THIS YEAR'S TOPICS AND PRESENTERS:

(last updated 1/16/17)

CLICK HERE to view the session days and times.

 

Using Drones in Architecture & Construction - Michael Mazzia, Seen Above Media

Ever thought of using a drone on one of your projects? The FAA has introduced new rules and regulations that you need to know about. Drones are increasingly becoming useful in design and construction – use for capturing data, images, videos and inspecting inaccessible and hazardous areas. But lack of clear regulations has led to confusion as to who's accountable for what and to whom. Attend this session and learn the history of drone use and the new compliance paths offered by the Federal Aviation Administration for use of small unmanned aerial vehicles. Also see how other design firms are using drones to create as-builts, perform job site observation and take fantastic photos of their finished projects.

 

How to Have Fun Designing Homes Quickly and Precisely - Chip Hudson, Hudson Home Designs

You face daunting challenges: structures, designs and workflows are becoming more complex, while clients demand more for their money. Learn about 3D modeling solutions and give you and your company several benefits over 2D counterparts. Learn how one residential designer, using BIMx as an example, can increase his accuracy and production time creating a 3D model from the start. See how he has implemented augmented reality to help developers sell virtual models and sell his own plans online. Also, have heard of Google Cardboard? You won’t want to miss how Chip uses it to present his ideas to his clients and make them go WOW!

 

How Practical Design Choices From an Engineer's Perspective - Mike Gervais, PE, Intelligent Design Engineering

What if there was someone to help you design a home structurally from the ground up quickly and efficiently? Learn how to give your clients the best bank for their buck when it comes to framing systems and details.  Engineers generally have a reputation for being inflexible and slow to change. Mike has not only broken that mold, he’s specializes in flexible. He has analyzed the relative cost difference and various benefits of different wall assemblies to give you and your client options while creating a sound, efficient and sustainable structure.  

 

Tax Law - The Good, the Bad and the Confusing - Ann Clausen, Daniel, Ratliff & Company

Tax codes are always changing which makes things complicated for small business owners. If you’re not aware of the laws, you risk being penalized. Sometimes, the changes to tax laws can benefit your business. So, are you missing opportunities? If you’ve been too busy to meet with a tax attorney, attend this session to get a general overview of the ways the tax laws may impact your business. Plus! Cost segregation studies, things you need to know about tax notices, and identity theft in the IRS.

 

Evaluating Floor Performance & The TJ-Pro™ Rating System - Weyerhaeuser

If you've struggled with picking the right joist/subfloor combination for a discriminating client, this course is for you.  Recognizing that typical span charts and conventional static deflection criteria don't always provide the expected results, we'll show you how to use a rating system that makes the subjective.... objective, so you may provide a specification that best meets your project requirements. Attendees will learn the parameters that influence the “feel” of a floor, and how to specify a floor system that addresses the expectations of the end user.

 

What You Need to Know About FEMA Changes -  Rick Sykes, RamJack Foundation Solutions

Over the past 18 months, FEMA has been engaged in a wide-ranging effort to overhaul the National Flood Insurance Program. Subsidies have ended. As result, thousands of new and existing homes along the United States coastline have or will experience huge increases in flood insurance premiums. These increases can be avoided if the home is constructed at or raised to a higher elevation. When you’re asked to renovate, remodel or add on to one of these houses you’re going to want to be able to advise your client wisely. Attend this session and learn about the recent changes to the FEMA regulations, the costs involved in raising a house and how you can specify a wooden pier foundation that can be constructed or raised quickly and efficiently.