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Tech Talks at AGC's 96th Annual Convention

Join us in San Juan, Puerto Rico, March 18-20, 2015, for AGC's 96th Annual Convention and gain a comprehensive view of where you are, where you are going and where you need to be to strengthen the educated decisions construction professionals have to make everyday.

Technology Sessions

2015 Technology Showcase: LASER SCANNERS AND DRONES
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

This year’s Technology Showcase will focus on how contractors are using laser scanners and drones on projects. Attendees will learn first-hand how laser scanners have become more commonplace on a jobsite with the ability to measure distances with pinpoint accuracy. Learn about the cost-benefit of laser scanners and what the future holds within the industry. Drones are all over the news lately and have gained usage in various industries. Officially known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), learn how they are being used on construction sites and what the future holds for drones in our industry. This session will also touch on the FAA position at this current time as it pertains to these vehicles.

Emerging Issues Related to the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or 'drones') in the Construction Industry

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Speaker: John L Babel, BS, CRIS, XL Group Construction
Pete Campbell, BNBuilders

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also referred to as "drones" are rapidly changing the way construction companies conduct business. Contractors in many industry segments are using camera-mounted drones to monitor and document their activities. These devices are a cost-effective, reliable way to obtain real-time data on job progress, identify potential hazards, and environmental or quality issues. It may also help acquire additional useful information in an expeditious and cost-effective manner. The larger the construction site, the more helpful the drones are to monitor the project. Laws regarding the use of UAVs in the United States are currently unclear. While the commercial use of UAVs is not technically illegal, the FAA has affirmed that it has regulatory authority over the use of drones and has been sending cease and desist letters to companies and individuals it suspects are violating the UAV policy. This is a developing issue in the construction industry, and questions remain whether the FAA currently has jurisdiction over the commercial use of UAVs. How is your company handling this exposure? What kind of protocols have you implemented to ensure the legal and safe use of UAVs on your projects, or will you subcontract this service? Given the use of drones may be considered "aircraft" for purposes of the standard commercial general liability policies, have you discussed this issue with your insurance broker and carrier? We will discuss types of drones and their use in other countries, known and developing applications, legal liability and insurance implications, and where the U.S. Government (FAA) is heading in terms of legislation and control over this technology.

XML Integrations - Making Your Software Solutions Communicate
Thursday, March 19, 2015
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.

The focus of the XML presentation and demo is to demonstrate AGC’s new role with COSA (Construction Open Software Alliance) and how it is affecting change within construction software vendors by defining a standard method for exchanging data between software systems for heavily-used construction transaction processes. This session will show the evolution from last year’s presentation of what could be done to real-time production examples of what is now available. The session will have two live demos: RFIs and plan rooms. Attendees will gain an understanding of the time savings and reduced risk when using solutions that communicate seamlessly. Attendees will also gain an understanding of how this has been accomplished, how it benefits their business, who is participating in the initiative, which vendors are involved with COSA and the current data sets that are being utilized by the construction software industry.

Construction Technology Forecast: Harnessing Integration, Mobile, Sensors and Augmented Reality

Thursday, March 19, 2015

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Speaker: James Benham, JBKnowledge, Inc.
Rob McKinney, J.M. Wilkerson Construction Company

Have you ever wondered how virtual reality will look on the job site? Or wondered how your mobile devices can be better integrated? Wanted to learn more about the innovative solutions your peers in the industry are using? In this dynamic session, James Benham sorts through the latest trends in building technologies, identifying short-term fads and long-term game changers from mobile apps to augmented reality and drones. Learn about real companies who are researching and implementing the latest technologies and how they are impacting their construction projects. Mr. Benham will also discuss the statistics behind the fourth annual Construction Technology Report, revealing how over 1,000 construction professionals are employing and integrating technology on building projects.