Associations Focus: Make it Happen at NSCA
Feb 1, 2005 12:00 PM
2005 Systems Integration Expo Set to Make Connections
Systems integrators thriving today know the secret to their success is a unique blend of technical expertise, fresh ideas, and reliance on good people to make it all happen. For this reason, the 2005 Systems Integration Expo — March 10-12 in Orlando, Fla. — has been organized with three repeating goals in mind: connecting you to knowledge, to new ideas, and to people.
The conference portion of the expo opens March 8. Numerous special sessions have been planned to supply integrators with the knowledge they need to hone their technical skills and better manage their businesses. One special seminar to note is a free seminar and luncheon on Friday, March 11 titled “Specifying Technology Using ‘04 CSI MasterFormat.” In December, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) released for sale the newly expanded MasterFormat. Specification numbers as you once knew them are gone.
What was once categorized under divisions 11, 15, 16 and — according to some materials — 17, may now be found within the Facility Services subgroup. Intelligent building materials now fall under the following scheme: integrated automation (25), communications (27), and electronic safety and security (28). Architects attending this seminar on March 11 will earn one learning unit through AIA’s continuing education program for the session.
Also noteworthy for the 2005 Systems Integration Expo is a focus on connecting people to new ideas while in Orlando. This has been done namely through the four technology pavilions slated to showcase electronic systems technology as it would typically operate on a commercially run network. They include: Security/Life Safety, sponsored by the PSA Security Network; Digital Signage, sponsored by ActiveLight; and Live Sound and Network Integration, sponsored by Tech Data. Working products will be featured on the exhibit floor for attendees to try out, and corresponding education classes are planned for classroom learning.
The Systems Integration Expo is much more than a display of black boxes; it’s a hands-on experience of systems technology. And putting on an event as big as Expo that effectively allows for interaction with systems is a challenge — fortunately one that the many volunteer leaders of NSCA are up to. It’s that mention that brings us to the final connection NSCA will make for the attendees of Expo — people.
In 2005, NSCA will celebrate its 25th event. In 25 years, the Expo has changed as the industry and the technology we manufacture, design and install has changed. In addition to showcasing network integration and the multitude of products that reside on that network, a special tribute to live sound and its evolution will also be built. Using true-to-life gear and expert instructors, advanced beginners can learn from our in-depth knowledge of audio. It will also be a fun way to look back.
Also in celebration of NSCA Expo’s 25th anniversary will be many special events designed with networking in mind. The partnerships you build at events like these are often as important as the products you’re mulling over on the exhibit floor. Everyone is invited to the opening night Contractor Caper and ExpoJam, March 9, sponsored by Community Loudspeakers. It’s sure to be a great night. And the expo is sure to be NSCA’s greatest event to date.
NSCA — BUILDING CONNECTIONS
For more information about NSCA, visit www.nsca.org or call (800) 446-6722.
