Regardless of which design software you decide to use for your architectural design, the software continues to change. It is not only important for users to stay on top of those changes, but to also network with other knowledgable users about usage of the software. Conferences dedicated to this training and networking are an important aspect for many users and managers. I have tried to gather information about major design software conferences such as this and list them in the article.
Some of the major conferences that are held around the world for major BIM software packages are:
Autodesk Revit Architecture
- Autodesk University
- 21st annual conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV
- 3 days – Novermber 27-29, 2012
- Cost of 3-day conference: $1475 (excludes lodging)
- http://au.autodesk.com
- Sponsored by Autodesk
- Revit Technology Conference in United States
- 2nd annual event held in Stone Mountain, GA
- 3 days – June 28-30, 2012
- Cost of 3 day conference: $2295 (includes lodging)
- http://www.revitconference.com.au/
- Sponsored by users
- Revit Technology Conference in Australia
- 8th annual conference
- Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, NSW, Australia
- 3 days – May 24-26, 2012
- Cost of 3-day conference: $1650 (excludes lodging)
- http://www.revitconference.com.au/rtc2012au/index.htm
- Sponsored by users
Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture
- Autodesk University
- 21st annual conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV
- 3 days – Novermber 27-29, 2012
- Cost of 3-day conference: $1475 (excludes lodging)
- http://au.autodesk.com
- Sponsored by Autodesk
Bentley Architecture
- Annual SmartGeometry 2012 Conference
- March 19-24, 2012
- Held in Troy, NY
- Cost: $350 (includes 2-days lodging)
- http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Promo/SmartGeometry/2012.htm
- Already over, but will likely happen again in 2013.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD
- BIM Conference 2012
- One day conference on Tuesday, 17th April 2012.
- Held at Scarman Training and Conference Centre, Coventry, UK.
- Cost: £255 for conference (includes 2 days lodging)
- http://www.bimconference.co.uk/register.php
Nemetschek Allplan Architecture
- Not aware of a major conference for this product.
- www.allplan.de
Nemetschek Vectorworks Architect
- Not aware of a major conference for this product.
- Events – http://www.vectorworks.net/news/events.php
Gehry Technologies – Digital Project Designer
- Not aware of a major conference for this product.
- Events – http://www.gehrytechnologies.com/?q=about/events
4MSA IDEA Architectural Design (IntelliCAD)
- Not aware of a major conference for this product.
- http://www.4msa.com/
If you are aware of any major conferences dedicated to training and users for any of the above products, let me know and I will add it to the above list. Please no marketing only events, as it needs to be focused on training. The software must be directed toward architecture and BIM.
Applying Technology to Architecture 