Looking to learn the latest technology updates for practicing structural engineers? Need information on improving your business practices? Interested in meeting the leaders of our profession to discuss the challenges of structural engineering?
Join us for the 2015 Structural Summit at the Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas, NV, and you will be able to do just that. Every year the Summit draws the best and brightest of our industry – from the leaders who have advocated for the profession and are the experts in our field to the up and coming enthusiastic young professionals who will be taking over our profession in the future. What better place to be a part of the action to influence our profession?
The conference will begin with The Profession, The Grandeur, and The Glory by Ashraf Habibullah of Computers and Structures. Ashraf will keep us engaged with stories of his experiences throughout his illustrious career. His presentation will be followed by the Basis for ASCE 7 Seismic Design Maps by Ron Hamburger of Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger and a panel from the Structural Engineers Association of California discussing Building Ratings, Retrofit Ordinances, and Community Resilience.
This year’s Summit follows up with two tracks of sessions with information for engineers at all levels. The technical track includes information on the latest updates in our codes and standards, and some of the design challenges we face. Gary Chock, of Martin & Chock, will give a presentation on The ASCE 7-16 Tsunami Loads Design Standards, Don Scott will discuss the Changes to Wind Loading in ASCE 7-16, and Wood & Cold-Formed Light Steel Frame Construction – Deficiency in the IBC Special Inspections will be presented by Kirk Harman of The Harman Group.
Other technical topics include Lateral Design of Buildings with Sloped Diaphragms by Steven Call, Lateral Analysis: Right Way/Wrong Way with Software by Sam Rubenzer, Concrete & CMU Elements in Bending + Compression by John Tawresey, and Problem Solving for Repairing Wood Structures by Kimberlee McKitish.
The second track furthers the development of your business practices. June Jewell of AEC Business Solutions will discuss Find the Lost Dollars: 6 Steps to Improve Profits, and Working with Multiple Generations will be addressed by a panel from the NCSEA Young Member Group Support Committee. Jon Schmidt of Burns & McDonnell will speak about The Decline of Engineering Judgement and Craig Barnes of CBI Consulting will discuss Business Ownership Transfer. Other business related topics will cover Effective Communication: Tips for Improving Your Skills by Kirsten Zeydel, BIM and Structural Engineering by Desiree Mackey, and Quality Assurance for Structural Engineering Firms by Cliff Schwinger.
Beyond the outstanding presentations, perhaps the most important benefit of the Summit would be the people you meet and the connections you make. After spending two to three days with a wide variety of structural engineers, including those who are facing the same problems you do in your practice, you will leave with a list of professionals you can contact in the future to get advice, share ideas, and ask technical questions.
Don’t worry. It is not all presentations and panel discussions. There is also plenty of Las Vegas-style fun planned for you. Wednesday evening will include two receptions – hosted by the Young Engineers and SECB – to which all attendees are invited. This is a great way to begin making those connections. Thursday evening is a Welcome Reception in the vendor hall followed by the (Red) Rock ‘n Bowl with NCSEA at the onsite VIP Bowling Suite. Friday ends with the NCSEA Banquet & Awards Presentation in the evening. All of these are excellent opportunities to meet other attendees in a more social setting to celebrate all the good our profession does. Plan to stick around for the NCSEA Annual Business Meeting on Saturday morning, to learn more about how NCSEA operates. This year’s Summit promises to fulfill NCSEA’s Vision Statement: The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations will be recognized as the leading advocate for the practice of structural engineering. This is your organization – take this opportunity to get the most out of it.▪
