The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute's Annual Convention/ Exhibition and PCI National Bridge Conference moves south this year to Grapevine, Texas, just outside Dallas-Ft. Worth. The event takes place at the Gaylord Texan Resort, Oct. 22–25.
The convention's theme is Shaping Our Future—Producing Ideas that will Build the 21st Century.
“The PCI Convention offers a wide range of informational sessions covering a number of topics, including seismic, industry hot topics and updates, research and development, housing, marketing, architecture, operations, and productivity,” says Robert McCormack, PCI chairman.
In addition to the educational sessions, major precast industry suppliers will display their products, materials, and services. During the exhibition, attendees will have an opportunity to see the latest developments and talk with industry experts about products, services, applications, and techniques.
Exhibit hours are 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, and 10:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday.
The Opening Session Breakfast and Awards Ceremony takes place 8 to 10:30 a.m. Monday. McCormack will officially call the convention/ conference to order and then PCI officers will give their brief reports. After the formal opening ceremonies, breakfast awards will be presented, and the retiring and incoming boards of directors will be recognized.
World-renown architect and designer William McDonough will give the keynote address: The Greening of the Architectural Profession-Implications for Precast Concrete. McDonough will outline how he sees the future of the precast concrete industry in sustainable design and how it will challenge businesses in building the 21st century.
PCI's incoming and retiring board members will be recognized at the Membership Luncheon at noon Wednesday. The PCI Design Awards Banquet, including gourmet dinner, dancing, and entertainment, takes place 6:30 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Bridge conference
Again this year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is sponsoring the concurrent PCI National Bridge Conference. The FHWA, the Texas Department of Transportation, and PCI officials will kick off the bridge conference at 10:30 a.m. Monday. The prestigious PCI Bridge Design Awards will be presented at this time.
The Bridge Conference's Plenary Session take place 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday, during which Texas DOT dignitaries and invited guests set the stage, the tone, and the bar for the conference.
