This year's shows:

Construction Directions

CISCA 2002

AIA 2002

NWCB 2002

PCBC

CSI 2002

METALCON

ICAA

STAFDA

The 2002 Convention Companion also has an overview of this year's regional trade shows.

AWCI 2002

March 12-17, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio AWCI's Expo: Construction Directions, the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries International's 85th annual convention and trade show, will be held March 12-17 in San Antonio. This year?s convention theme is, "Running with the Bulls!"

The headquarter hotels for the convention are the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter and Marriott Riverwalk Hotels, where AWCI convention attendees are extended special rates. The trade show will be held in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Education Sessions

AWCI has added an extra day of education sessions and some of them are repeated so that attendees can get the most out of their convention experience.

Here's what's being offered:

Field Testing of Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Materials: Proper procedures and methods for testing spray-applied fire-resistive materials, including site conditions, proper use of testing equipment, testing for thickness, density and bond strength, applicable code requirements and proper documentation.

Employee Handbooks and Policies for Contractors: A comprehensive, practical guide to drafting and implementing handbooks and policies. Learn some policies required by law and how to avoid lawsuits and claims.

The Impact of Mold on Construction and Indoor Air Quality: A brief summary of the health effects of mold, causes of mold growth, sampling and detection methods and steps to take for mold prevention in new construction.

Maximize Your AWCI Show Results: Exhibitors who attend this session will participate in a raffle for $1,000 off 2003 booth fees; one company will win. At this session, learn how to relate to attendees and manage leads.

Cold-Formed Steel--What's New!: Standard nomenclature, specifying, marking of the product by the manufacturer, ordering information, recent changes in the ASTM standards for cold-formed steel members, current research, new ANSI prescriptive standards for one and two family residential construction and "good practice" commercial details.

Construction Defects Litigation: Documentation and how to avoid a lawsuit.

Insurance for Contractors--Contractor's Advantage Program: How to identify the best insurance company and get the best deal.

Executive and Incentive Compensation Programs: The four key components of any compensation system, how to review your company's system, the common ground between formula and discretionary bonuses, the seven-step analysis for creating a new system and ways to give a company a solid foundation for compensation.

Language Barriers are Profit Drains!: Communicate effectively in Spanish without months of study.

Scaffolds and OSHA--It Works!: OSHA standards, the five most serious scaffold hazards, improving your scaffold safety awareness and training.

The Trade Show

AWCI's expo is the largest in the industry. This year's show features nearly 360 booths and 165 exhibitors. A highlight for exhibitors will be the 2nd Annual Best Booth Awards.

Special Events

Industry committee meetings will take place on March 13 and 14. A special education session only for exhibitors also takes place on March 14, along with an all-day meeting of the Safety Directors Forum. Also on March 14, join colleagues at the Foundation Golf Tournament at the beautiful Canyon Springs Golf & Country Club.

In addition, there are many receptions, the awards brunch and the popular final night gala with live and silent auctions.

Hospitality Activities

A San Antonio River Safari: Cruise the San Antonio River on one of the river barges guided by a knowledgeable captain who will explain the history, architecture and lore of this very charming metropolis. Stops include the Buckhorn Museum, the Alamo and the historic Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt gathered his "Rough Riders" in the famous bar before riding to victory in the Spanish-American War.

An Evening at Leon Springs Dance Hall--Do the Texas Two-Step: join in a line dance or challenge friends to a game of billiards.

A Cultural Showcase: Discover HemisFair Park, The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures, the King William District, the Steves Homestead Museum and the Southwest School of Art & Craft.W&C

For registration information, call (703) 534-8300 or visit www.awci.org.

CISCA 2002

April 14-17, Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Phoenix The Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association's 52nd Annual Convention will be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, April 14-17, directly across the street from the Phoenix Civic Plaza--home of Inter Con 2002, the International Interior Construction Expo, April 15 and 16, 2002. The leading commercial interior contractors, distributors, manufacturers and reps, as well as noted architects, designers and construction specifiers will gather together at Inter Con and make the business decisions that are sure to have an impact in 2002.

