Final Action Code Hearings, Training, Guest Speakers Highlight ICC 2012 Annual Conference

The next generation of public safety in the built environment will be one outcome when code officials, plan reviewers, architects, engineers, designers and other industry professionals gather for the 2012 International Code Council Annual Conference, Final Action Code Hearings and Expo, Oct. 21–28, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The final action hearings on changes submitted to the International Building Code, which is used in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with proposed modifications to all Group A I-Codes will be considered.

The ICC Conference also reaffirms the ongoing commitment to the “Year of the Member” and features training, Membership Council meetings, Board elections, a cdp ACCESS presentation and demonstration, networking opportunities, the Annual Business Meeting, an awards luncheon, Cracker Barrel discussions over lunch, the 9th Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride, Chapter meetings and receptions, and an Expo showcasing building products and services.

A single registration fee (www.iccsafe.org/reg2) includes the two-day comprehensive education program, annual banquet, welcome reception and free Internet access. Specially negotiated hotel room rates (www.iccsafe.org/lodg) range from $120-$149 a night, with lower government rates also available. Discounts for online registration are available until Sept. 1. Hotel reservations must be made before Oct. 1 to ensure ICC rates.

The Final Action Code Hearings, Oct. 24–28, will result in the 2015 editions of the International Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing and Private Sewage Disposal Codes. There is no charge to attend the hearings, but registration is encouraged (www.iccsafe.org/reg2). For the 2012 hearings, a new process will ensure Governmental Voting Representatives are eligible to vote (www.iccsafe.org/gvr). All Primary Member Representatives must designate their Governmental Member Voting Representatives online by Sept. 21 to be eligible to vote at the Annual Business Meeting and Final Action Hearings.

Educational sessions (www.iccsafe.org/ceds) Oct. 23–24 offer CEUs and LUs. Educational tracks include building; residential; fire; plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas; energy; sustainability; administrative; and International Accreditation Services.

Certification examinations will be administered twice daily at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 25–26. Visit www.iccsafe.org/exam2 for an examination application. Walk-in registration will be available from 7:30–8 a.m. and 1–1:30 p.m. on both examination dates.

Featured speakers scheduled to address delegates include:

• United States Fire Administration Administrator Ernest Mitchell, Jr.
• U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso;
• Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Congress’ chief spokesperson for Livable Communities and former vice-chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; and
• Jason Ryan Dorsey (“The Gen Y Guy”) who helps bridge generational disconnects between the four generations in the workplace.

The Expo will be open from 2–7 p.m. on Oct. 22, with an Opening Night Reception beginning at 5; and 4–8 p.m. on Oct. 23, with the Exhibitor’s Reception beginning at 6.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe and sustainable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.