Register Now for Next SDC Meeting, May 21-22 in Nashville, Tennessee
The SDC Session 25 will take place May 21-22, 2009, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Topics to be discussed by SDC membership include:

• CONCRETE REPAIR: The “Vision 2020 Council” will unveil their initial research and testing program during this SDC meeting. The program is expected to include continued evaluation and a comparison of various corrosion prevention/mediation technologies. Opportunities to participate in Vision 2020’s program will be discussed, in addition to potential sustainability-related opportunities for the concrete repair, protection, and strengthening industry. 

• BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM): As users continue to embrace BIM technology at increasing rates, interoperability issues become more apparent. Learn about and contribute to the concrete industry’s approach to map and address issues and remove obstacles that can accelerate the use of BIM for the design and construction of cast-in-place concrete. Additionally, attendees will discuss opportunities and interest in a potential ACI technical committee dedicated to BIM.

• SUSTAINABILITY: As a follow-up to SDC’s trailblazing work in rallying the concrete industry on the issue of sustainability, ACI president Florian Barth and other industry leaders will provide an update on recent collaborations within the concrete industry, and outline initiatives underway. Thoughtful consideration on how companies and associations can expand and build on these efforts through their own sustainability-related products, projects, activities, and communications.

• TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASES: Learn about and experience four innovative new products with the potential to transform the market for concrete. Representatives from Calera, Hycrete, iCrete, and VERDiCT will present an overview and opportunities for their products. 

The full agenda for the meeting can be found here: http://www.concretesdc.org/Meetings/session25/agenda.htm. 

Click here to register for the meeting. 

Hotel Reservations for SDC Session 25
The meeting will take place at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.  This resort includes a spa, nightclub, indoor and outdoor pools, ten premier restaurants, and is located next to the Grand Ole Opry.  In addition, the resort is located on the banks of the Cumberland River, and is just a short drive or riverboat ride away from all the shopping, dining, and entertainment that downtown Nashville has to offer.

Please note that the SDC meeting will take place the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day.  Consider extending your stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, as it is a beautiful and premier destination to celebrate the long holiday weekend with family.  

Because of the holiday weekend, SDC has negotiated a special group rate that extends through Memorial Day.  We hope you'll considering staying for the weekend after the SDC meeting!

The hotel cut-off date for the special rate is April 20.  Please make your hotel reservations by calling 615-883-2211 and mention the Strategic Development Council (Group Code X-ACII9), or reserve your room online by clicking here.

SDC Member Profile

Walker Parking Consultants
Founded in 1965, Walker Parking Consultants has since evolved into the largest parking consulting and design firm in the U.S.  Walker Parking Consultants provides a variety of services to its clients including planning studies, financial analysis, operational analysis, systems design/consulting, functional/structural/architectural design, and restoration engineering/consulting.  

In line with SDC sustainability initiatives, Walker Parking is committed to sustainable design of parking structures, and its structural engineers work closely with ACI and ASTM in the use of recycled materials and concrete additives.  In addition, Walker Parking's restoration division always incorporates industry best practices learned from the thousands of parking structures already restored.  

"As a practicing engineering firm in the concrete industry, Walker values the leadership and vision offered by SDC," said Nam Shiu, vice president of Walker Parking.  "It has always been our culture to pride ourselves to be the engineering consultant of choice and SDC’s vision has benefited us in achieving the goal of staying ahead of the curve. We are glad to be a member of the council."

For more information about Walker Parking Consultants, please visit www.walkerparking.com.