The second TCA Annual Convention is in the books but before we move on to the third Annual Convention I want to thank all of you who made the 2006 event a success. Dana Scott (Scott Systems) and Jim MacKinnon (Saunders Construction) deserve special thanks. As the local volunteers, a lot of coordination, in particular the site selection and product demonstrations, fell on their shoulders making our job much easier. A surprise visit to the hotel during the event by none other than President Bush complicated matters somewhat but hotel staff made it work.

Total attendance at this year’s event was right at 300. There were 38 exhibitors and 22 presenters. The product demonstration was new this year and worked very well. Our Platinum sponsors were able to show how their products worked, first hand, while attendees were treated to drinks and a BBQ. We will definitely repeat this event in some fashion next year. The round table discussions were also popular. Once you get a group discussing a topic of interest, there is no stopping them (except when proclaiming “dinner is served” or “the bar is open”).

That brings us to next year. The 2007 event will be held at the Marriott Conference Center on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Maryland from October 3-6. As the location might suggest, we expect to have a contingent of future Tilt-Up architects and engineers from surrounding universities and we will provide some special events or programs to get them involved.

The theme for next year’s event is Tilt-Up: It’s a System. Too many owners think that they can simply substitute a Tilt-Up wall for their precast or masonry façade. Our focus will be to demonstrate that to truly take advantage of the unique benefits of Tilt-Up, you need to consider it as more than just a wall.

Another new addition next year will be the emphasis on a particular building type. One hot area for Tilt- Up is educational facilities. This, coupled with the location of the event, made educational facilities a perfect fit for part of the third track. Presentations highlighting the benefits, successes, challenges, and other aspects of selling and building in the educational market will be featured. The education track will be part of the third track for either a half or full day depending on topics.

Staff has also proposed another change for the event. We will be soliciting proposals for papers and seminars for the 2007 Convention. The meetings committee will provide some guidelines to narrow the focus but it is hoped that the content, as well as many of the presenters, will be selected from papers and seminars submitted by our members.

Lastly, the site of the 2007 Convention will be close to the NRMCA research center. We are currently working with NRMCA to stage and expanded demonstration and outdoor exhibit program. Space (and weather) permitting we plan to cast concrete and erect a panel as well as demonstrate products during the outdoor program.

Mark October 3-6 on calendars now for the 2007 Convention. Help us build on the premier event for the Tilt-Up industry.

Ed Sauter, Executive Director TCA Board of Directors