Buildings Show 2021 adapts to COVID-19 with in-person events and curated online programming

buildings show
Image from an earlier Buildings Show

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Buildings Show, supported by TCA, BOMA, BILD, Concrete Ontario and CABA, will run face-to-face at the Metro Toronto Convention, South Building from Dec. 1 to 3, along with curated online programming in advance.

Show organizers say in a statement that the health and safety of attendees, speakers, exhibitors and partners is top priority. The Buildings Show will be organized in accordance with official government, local authority guidelines, and venue regulations.

The show has collaborated with association partners and relevant authorities to develop AllSecure Standards that will raise the bar on safety, hygiene, and high-quality event experiences. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the in person event.

“Our priority this year is to bring our industry together safely” said Lisa Barnes, show director, Informa Connect. “With COVID still being a real factor and the situation in constant flux, we are planning for all options to enable our industry to reconnect safely this December.”

With public health and health care indicators stable and proof of vaccination now in effect, the government, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously easing capacity limits for indoor venues.

“While we expect a great turn out to The Buildings Show as our industry is eager to get back to doing business face to face, the show will be more intimate and curated in 2021,” the Informa Connect statement said.

“This is the number one show in Canada for the sector, so it’s a welcome opportunity to begin a dialogue with our peers about how we’re going to forge our way forward through all this mess,” says John Mollenhauer, president and CEO at the Toronto Construction Association (TCA). “We all recognize that we are getting back to normal, but we’re not certain what that’s going to look like. Being able to get everyone in the same room — even if it’s virtual for some — will be a great opportunity.”

While 90 per cent of attendees are excited to get back to face-to-face, 78 per cent of attendees surveyed would like the continuation of virtual content. The Buildings Show will provide opportunities and solutions for the industry to transact, learn and engage year-round through hybrid, online and in person experiences.

“Our team in partnership with thought leaders and industry experts are launching several hybrid experiences”  Barnes said. “Discussions will be premiered ahead of our face to face event to allow our attendees to join curated conversations and education online.”

Themes for this year will focus on four key areas: Sustainability and Resiliency; Construction Technology; Property Management Technology and Architecture and Design.

The 2021 educational program will include online and in-person general expert led-seminars, informative panels and thought-provoking roundtables.

Attendees will be able to follow important topics from virtual to face-to-face and select sessions will be accredited by BOMA, OAA, BSSB, ARIDO, and CAHPI.

“We have a lot to talk about, both in regards to the impacts of the pandemic on our industry and many of the issues that we were all dealing with before COVID-19 hit, be it the skilled labour shortage, demand for innovation, international competition, and the challenges of bidding in this environment,”  the TCA’s Mollenhauer said.

In addition to the robust educational program, attendees can expect a variety of networking opportunities and a highly curated and exciting line-up of installations, activations and demonstrations, from companies such as Amvic Building Systems, Autodesk, Canam Group, Dupont Performance Building Solutions, Yardi, Master Builders Solutions, OPCMIA, Schluter Systems, and Stubbe’s Precast.

For more than 30 years, The Buildings Show has provided a unique platform for showcasing the construction, building design, renovation and property management industries. In 2021, associations, organizations, professionals, and experts will continue to see a first-hand complete overview of the built environment.

In a safe and secure platform, attendees will make connections, share knowledge and source new innovations to drive their business forward into 2022 and beyond.

Ontario Construction News will be at the show. For more information, visit www.thebuildingsshow.com.

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