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 Annual Meeting and Trade Show
Based on sponsorships, registration, and programs thus far, the 4th Annual Meeting and Conference of the CFSEI (May 26-27, Atlanta, Georgia) is shaping up to be the biggest and best ever. With 17 educational sessions, two keynote presentations, multiple networking opportunities, and the state of the institute presentation, members will have the opportunity to make new contacts with potential clients and colleagues, learn more about the newest products, opportunities and research in CFS design, and even learn more about marketing and diversification during this market downturn. The conference is conveniently located in downtown Atlanta: at the elegant, four-diamond Omni Hotel at CNN Center. Located within Atlanta’s Luckie Marietta District, this luxury hotel treats you to views of the spectacular downtown skyline or picturesque Centennial Olympic Park. Within walking distance are the engineering marvels of the Georgia Dome and Georgia Aquarium, and family-friendly sites such as the World of Coca-Cola, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and the Inside CNN Studio Tour. Participants are encouraged to bring their families and stay through the Memorial Day weekend. The CFSEI negotiated hotel rate is $135 per room per night.
 With over a dozen technical sessions to choose from, and multiple networking sessions with CFS industry vendors, the annual meeting will give CFSEI members and other design professionals the opportunity to inject new energy into their current business. Thursday’s keynote luncheon is entitled Marketing in Tough Times, and is specifically geared towards design professionals in the construction industry. Most engineers and architects have had no training in selling their services; local expert Pam Scott provides a crash course in efficient technical marketing, and gives you tips and tricks that can instantly boost your results.
 Tim Reinhold, Ph.D., P.E., of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) will give the Wednesday evening dinner keynote presentation on the Multi-Hazard Research Facility, currently under construction in Chester County, South Carolina. Dr. Reinhold will discuss some of the design challenges in the construction of this research campus, the core of which is an immense wind tunnel capable of subjecting two story buildings to winds with gusts approaching 140 mph, and ultimately the ability to subject one story buildings to gusts of 175 mph. The presentation will also cover the range of research activities planned as the industry seeks to find better ways to make buildings more resistant to natural disasters such as high winds, hail and wildfire.
The conference closes on Thursday evening with the swearing in of the new CFSEI President and Board of Directors, the president’s State of the Institute address, and the CFSEI annual meeting, which provides a forum for members to discuss institute programs and goals with both staff and board members. All CFSEI members and guests are welcome.
The full conference registration $250. Discount packages are also available for students, and for participants who want to attend only one day. The full conference includes all meals, breaks, technical sessions, and keynote sessions, as well as the cocktail reception on Wednesday. Sign up today online at www.cfsei.org, or call 202-785-2022 for more information. CFSEI thanks the following sponsors that have made this event possible:
Event Sponsors
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