25th annual Build Boston energizes the design and construction industry

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 (www.BuildBoston.com), 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 18th - 20th at the Seaport World Trade Center, with the theme "New Economy. New Climate. New Thinking." Build Boston was conceived and developed by the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) to embrace the entire design, development and construction industry. This broad and inclusive approach has fueled the event's growth and its continued popularity. "Architects don't work in isolation, we rely on the expertise of consulting engineers, other design professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and the vision of our clients," says James Batchelor FAIA, the 2009 BSA president. "By inviting other building industry associations and client groups to partner with the BSA, we gain both their expertise and their members' participation, and that creates a rich learning and networking experience." 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. Build Boston 2009 Highlights: Energy is a focal point at this year's Build Boston tradeshow and convention. Attendees will learn about the latest products, services and technologies at the Energy Pavilion on the tradeshow floor and discover how to redefine the way we generate and consume energy in this changing climate. The show's 60+ energy workshops focus on topics like high-performance schools, green retrofits, geothermal systems, super-insulated housing and more. In addition, keynote speaker Edward Mazria AIA, architect and founder of Architecture 2030, will speak on climate change. Keynote speaker Robert Murray focuses on the economic forecast for the building and design industry - the "big picture." For professionals working in the design and construction industry, Build Boston offers various career resources, business development and business management opportunities. The show addresses how the design and construction industry can benefit from public funds available for infrastructure, and how A/E professionals procure and contract work and partner among firms. Inventor Dean Kamen, also a keynote speaker, will highlight the awesome potential of design and innovation to shape the future, but he's not the only one who will ask attendees to think creatively. On November 18th, the BSA Emerging Professionals Network challenges participants to convey their best design ideas on a napkin, for a juried design competition. That same day, the BSA and Pecha Kucha Boston team up to bring the popular short-form, provocative slide presentations to the tradeshow floor. Networking opportunities abound at Build Boston. These include the BSA/Build Boston Gala, school reunions, nightly cocktail receptions in the exhibit hall and a new speed mentoring event organized by the BSA Emerging Professionals Network. This event brings together design mentors with mentees in a format similar to "speed dating." Mentors and mentees gather at tables and cover a series of questions in their seven-minute "date." Every seven minutes, paired individuals switch tables, providing opportunities for emerging professionals to connect with as many potential mentors as possible. Build Boston celebrates women innovators and leaders during the 10th Annual BSA Women in Design Conference on November 18th, which includes a full day of workshops and a champagne reception in honor of the recipients of the 2009 WID Awards of Excellence: Barbra Batshalom, Polly Flansburg and Lynn Wolff ASLA. BSA president Jim Batchelor FAIA, recognizes the 2009 BSA Award of Honor recipients, Jane Weinzapfel FAIA and Andrea Leers FAIA, both former WID Award of Excellence recipients. When asked what drew him to assume a leadership role with the BSA, Tom Keane, the new executive director, said, "The BSA's inclusive philosophy has nurtured an expansive and rich network that in turn provides nearly endless opportunities for expansion and growth. Build Boston is at the heart of that network and fuels much of what makes the design and construction industry in Boston an exciting place to be." Build Boston has multiple registration options including full conference registration, as well as one-, two- and three-day packages, special symposium pricing, a la carte options, and exhibit hall passes. Build Boston offers a multi-track workshop schedule from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 18th, 19th and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on November 20th.