we hosted a Twitter Q&A using the #WoodBuildsOurWorld hashtag. Using a unique hashtag in posts, which is a word or phrase preceded by the pound sign, ensures that the group of messages are all seen together by viewers. Hashtags are used on many types of social media as a system of organization, gathering messages on a particular topic in one place. The AWC Twitter account, or “handle,” posed questions to the identified experts using the hashtag, who then posted their responses.

Hosting a Twitter Q&A

Interested in organizing your own Twitter Q&A? Here are a few tips:

Create a hashtag. What is a catchy phrase that encompasses your topic and will garner interest? Plug it in to Twitter as a hashtag (meaning add a pound sign and delete spaces between the words) to research if it’s been used before, and if so, how. Don’t neglect this step. You don’t want to start using a hashtag and find out there is an alternate meaning with which you wouldn’t want your Twitter account associated. Examples of hashtags AWC has used for Q&As include #AWCResilienceChat, #SafeDeckChat, and #WoodBuildsOurWorld.
Draft questions in advance. Once you have the topic you want to discuss, draft your questions. We have found that 10-15 questions, along with participant responses, are enough to span approximately 30 minutes. If you find you are running out of time during the Twitter Q&A, you can always skip questions.
Invite the experts. Determine which of your partners who are qualified to discuss the topic are active on Twitter. Of those, choose three-to-five to participate in the Q&A as the expert panel.
Be prepared to offer support. Your chosen panelists may not be familiar with a Twitter chat or Twitter Q&A. Be prepared to have (several) conversations beforehand to help the panelists understand the format, become comfortable and feel prepared.
Promote the Q&A. Use various social media channels to promote the Q&A. Identify the panelists who will be participating and give the time, date and hashtag to participate in or follow the discussion. Ask your expert panel to help promote the Q&A by posting to their social media that they will be participating.

Heather Stegner

Recommendations for Participants

Similarly, here are some recommendations if you’ve been asked to participate as an expert during a Q&A:

Use the hashtag. Make sure you include the hashtag in every response you post to ensure it’s captured as part of the “conversation.” “Attendees” who are following the hashtag won’t see your responses if it isn’t included in your tweet.
Use gifs and images. Social posts that include images generally get better engagement (likes or retweets) than those that are straight text. Add photos or animated gifs to your responses to liven up your posts.
Don’t feel like you need to answer every question. Some questions may be outside of your wheelhouse. It’s ok to sit out some questions.
Engage with other experts. If you see a response from another expert panelist that you agree with, like or retweet it. Engaging with the other responses encourages panelists to do the same with your posts, which helps your answers also reach their Twitter followers.

Hosting or even participating in these types of social media events will help position you as a credible source in your topic area, as well as help you find relevant followers. Good luck and have fun getting involved in Twitter Q&As!

Heather Stegner is vice president, communications, American Wood Council. She can be reached at HStegner@awc.org.

Properly Specifying Steel Joists

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 17:00:59 +0000

Open web steel joists are an efficient, economical method of framing building floors and roofs, but there are some basics that should be covered in the structural design and specifying process. This presentation will highlight the current codes and specifications that apply to steel joist construction and provide insight into the best way to plan your next project. Practical guidance will be provided to both avoid unnecessary RFI’s and to maximize system economy.

Learning Objectives of Webinar

Proper use of reference standards
Avoiding common pit-falls and unnecessary RFI’s
Tips for economy with the specified steel joist system
Awareness of design tools available from the Steel Joist Institute

Sponsored By:

See more webinars from Steel Joist Institute here.

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