What did attendees at DesignColumbus 2015 have to say about their experience? They come for networking, CEUs, and more…
DesignColumbus—held every year at COSI in downtown Columbus, Ohio—continues to draw diverse attendees from across the region. We asked a few of them to share what they enjoy about the education day and trade show, and how it benefits their businesses.
One-stop-shop for continuing education credits
Architect Ryan Carpico of Carpico Design comes for the networking opportunities and for the continuing education units (CEUs) that can be earned for each education session. “Last year I was unable to come to DesignColumbus, and by the end of the year, I was down on credits,” said Carpico, noting that the education sessions provide an easy way to get a substantial number of the credits necessary to maintain a professional license.
Like Carpico, Richard Howard of BHDP Architects likes the fact that DesignColumbus offers an easy way to catch up on the latest products and meet new sales representatives.
What are some of the reasons vendors keep coming back to DesignColumbus?
Mike Fox of Allegion, a company that provides security products, said “it’s a good opportunity to meet existing customers in a more informal setting.”
Many vendors, including Lynda Gundling of daltile flooring, feel that the attendees at DesignColumbus represent “a good mix” of participants from all areas of the building industry and larger community.
“It’s a healthy state show,” confirms Wendell Poore of ASSA ABLOY, manufacturer of door security solutions.
Kevin Rucinski, who attended for the first time in 2015 on behalf of Big Ass Fans, said that the mix of attendees included students, members of industry, engineers, architects and general contractors.
In addition to the range of professions represented at the show, its focus on sustainability is a big draw for designers and vendors alike. Candy McDowell of MechoSystems, a provider of window shading solutions, appreciates the opportunity that DesignColumbus offers to share information specific to environmental issues.
An opportunity to connect and learn
As we reported earlier this year in our interview with Doug Widener, Director, Community Advancement at the USGBC, regional trade shows throughout the U.S. are going strong. They offer an opportunity for face-to-face interaction between AEC professionals and other community stakeholders. They also offer a venue in which regional experts can share information on the local issues that impact area professionals.
Tap into the networking and conversations that will be happening this year at DesignColumbus 2016.