March 15, 2007 -- BICSI reports that its 2007 Canada Conference was "a most memorable event," featuring educational presentations, informative exhibits and networking opportunities for participants. BICSI President John Bakowski announced that the conference hosted nearly 1,000 participants.
According to a press release, attendees and exhibitors alike bestowed highly positive reviews of their participation at the conference. "This is one of the best BICSI conferences I have ever been to," said 12-year member Joanne Bazinet-Brown, RCDD. "I met a lot of new exhibitors and the educational sessions were fresh and interesting."
"The exposure we have received has been phenomenal," added Wade Muri, of Genetec. "This is our first time exhibiting at a BICSI conference, and we definitely will plan on coming to future shows."
The conference's General Session started with BICSI government relations consultant Richard Reed, RCDD/OSP specialist, giving an update on municipal and provincial legislative issues that are affecting the industry in the Canadian region.
Jeffery Beavers, RCDD/OSP specialist, followed with a presentation on the design and planning for the Louisiana Superdome reconstruction project from a telecommunications standpoint. Beavers outlined the difficulties and delays that had to be overcome in repairing the structure after the devastation suffered from Hurricane Katrina.
The closing keynote address was given by Captain Larry Brudnicki, who delivered a presentation incorporating stories and lessons learned from his experience directing U.S. Coast Guard rescue efforts in events described in Sebastian Junger's book, The Perfect Storm.
Brudnicki stressed to conference members the importance of "having a plan B" in life and business decisions. "Just as I had to make life and death decisions in rescuing the crew members of that ship, it is vital for you to develop processes of assessing risk and choosing which route you will take to achieve your project goals," he said.
Also, throughout the Canada conference, attendees stopped by the BICSI Cares booth to offer donations for that charity. The Western Society for Children, an organization that focuses on delivering basic life needs to children and families who deal with the difficulties of birth disorders and disabilities throughout Greater Vancouver and British Columbia, benefited tremendously from these acts of giving, reports BICSI.
The BICSI Cares presentation was hosted by newly inducted BICSI Committee chair Christine Klauck, RCDD/NTS specialist. According to the release, "there were looks of surprise, joy and a few tears shed" as members of the Committee presented representatives of the Western Society for Children with a check for CAN$10,700.
"I am proud of all the conference participants for showing their generosity to help BICSI Cares make a difference in the lives of all children here in Western Canada," said Klauck.
