Expo highlights cabling and communications

Can the construction industry capitalize on information technology (IT) spending by American businesses? It may in fact be necessary, say many designers and contractors, as a defensive measure during the anticipated economic slowdown.

Fortunately for all but the owners of the IT and voice systems, cabling infrastructures tend to depreciate — or become obsolete — much faster than other building systems and materials.

To get a sense of how this segment has evolved, and to hear lively debate on the proposed new CSI division 17, contractors and designers are converging on the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Voice Data Video (VDV) Expo, later this month.

Now in its second year, the event features six seminars by NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, as well as a fiber-optics track sponsored by the Fiber Optic Association. Other events include a "facility conference" sponsored by Building Design & Construction and the inaugural meeting of a mysterious new group called the National Telecom Alliance.

For more information, see www.vdvexpo.org.