Events Archives – Bim Corner

My reflections on BILT 2024

Konrad Fugas — Wed, 22 May 2024 08:40:44 +0000

What an event! BILT was definitely the best conference I’ve ever attended! Why am I so enthusiastic? Let me do some recap of the event and underline the winning points for that conference among all the others I have attended.

Sessions

There were a lot of great sessions. Oftentimes it was a struggle to choose one from among 5 concurrent presentations. I had to make some hard choices. If I were to pick top three, where I learned the most or got some perspective on a topic I think those would be:

Next-Level Data Visualisation

Great lab held by Kevin Fielding showcasing the possibilities behind connecting Speckle viewers with PowerBI. We sliced Revit model schedules, connected to PowerBI and transformed data. We also used Speckle server to visualise the model within PowerBI and interconnected it with the schedules. Afterwards, we created a dashboard with a bunch of visuals that gave both data and model overviews. Much appreciated, especially the help from Speckle, as it turned out the PowerBI is not consistent for every user, as one would expect.

BIM Integration for Built Asset Operation

Session held by Lindsay Offner and Ben Bentley about Facility Management of a tunnel in Sydney. They presented their workflow between model and Maximo (FM tool) and how they store and update data during maintenance. I noticed that their challenges and proposed solutions are similar to those we are having now at Stavanger University Hospital preparing for the handover.

How to succeed in building an 8 km subway with 6 stations directly from BIM.

Magne Ganz showed another example of a model-based building project in Norway. His presentation was focused on design processes set up to automate mundane tasks and to make it possible for the construction site to work without drawings. This was a session with a topic similar to mine, but it covered a little bit of a different area. Thanks to that, participants of both Magne’s and my sessions could understand the concept even better.

Discussion panel

There was also a great discussion panel about integrating design technology into education and professional development thoughtfully led by Joel Martineau. What is the different approach to professional development across countries and companies? How does academia prepare students for participation in the job market? How to stay competitive there? What should be the division of the responsibility between employer and employee? A lot of good questions and different answers and approaches.

My presentation and feedback

I also held a session at BILT. I was doing a case study on how to build a billion dollar hospital based on models.

I have spoken about core assumptions we did on site. Some of them I have already described on our blog (introduction here) and some of them I will continue on presenting here. The four main chapters were:

Data quality

A lot of materials about it already on our blog:

Processes

Example of one of our most important process https://bimcorner.com/model-based-construction-process-for-the-design-and-execution-phase/

Technology

Software we use, what tool is responsible for what task and how do they talk to one another.

Construction site

how we set up our site. One topic I have already covered here: https://bimcorner.com/bim-stations-do-we-need-them-on-construction-site/

I took the same approach as we do on our blog – kept the presentation practical, giving loads of value, but low key and no bragging and blabbering.

I devoted myself to creating and delivering an outstanding presentation. Fine-tuned it many times. I was doing absolutely the opposite of the saying “Done is better than perfect.”

My presentation had to be perfect.

How did it go? From the reaction of the class and comments afterwards and during the gala dinner – it went indeed great. I have received many positive comments. Moreover, I had some long discussions on how to deliver without drawings and why would it be beneficial for each stakeholder!

Each session has been rated. We are still awaiting the results and feedback. I’m thrilled to see how listeners reacted to what I presented!

Networking!

Networking at BILT is exceptional! Everybody is easily approachable and approaches you with ease. No closed mutual admiration societies. No self-selling. Instead, open minds, curiosity and genuine interest in the fields one another are representing. What do you do? How do you solve these challenges? Have you tried this or that?

I have had numerous high-lever BIM discussions which only proved my assumptions that BILT might be the collection of the sharpest minds in the AEC industry.

It was eye-opening and horizon-broadening to learn a different approach to the same problems. I came home with much more understanding of how the industry is doing in other parts of Europe (and world). What are the hot topics, what is on the horizon, what are the law regulations and challenges.

Thanks to everybody at the event I had a chance to speak to!

Key take-aways

After three hectic days of full attention during the classes and massive networking in breaks and afternoons, the BILT event came to an end. I was exhausted. But in this positive way that gives you new fuel and new ideas the next day you go to work.

