What: BIM CON!FAB 2009 is two-day symposium on the information technology-based techniques that are drastically improving productivity and speeding the process of building large structures. It is being hosted by the University of Southern California's School of Architecture and Viterbi School of Engineering.

Why: “BIM is transforming the practice and the business of construction by enabling architects and builders to use industrial engineering planning and execution techniques long used in manufacturing.”  Burcin Becerik-Gerber, USC Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, co-host.

“BIM is a paradigm shift in the Architecture-Engineering-Construction profession, potentially more far reaching than the CAD revolution 25 years ago  - it impacts construction, fabrication, sustainable design, and collaboration within the building industry.”  Karen Kensek, USC School of Architecture, co-host.

Who: Leaders in the field of Building Information Modeling, including representatives of major  software companies in the field: Archway Systems, Inc. (Bentley); Autodesk; Beck Technology, Ltd.; Bobrow Consulting Group (ArchiCAD); Digital Vision Automation, Inc.; Nemetschek North America; Onuma, Inc.; Solibri; Synchro, Ltd.; and Optira with ESRI

Also, representatives of Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and BIM consultant companies including Gehry Technologies; View by View Inc. with Gregory P. Luth & Associates, Inc. and Urban Design Group; MATT Construction with ARUP; Morley Builders; Buro Happold; Gensler; Morphosis Architects, Inc.; and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP  with Mortenson/Power.

When: Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31. Software presentations morning of July 30, AEC professionals' presentations Thursday afternoon July 30 and all day Friday, July 31.

Where: Location to be determined. Please check the web registration site for the most updated room location information. Admission is free but event is limited to 200 participants