This year, the Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) marks its 20th anniversary with a special program in the conference.
CASE programs focus on challenges facing structural engineers, including offshoring, outsourcing, BIM and tools to reduce risk. These sessions are open to all conference registrants.


CASE 20th Anniversary Banquet
Wednesday, September 26, 7 pm - 9 pm

The CASE banquet will recognize the Coalition’s accomplishments. Mr. Glenn Bell, CEO of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., who helped develop such innovative structures as the geodesic dome at Disney’s Epcot Center, will discuss challenges associated with engineering-driven architecture. All ACEC Conference registrants are invited to attend. Tickets may be purchased on the Conference registration form.


CASE Opening General Session
Thursday, September 27, 7 am - 8 am

Facts & Fallout of Next Generation Offshoring
What are the big picture impacts of offshoring on the engineering profession and how are they affecting the design industry in the U.S?
Presenter: Charles Freiboth III, Exterieur Resources Worldwide, Inc.


Awards Luncheon & Guest Speaker
Thursday, September 27, 11:15 am - 1:15 pm
Professor David Billington, Princeton University
Hear one of the world's foremost structural engineers speak on the scientific, social and artistic aspects of bridges, towers and other large-scale structures. Billington illuminates the concept of "structural art," an art form parallel to but independent of architecture. Following the speaker, "New Faces of Engineering" awards will be presented to five young engineers. Other special scholarships will be presented, as well as the Past Chairmen's Award, and special CASE and CAMEE awards.


Concurrent CASE Sessions
Thursday, September 27, 1:45 pm - 3 pm

Outsourcing Your Structural Engineering
Who is doing it and what are the results?
Presenter: Garry Myers, Houghton & Partners, Inc.

Staying Ahead of the Curve—Building Information Modeling (BIM) (repeated at 10 am)
Clients are demanding it, design professionals want to provide it, but it’s not as simple as it seems. Coordinating all disciplines into one model presents a myriad of problems and the software still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Listen to those at the forefront of this technology and get a glimpse of the future.
Presenters: James Jacobi, Walter P. Moore and Associates, Inc. and Marcello Sgambelluri, John Martin & Associates

Understanding Key Risk Drivers
What drives risk? It could be the time frame or a limited budget. It could be lack of communication, code complexity, or regulations. Hear one expert’s evaluation of what really does drive risk.
Presenter: Robert vanArsdall, XL Design Professional

Two Risk Management Strategies: How to Increase the Wisdom of Your Young Engineers and Improve the Financial Value of Your Clients (repeated at 10 am)
Once you find out what causes risk, you need the tools to manage it. CASE has produced a number of tools, including a step-by-step guide, to help you implement a risk management program in your firm.
Presenters: John A. Mercer, Jr., Mercer Engineering, PC; Corey Matsuoka, SSFM International, Inc.


CASE Closing General Session
Thursday, September 27, 8:15 am - 9:30 am

Building Code Complexity and its Impact on Business Practices and Risk Management
Complex codes are good for business. Learn how to use them to reduce conservatism and thereby enhance creativity; define the state-of-the-practice and assume less risk; and increase value which can be leveraged into increased fees and profits.
Presenters: Chris D. Poland, Degenkolb Engineers and James Harris, J.R. Harris & Associates