PCI holds annual convention and bridge conference

PHOENIX—Internationally recognized architect Edward Mazria will offer his perspective on "Precast Concrete’s Role in Sustainable Design" during the keynote speech at the 53rd annual Convention & Exhibition sponsored by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). The event will be held Oct. 21-24, 2007, at the Phoenix Convention Center. PCI’s National Bridge Conference will take place in conjunction with the convention.

"Precast concrete’s markets are continuing their upward momentum," said PCI Chairman of the Board Bob Konoske. "Our customers are informed, and they continue to seek out progressive thinking and solutions that resolve today’s design and construction challenges. This year’s convention will continue our efforts to enhance specifier preferences, deliver innovative materials and processes to the marketplace, and produce the best precast solutions."

Attendees will have access to a variety of sessions and activities related to all types of precast concrete design and innovation. Topics to be addressed include sustainability, blast resistance, new techniques for parking-structure design, globalization trends, architectural design, GFRC cladding, and productivity improvements. A number of these programs have been approved for continuing-education credit hours, providing opportunities for attendees to maximize their professional skills.

PCI’s National Bridge Conference will be held in conjunction with these programs, offering educational tracks of interest to designers, engineers, consultants, and educators involved with bridge construction. The program includes presentations on ultra-high performance concrete, innovative designs using bulb-tee girders, design efficiencies, segmental concepts that aid the environment, and case histories presented by Arizona bridge officials.

For more information or registration materials, visit www.pci.org and click on "News & Events," or contact Colin Faul at 312-583-6781, cfaul@pci.org.