By Jason Cramp
The Westin Calgary Hotel lived up to its name as attendees of Construction Specifications Canada’s (CSC’s) national conference experienced some warm western hospitality during the week-long event (May 24 to 28) in Calgary, Alberta. The theme of this year’s conference, “Pursuing New Heights,” was apt, not only because of the picturesque Rocky Mountains surrounding the city but also due to the remarkable content and networking opportunities offered throughout the conference. Participants were treated to a diverse range of informative sessions, engaging panel discussions, and thought-provoking keynote speeches that propelled their knowledge and professional growth to new heights.
Hosted by the Calgary chapter, the organizing committee ensured attendees had ample opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful connections within the construction industry, making this year’s conference experience truly memorable. Attendees were inspired and armed with valuable insights and connections that will undoubtedly propel them to reach new heights in their careers and contributions to the industry.
The event kicked off with a new member and first-time conference attendee meet-and-greet shortly before the Welcome Reception (sponsored by Soprema Inc.), followed the next day by a hearty Welcome Breakfast for delegates and guests.
The technical discussions continued through the week and attendees had a choice of three educational streams each day. The sessions included thematic presentations such as “Acoustics in Healthcare Facilities,” which was presented by Aercoustics Engineering Ltd.’s acoustic engineer Kiyoshi Kuroiwa, B.A.Sc., CCCA, and vice-president of architecture Amanda Robinson. Other topics included “Designing Visually Dynamic Facades with Coil and Extrusion Coatings,” by Robin Bartelman, associate AIA, ASID, NCIDQ certified coil coatings, architectural manager for Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings; “Embracing Complexity and Paradox to Foster Inclusion, Collaboration, and Innovation,” with Reva Bond, Ed.D., MBA, BSc., Dean, School of Construction, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT); and “Glass Specifications: Clearly Defined Performance Requirements,” with Keith Robinson, FCSC, FCSI, RSW, associate research and development specifications for Dialog.
Seats were full for sessions on “Design Considerations for Current Construction Trends” and “NBCC 2020 Changes to Firestop Requirements for Penetrations, Joints and Curtain Walls.” The former was presented by Mark Hagel, BSC., PhD., masonry design engineer with the Alberta Masonry Council, while the latter was presented by John Valiulis, B.Eng., MSc., director, codes and standards with Hilti Inc.
Sessions on “Misguided Guide Specs–Are Your Product Specs Really Helping the Specifier?” by Ron Geren, FCSI, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CDT, SCIP of RLGA Technical Services LLC and “Acoustic Ceiling Design/Specification Myths Dispelled–The New Way Forward,” by Gary Madaras, MBA, Ph.D. of Rockfon LLC were also popular with attendees.
