Two New Codes, Training, Certification Testing, Year of the Member Celebration Highlight ICC Conference

Be a part of public safety history when two new model codes go through final development at the International Code Council 2011 Annual Conference, Final Action Code Hearings and Expo, Oct. 30–Nov. 6, in the Phoenix, Ariz., Convention Center.

“The public Final Action Hearings provide opportunities to voice opinions that will result in the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC), which when used with our existing codes results in safe and sustainable construction, and the 2012 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, which is coordinated with the I-Codes and in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act,” said ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland.

Both codes are expected to be published in March. Code Council voting members are responsible to review their membership records and submit any changes by the close of business (Central time) on Oct. 21 to ensure they can vote at the Final Action Hearings and Annual Business Meeting. There is no charge to attend the hearings, but registration is encouraged.

To keep Conference and Hearings attendee costs as low as possible, discounts are available for those who register before Sept. 1 and who register online at www.iccsafe.org/Conference. The registration fee includes a two-day comprehensive education program, annual banquet dinner, welcome reception and free Internet access. Specially negotiated hotel rates range from $139-$172 a night. Government rates of $106 a night are available on a first come, first served basis. Discounts also are available for using Super Shuttle ground transportation.

The newly formed ICC Membership Councils will hold their first meetings during the Annual Conference. All ICC members are urged to attend.

Conference educational sessions offering CEUs and AIA LUs include:

• IgCC Fundamentals (Public Version 2.0) and IgCC Daylighting;
• Advanced Systems: Greening the Landscape with Multi-Story Wood Buildings;
• Residential Building Codes for Green Homes;
• Dozens of other courses from energy to fire, PMG, residential, building and building department accreditation lead evaluation, administration; and
• An Arizona State University Building Tour where participants will see firsthand how architects and builders are bringing safe and sustainable buildings to the campus, led by peers who have extensive code knowledge.

A complete list of educational sessions is available at www.iccsafe.org/ACeducation.

Certification testing will be available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 3 and 4, providing attendees a convenient way to take exams to keep certifications current.

The ICC Arizona Chapters will host a “Halloween Monster Bash and Costume Party,” a “Hospitality Extravaganza,” a meet the Board candidates event and a golf tourney at the Aguila Golf Course set beneath the dramatic backdrop of South Mountain, the largest municipal mountain park in the world.

Immediately following the Annual Banquet, the ICC Oregon and Washington Chapters will sponsor a follow the trail of umbrellas toward the urban oasis of “Planet Northwest.”

Other Conference highlights include keynote speakers, the ever-popular Cracker Barrel, an awards luncheon recognizing individuals and groups for contributions to public safety, the 8th Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride, Board of Directors candidates forum, a global forum, Annual Business Meeting, companion events and “The Year of the Member” giveaways. A complete Conference schedule is available at www.iccsafe.org/Schedule.

The ICC Expo showcases products and services and provides an opportunity for vendors to demonstrate sustainable and other construction-related products and new technologies to code and fire officials, plan reviewers, inspectors, architects, engineers, designers, contractors and others in the construction industry.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable 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.