CISCA's focus for its 52nd convention is to provide a powerful and diversified education program to attract a broad range of attendees. Exciting new additions to the program include an economic forecast panel discussion to be held directly in the exhibit hall on Tuesday, April 16. The panel will consist of the most well-known and respected authorities in the construction industry. There's sure to be a packed audience waiting to get true insight on today's economic conditions, the effects on the construction industry, and advice on how to survive and succeed in the times ahead.

The education lineup for Phoenix is packed into a format that is sure to meet everyone's needs. FMI Corporation will present management seminars that address negotiating skills and differentiating one's company, while Don Gregory, noted attorney, will explain risk management. Human resource firm Caliper will be on-hand to discuss "The Three Best Employee Qualities" and Paul Doherty, AIA, will teach contractors about "Getting Business and Getting Paid Through Technology." Also on the program is the Construction Estimating Institute to give an overview of a "Winning Game Plan" Pre-Project Planning and Construction Scheduling.

The Texas A&M Distributors Program introduced at CISCA's Tampa convention is back for the second in a series of five modules. The program is geared to provide distributors with a comprehensive education program to attain distribution management success. This program runs Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, and concludes on Tuesday, April 16.

CISCA also added education geared specifically to architects to entice an even greater number of architects to visit Inter Con in 2002. Architects will now earn CEUs at the show when they attend seminars conducted by manufacturing firms with CEU approved courses. The popular Exhibitor Demonstrations will also enhance the new Architect's Education Track.

The 52nd Annual Convention will kick off with a rousing patriotic opening awards ceremony and breakfast on Monday, April 15. The Award ceremony spotlights the prestigious CISCA Construction Excellence Awards presentations and is always an anticipated event. CISCA proudly recognizes the innovative CISCA members who produced the years' finest examples of interior commercial construction. Winners are showcased to the architect, designer, and construction specifiers at the convention, in Interior Construction magazine and also many times throughout the year. The presentation of the De Gellecke Award, CISCA's highest honor, named for one of the founding members of the association Gerry De Gelleke, is also announced on April 15. Recent winners whose contributions to the industry and the association have been acknowledged as significant and noteworthy include: Tom Valenti, Valenti Consulting; Jim Gegare, Gegare Tile, and; Doug Ayers, C.J. Coakley Co. Inc. The breakfast will conclude with keynoter Amanda Gore.

Interact at Inter Con 2002 by visiting the exhibits on Monday, April 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, Hall D. The Exhibitor Demonstration areas, the economic forecast panel, as well as the Architect Education, will be on the show floor to add to energy. Attendees will see what the future holds for the industry as exhibiting and invited firms launch new products, demonstrate services and discuss trends. Schedule enough time each day to visit every exhibitor and participate in the Exhibitor Demonstrations and Inter Con Education.

Phoenix, known for its sheer beauty and unique landscape, is a perfect destination for CISCA's attendees. Participants will have the opportunity to relax and kick up their heels "Western Style" on Monday evening when CISCA has reserved the Corona Ranch for a fun-filled night complete with a real cattle-roping rodeo and dancing under the stars. On Tuesday, the all-day spouse tour to Sedona is sure to be a draw and we know the men may want to tag along on this one. CISCA's popular rep and manufacturer reception will be the early-bird event on Saturday, April 13, followed on Sunday evening by a beautiful "Grand Opening" reception in the Atrium of the Hyatt. Phoenix also boasts of beautiful weather, fantastic golf courses and world-class spas that CISCA attendees can try out when the CISCA Golf Outing is held on Wednesday, April 17, at The Raven Golf Club. The convention will end on a "high card" when the president's reception and dinner is celebrated with a Las Vegas Night. This final night with friends having fun will end a great convention and give attendees a glimpse of what's in store for 2003 when CISCA goes to Caesars in Las Vegas.

