(Photo by Jim Sullivan Photography)

The 2004 Professional Design-Build Conference is aptly themed “Teaming for Success: The Integrated Advantage.” The conference will take you far beyond the obvious and provide solutions to the real challenge of successful design-build project delivery—the unseen “human” forces at work before construction even begins. Being part of a successful integrated team requires a unique combination of technical skills, management capabilities and teamwork combined with a broad understanding of the general roles and responsibilities of other team players. To achieve success, all players must see the “big picture” and understand not only their role in creating the vision but also the important role of others.

There’s no better view of the “big picture” than through DBIA’s 2004 Professional Design-Build Conference. With five tracks of education and 30 sessions and workshops to choose from, you are sure to walk away with innovative, replicable and effective techniques to guarantee your success as part of an integrated design-build team.

Conference Highlights Include: A Keynote Address on Iraq
The conference kicks off with a bang as David J. Nash, RADM (Ret.), former director of the Program Management Office, Coalition Provisional Authority, Baghdad, Iraq, presents “Under the Gun...Design-Build in Iraq.” Nash will discuss the use of design-build as the preferred delivery method in that “less-than-benign environment.”
Sessions On Forming Integrated Teams

One of many “how to” sessions is entitled “Early Involvement of Specialty Contractors—When is the Right Time?” Research shows that the most successful design-build projects had key specialty contractors involved before the schematic design was completed. Leaders of two major national owners’ facilities programs will provide an overview of the methods they use to select specialty contractors and provide insight on what those specialty contractors can do to provide higher value early on.

Successful Case Studies
Some of life’s most valuable lessons come from those who have gained knowledge through experience. The conference includes sessions based on case studies, such as the city of Avondale, Ariz.’s new civic center. Those who were involved in the project will explore how teaming relationships of the owner, contractor, and architect were critical to the success of their project. This presentation also will include an analysis of city staff and council involvement throughout the project and examine why design-build was selected as opposed to CM at-risk or design-bid-build. The presenters will share creative solutions implemented on this project, including phased permitting and use of design-build subcontractors.

Valuable Networking
With nearly 200 exhibiting companies, the 2004 Design-Build Expo is the world’s largest design-build show and provides many opportunities to connect and get to know key players in the industry. Explore the exhibits and see the latest innovations from leading industry companies that are showcasing their products, technologies and services. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about new technology offerings, make contacts and find solutions to your biggest challenges. Build partnership with owners, contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, manufacturers and other stakeholders.

A Celebration of “Excellence”
Join DBIA as it acknowledges the most outstanding design-build projects in the U.S. and the world. Minds and MasterWorks: A Celebration of People and Projects in Design-Build honors excellence in our industry. The gala dinner will salute best practices through an “Oscars” format, recognizing both finalists and winners. The evening will also include a time for you to exchange ideas, experiences, and everyday solutions with award winners and other colleagues.

Join DBIA in Chicago as more than a thousand professionals come together to share information and experiences, learn from each other, spread ideas, seek and give support, establish and perpetuate relationships and get to better know and understand the value of design-build and a dynamic integrated team. For more information, contact DBIA at (202) 682-0110, or visit our Website at www.dbia.org.