Running concurrently with World of Concrete, but in a separate exhibit hall, the event was held February 17-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

With 170 exhibit booths, the show floor featured an array of products, new value-added services, and the most innovative technological advancements in the AEC industry. While projected attendance numbers didn't materialize, many exhibitors were pleased with the quality decision-makers who visited their booths.

A key component of the show's success was the dynamic conference program which delivered 65 educational sessions about the issues, trends and technologies that are driving the AEC industry. Attendees received practical solutions to everyday business challenges as well as tips and guidelines on how to improve technically in their fields.

The event drew nearly 2,000 attendees who spent two days exploring the exhibit floor, gaining valuable insight into the future of the industry through educational sessions, and meeting new contacts.

The show drew a high number of CEOs, COOs, CIOs, CTOs, owners and principals. Also among the attendees were architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, computer/CAD/MIS managers, consultants, designers, project managers and specifiers.

Popular seminars included "Seven Key Trends in Technology: What to Look for and How to Plan," "Media Panel: State of Technology in the AEC Industry," "Adding Value through Automation: Making Technology Work within Your Organization," "Wireless Tools for Construction," "Web Enabling Your Construction Team," and "Simple Technology Solutions to Big Business Problems."

Best-selling author Dr. Oren Harari delivered the opening day Keynote Address, discussing organizational change, transformational leadership, and how to gain competitive advantage in today's chaotic marketplace.

Another educational highlight was the Executive Forum, all-day, technology-focused meeting that placed company leaders face-to-face with key IT providers, at the most senior level. Executive Forum panelists included the CEOs and/or business unit leaders of companies including Meridian Project Systems, Intel, Cyntergy Technology, Constructware, Bentley Systems and PeopleSoft. Co-hosted with McGraw-Hill Construction and sponsored by PeopleSoft and Open Text, the Forum was moderated by Scott Shuster, consulting editor, McGraw-Hill Construction.

Source: A|E|C SYSTEMS, March 25, 2004