What is my take on that?

BILT is the best conference I’ve ever attended

Low key, friendly and very knowledgeable. Everyone gives and everyone takes. It’s not massive in scale, but also not small, so you do meet a lot of new people throughout the day.

2. 60 minutes is a long speech, but it goes fast!

When I started preparing for the presentation I thought it was an enormously long time. After I had prepared the first mind map and presentation agenda, I realised this could easily be a three hour speech. I had to kill my darlings and shorten the session. But thanks to that it was concise and full of knowledge. And so were all the other sessions.

3. Model-based began to be a subject in many European countries.

A few years back, it was a complete novelty, now more and more countries are trying this approach or at least discussing the possibilities. I was very pleased when on a short survey at the closing plenary, some people, as the biggest take-away from the whole BILT event wrote “no drawings” and “less drawings”. That gives me motivation to further preach this method of construction and spread the word further!

4. It’s worth it to go outside of your bubble.

We are stuck in bubbles. Designers, contractors, building owners. Such an event can help us to not only meet people outside it, but talk to them beyond the current project and understand their take on the AEC industry. And this gets us step closer to better collaboration.

That was a great adventure and I felt welcomed by the BILT family. I encourage every one of you to consider this event for next year. Or even better – submit your abstract! The call for abstracts is soon to be open

One more time, a big thank you to DBEI for organising this event!

P.S. If you want to get access to all presentations and handouts from this and previous BILT conferences you can have it after buying membership at https://community.dbei.org/

The post My reflections on BILT 2024 appeared first on Bim Corner.

Why you have to visit BILT conference?

Konrad Fugas — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

If you are into conferences, you must have heard about BILT. This is THE conference. THE event to be at.

And if you are not often on conferences or by some accident haven’t heard about it I want to present to you what BILT is and why this is probably the best BIM conference in Europe.

What is BILT?

BILT stands for Buildings, Infrastructure, Lifecycle, Technology and this name encompasses exactly what this event is about. The event is run by users for users which makes it the best place to get real advice from people who seriously know their stuff, yet continue to learn themselves.

Organised by DBEI – a non-profit organisation that recently went into collaboration with BuildingSMART International. The organisation itself was started by technology passionates and up until today is run by such people. You can read about DBEI history here.

How does BILT ensure the highest presentation quality?

The quality of the presented materials is one of the core values of the event. There is no place for boring blah, blah, self-empowering bragging or selling from the stage. This event is for sharing knowledge. How do organisers ensure it? There are some key points.

75 to 150 minutes presentation

It is long. The time allotted for one presentation allows for a deep exploration of a presented subject. It is demanding both for the presenter and the audience. (God I remember those boooring lectures at the university!).

Over an hour of talking is way too long to just glide through the subject’s surface – a presenter has to dive deeper showcasing why, how and what he or she has been working on.

On the other hand, it also requires a long attention span from the audience – if you have chosen to attend a session, you have to have a genuine interest in the subject. Otherwise, the venue offers many other possibilities to spend one hour of your life.

Those two aspects meet – there is a competition between the sessions. There are five parallel sessions, so presenters have to make a good first impression to draw the attention of the listeners. If the presenter delivered an absorbing topic that was enjoyably presented, he or she would receive positive feedback and a higher score in the event app. There is a ranking of presentations and the 10 best presenters receive additional recognition by being promoted by DBEI after the event.

Schedule and preparation long before the event

Another measure to improve the quality of the presentations is the delivery schedule. It is both long and tight at the same time!

The submission deadline is more than half a year before the event (this year – November 2023). Thereafter, the jury chooses speakers by blind review of the received submissions to avoid being biased by names or companies the speakers represent. Being chosen is not the end, merely a beginning!

Two months before the presentation speakers have to deliver a session outline with a predicted timeline. This is to ensure that the session is well structured and thought through.

Consequently, three weeks before the event everything has to be ready. Forget about last-minute work and staying up three nights before the event to finish the slide deck! The delivery deadline applies to all materials.

This is the next upvote for the event quality.

