INTEX Expo

April 23-24, Colorado Convention Center, Denver

At the Colorado Convention Center, April 23–24, the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry and the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association, will again host the INTEX Expo. This is the largest trade show that serves the wall and ceiling industry. Because of this, attendees will most likely see a great deal of new product launches and company news released at the show.

More than 120 exhibitors will be on hand to offer new technologies, products and tools to enhance your productivity and strategies to give you the competitive edge in your market. Meet with the manufacturers face-to-face to discuss their new product lines and company events.

The grand opening of the INTEX Expo is at 12:30 p.m. on April 23. The show is open again the next day as well, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Several manufacturers have announced new product launches and events at their booths. Drywall accessory manufacturer Trim-Tex will showcase its new Mud-Set & Rigid Corner Beads, as well as on-site demonstrations. The company is also celebrating its 40th anniversary and will have prizes.

Structus Building Technologies will give its customers a chance to work with the Hydrotrim Bullnose Corner, in addition to the outside 90 corner that is currently available from Grabber.

Building material supplier Wind-lock will be high-tech.

“Our booth will be all about social media … we will be running YouTube videos showing our products,” says Ashley Feit, business development manager. “We will be giving a free gift to people who sign up on site to be a Fan of Wind-lock on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter. They will also be eligible for a promotion that we will send out through our social media networks after the show.”

This annual event is held in conjunction with CISCA and AWCI’s respective programs, events and seminars.

Visit www.intexconstructionexpo.com for a complete list of exhibitors and more information. Next year’s show will be held in Reno, Nev., March 30-31.

Visit Walls & Ceilings’ booth to meet staff and for exciting information.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN DENVER

You may want to bring a heavier spring jacket as average temperatures that time of the year in Denver are highs of 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the day; 34 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Known for its outdoor activities, there are several attractions the Mile-High City offers, such as horseback riding, white water rafting, ATV trail riding in Arapaho National Forest, walking tours and more.

There are also plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the convention center. Lower downtown (aka LoDo) is a cultural area with clubs and sports bars, as well as “traditional” saloons.

There is no shortage of the performing arts in Denver and there are several live clubs and venues for all types of music: rock, hard rock, punk, jazz, blues, soul, folk, country, alt-country, and more. The Grizzly Rose is a famous Denver live music club for country. Larimar Lounge is a chance to see smaller indie bands. Ogden Theatre is the place for national touring acts and Sambuca is the Denver spot for live salsa and swing. And for karaoke fanatics, Denver’s Sing Sing will have plenty of folks singing in key-and out-of-key.

Of course, there is plenty of culture in the city and among its premier attractions is the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Currently on exhibition at the MOCA are the films, paintings, and drawings by Belgian artist Michaël Borremans; an historic video monologue of playwright Samuel Beckett’s Not I and more.

Reference sites:

www.denver.org

www.denver.com/nightlife

www.mcadenver.org

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CONSTRUCT 2010/TFM

May 11-14, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia

CONSTRUCT2010, in conjunction with the 54th CSI Annual Convention, is for the industrial, commercial and institutional building industry and the networking hub for thousands of professionals who design, specify, build and procure for successful project management. The show hosts the latest in industry technology, the newest products and most up-to-date solutions partnered with AIA/CES and CSI CEN accredited educational programming. The event will be held in Philadelphia, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Educational programs are offered May 11-14, 2010 and the Exhibit Hall will be open May 12-14, 2010.

This 2010 event is a cost effective strategy for combining educational opportunities with product and service solutions for business success. Co-located with The Total Facility Management Show, this event is dedicated to the institutional, industrial and commercial building industry. For those that design, build, specify, engineer, renovate or operate in the built environment, this is the event to attend. Participants can experience the value of networking and relationship building as a broad spectrum of industry professionals convene in one place to attend the CSI Annual Convention, earn learning credits, continue current vendor relationships and find new business partnerships.

The trade show expects to draw thousands of decision-makers that specify and purchase commercial building products and services. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of relevant exhibits with problem-solving solutions as well as the latest trends in the New Product Pavilion and sustainable solutions in the Green Pavilion.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The expert-led Education Program features in-depth, practical education designed specifically for the commercial building professional and senior executive facilities manager to attain and maintain certification. The event is a provider for CSI CEN, AIA/CES LU’s and offers certificates of completion for Professional Development Hours to meet various state’s requirements. The comprehensive program provides solid solutions and the latest industry knowledge for success with issues, challenges and opportunities industry professionals face today and in the future.

