Friday, December 29, 2017

Taking a Chance in 2018

The new year always presents opportunities and risks.  We sometimes resist change claiming the cost or effort involved.  My experience is that caution, comfort, and complacency are the true conspirators in blocking progress. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is easy to say, but nagging doubt, and fear of failure, is the human condition. 

12 years ago I decided to move to Singapore from Kansas City.  The exciting and exotic draw of Asia compelled me, but still I was hesitant. This was a life-change at daunting scale. 

I went to my mentor, an older fellow who had lived about 3/4 of a full life. Our conversation went like this:

Me: Tom, I am so excited to go. I got a great job over there. It’s gonna be so new, different, and cool... but I’m still a little scared!

Tom: There’s no such thing as a parking spot you can’t pull out of. 

Me: (eyebrow raised) What do mean?

Tom: You’ve made a decision to move Singapore, right?

Me: uh-huh....

Tom: well, if you get there and it doesn’t work out, you can make another decision. You can try something else or even come back home. 

Me: ohhhhhh....

It’s been 12 years.

If I hadn’t ignored my fear and taken a risk back then, my life wouldn’t be what it is now!

My career took off like a rocket in Singapore. I’ve been on more adventures & taken more photos than I can ever share. I found a beautiful Wife and we have 2 great kids. Everything seems to have worked out and this parking space is awfully comfortable. Too comfortable....maybe it’s time for another decision.

Let’s not be afraid to get out of the comfort zone in 2018. Wether with adopting new technology, opening up to new love, welcoming work challenges, meeting new people, going to new places, or trying new foods.... let’s grab it all.

If things doesn’t work out, we can always make another decision!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

IT’S TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT FOR RTCASIA 2017!


You know what time its is? Its time to quit procrastinating!

ABSTRACTS  for RTC ASIA 2017 are DUE WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31st!!!!

No more time to waste!

If you have an idea for a class, SUBMIT IT!!

If you have some cool modelling tips and tricks in ANY PLATFORM that you would like to share, SUBMIT IT!!

If you are doing something interesting with BIM and Technology and want to present it to a global audience, SUBMIT IT!!

SPEAKING ABOUT REVIT IS NOT REQUIRED!

We are looking for speakers to talk about BIM in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure, Management, and Implementation.  We welcome discussions related to all platforms, building types, disciplines and workflows.

We need you.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS AND ABSTRACTS NOW!

Monday, August 15, 2016

How to Write a BIM Conference Abstract


Time is running out and we need your proposals for RTC ASIA 2017 at Marina Bay Sands!  But how exactly do you write a good abstract? Let me help a little bit.
An abstract shouldn’t be too long or too short. A few paragraphs should suffice, enough to give us an idea that your presentation will be interesting and you are a knowledgeable speaker.
Your presentation does not have to include Revit. We are open to all comers. We welcome other platforms and new tools in the market. If it’s useful, we are interested!
We have a whole list of topics on the ABSTRACT SUBMISSION PAGE
Other things to include in your RTC Asia Abstract:
  • A few lines about yourself.
    • Where do you work? What do you do?
  • Tell us about the relevant topic for your proposal
    • Architecture?  Engineering?  Construction?
    • BIM management?  Revit tips?  Family building?
    • Visualization?  Workflows? Legos?
  • Give your class a title!
    • Something catchy always helps!
  • What is your format?
    • Will it be a lecture? A panel discussion? A Lab?
  • Summarize your Class description
    • Why do people NEED to take your class?
    • What problem are you addressing?
    • What software or workflows are being presented?
  • List a few learning objectives
    • What key skills will attendees learn?
    • 3-5 should suffice
  • Give some thought to your target audience and the level of expertise required
    • Is this an overview for executives?
    • Basics for newcomers?
    • Are you going to geek out and get very detailed?
You only have until AUGUST 31 to get in your proposals!  No time to waste!

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Autodesk University ASEAN in Bangkok


Boy oh Boy am I excited to finally be presenting in Bangkok at AU ASEAN
Many thanks to Autodesk for the invitation.
You can download the lecture slides here
You can download the dataset here

Thursday, July 2, 2015

RTC Asia 2015 – Event Schedule and Costs Announced

Did you know that the class schedule and event costs for RTC Asia 2015 have been posted on the website? If not, you need to hustle yourself over to the RTC EVENTS SITE RIGHT NOW!

The Full Schedule with the list of ~60 classes is here
The table of registration fees is here

Earlybird Registration starts on Monday July 6th but only lasts until the 17th, but there are limited slots SO GET IN QUICK!

Attendance at the event will also give you the opportunity to sit for the Certified Revit Professional Exam for free.  This is a S$500 value!  Again limited slots are available so sign up fast.

Special group rates will be available for 5 or more people from the same organization.  Special rates for students and professors as well.

Prepare yourselves.  Get your ducks in a row.  Get your affairs in order.  Get your manager’s credit card.  Get ready. The time is nearly upon us.


Sunday, April 19, 2015

Making the Sausage 102: Setting the Schedule for RTCAsia 2015

Do you know about RTC?  Next September, an epic BIM event is being planned to gather Revit heads & BIM-Geeks in Singapore for 3 days of focused training.  75 classes taught by global Reviteers from all disciplines.  If you live, breathe, eat and sleep BIM, this is the place for you....more info to come.

http://www.rtcevents.com/blog/?p=1557