NSCA: Welcome to the Systems Integration Expo
Apr 1, 2002 12:00 PM
MasterFormat Expansion Forum Will Help Attendees Leverage New Classifications
On Friday, April 26, Dennis Hall and Michael Chambers will share some very useful information for systems contractors. The two presenters have insider knowledge about the 2002 MasterFormat revisions and practical suggestions for capitalizing on those changes. They will also host public discussion about these topics.
The Construction Specification Institute (CSI) has announced the creation of two new divisions in the construction classification document, one for communications and another for life safety in late March. “The 2002 document separately classifies our industry. [That] will inevitably bring an increased awareness to our skills. It will be easier for architects and end-users to budget and plan for our work early in the design phase,” said Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director and member of the MasterFormat Expansion Task Team. “These changes will create an increased need for systems contractors and integrators to educate the design community about our offerings. But first we need to educate ourselves about what these changes mean to contractors.”
The MasterFormat Expansion Forum will feature a two-part discussion. MasterFormat Expansion Task Team chairman Dennis Hall, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, will open the forum with detailed information about how the divisions have changed. Michael Chambers, FCSI, CCS, AIA, will then provide strategic advice about how the new divisions will impact the day-to-day activities of systems contractors.
A Long-awaited Improvement
Last revised in 1995, the MasterFormat is the nation’s most widely used formatting standard for specifications concerning nonresidential building projects. Functioning as a Dewey Decimal System for the commercial construction industry, it provides the organizational framework of the written instructions for construction of commercial buildings. The NSCA began promoting the idea of a separate division for the electronic systems industry in 1994. In 2001, Wilson was appointed to the MasterFormat Expansion Task Team to help the MasterFormat developers understand the importance of electronic systems and the unique skill set of the designers and installers of this emerging technology. “We worked long and hard on assisting CSI in the revision of the construction classification document and we are thrilled with its new look,” said Wilson.
How to Register
Register at nscaexpo.org and pick up your tickets on site. The MasterFormat Expansion Forum takes place Friday, April 26 from 8 a.m.-9:45 a.m. at the Colorado Convention Center, room C-207. Cost is $85 for NSCA members and $170 for non-members. Registration Code: MFE.
Win Prizes and Benefit Education
Reach the Summit Raffle
Win great prizes during Expo’s “Reach the Summit” raffle, sponsored by Atlas Sound. Exhibitors and attendees at Expo can purchase 15 tickets for the special limited price of $50. At this price you can give tickets as gifts to show appreciation to your best customers, employees or colleagues. You need not be present to win. Winners will be announced April 27 at noon.
This year’s lucky grand-prize winner will take home a 4-wheel drive ATV. Second prize is a complete Coleman camping gear package, and third prize is a pair of Trek mountain bikes with accessories. All proceeds benefit the NSCA Education Foundation and will be used to develop a scholarship endowment fund, a new CD-ROM training resource and other special projects.
To purchase tickets, call Mike at (800) 446-6722. But don’t wait — this special ticket offer ends on April 22. To learn more about the NSCA Education Foundation, visit nscafoundation.org.
Bid for Education Silent Auction
The NSCA Education Foundation will display auction items just outside the entrance to the show floor. Bids will be openly recorded April 25-27. Winners will be announced on April 27 at 12:30 p.m. Auction items include a Gibson Les Paul guitar donated by Gibson Labs, business strategy consultation with the NSCA’s Chuck Wilson, a Luxus Deluxe Screenwall from Stewart Film-screen and many more.
NEW! The NEC Putting Challenge
This new event to the exhibit floor lets attendees putt their way to daily cash prizes of $500. The grand-prize winner will be announced April 27 at 1 p.m.
Look for all of these events at the entrance to the exhibit floor.
Schedule
April 23: On-site registration opens; Pre-expo seminars begin.
April 24: Golf tournament, 9 a.m.
April 24: Life Safety Summit, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
April 25-27: NSCA Systems Integration Expo; Expo seminars. Pick up your Show Guide for a complete listing of exhibitors, seminars, services and events.
Getting Around at NSCA
If you attend NSCA, get all the information you need in the NSCA Show Guide, published by Sound & Video Contractor. The guide will be your insider’s source on seminars and training sessions, exhibitions and exhibitors, special events, demo rooms and more. Stop by booth 2003 to pick up the latest issues of S&VC, Mix, Onstage and Entertainment Design.
