The Master Specifiers Retreat will take place June 19-21 in Chicago, and registration closes on March 15. If you are planning to attend this event for the first time, here is some sound advice from other CSI members.
“Don't skip out on the networking and social events. They are as valuable, if not more valuable, than the product rep "speed dating" or the educational sessions. The networking events are where relationships are really solidified. I attended the MSR five years ago, and still consider many of the people I met there, both product reps and fellow specifiers, as my go-to sources in their areas of expertise.”
Steven Groth CSI, CCS, CDT, AIA
“I’ve attended the MSR twice since it began, and have also attended other similar events including ArcUS, ArchiSpec Summit, SpArc, Spec ME, and the Chicago Chapter’s CSi2eye.
As Steven said, don't miss the networking times. You’ll meet people from all over the country, including both design professionals and product reps. I’ve found that if my local rep isn't available, I still have someone to call that I met at the MSR.
Don't forget the educational part of it. There are presentations to attend and the one-on-one meetings can be very enlightening.”
Alan Itzkowitz, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT, AIA, ALA, LEED AP, SCIP
I would add that the networking events give you the opportunity to connect with the product reps who are not in your speed networking itinerary. Expansion of your professional network is of paramount importance to excellence in practice and staying out of court.
As a past attendee, the educational sessions prompted me to look at several things in ways I hadn’t in the past. With change in the industry occurring so quickly, you can’t afford to not attend.”
Raymond Gaines FCSI, CCS, CDT, AIA
Find out more about three must-attend presentations at MSR right here.