Select from more than 75 courses offered in lecture, interactive or demonstrative formats. Fulfill annual education needs with more than 12 continuous hours of education and 13 courses in sustainable design over four days. The education hours do not compete with exhibit hall hours. Sessions are organized in seven tracks:

Building & Design (Daylighting, Lighting, Color, Building Information Modeling, Materials, Envelope)

Business (Finance and Management)

Leadership (Leadership and Management)

Process (Specifications, Project Delivery, Construction Management, Operations

Standards (Code, ASTM, Regulatory, ANSI, Safety)

Stewardship (Green, Energy Efficiency, LEED)

Take advantage of an additional training programs being offered in the Education Pavilion located on the exhibit floor and Expo Education in exhibitor’s booths. And, the technical tours also offer credits.

Two Technical Tours are planned to educate and inform. A tour to the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, highlights its evolution of theater design and construction. The exterior envelope renovation of Philadelphia City Hall shows how to approach the exterior renovation of a high municipal building without lowering preservation standards.

Networking opportunities include the Welcome Reception, the CSI Gala and a trip to Fairmount Water Works. A Spouse/Guest program that includes a tour to Longwood Gardens, a student design competition, an Emerging Professional program and a full CSI program round out the activities, programs and events.

An insightful, and at times, humorous presentation with Keynote speaker, Bjarke Ingels, BIG, will highlight the General Session. Bjarke will discuss how architecture evolves from the collision of political, economical and social interests, as well as interests yet unnamed and unforeseen. He will expose the behind-the-scenes story of how architecture happens, how ideas take form and how shapes evolve. Architecture is never triggered by a single event, never conceived by a single mind, and never shaped by a single hand. Neither is it the direct materialization of a personal agenda, but rather the result of an ongoing adaptation to the multiple conflicting forces through society. Architects don’t control the city - they can only aspire to intervene.

Attend this power-packed event that has been designed for you, the architect, specifier, engineer, senior executive facilities manager and professionals in the building and built environment..

For more information and to register, please visit www.CONSTRUCT show.com.

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AIA National Convention and Design Exposition

June 10-12, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami

The American Institute of Architects 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition will be held June 10-12 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami. This year’s theme, “Design for the New Decade,” advances the idea that good design-sustainable, elegant, and appropriate-occurs across a range of scales, from interior to the building to the community and around the world.

The AIA National Convention and Design Exposition is the premier event for architects and building industry professionals. This year in Miami, learn how the architecture profession is adapting to rapid changes-from new building products to innovations in design practice. With more than 200 program offerings including preconvention workshops, seminars, educational tours, and expo education-you can earn all the learning units you need for 2010 in just a couple days.  The diversity of topics covered in these offerings allows you to enhance your knowledge of design, practice management, and career development.

This year’s show offers visitors a chance to meet with more than 800 exhibitors to discover new products and technologies you can use in future projects.

FURTHER EDUCATION

The education experience also extends beyond the parameters of the convention hall. You can choose from more than 70 educational tours that allow you to earn learning units while visiting Miami’s Art Deco landmarks.

A wide variety of special events offer plenty of opportunities to network, relax with colleagues, and take time out from the business of the convention. Whether you come for the education, the experience, or the opportunity to connect with colleagues, your participation in the AIA 2010 National Convention will be a memorable highlight of your professional year.

For the most up-to-date convention information and to register online, visit www.aiaconvention.com. For more information about the American Institute of Architects, please call AIA Information Central at (800) 242-3837.

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PCBC Conference & Trade Show

June 8-11, Moscone Center, San Francisco

Online registration is now under way for the 51st PCBC homebuilder conference and trade show, which will take place June 8-11 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.

For more than five decades, PCBC The Show has connected the homebuilding industry with the ideas, inspiration and innovation to grow and thrive. From development through design and construction, this year PCBC has retooled itself to be an essential resource for builders, architects, trade contractors and other industry leaders.