Contact CISCA at (630) 584-1919, e-mail CISCA@mindspring.com or visit www.cisca.org for full registration details. Don't forget, there's still time to contact CISCA to reserve booth space and demonstration area at Inter Con 2002.

AIA 2002

May 7-11, Charlotte

Convention

Center, Charlotte, North Carolina The American Institute of Architect's National Convention and Exposition is the premier event for building and design industry professionals. With 144 continuing education programs, 51 tours, 50-plus special events and added attractions and more than 500 leading-edge companies exhibiting valuable products and services, one will find plenty of challenging and fascinating activities.

No matter one's connection to the building and design community, attendees will benefit from the AIA 2002 National Convention and Exposition. Whether an architect, designer, engineer, developer, builder or building/design product manufacturer, this convention brings together all members of the design and construction industry!

Charlotte is an exciting city, full of art, history and culture. Located in the heart of the southern Piedmont between the mountains of Western North Carolina and the beaches of the Carolina coast, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and the Queen City of the south. The Carolinas are rich with fascinating places and there are lots of opportunities to visit them.

Carolinas 2002 will be about changes that are effected upon us, the challenges in delivering safe, high-quality architecture and the opportunities posed by focusing upon education, knowledge and inclusiveness. The convention theme, "DesignDesign," is about a new vision--rethinking the processes, businesses and relationships that affect the people who live, work and play in the places the industry creates. To support this expanded vision, a revamped learning environment will offer workshops and seminars chosen for their quality and relevance to the theme and their ability to provide tools one can use.

AIA Expo 2002 features six concentrated product pavilions for convenience. "The High Tech Pavilion" introduces the latest software for designing, drafting, engineering, construction management and other tasks. "The Stone and the Tile Pavilion" features the latest products and services in the stone and tile industry. "The Lighting Pavilion" offers everything from chandeliers and task lighting to path lights and security lighting. "The Fabric Architecture Pavilion" offers innovative balustrade systems, tensile fabrics, cable mesh, architectural sheet metal and other products to make commercial projects stand out. Visit the "Restoration Products Pavilion" to see the latest products, such as column capitals, roof tiles, historic windows and other items for period-look projects. The "Green Products Pavilion" promotes the concept of sustainable design and energy efficient products and services.

There are exciting events planned this year. Don't miss the 6th Annual College of Fellows Chancellor's Cup Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 8. This year's Host Chapter Party, Carolinas Expedition, which takes place Friday, May 10, is sponsored by the National Gypsum Co. and Milliken Carpet. Held at the spectacular Ericsson Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers, it will bring the best of the Carolinas to one location. Enjoy the mountains' country fare, clogging and live bluegrass music; the warm, sandy beaches' traditional Carolina coast delicacies and dance the night away to popular beach music.

For the most up-to-date conference information and online registration, visit www.aia.org.

Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau 2002

May 16-18,

Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, British Columbia The Northwest Wall and Ceiling Industries 2002 Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held in Victoria, British Columbia, at the Fairmont Empress Hotel and Victoria Conference Centre, May 16-18.

Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is the capital city of British Columbia and the seat of the provincial government. It is a cosmopolitan city with a charming, small-town atmosphere and a colorful history as a British colony. The Fairmont Empress Hotel, a historical landmark recognized worldwide, reigns over the inner harbor and is just steps away from a great variety of restaurants, world-class shopping and a multitude of activities.

This year's theme, "Making the Right Move," resonates throughout the convention agenda, which includes informative seminars, important industry meetings, fun social events, golf, tours and excursions highlighting the best that Victoria and Vancouver Island have to offer.

The event is centered on a trade show displaying the latest products, systems, tools and services in the wall and ceiling industry. This popular show is always an early sell-out. Those interested in exhibit space should contact the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau as soon as possible.

Exhibit set up begins Wednesday afternoon. The bureau's board of directors meet Wednesday evening and after the meeting they host a reception for first-time convention attendees.