Rich hand-outs and tips & tricks

The materials delivered by the speakers are extensive. Every speaker has to prepare two documents in addition to the presentation:

Hand-outs – this is a session guidance that comprises what the speaker is going to talk about. The attendees receive a printed copy at the entrance so that they can track the progress of the presentation and make notes.
Tips & tricks – three or more tips from the speaker. Some practical take-away from the presentation that can be used in everyday work

Creating these documents is not an easy task, yet gives immense value to the attendees. Many times during different events I wanted to simultaneously keep track of what was being said, make notes and also take pictures of some graphs from the slide. Too many tasks at once made it impossible to organise my notes! By having a handout I could focus on the content and just make short notes on the side.

I have also heard that many attendees keep and review their printed copies for years after the event!

Mentor program for speakers

This year’s novum! A mentor program for fresh speakers at BILT. Each new speaker gets allocated one mentor who can answer all their questions about the event, presentation and whatever they need.

I find it helpful and comforting to have the possibility to exchange my thoughts and ask questions about the event, the audience and the vibe before delivering the presentation.

My favorite sessions at BILT 2024 conference

I have studied the schedule along and across and I have chosen the topics that interest me the most. Here is my list of sessions I’m definitely going to attend. If you want to find your own set, head straight to: https://bilteur2024.dekon.com.tr/schedule/

Data Analytics in the AEC - Stories of the past 4 years.

Konrad Sobon

The data guru and one of the founding fathers of Dynamo forum. I think Konrad was already creating Dynamo packages when I was trying to solve my first integrals at university! I am also a data geek and would love to hear the stories from my name-fellow.

Interoperability Workflows at Autodesk

Lejla Secerbegovic, Krzysztof Jedrzejewski and Luca Marzi

In my day-to-day duties, I often use Autodesk products and work with IFC files. Would love to hear what is new about in integration of open standards within Autodesk’s ecosystem

Next-Level Data Viz: Taking Project Analysis to New Heights with Speckle & PowerBI

Kevin Fielding

As a PowerBI learner, I always look for potential ways of using it. Interesting to learn how Speckle, Revit and PowerBI can work together.

Harnessing AI for Historic Asset Analysis & Real-time Sensory Integration for Maintenance

Valentin Noves

Real-time sensors and AI. These are the subjects that are undoubtedly going to grow in the AEC industry in the near future. Interesting to check how others already take advantage of it for Facility Management purposes.

Optimizing Construction Schedules with Data Analytics

Pablo Derendinger

Everything about Data Analytics catches my attention and this session has gotten my eye as well – this talk explores how Data Analytics can significantly optimize construction schedules.

A journey from 0 to 2.5M sqm in a year

Lucia Munoz

This session is about a building owner’s journey from having no BIM knowledge to managing more than 2.5M sqm in BIM in a year. Sounds promising to see a case study on how an organisation can develop their digitalisation and what they have gained through the implementation of BIM methodology.

Sessions 5 and 6 are killing me! They are at the same time! Both sound extremely interesting. Maybe I can copy myself to attend both…

An Engaging Domestic Asset Information Model in Notion

Thomas Corries

Thomas is another experienced BILT speaker. We had a chance to talk since Thomas also takes part in a mentor program and he is my mentor for my speech.

I have tested Notion a bit and it looked like a very capable tool. I would love to learn how to set it up to draw together data from different sources and how to maintain this platform to be always up to date.

Implementing AI in Revit for Construction Code Verification

Valentin Noves

ChatGPT is everywhere now, but in fact, I haven’t seen it in Revit yet! This session aims to change this! Cannot wait to learn how to integrate Revit model data with AI and how to query the model using natural language. This might be a tipping point in data management for “non-data-oriented people”.

How to succeed in building an 8 km subway with 6 stations directly from BIM.

Magne Ganz

The giant subway project in Oslo – Fornebubanen – is going to be the topic of this presentation. I have already seen some presentations about this construction investment and they are always impressive (check for example this one at Autodesk University). Magne is a knowledgeable person and openly shares his knowledge. I am sure this session is going to be a star!

