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
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
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/
