It is anticipated that more than 10,000 architects, engineers, contractors, owners/clients, interior designers, landscape architects, and other industry professionals from more than 40 states and a dozen countries will participate in Build Boston, the Boston Society of Architects' annual gathering of the design and construction industry. Now in its 25th year, Build Boston is a regional convention and tradeshow with national recognition, participation, and influence. It takes place November 18-20 at the Seaport World Trade Center.
Unlike industry-specific tradeshows, Build Boston was conceived and developed by the Boston Society of Architects to embrace the entire design, development and construction industry. This broad and inclusive approach has fueled the event's growth and its continued popularity. The last time it was measured by the Boston Business Journal (in 2003), Build Boston was the 4th largest tradeshow in Boston. It is second only to the national AIA convention and tradeshow in size of attendance, number of exhibitors and depth of professional development offerings for an architect association-sponsored event.
In 2009, participants will choose from 200 workshops and other professional development opportunities, earn continuing-education credits, attend daily keynote presentations by national experts, visit more than 250 tradeshow exhibits featuring building technologies, products and services, and network with peers and colleagues at the Build Boston Design Gala and other special events. In addition to individual workshops, Build Boston 2009 features seven one-day symposiums. These focused programs are organized by regional and national experts and address: Building Information Modeling, sustainable landscapes, design firm management, socially-responsible design, codes and design excellence in public places.
What's New in 2009
In this, Build Boston's 25 year, the theme is "New Economy. New Climate. New Thinking." Keynote speakers address these important ideas.
* Robert Murray, chief economist, McGraw-Hill - new economy
* Ed Mazria AIA, architect and founder of Architecture 2030 - new climate
* Dean Kamen, inventor and founder of DEKA Research and FIRST - new thinking
To address the new economy, Build Boston is focusing on career resources, business development and business management. The show will also address how the design and construction industry can benefit from public funds available for infrastructure, and look at how A/E professionals procure and contract work and partner among firms.
To address the new climate and related environmental concerns, Build Boston has developed an energy intensive program to provide information and training on new national and state energy codes and standards, the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings, alternative energy sources, cutting-edge mechanical systems, and measuring and modeling systems. In addition, the Build Boston Energy Pavilion on the tradeshow floor brings together companies focused on achieving carbon-neutral and zero-net-energy buildings and communities.
The show includes case studies, interactive exhibits and forums with experts. We are also engaging young professionals as program leaders and idea generators.
The Boston Society of Architects' Build Boston event is New England's largest annual convention and tradeshow for the design and construction industry. For more information and to register online, go to www.buildboston.com.