My contribution to BILT

Last but not least I am also going to toss some pennies to this fountain of knowledge. I am going to showcase the project I am currently involved in – New University Hospital in Stavanger. I will focus on sharing how we had set up the project and what was my role in succeeding in the construction of this huge hospital entirely without drawings. My session is on the last day (May 9th, Thursday at 14:45) and it is called:

$1 Billion Project Built Fully Without Drawings

Konrad Fugas

I invite all of you to come and see me in Riga! I would love to chat and high-five each one of you!

Summary

I think you understand now why BILT is such a big thing in our bubble. If you want to deepen and expand your knowledge within the BIM methodology, this is the event to be at!

Sincerely, if you have a budget to visit only one conference this year, make it to BILT! Register as long as there are seats available! You can do it here:

https://dekon.com.tr/bilteurope2024/en/REGISTRATION.html

P.S. This article is NOT sponsored. I just genuinely recommend the BILT conference

The post Why you have to visit BILT conference? appeared first on Bim Corner.

BuildingSMART International Standards Summit: Report from “Ticket to Open BIM” Game

Marcin Pszczolka — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:03:22 +0000

As part of the BuildingSMART International Standards Summit held from March 27 to 30, 2023, an exciting game called “Ticket to Open BIM” took place. The event gathered 30 BIM enthusiasts who were divided into 6 teams. Each team consisted of an Appointing Party and an Appointed Party (Client, Contractor). The game’s objective was to demonstrate effective collaboration between the client and the designer and to test the new IFC 4.3 and IDS standards.

Each team was assigned specific software and a coach.

I had the opportunity to participate in the game as the coach for Trimble software and the IFC 4.3 standard. My task was to support the “White Tigers” team in creating an IFC 4.3 model in the Quadri and Novapoint programs and to help them understand the principles of openBIM.

It’s worth mentioning that the “White Tigers” team consisted of outstanding specialists such as Marco Andersson (Trafikverket, Sweden), Vincent Keller (Egis, France), Luca Curreli (RFI, Italy), Marina Calisti (Femern A/S, Denmark), and David Gerner (SBB, Switzerland). Their task among others included creating an IFC 4.3 model using the Trimble Quadri and Novapoint software.

The first stage of the game was the process of defining requirements. The teams familiarized themselves with the initial documentation (EIR) and established a strategy of action. The “White Tigers” decided to begin the competition by dividing into smaller working groups, which allowed for better organization of work.

The next stage involved modeling the infrastructure in Quadri and Novapoint software. The IFC 4.3 model presented the railway alignment with various types of horizontal and vertical segments, as well as transitional curves and cant, which was a novelty in the openBIM world. Along the alignment line, there were objects such as signals, which were correlated with it using ifcLinearPlacement, and the mileage information was presented using relations with ifcReferent. Objects also had attributes such as Name and Description.

IFC 4.3 model of railway alignment:

After completing the modeling phase, it was time for the verification stage. The BIM model underwent various tests, including validation in the BSI system (validate.buildingsmart.org) and RDF. These tests checked the correctness of geometry, relationships between objects, and attributes to ensure that the model complied with the IFC 4.3 standard.

Furthermore, the model underwent validation in the IDS (Information Delivery Specification) system. This verification stage ensured that the model met all the requirements of the information delivery specification, which is crucial for ensuring the completeness and quality of BIM data.

In conclusion, the “Ticket to Open BIM” game was not only an excellent opportunity to showcase collaboration between the client and the designer but also allowed for testing the new IFC 4.3 standard. The “White Tigers” team demonstrated the highest level of cooperation and precision in creating the model, leading them to victory. All participants also got to experience the potential of Trimble Quadri and Novapoint software in delivering a 100% compliant IFC 4.3 model.

The game’s results demonstrated that there are 9 conscious suppliers in the AEC market who recognize the potential of developing open standards. It’s worth noting that clients are ready to demand IFC 4.3 standards, indicating the growing importance and recognition of open standards in the industry.

Moreover, “Ticket to Open BIM” was not just a competition but, above all, an excellent opportunity to meet and collaborate with BIM enthusiasts from around the world. The event undoubtedly contributed to raising awareness and engagement in developing open standards in the AEC industry.

Congratulations to the “White Tigers” team on their victory, and I wish all participants further success in their efforts to promote BIM and open standards.