The convention gets underway early Thursday morning with the annual convention golf tournaments, with the men playing the challenging Olympic View Golf Course and the ladies teeing off at the beautiful Cordova Bay Golf Club.

The first of the convention tours are also offered Thursday morning. Thrilling whale-watching adventures take attendees out on the waters surrounding Victoria to see wildlife, including orca whales, sea lions, seals and porpoises up close. A leisurely kayaking trip, lead by a naturalist guide, at the harbor gives participants another vantage point over the beautiful city. Those who want to experience the most extravagant spring color can choose the Butchart Garden excursion and luncheon, whereas a guided tour of the galleries of the Royal British Columbia Museum intrigues those interested in history and culture.

The annual provincial meetings, held by Alberta Wall and Ceiling Bureau and British Columbia Wall and Ceiling Association, have been scheduled for Thursday afternoon before the opening session featuring local native dancers, a fascinating visual presentation and a highlight on the winners of the "2002 Outstanding Project of the Year" awards. Immediately following the opening session, President's Party welcomes the delegates into the exhibit hall to view the displays and meet the exhibitors.

Friday morning has been set aside for industry caucus meetings. The contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and labor representatives meet in separate meetings to discuss the issues faced by their respective industry segments and to nominate their representatives to the bureau's board of directors.

The morning agenda continues with the main convention seminar, "Making the Right Move." The attendees gain informative, yet entertaining, insight into the psychological process of change and get a psychological road map to help them and their companies plot a course through changes--foreseen and unforeseen--in the future. The presenter is Dr. Patt Schwab.

Friday's exhibit event is a lunch, after which the delegates disburse to attend technical sessions. A program on Venetian plaster highlights this hot trend in interior design, covering all phases of work from selling to final application. Another program on acoustical ceilings teaches the attendees how to avoid common job problems and discusses acoustical ceiling issues relating to the U.S. and Canadian building codes. Friday's business agenda concludes in a labor-management joint meeting. The day ends with the highly anticipated manufacturer- and dealer-sponsored party featuring great Pacific Northwest food, dancing and entertainment.

Saturday morning's agenda starts with the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau's annual business meeting. The exhibits are open for breakfast and the remainder of the morning is devoted to seminars.

A technical seminar titled "Exterior Forum" discusses promoting EIFS in today's market, diversified product lines by EIFS manufacturers and stucco rainscreen systems. Another informative seminar titled "Interior Forum," addressing wallboard and finishing products, rounds out the technical education offering. This program discusses possible revisions to the levels of finish document and appropriate painting methods to be used in conjunction with methods to achieve the desired level of finish.

In addition to technical seminars, there is also a special session titled "Contractor Liability Insurance Explosion!" This program discusses emerging issues affecting liability insurance, including mold, exterior claddings and the high risks--as determined by insurance companies--of simply being in construction business.

Saturday afternoon gives the delegates another chance to go whale watching or kayaking, or just explore this bustling English city. The convention concludes with a reception and closing gala featuring entertainment and fine dining Saturday evening.

A number of families are expected at the convention and there are special activities planned for both children and spouses. Children are welcome at any of the convention events with their parents or they may stay at a special nursery and activity center provided during main convention events.

For more information, call the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau office at (800) 524-4215 or visit www.nwcb.org. Registration forms and on-line registration are available on the association Web site.

The Western Building Show

June 24-28, Moscone Center, San Francisco One of the industry's premier trade show and conferences, now in its 44th year, is expanding to both halls of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where record numbers of attendees and exhibitors are expected to converge June 24-28, 2002.

With more than 500 leading manufacturers and suppliers spanning 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, the dual hall exhibit floor will offer a comprehensive collection of the latest in residential product innovations. Additionally, builders will be able to preview the latest technology, products and services in hands-on displays showcasing the next generation of home- and construction-related applications.

PCBC 2002 also features a four-day educational conference with more than 80 sessions covering the latest trends in business management, architectural design, strategic marketing and quality construction. 2002 continues its program of Technology @ccess, a three-day "conference within a conference" designed to help builders leverage the power of the Internet and Web-enabled business strategies throughout their entire operation.

