As is tradition, the entry of the Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) directors into the President's Ball was heralded by a bagpiper. New president Brian Colgan, RSW (with wife, Hedy), and immediate past-president Tom Dunbar, FCSC, RSW (with wife, Pat), led the way.

The 2009 Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) National Conference provided a glimpse of the future amidst the usual knowledge advancement, industry award honours, and networking opportunities. Held May 20 to 24 in London, Ont., the annual event brought together design/construction professionals from across the country to meet in the Forest City.

Titled "Building Knowledge," the conference was well-received by its more than 230 delegates, according to Greg Clemens, FCSC, RSW, CCCA, a member of this year's organizing committee.

"Some fresh topics for education seminars provided a new vision on where the construction document industry will be going in the very near future," Clemens told Construction Canada Online. "Building information modelling (BIM) had to be the conference educational topic highlight this year."

Various keynote speakers (ranging from Last Comic Standing comedian Gerry Dee to Wealthy Barber author David Chilton) and an in-depth technical program (including topics like green roofing and unstable masonry veneers) entertained and educated. This year, the annual Fun Night was a tropical luau theme befitting the hosts' stature as the most southern chapter of CSC. The laid-back atmosphere fostered professional development and socializing, without too much negativity regarding world finances and the state of the building industry.

"I'm not sure if the current economic climate really impacted the mood of the attendees," Clemens said. "Obviously, it was a topic for discussion and networking, but business seems to be very brisk across the country."

"At the conference, it seemed apparent we need to change our way of thinking and look at moving forward to embrace the new technology and work it is bringing to us, instead of worrying and complaining about how great the past has been."

At the conference, Geoff Kinney received the F. Ross Browne Award for his concrete flatwork article, which appeared in the March 2009 issue of Construction Canada.

The conference also served as a time to acknowledge the achievements of CSC members. George Heath, FCSC, received Life Membership—the highest award CSC can bestow on an individual member in recognition of service. Long membership, active participation in the advancement of the association's goals, and endorsement amongst one's peers are all requirements of the honour; these criteria were easily filled by Heath, a man with a lengthy record of contributions to CSC.

Among the other winners was Geoff Kinney, who received the F. Ross Browne Award for his March 2009 Construction Canada article, "Specifying Quality Concrete Flatwork." For more on other honourees and an in-depth look at the various happenings of the 2009 CSC National Conference, see the July/August issue of Construction Canada.