I would like to thank the organizers of BuildingSMART International and Engisis for the great event and unforgettable experience. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again soon.

Finally, I invite you to watch the video on the buildingSMART International YouTube channel. In this video, you will find a brief summary of the “Ticket to Open BIM” game.

We were infraSTUDIO guests

Marcin Pszczolka — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:50:18 +0000

Professor Marek Salamak from the Silesian University of Technology in Poland launched his own information channel, called infraSTUDIO. The format of the program involves short and dynamic conversations with experts who operate in the field of digitization and automation of the construction industry. Especially in connection with the infrastructure and bridges to which, due to his professional profile, he is closest to.

The guest of the premiere episode was Marcin Pszczółka, co-founder of BIM Corner. During the interview, topics such as: the beginnings of BIM Corner, the BIM level in Norway and the direction of BIM development in Poland were discussed.

I invite you to watch. (Episode recorded in Polish – English subtitles available)

An interview transcript is available below the video.

Interview transcript

MS: You’re pretty tanned for the arctic land’s resident? Isn’t it too hot in Poland for you?

MP: Mark, first of all, thank you so much for inviting me to infraSTUDIO… I’m not sure if you know, but Norwegians say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Experiencing all seasons in Norway, I can say that temperatures in summer can be higher than on Polish beaches.

MS: I’ve already revealed that you studied in Gliwice. Say something about your education at the Silesian University of Technology.

MP: Yes, I did, in fact, I studied transport infrastructure design and construction from 2009 to 2015. I have very nice memories from that time since I experienced real student life while living in a dormitory.

Despite the passage of time, I manage to keep a relationship with many friends and hosts. Just like with you.

MS: What made you so drawn into Scandinavia? You got into a company in those areas right after college, right?

MP: It all started with Erasmus in the final year of college. As part of that program, I did an internship in a Scandinavian company. I remember that I was fascinated by the way Norwegians work. It was 2014, and I was already participating in a project applying BIM technology.

It was a big deal for me as a student. After returning from the internship, I wrote my thesis on BIM in Infrastructure inspired by what I worked with. As it turned out later, Norway is an ideal place to develop in my industry.

All of this makes me live in Norway for 4 years.

MS: Weren’t you afraid you couldn’t cope with their high level of BIM? Plus there’ll be a difficult language, tough people, and only two hours of daylight in winter?

MP: In the beginning, like probably everyone else, I felt a fear of the new unknown. I wasn’t thinking about the BIM level at the time, because I’ve already known “something”.

Of course, I was afraid of the Norwegian language the most. Fortunately, during the first period of my stay in Norway, when I worked for Trimble for 3 years, I could speak English. At the time, my technical skills were more important to the company than my language skills.

MS: But now you work for Norconsult?

MP: Yes. While I was working at Trimble as a Software Engineering Manager in BIM, I wished to work on the other side. I really wanted to learn about the specifics of working on an infrastructure project and use these software tools in action.

I have been working for a year as BIM Coordinator on small and large railway and road projects. The projects are at different levels of BIM maturity. From 1 to 3.

MS: How and when did the BIM Corner idea come up?

MP: While living in Norway for some time, I started to meet Polish engineers. First I found Janusz. He worked in the same building as me, only two floors down. We often met on breaks and discussed BIM. One day we concluded that it would be nice to gather a group of people that we could just casually talk to about BIM. Each of us knew someone and soon there were six of us. We all met, at the Norwegian IPA, and little by little, we decided to do something together. It was a blog and after the voting, we chose the name BIM Corner. So BIM Corner is a place describing BIM the way we see it. We write down our experiences there and present them in a simple way.

MS: You have developed great branding, and you gradually build your brand. Where do you get your ideas for these great graphics from?

MP: We noticed that good graphics can explain more than a whole wall of text. Easier to remember, easier to repeat. The picture allows you to cut out unnecessary words and show the subject with a clear scheme. We prefer to use graphics to describe BIM processes, which are difficult to describe. Each of us has different ideas for our graphics, but we follow the KISS rule, which is Keep it simple stupid.

