The leading vendors in the Canadian market for building information modeling (BIM) were showcased at the Canada BIM Council’s (CanBIM) recent regional session in Toronto, while the organization prepares to launch a new website and awards ceremony. The event had record breaking attendance, with more than 280 participants, 60 presenters and about 30 exhibitors.The theme for individual sessions was Technology Built Innovation, which was discussed by expert panels on emerging software and hardware innovations throughout the building process, including design, construction, operations and maintenance.Representatives of emerging technology companies from across North America talked about their rapidly evolving products and the impact of these tools on the construction industry.For example, the first session in the builders stream provided an update on the next generation of surveying technologies.The presenters included: Chris Scotton, president CEO, ClearEdge3D; Scott Diaz, managing director, Kubit USA (Now FARO); Matt Mason, director software, IMAGINiT Technologies; Cathi Hayes, BIM Strategy & Business Development, Leica Geosystems; Brad Burgess, sales manager Laser Scanning, TopCon; and Robert Beck, sales manager, America's, Trimble Buildings.Participants in some of the other sessions in the builders stream discussed Construction Management Systems, MEP Trade Detailing Software Systems and 3D Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry. There was also a stream for designers, as well as building owners and operators.A full list of presenters, panelists, moderators, exhibitors, and sponsors are available at canbim.com, while all the technical sessions were recorded on video and will be made available for viewing on YouTube."My overall feeling is that the sessions were spectacular on many levels," said Gerry Lattmann, CanBIM executive director."The fact we had so many presenters talking about their products and services, I believe there was a lot gained by the attendees. I believe we had something to offer everybody. We even touched on BIM for civil, which is maturing."Lattmann said CanBIM is preparing to launch a new website and monthly newsletter, which should be ready in early July 2015."It's a work in progress right now. The idea behind that is to update the existing website and make it mobile friendly," said Lattmann."So, that is the primary reason for the change."Version 1 of the new website and the newsletter aim to serve as a resource for BIM practitioners to find information on CanBIM council activities, events, membership spotlights and general BIM developments.According to Lattmann, CanBIM is also planning to host its First Annual National CanBIM Awards on Sept. 30, which will be part of CanBIM's annual general meeting and regional session on Oct. 1."To put a stamp on BIM in Canada, we thought a BIM awards is appropriate and we are the organization to do it," said Lattmann."It's perfectly up our alley in that we are representing the practitioners, who we are certifying. If we are going to be advocating for BIM, we should be awarding for it as well."He said awards will be given out in the following three categories: Interoperability, Innovation, and the "Best in BIM" Award.
