I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been contacted by clients asking us "what is BIM?" or "we’ve been awarded a BIM project, where do we start?". Accubid’s BIM stream not only features previews of our tools, but a multi-module BIM educational program based on the AGC’s industry leading BIM 101 program. The AGC has really been on the forefront of Building Information Modeling education, launching the BIM 101 program in April 2009, the first-of-its-kind educational program designed to give construction professionals a broad understanding of the BIM process. BIM is one of the most exciting developments in the construction industry, and is really changing the way projects are built. This emerging process requires new mindsets and technological processes to move the industry forward. This program, developed in conjunction with leading BIM practitioners, technology firms and educators, is designed to successfully educate construction professionals at all experience levels on a range of topics they would encounter implementing and using a BIM. The AGC BIM 101 program is a $450 value when attended via an AGC event, but it’s part of the Conference 2010 at no additional cost. We’re excited to be able to deliver this program as only Accubid could. We’re also excited to provide the first ever public glimpse of Accubid’s BIM product strategy.

During the Conference 2009 keynote, Accubid laid out our vision for our total solution platform, Accubid Enterprise. With Accubid Enterprise, we’re delivering the industry’s first and only software solution to help manage the construction project life-cycle. Gone will be the days of fragmented software solutions that rely on push-pull technology to share data between the different phases of the construction project life-cycle. With Enterprise, Accubid introduces the concept of a "project"; once created, you’ll produce the estimate, and the data will be available in the different modules you’ll use to manage the project, from change orders to document tracking. We take it one step further with multi-trade (electrical, mechanical, etc.) support. Accubid Enterprise is built on industrial strength Microsoft .NET and SQL Server technology, with the elegance only Accubid could deliver. Enterprise grows as your business grows, in both size and scope. During the Conference 2010 keynote, we’ll preview Accubid Enterprise Estimating Version 5, the first edition of the estimating module that delivers native support for multiple trades, including electrical.

Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino has been a great partner in helping us deliver what we feel will be the best event experience we’ve ever provided. From its great location, luxurious rooms, variety of entertainment options, and choice of fine dining, we couldn’t have selected a better location for Conference 2010. Mandalay Bay offers some of the most unique experiences on the planet — all without the expense of an around-the-world trip. At $749 for Conference Only access or $1099 for the Conference+Hotel bundle (both including two great meals plus snacks per day), and with flights into Las Vegas for less than $400, Conference 2010 is an incredible value, in a phenomenal location, at an unbeatable price.

If you haven’t registered yet, Conference Only access is still available, and will be available until May 21, 2010. Conference+Hotel bundles are almost sold out, so I’d like to encourage you to register today if you’ve been delaying the decision. All of us at Accubid look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas for what will be the premier industry event.

Illustration by Angelo Katsaros