MS: When did you find out that BIM Corner can succeed in this ocean of social media posts?

MP: We believe that engineers deserve to disenchant BIM definition. We want to create a reliable online place to attract the reader with valuable content, not necessarily advertising. From the beginning of the blog’s existence, we’ve been determined to create systematically, very good quality materials for everyone interested in BIM. We participate in discussions, we respond to every comment, every email. This is how we meet many experts among our readers. It seems to me that all these things together arouse people’s sympathy and result in the recognition of BIM Corner online. Additionally, we develop our Social Media such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube

MS: But BIM Corner isn’t just Marcin Pszczółka. Say something about your partners, because as far as I know, they are all Poles. How did you meet? I mean, you’re not friends from one university.

MP: BIM Corner is made by six people who live in Norway on a daily basis. We are all Polish engineers who work in various AEC companies, where BIM is used in everyday life. Konrad Fugas works in the IT industry for BIM. Ignacy Łoziński is a BIM programmer, with BIM Coordinator experience in structures. Janusz Majcher is a specialist in new technologies and Tekla. Krzysztof Wojsław deals with designing bridge structures using Grasshopper. Konrad Naborczyk is a project coordinator in a construction company.

As it turned out, we are from four different technical universities – from Opole, Gliwice, Warsaw, and Gdańsk. So we can say that we connect southern and northern Poland across Warsaw.

MS: Please describe briefly the Scandinavian BIM market now. Especially in terms of infrastructure, you’re much more connected with.

MP: Rough terrain and climate conditions result in very high construction costs. In its strategy for the next decades, Norway has a plan to connect the south with the north of the country, so current road and rail investments are huge. An example may be the E39 route or the new InterCity network. The institutions acting as the public investor put considerable emphasis on BIM development. They are constantly raising the bar. For example, the first BIM project in 2010 was on the second level, and today’s expectations are already on the third level, where all information is included in the model.

MS: So what can we learn from the Norwegians?

MP: I think we can learn great organization and professionalism at work from Norwegians. An interesting thing is that everyone call each other by the first name, regardless of age, social status, or position. I really appreciate the high quality of industry events in Norway. In places such as BIM conferences, you can meet many experts from different parts of the construction market. These are knowledge-oriented and networking events. Software is important, but it doesn’t play the main role.

MS: And how do you assess the Polish BIM market and its potential in this context?

MP: Honestly, I did not work directly with BIM on the Polish market, but I know what is going on through social networks. I have noticed that the Polish market is very fragmented and very diversified.

In Norway, the government, the public investor, and companies are driving the development of BIM technology. From time to time, further amendments are made to the existing guidelines, companies are working on common good practice manuals. BIM knowledge is publicly available.

In Poland, on the other hand, it has become clear that BIM knowledge is expensive because you have to pay for the know-how. Unfortunately, many people who don’t have practical experience of BIM take advantage of the possibility of quick profit and educate at the level of the so-called BIM Hollywood, which comes down to fluent knowledge of the modeling program.

So, in my opinion, the Polish market is very fractured, very diverse. I still don’t see a clear, common direction of development.

MS: We were supposed to meet in Gliwice in May during the next InfraBIM, but because of the pandemic, we had to postpone everything until October. What are your expectations for the event? I know that you are involved in running the first BIM marathon.

MP: Only few BIM events in Poland are knowledge-oriented. InfraBIM with its workshops and Hydepark has a chance to change that. There will be BIM Corner’s lectures, so I encourage you to come.

When it comes to BIM Marathon, it can be a breakthrough for Polish BIM. Events of this type are known around the world, time for BIM in a slightly unusual form.

Take part in the third edition of infraBIM and meet the BIM Corner team

Ahead of us is the largest event, organized for the first time on such a scale in Central and Eastern Europe, called infraBIM.

This time, the event will take place in a hybrid form, where reality will merge with the virtual world. Regardless of where on earth you will be – thanks to the modern form, we can meet, even if we are separated by hundreds of thousands of kilometers!

Accompanying events are planned, the main purpose of which is to develop and promote the BIM methodology in construction. Each of them in an innovative and creative way shows the importance of new technologies.

