Construction Specifications Institute

Construction Specifications Institute

Date: April 9-11

Location: McCormick Place, Chicago

www.constructamerica.org

A larger, meatier Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) convention will make its debut this month in Chicago, as the first annual "ConstructAmerica." The re-formatted show is jointly sponsored by CSI and Today's Facility Manager (TFM), formerly Facility Forum, operated by Group C Communications, Red Bank, N.J. Plagued by flagging attendance over recent years, CSI show officials decided in late 2001 to team with TFM and permanently move the show to Chicago. Officials also moved the event from June to April to "scoop" the AIA Expo, which takes place in May.

CSI show officials believe ConstructAmerica could bring in as many as 15,000 construction industry professionals, nearly doubling the attendance of the 2002 show in Las Vegas, which attracted 8,310. The 2001 event in Dallas drew 7,290.

ConstructAmerica will feature two general sessions. The first will take place Wednesday, April 9, 8-9 a.m., and will feature economist David A. Wyss, Ph.D. The second general session, Thursday, April 10, 8:30-9:50 a.m., will feature sustainable architect William A. McDonough, FAIA.

The OmniClass Construction Classification System is among the hot topics that will be discussed at the show. Under development by many organizations, including CSI, the system will be an information classification standard for all aspects of a facility's life cycle — from conception through demolition.

CSI will also have news relating to the June 2003 launch of its new education program, CSI University, as well as the latest draft of the new CSI MasterFormat system.