PCBC features products-and the companies that create them-covering an extensive range of residential building materials from new home technologies to the explosion in green products.

“PCBC has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and providing new perspectives, but this year in particular we wanted to really hone in on the big questions the leaders of our industry are struggling with,” says Linda Baysari, the senior vice president for conventions and meetings for the show. “To that end, we will have some of the industry’s brightest thinkers on hand to give builders and developers strategic insights to help them navigate their companies through these challenging times.”

Last year, show coordinators renamed itself PCBC-Advancing the Art + Science of Community Building, to reflect the show’s growing emphasis on building community. In addition, conference programs were retooled and streamlined into the new PCBC Executive Conference, which is a two-day idea marketplace where the best and brightest in the business meet.

The Annual Golden Nuggets Award presentation will take place June 10.

PCBC The Show is sponsored by the California Building Industry Association. As the organization’s learning laboratory, PCBC encourages new and informed perspective, an open minded attitude and unwavering curiosity. We are people creating better communities. 

For more information, visit www.pcbc.com or call (800) 956-7469.

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Regional Shows

FWCCA Annual Convention

Each year, the Florida Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association Convention and Trade Show grows bigger. There are more than 100 booths in the show along with great social and educational events. The cost of the FWCCA convention continues to remain affordable for even the smallest contractors. The association says its growth is attributable to its sponsors.

There will be a multitude of technical classes and programs, application and techniques, according to FWCCA staff. As of press time, these events are still in development.

On July 16, the Annual Golf Scramble will have a shotgun start at 8 a.m. at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa at the world-famous Blue Monster Course.

The convention will take place at the Marriott Doral Resort, Miami, from July 15-17, 2010. 

Registration officially opens by April. For more information, call (407) 260-1313 or visit www.fwcca.org.


TLPCA Annual Convention

The 58th Annual Texas Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association 2010 Convention & Trade Show will be held June 9-12. This year’s show will be located at Moody Gardens Hotel Convention Center and Spa, in Galveston, Texas.

As of press time, no further information was available. Please call (817) 461-0676 or visit www.tlpca.org for more updated information.

CLAPCA Convention

The dates for this year’s Carolina Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association are still being determined. According to Board Member Clint Burton, the show will be this fall and most likely on the coast of South Carolina.

As in past years, the convention will hold seminars, have a trade show, golf tournament and other activities for the family.

For continuing agenda plans and convention details, check www.clapca.org.

ICAA Annual Convention and Trade Show

September 23-25, Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas

The 2010 Annual ICAA Convention and Trade Show will be held at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas from September 23 through 25.

The ICAA Convention and Trade Show is the only national meeting for insulators. Suppliers and contractors from across the country convene to network, evaluate new technology and products, review federal legislation, and explore industry trends.

ICAA President Jeff Banker, of Banker Insulation, located in Phoenix, says, “The ICAA Convention gives insulation contractors the opportunity to catch up on the state of the industry and meet one-on-one with the manufacturers and suppliers who influence their businesses.”

Exhibitors at the ICAA Trade Show represent the leading insulation manufacturers and suppliers as well as those businesses that complement insulation contracting such as closet shelving, truck leasing and outfitting, and computer software.

“ICAA is a leader in the insulation industry,” says Executive Director Michael Kwart. “The annual ICAA Convention and Trade Show focuses on the skills and resources that impact insulation contractors. Attendance at the convention is a chance to get a handle on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. See you in Las Vegas.”

For more information, call (703) 739-0356 or visit www.insulate.org.

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The Remodeling Show

September 15-17, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore

The Remodeling Show is the only national remodeler-centric event bringing together the entire remodeling industry face-to-face annually. Launched in 1991 by the NAHB and then partnered with since 2001, this event has expanded to represent all facets of the remodeling community-kitchen and bath; home improvement; aging-in-place; sustainable remodeling; plus all the tools and services that go into executing these types of projects. Knowing the emphasis on education, from the show floor to the classroom, attendees schedule their projects around the Remodeling Show.

