Earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes, terrorist attacks, hurricanes, the economy. Every time you turn around another disaster has struck some part of the world. The only thing that Tilt-Up can do for the economy is to provide tremendous value for the money. As for the other disasters, Tilt- Up is in an ideal position to provide cost-effective solutions for structures to resist the forces of Mother Nature and even man when bent on destruction.

Building for Disaster Protection is the theme of the 2010 TCA Convention scheduled for September 29 – October 1 at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, California. Sustainability topics will also be emphasized in the program. Final touches are still being put on the program and presenters but several great seminars have already been inked in. Included will be an update on our blast research with AFRL; bracing and erection strategies; expanding the market for Tilt-Up; seismic detailing; designing and building for high wind; and, Tilt- Up towers and other challenging structures. We also plan to have a presentation on converting for the school market and one on roof diaphragm alternatives.

Sustainability is a sub-theme of the Convention and building for disaster protection is, truly, a sustainable practice. If a structure must be demolished after a disaster strikes the resources required to build the structure are wasted and worse, the building ends up in a landfill. Sustainable topics relative to Tilt-Up construction include insulation systems and the importance of thermal mass in reducing operating costs of structures and the size of operating equipment. Replacement of Portland cement, the real challenge in the sustainable equation with regard to concrete, with supplementary cementitious materials will round out the sustainable seminars for this convention.

The popular discussion on Tips and Tricks will again be featured with new ideas to make the trip worthwhile. After last year’s event several attendees said that one tip given during the system has saved them the cost of registration every time they cast a panel – now that’s value. Another change for the convention this year is the move of the Tilt-Up Achievement Awards program from the Winter Meeting to the Convention. It means you will have to get your submittals in earlier but it should also be another great attraction for the event.

There will be a certification seminar and exam for those of you looking to become certified or renew your certification and there is an outside chance that we will be able to offer it in Spanish (stay tuned). The golf tournament prior to the event was popular last year so it will be featured ahead once again for 2010.

This promises to be yet another in the sequence of great educational events for the Tilt-Up industry. We were able to get our room rate reduced from $210/night in our original contract to $169/night. At that price and in that market, they won’t last long. Mark your calendars for September 29 – October 1, get your room, and check our web site at www.tilt-up.org for frequent updates.

Ed Sauter, Executive Director