Nearly 625 exhibitors made contact with more than 21,500 industry professionals at PCBC 2001.

PCBC draws the top home building professionals from throughout the Western United States, Canada and the Pacific Rim. Sell out is expected, so don't wait to reserve space--exhibit floors are currently 95-percent sold out!

Host to countless networking events, parties and receptions, PCBC offers opportunities to connect with prominent industry players. Highlights include the Gold Nugget Awards Ceremony, the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and the Big Bash Party. For more information, call (800) 956-SHOW.

CSI 2002

June 26-30, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas The Construction Specification Institute's 46th annual convention and exhibit will be one of the nation's largest annual nonresidential construction shows. The exhibit takes place June 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The CSI annual convention is June 26-30. Registration is now open. The hotel reservations deadline is May 24.

The CSI Show for 2002 will have more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services, including hundreds of new offerings, in all 16 MasterFormat divisions including concrete, metals, wood and plastics, finishes, and doors and windows.

Wide-ranging continuing education sessions are scheduled. Education session attendees can earn Continuing Education Units from CSI and Learning Units from the American Institute of Architects. CSI Education Contact Hours, needed to retain CSI certifications, also can be earned. A new feature this year is that CEUs, LUs and ECHs can also be earned on the exhibit floor by attending qualified presentations.

Among the many products and services at The CSI Show will be two items CSI played a major role in developing. One is the National CAD Standard, created to streamline and simplify the exchange of drawings information among architects, owners and constructors.

The other is InfraKnowledge, a Web-based publishing system that enables teams to jointly create documents in real time using only their existing Web browsers.

Several optional tours also will be available, including tours of the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. The CSI Show's golf event will be June 26 at Sun City Summerlin's Highland Falls Golf Club and also the Tournament Players Club at The Canyons.

For more information, call (800) 689-2900 or visit www.csinet.org.

METALCON

Oct. 1-3, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill. METALCON International is the annual event aimed at the use of metal in residential, industrial, institutional and light commercial construction. It's constantly expanding to accommodate the needs of the ever-growing metal products industry.

For the past 11 years, the show has sustained a 12 percent growth rate in both exhibitors and attendees. There are an increasing number of periphery companies too, such as steel mills, fasteners, doors, material handling equipment, machinery, tools, software companies and the list continues to grow. Companies exhibit year after year and the show experiences an 87- to 98-percent return rate with an even more impressive 92-percent retention rate.

METALCON is scheduled for October 1-3, 2002, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., where 8,000 industry professionals are projected to attend. Consistently offering a full conference program with sessions on the ever-changing areas of technology, design and applications to provide construction and design professionals solutions to their design challenges.

For more information, call (800) 537-7765 or visit www.metalcon.com.

ICAA

Oct. 10-12, Renaissance Hotel, Washington The Insulation Contractors Association of America will hold its 24th Annual Convention & Trade Show from Oct. 10-12, 2002, in Washington.

The 2001 ICAA Trade Show featured distributors to the insulation contractor; software vendors; cellulose, fiberglass and rock wool suppliers; blower machine vendors; firestopping products; garage door manufacturers; polyurethane foam manufacturers; radiant barrier and reflective insulation manufacturers; closet shelving and cedar closet liner manufacturers; fireplace manufacturers and more. Detailed exhibitor information will be released in Spring 2002.

The ICAA Convention and Trade Show is the only national meeting of insulation contractors and suppliers and:

o An invaluable opportunity to participate in educational programs;

o A once-a-year bonanza of new products and vendors;

o A networking marathaon;

o A forum on the latest business trends and how to keep a competitive edge.

For more information, contact the ICAA at (703) 739-0356 or visit www.insulate.org.

STAFDA

November 10-12, Anaheim

Convention

Center, Anaheim, Calif. STAFDA's 26th Annual Convention & Trade Show will be held November 10-12, 2002, at the newly renovated and expanded Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif. More than $177 million was spent to make the convention center one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the country.