The Remodeling Show co-locates again this September with DeckExpo at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore. Exhibits run September 15-17 with the conference beginning September 14. As an added bonus for both attending contractors and exhibiting companies, Messe Frankfurt USA will launch the Plumbing + Hydronics Expo at the Baltimore Convention Center, in conjunction with the Remodeling Show. This event is dedicated solely to the plumbing and hydronics industry and will bring its manufacturers face to face with plumbing and hydronics contractors. Attendees will be able to walk freely between all three events.

Some of the event features benefiting all attendees will include: Tool Alley (new and improved for a more robust experience); Product Showcase featuring New, Cool and Green Products, Installation Clinics and numerous manufacturer-run Presenting Exhibits. The Remodeling Show will also feature its exclusive Kitchen & Bath Showcase placed adjacent to the Plumbing + Hydronics Expo.

“The co-location will allow all groups access to a much larger array of manufacturers, products, education and networking opportunities“ said Amy Allen, Show Director for both Remodeling Show and DeckExpo.

Registration for both events is scheduled to open in May 2010. For more information on attending, visit www.DeckExpo.com or www.RemodelingShow.com.  

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METALCON International Conference and Exhibition

October 20-22, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

METALCON is the only event focused on metal construction products, technologies and solutions, and it has led the growth of this industry for 20 years. Themed “Focus Forward,” the 20th annual METALCON International Conference and Exhibition takes place October 20-22, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

As the show marks 20 years of achievement, it sets the pace for shaping the future with metal through an unbeatable blend of new product exhibits, a nationally recognized education conference, and live-action demos of field techniques. These integrated components demonstrate how innovative metal products and applications can form your business success, whether you currently use metal in architectural and structural applications or want to learn how.

Woven into all elements of the exhibition and conference are top-notch market insight and visionary concepts for the use of metal-a sustainable material recognized in the green building movement for its low maintenance, high durability and the ability to be fully recycled.

WHO’S THERE

Join 8,000 contractors, designers, developers, fabricators, and suppliers from more than 50 countries who attend METALCON. You’ll meet experts from the 300 forward-thinking companies who exhibit their top products and technology and are eager to share their knowledge with you.

Among the 80,000 square feet of exhibits you’ll discover all that you need to expand your business with metal. Metal’s value in energy efficiency is confirmed by the popularity of Solar Bay, a pavilion featuring educational forums and full-scale mock-ups of solar technologies for metal wall and roof applications. Metal’s sustainable benefits are also evident in Green Island, a special exhibit area featuring products that meet green building standards for recycled content, recyclability, durability, and energy efficiency. 

At this annual trade show, the action never stops. In New Product Harbor, a tabletop area featuring selected new products, you can quickly capture new ideas and concepts. Many of these and other new products are put into action in daily live-action demonstrations of the latest applications and field techniques.

FURTHER EDUCATION

The education continues in METALCON’s comprehensive conference program presented by leading industry experts. This is the only forum where the topics are focused totally on the best use of metal across a spectrum of applications. The program covers every aspect of building with metal from the basics to the latest materials, tools, techniques, building codes, applications, cold-formed steel framing, green building, alternative energy, business management and marketing.  Plus, the program offers continuing education credits.

METALCON can help you grow your business just as it has helped grow the industry. Since METALCON began, it has been known as the ideal tradeshow to introduce and to discover new products and ideas for the use of metal in construction. METALCON has increased its attendee and exhibitor base each year and has helped numerous companies grow. Despite challenges to our nation’s economy and the industry, this event has consistently grown-by 240 percent-and remains the best metal industry networking tradeshow in the world.

The growth of METALCON and the metal construction industry continues to move forward with support from The Metal Construction Association and more than 100 related industry organizations and publications.

Plan ahead by contacting METALCON International through www.metalcon.com or by calling (800) 537-7765.

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STAFDA Annual Convention and Trade Show

November 7-9, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix

More than 3,750 members of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association came to Atlanta for STAFDA’s 33rd Annual Convention and Trade Show, this past November, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Show-only specials and prize drawings at many of the show’s 705 booths bolstered cost savings for distributor attendees.

STAFDA’s Executive Director, Georgia Foley, noted although attendance was down this year, the Atlanta Convention was a success.

