Code Council Annual Conference features green building, SMARTcodes, training, certification, seismic safety

The 2007 International Code Council Annual Conference features green building presentations, a demonstration of the SMARTcodes system, more than 30 educational sessions, opportunities for certification and testing, and a spotlight on plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas disciplines. The Code Council also will present an expanded Expo and meet concurrently with the Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC).

To register for the Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 3, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev., visit www.iccsafe.org/conference or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 4229. To participate as an exhibitor or sponsor, call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 5264 or visit the International Code Council website at www.iccsafe.org/expo.

During the Conference’s opening session, Code Council President Wally Bailey will address his key initiatives of elevating the profile of code officials and increasing the organization’s role in green and sustainable construction, including a special presentation highlighting green building projects around the U.S. Other key events include an open forum on membership services, the annual awards luncheon and the annual business meeting. Code enforcement and fire service professionals, plan examiners, local government officials, architects, engineers, contractors and other construction industry professionals are encouraged to attend.

This year, the Code Council’s Annual Conference runs concurrently with the Annual Meeting of WSSPC, bringing attendees in contact with officials from the worlds of geology, emergency management, seismic research and building design. Of key interest is the impact of new seismic zone maps from the U.S. Geological Survey and resulting adjustments to national earthquake standards and model codes.

The Code Council’s SMARTcodes, a cutting-edge system that automates code compliance checking, will be demonstrated during a symposium, “Information Technology – Solutions for Code Officials.” The session includes panel presentations with code officials and IT providers. The symposium provides information technology solutions to meet administrative and enforcement needs of building departments.

An extensive education schedule gives participants the opportunity to learn about and apply the International Codes while earning CEUs and LUs. Course topics include green building, green building safety and transition to the new California Building Standards Code.

New to the Annual Conference this year are certification exams for residential and commercial building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspectors. To pre-register for the exams, visit http://www.iccsafe.org/ABM-exams.

The International Code Council Expo, expanded to three days this year, features construction industry-related products and services that improve the built environment. Special sections of the Expo focus on green building products and materials that promote energy-efficient and sustainable living; plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas products; and earthquake safety and mitigation. Exhibitors represent manufacturers, service companies, government agencies and trade associations.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.