The 10th annual Design Building Institute of America (DBIA) Conference and Expo was held in Las Vegas last week, from October 18 – 20. Close to 2,000 people attended the overall event and the trade show portion of the event proved popular in several building related segments. The concept behind “design build” is to integrate as much of the building process as possible and the exhibitors were out to show where they could fit.
The largest overall segment showing was software related. Microsoft Dynamics had a major presence on the floor as did Bentley Systems, Oracle, Tekla, and Beck Technologies. Bluebeam Software had solid traffic with people interested in their software that allows easy manipulation of PDF style documents. Plus they attracted people to their booth with an intense “comic book” hero style approach. With so many attendees looking for ways to streamline efficiencies the software related companies were in demand.
To use the software on the jobsites, Motion Computing had the answer as they were showing off their “durable” computers for the jobsite. These computers were designed for the sometimes rough and tumble terrain of the jobsite and the folks who inhabit them.
Speaking of jobsites, another major part of the show were General Contractors that were offering integrated design and delivery avenues. Well known companies like Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Clark Construction, Hunt Construction Group, Balfour Beatty Construction and BE & K Building Group loomed large on the show floor.
The sub contracting installation side was also represented as well with electrical and HVAC offerings. In addition, Binswanger Glass was on site promoting its ability to install any glazing product large or small and had major interest in its ability to install hurricane and bomb impact related material.
Two of the most popular booths were steel related. Sanpete Steel Corporation got into the Vegas theme by bringing in a blackjack table and dealer. Meanwhile The Steel Network went more traditional by bringing in a gigantic sample of their product while showing various usages of their products on video screens nearby.
Overall show organizers were pleased with the attendance and traffic to the show floor. Next year the DBIA show is scheduled for Orlando, FL from October 19 – 21.
Reported by: Max Perilstein