You can find more about the event here

See you there!

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5 reasons why BILT Europe is the best conference… ever!

Krzysztof Wojslaw — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:42:25 +0000

BILT EUROPE conferences are different from the other ones. Not only because they are organized on 4 continents (Europe, America, Asia and Australia) or because they take place in different cities every time. What distinguishes BILT from the other conferences is the fact, that it is the event organized by the users for the users. So what matters the most is content – knowledge sharing, experience exchanging as well as networking in the industry, and not as it happens on many events – advertisement and promotion all-over.

This year I was the speaker at the BILT (Buildings, Infrastructure, Life cycle, supported by Technology) Europe conference in Edinburgh, where I represented the SWECO company, in which I work every day. This year’s edition turned out to be the biggest conference organized by the DBEI (Digital Built Environment Institute) so far. It attracted over 400 attendants from all over the world. During my 75-minutes presentation, I described the effect of my 2-years of work on the parametrization of bridge constructions using Tekla and Grasshopper software. I have never before been on the event that offers so many opportunities to meet specialists from all over the world, who know their industry inside and out. It was also a unique opportunity to learn about the newest trends and technology progress in the construction industry – starting from 4D, 5D through drone on construction site and machine learning ending with artificial intelligence. And all of this happened just in one event, in one place!

Enough of the introduction. Here are 5 reasons why BILT is the best conference ever.

1. Adequate preparation — a guarantee of the high standard

The selection of the presentations takes place 9 months before the event. Already in February, each candidate for the speaker had to send the abstract of their potential topic, specify the required level of the attendees’ knowledge or write a few words about themselves and their motivation to be a part of the event. After less than 2 months the specially established committee selected 90 speakers from among over 350 applications. The place and date set, speakers confirmed, topics chosen – it would seem that committee members could pat themselves on the back and just sit back waiting for the big day. I didn’t work out with BILT that way – as it turned out, it was just the beginning. The whole preparation is long and demanding. In order not to leave everything until the last minute, the due dates of sending presentation materials were determined. They are strictly respected by the committee and apply to everyone. The dates help the committee to follow the work progress and at the same time to send comments as well as remarks to the presentations.

Four months before the conference each speaker had the opportunity to participate in the series of obligatory webinars. These were over an hour Skype meetings, where the practical tips were presented along with the discussion on the most frequent mistakes made at previous editions. Excellent lessons, especially for beginners taking their first steps in BILT.

Three months before the conference the speakers were required to prepare the list of the presentation content. The well-prepared plan is always the best starting point for a suitable workflow. Next, it was the time for the most time-consuming Handout, comprising almost the presentation transcript. Therefore, not only all the slides but also a detailed description of each one. Attendees have access to handouts during the conference through a specially prepared application. Additionally, they receive a printed copy and follow the presentation step by step, while taking their notes.

A month before the conference the presentation had to be finished and sent to the committee. Additionally, each speaker was obliged to select 2 slides representing the best tricks and tips included in the presentation. Such an organizer’s approach ensured a high level of each session. Early dates were an impulse and motivation to act. The speakers began to think about their topic in advance, hence they had enough time to provide the high quality.

2. Variety of the thematic panels in BILT EUROPE

Each attendee faces quite a dilemma, as they might choose from among 100 sessions taking place within 3 days. These sessions are divided according to the field, level or form:

75 and 150-minutes presentations – Yes it’s long, I know. However, only such a time enables showing through the presentation of the topic and interesting solutions.
75- or 150-minutes laboratories – Practical exercises with the selected program. It was possible to participate in the process of creating a new project, tools or the script under the supervision of the instructor and their assistant. Participants could use computers available in the room, come with their own or remain as an ‘auditor’
Hackathons – The designing marathons take place in a short time, in this case, 2 days. They focus on solving a specific design problem - intensive group work with quick results.
Discussion panels – Casual discussions on one particular topic to achieve a specific solution. The audience plays an important role and may actively participate – ask questions and influence the whole discussion.