The economy is still first and foremost in members’ minds as proven by the standing-room only turn-out for economist Alan Beaulieu’s Economic Forecast on Sunday morning. Senior analyst, economist, and principle for the Institute for Trend Research, Beaulieu looked at key-leading indicators to tell whether we have turned the corner to better days ahead. In addition, he discussed the stock market and potential investment perils and opportunities, as well as how best to position companies to take maximum advantage of this portion of the business cycle. Beaulieu will write quarterly STAFDA-specific economic updates for the Association beginning in 2010.

On the first afternoon of the show, attendees had their choice of four Educational Workshops. Three 90-minute programs included: Greg Gorman on “Visual Merchandising & Showroom Design”; Robert Stevenson on “Soar Like an Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys,” and; Steve Strauss on “From Small to Big.” Each workshop repeated after a brief break so attendees could attend two programs of their choice. Dan McQuiston presented a three-hour interactive program on “Creating a Marketing Plan.”

Chef Kevin Rathbun offered a “how to” for two of his signature hors d’oeuvres and florist Darryl Wiseman offered six easy arrangements during the Spouse/Companion Program.

The Georgia Aquarium hosted STAFDA’s Opening Party Sunday evening. The world’s largest aquarium offered attendees a truly unique venue as they enjoyed a Wolfgang Puck catered buffet as whale sharks, Australian weedy sea dragons, and stingrays slid past. A1A’s Original & Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show also helped keep members in a beach-like state of mind as they walked through the interactive displays.

SESSIONS AND TRADE SHOW

Patty Mack opened the General Session with a cappella versions of the Canadian and United States national anthems. The traditional “Year-In-Review” video presentation captured the past year’s ups and downs since the Association’s last meeting. John Engler, president of the National Association of Manufacturers and former governor of Michigan, provided insight into the political climate in Washington and upcoming legislation impacting businesses of all size. STAFDA Executive Director Georgia Foley provided an association update before STAFDA President Hal Look gave the Distributor State-of-the-Industry talk. Black & Decker Vice President Les Ireland then discussed manufacturer issues before FOX News business commentator and former chairman of Godfather’s Pizza, Herman Cain, offered his thoughts on “Leadership is Common Sense.”

Distributors had a total of 12 hours to visit 705 booths during the Trade Show Monday afternoon and throughout the day Tuesday. Since this was a buying show, they took advantage of show-only price specials, prize drawings, and new product lines. Associate members used the show to introduce 2010 products, strengthen customer relations, and sell. Rep members had the chance to meet with their STAFDA principals, distributor customers, and source new vendors.

The Technology & Consultants’ Fair moved into the Trade Show hall this year to provide attendees with six full hours to visit with the industry-specific software, hardware, e-business, and data capture providers. Thirteen of STAFDA’s endorsed consultants were also on hand to talk one-on-one with attendees on a variety of issues ranging from human resources to accounts receivable to warehousing issues.

ACTIVITIES

Tuesday, while attendees worked the trade show, spouses/companions had the option of taking one of two terrific day trips. Tours included a trip to quaint Covington and its historical homes and landmarks or a look at historic Atlanta, including Margaret Mitchell’s home, the Atlanta History Center, and Swan House.

The Closing Party was a fond farewell to Atlanta that provided members with an additional chance to break bread with friends before next year’s Phoenix Convention.

STAFDA’s 34th Annual Convention & Trade Show will be November 7-9, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Registration materials will be mailed to STAFDA members in late June.

For more information, contact Catherine Usher, STAFDA Member Services Director, at cusher@stafda.org.

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USGBC’s Greenbuild 2010

November 17-19, McCormick Place West, Chicago

The ninth annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo will help redefine the future when it returns to Chicago November 17-19, 2010. The industry’s largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building industry will convene at McCormick Place West, the site of Greenbuild 2007 (this time with twice the space) for three days of extensive educational programming, workshops, a vast exhibition floor and ample networking events.

Following a phenomenal event in 2009, Greenbuild 2010 will build on the excitement, inspiration and optimism generated last year in Phoenix. Taking on the theme of “Generation Green,” Greenbuild promises attendees and exhibitors alike an unparalleled opportunity to expand their knowledge of green building practices and innovations while exchanging ideas with other industry professionals.