In addition to the convention center project, the entire city of Anaheim recently completed a major renaissance spending more than $4.2 billion in capital improvements. The city's latest attractions include Disney's new "California Adventure," adjacent to Disneyland and Downtown Disney, filled with shops, restaurants and nightlife. These attractions are walking distance from STAFDA's two headquarter hotels, the Anaheim Hilton and Anaheim Marriott. In addition, both properties are less than 25 yards from the main entrance to the convention center.

The STAFDA convention will lead off Sunday morning with its popular Tech & Consultants Fair showcasing new technology, STAFDA consultants and endorsed-service providers. Based on the success of the new Full Rap Session format at the 2001 San Antonio convention, STAFDA will again convene all membership categories to discuss common industry issues. Led by a three person panel: distributor and STAFDA vice president, Jason Bader, Acme Construction Supply, Portland, Ore.; associate member, Chris Merlin, Blazer Diamond, Greensburg, Pa.; and rep agent, Kevin Weinacht, Weinacht & Associates, Collinsville, Ill., each will give a short overview of where they see the industry headed, from their own perspective, before giving the audience a discussion question.

Following the Full Rap Session, distributors and associates will meet to discuss their own business issues and rep agents will hold their own rap session. Sunday afternoon will also feature an interesting spouse program.

The surf will be up Sunday night for STAFDA's opening party. Following a 90-minute California Dreamin' party complete with sand, surfboards, faux bonfires, and plenty of food and drink, the original Beach Boys will take the stage. Their songs and classic harmonies embody the spirit of the California lifestyle. They?ll perform their chart-topping hits including "Surfin' USA," "Surfer Girl," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Help Me, Rhonda" and of course, "California Girls."

Monday morning will begin with the General Session where STAFDA president, Jim Beckstein, Mill Supplies Inc., Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Cliff Wells, Ridge Tool Co., Elyria, Ohio, will deliver the two state-of-the-industry addresses.

Monday afternoon will be devoted to six hours of the trade show. Distributors can take advantage of associate show specials, prize drawings or see new products. Increasingly, more exhibitors are using the STAFDA show to debut new products. Because the show is a buying show, many distributors come prepared to shop. Once again, Monday evening will be open to associate hospitality.

Six educational workshops will be featured Tuesday morning with the trade show resuming that afternoon for another six hours. Spouses will have three terrific day-long tours on Tuesday: a shopping excursion to the exclusive Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles; a tour through the artists' colonies of Newport Beach and Laguna Niguel; or an interesting Anaheim and Orange County tour. The convention will come to an end Tuesday evening with a closing party at the Anaheim Hilton.

Convention information will be mailed to all members June 28.

Regional Associations

Carolinas Lath and Plastering Contractors Association

CLAPCA's "5th Annual Beach Blast" convention will be held at the Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Sept. 12-14. A variety of room accommodations are blocked at group courtesy rates. Attendees can take advantage of the group rate until Aug. 1, 2002.

Activities planned include an exhibitors "Welcome Fest" and tabletop displays, exhibitor breakfast/brunch, guest speakers addressing industry issues and concerns, distributor's spotlight, golf and fishing tournaments, a ladies' outing, and an awards banquet honoring the stucco contractors of North and South Carolina.

For more information call Charlie Smoak at (803) 957-1860 or Crystal Bonnell at (843) 449-8150 or visit www.clapca.org.

Florida Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association

The FWCCA convention will be held on July 18-20 at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort, in Ponte Vedra, Fla. Billed as the largest industry show in the southeast with more than 1,000 attendees, many great activities are already lined up for attendees.

The annual report on the affairs of the association will be conducted by President Larry Cotton along with presentations to honor FWCCA members for various activities and association involvement.

The 2002 convention will include more than 120 exhibits, educational classes, a golf tournament, as well as other social events.

For more information, call (407) 260-1313.