3. Incredible atmosphere

When I was going to BILT, I had imagined that I would meet world experts, CEOs of large companies, people who I can only see in the LinkedIn images and who, as I assumed, would be closed in their circles of acquaintances. I was surprised by people’s openness. At the previous events, I often experienced the exaltation of the experts and reluctance to establish new contacts. Here, it was the opposite way! Each of the attendees was keen to talk and exchange experiences. Nobody looked down on anyone. You are on BILT – you are a “my man”. The organizer played an important role here – organized an integration event for all the speakers, a trip to the construction site and an amazing gala at the end of the event.

4. Scottish charm

Also, the presentation of the city’s culture where the conference takes place is very interesting. When music was played – it was on a bagpipe; when formal clothes appeared– then with obligatory ‘Scottish charm’, when it comes to entertainment – wasn’t without swords and Scottish dance; food – means haggis, alcohol – whiskey. It is said that the devil is in the details, but as it turns out, there was also a magical atmosphere, allowing everyone to feel at ease and feel the atmosphere and culture of the host country.

5. Organization of BILT EUROPE

Up to this day, I am still full of admiration for organizers. Great arrangement of the whole project along with the logistics deserves a medal. It is worth distinguishing the application DBEI Events created specifically for the conference, where it was possible to find all the necessary information concerning the conference schedule, session descriptions and speakers. We were also up to date with all the changes on the agenda. What is more, the sessions were rated through the app. Each attendee taking part in the presentation could give points and comment on the presentation as well as prepared handouts. After the conference, the speakers received the average rating and comments. My presentation received the 15th honourable place (on the 100 sessions) – decent result as a debut presentation

What’s next?

The upcoming BILT Europe is next year, this time in Valencia. I’ll try to qualify again and try myself, but this time with a different topic (I already have an idea!). However, before Valencia. I’ll turn a little on the southeast – 11 thousand kilometres – and stop by the BILT Asia 2020 organized in Singapore in April!!! Tickets are already bought, the excitement reaches level million, the topic is going over my head. Singapore I’m coming!

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Author of photos in the article: Peter Somogy-Toth from Skyart Media.

The post 5 reasons why BILT Europe is the best conference… ever! appeared first on Bim Corner.

Events Archives – Bim Corner

My reflections on BILT 2024

Sessions

Next-Level Data Visualisation

BIM Integration for Built Asset Operation

How to succeed in building an 8 km subway with 6 stations directly from BIM.

Discussion panel

My presentation and feedback

Data quality

Processes

Technology

Construction site

Networking!

Key take-aways

Why you have to visit BILT conference?

What is BILT?

How does BILT ensure the highest presentation quality?

75 to 150 minutes presentation

Schedule and preparation long before the event

Rich hand-outs and tips & tricks

Mentor program for speakers

My favorite sessions at BILT 2024 conference

Data Analytics in the AEC - Stories of the past 4 years.

Konrad Sobon

Interoperability Workflows at Autodesk

Lejla Secerbegovic, Krzysztof Jedrzejewski and Luca Marzi

Next-Level Data Viz: Taking Project Analysis to New Heights with Speckle & PowerBI

Kevin Fielding

Harnessing AI for Historic Asset Analysis & Real-time Sensory Integration for Maintenance

Valentin Noves

Optimizing Construction Schedules with Data Analytics

Pablo Derendinger

A journey from 0 to 2.5M sqm in a year

Lucia Munoz

An Engaging Domestic Asset Information Model in Notion

Thomas Corries

Implementing AI in Revit for Construction Code Verification

Valentin Noves

How to succeed in building an 8 km subway with 6 stations directly from BIM.

Magne Ganz

My contribution to BILT

$1 Billion Project Built Fully Without Drawings

Konrad Fugas

Summary

BuildingSMART International Standards Summit: Report from “Ticket to Open BIM” Game

IFC 4.3 model of railway alignment:

Other articles about IFC 4.3

We were infraSTUDIO guests

Interview transcript

Take part in the third edition of infraBIM and meet the BIM Corner team

See you there!

5 reasons why BILT Europe is the best conference… ever!

1. Adequate preparation — a guarantee of the high standard

2. Variety of the thematic panels in BILT EUROPE

3. Incredible atmosphere

4. Scottish charm

5. Organization of BILT EUROPE

What’s next?