Returning in 2010 are some of the programs that made Greenbuild 2009 so exceptional. In 2009, USGBC hosted the first ever green jobs fair at Greenbuild. This year, the job fair will be returning as local Chicago-area businesses will hold interviews and job seminars for Greenbuild attendees. The third-annual Residential Summit will be bring together leaders in the residential green building industry for two days of informational sessions, networking and sharing of best practices.

Greenbuild provides green building professionals with an outstanding line-up of continuing education courses. Each year, a select group of highly qualified individuals evaluate courses submitted for review and choose a robust collection featuring timely sessions on all aspects of sustainable design, construction, and operations practices for buildings and communities. The courses presented at Greenbuild offer a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving business of sustainability. Greenbuild is the ideal forum to pursue or maintain continuing education credentials, from the LEED Green Associate to the LEED AP specialty credentials.

A major feature of Greenbuild is the extensive exhibit floor, comprised of the latest in innovative products and services. This year will be no different, featuring more than 1,800 exhibit booths, with experts on-hand to answer questions and talk face-to-face about what they have to offer.

GREEN BUILDING COMMUNITY

Greenbuild consistently draws many distinguished and noteworthy members of the green building community. Last year, master speakers included the Discovery Channel’s Josh Bernstein, Starbuck’s President of Global Sustainability Arthur Rubinfeld and National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle. USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair, Rick Fedrizzi, addressed the crowd at the Opening Keynote & Celebration at Chase Field before former U.S. Vice President Al Gore gave his keynote address, and Grammy-award winner and environmental activist Sheryl Crow hit the stage for a spectacular concert. Representatives from 11 international green building councils spoke about the significance of the green building movement in their countries, truly showcasing the global impact of our collective efforts.  

There is no better place to explore the role of the green building movement than Chicago. Known as the birthplace of the modern building, Chicago is home to more LEED certified buildings than any other city in the U.S., and is the ideal setting for Greenbuild 2010. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the city’s LEED certified buildings on the many green building tours offered in conjunction with Greenbuild.

As anticipation for Greenbuild swells, we look forward to meeting in Chicago and taking on current challenges and determining solutions. If the movement continues to focus on greening schools; building healthier, more efficient workplaces; creating opportunities for the green jobs market to flourish; there will be no end to what can be accomplished.

For more information on this show, please visit the U.S. Green Building Council’s Web site at www.greenbuildexpo.org.

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International Builders’ Show 2011

January 12-15, 2011, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.

Approximately 55,000 builders, remodelers and other members of the home building industry crowded the aisles of the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center this January. Despite the rainy weather, the largest show geared toward builders showcasing new construction products and materials was busy in the convention center’s North and Central Halls.

The mood? “I’d call it cautious optimism,” said Ron Cook of Tamko Building Products, one of more than 1,100 exhibitors at this year’s event. “It’s certainly different than it was last year because we didn’t quite know what we were in for,” as the country was still in the midst of the biggest recession since the 1930s.

Members lined up at the Partnership Pavilion, a new NAHB initiative on the show floor designed to match builders with financing sources. The program was launched to help serve an industry still stymied by a lack of available credit for new housing developments-as well as tighter restrictions on home buyer mortgages.

Builders and remodelers also attended educational presentations on design trends, energy retrofitting, marketing, low-income housing tax credits and more than 175 other topics.

Bob Jones, a home builder and developer from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., was elected as the 2010 chairman of the Board of the NAHB at this year’s show. As president of Robert R. Jones Homes, he specializes in land development and the design and construction of single-family luxury homes throughout metropolitan Detroit.

During Jones’s 35-year career, he has earned a reputation for excellence and established a continuing commitment to the home building industry at the local, state and national levels. He assumes the leadership at NAHB amidst signs that the housing industry may be emerging from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Walls & Ceilings magazine was at this year’s show. Specific to the wall and ceiling industry, there were several trends the magazine saw. Among those, the green building boom has hit our industry (and what appears as most other manufacturers in attendance). Whether it was cement, paint, wall systems, ICFs, etc., everyone claimed either a smaller carbon footprint or a more sustainable building product or technology.

Several years ago, there were only a few ICF or SIP manufacturers in attendance. This year’s show had a very large range of representation and as a growing industry, ICF and SIP systems seem to expand its message greater and greater.

The next International Builders’ Show takes place Jan. 12-15, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. When this event was last in Florida, it was the largest this magazine has seen of the event in several years. Even as building is down and the projections are forecasted down until several years, builder confidence may take an upswing over the next several months. The turn-out of this show may be a positive sign of building to come.

Featuring more than 175 education sessions, 1,100 exhibitors and 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, the International Builders’ Show is the must-attend event for building-industry professionals next year.

Registration will open August 2, 2010. There will be “big savings,” according to show directors, for those who register early. For more information on this show, visit www.buildersshow.com.

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World of Concrete 2011

January, 17-21, 2011, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

This year’s World of Concrete held February 1-5 had 55,108 registered professionals and 1,354 exhibiting companies in more than 600,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

Exhibitors met and networked with qualified buyers at WOC and took this opportunity to exchange ideas on sustaining business, obtaining the education necessary to be up-to-date on new products and technologies, and to learn about new ways to run a smart and lean business.

World of Concrete was selected to participate in the 2010 International Buyer Program. The trade show’s management and the U.S. Commercial Service worked closely in the global promotion of the show bringing international buyers and exhibitors together to expand business both domestically and overseas. As part of the program, delegations from around the globe attended World of Concrete to network with other international visitors, as well as connect with U.S. exhibitors interested in exporting goods and services.

Special workshops and programs were held in conjunction with the IBC including a Federal Finance Assistance Workshop for U.S. companies, presented by the U.S. Export Pavilion, helping U.S. companies with the information and assistance necessary to succeed in the global marketplace, and the Showtime Program conducted more than 122 individual meetings allowing participating companies the opportunity to meet one-on-one with U.S. Embassy Commercial Building Products and Equipment Specialists at the Show.

This year, WOC’s Education Program offered 100-plus expert-led seminars. It featured 15 designated tracks with both 90-minute and three-hour sessions that provided instruction in everything from Concrete Fundamentals, Business & Project Management, Masonry, and Concrete Production to Decorative Concrete, Safety & Risk Management, and Finance & Money Matters.

SHOW PROGRAM AND EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Concrete Industry Management held the 5th annual unreserved live CIM Auction at WOC 2010 with all of the proceeds benefiting the CIM National Steering Committee to support their efforts to establish, support, and sustain its programs at selected universities. The auction, produced by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, raised $386,000, which included a silent auction before the live event, benefitting the CIM program.

CIM students also worked during WOC 2010 to create a memorial to the fallen firefighters of a firehouse located at 48th & 8th Streets in New York City.

The Greensite area on the show floor, in cooperation with the Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative, showcased the latest green build technologies along with displays, video/live speaker presentations, and limitless information about this exciting new aspect of the construction industry. 

Unique to World of Concrete is the Outdoor Events and Demonstration Areas that featured the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500. Garrett Hood took home the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer” at the event, winning a Ford truck, $5,000 cash, and more.

Additional events included the Bosch Power Tool Challenge, the John Deere Load America Competition, and the Mack Driving Skills Safety Challenge. Along with these spectator events were hundreds of outdoor exhibitors demonstrating many new products and equipment/technologies.

Artistry in Decorative Concrete showcased leading concrete contractors and artisans using dyes, stains, color hardeners, stamping, polishing, and other decorative applications. These decorative concrete artisans provided hands-on demonstrations and techniques throughout the week in the outdoor lots.

SPRING CONFERENCE AND 2011 SHOW

At WOC 2010, the first annual WOC Regional Education Conference was announced, which will provide the information and the continuing education hours contractors need to conduct work in many states. The conference will take place at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel & Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla., on May 14-15, 2010.

But before then, World of Concrete will hold its Regional Conference in Orlando, Fla. Visit www.worldofconcrete.com under the “Education Program” tab.

This upcoming event will provide the information and the continuing education hours necessary in today’s challenging economic climate. Highlights include:

Master Certificates available for Concrete Fundamentals & Decorative Concrete tracks.

Topics include Floors & Slabs, Concrete Repair, and Field & Project Management.

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety for Concrete Construction.

Next year’s event will return to Las Vegas, January 18-20, 2011. For more information, visit www.worldofconcrete.com, call (800) 962-7469 or fax (972) 536-6402.

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