MSR Winter

Attendees at the MSR

   
    Tackle Your Toughest
    Project Challenges

            February 7-9,  2024
            The Royal Sonesta
            San Juan, PR

           Applications Closed

 

The Master Specifier's Retreat (MSR) is a two-day, immersive experience that places architects, specifiers, engineers, and contractors at the forefront of building product innovation.

Speakers

Participating BPMs

Resort

Travel

Sponsors

Schedule at a Glance

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Wednesday, February 7

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  |  Arrivals/Free Time

Please enjoy the host hotel’s amenities.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM  |  Registration Open

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM  |  Welcome Reception: Sponsored by   

Visit our sponsor website at https://www.ppgpaints.com/

Evening | Enjoy the evening with colleagues at the host hotel or explore the destination!

Thursday, February 8

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Networking Breakfast: Sponsored by 

Visit our sponsor website at https://bsdspeclink.com/

+ 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM  |  Opening Education Session: Jack Sadler

Jack Sadler, CEO Part3

I get it, artificial intelligence (AI) is shiny, cool, and here to stay… but how can I actually start applying it now? What does this technology mean for the architects and specifiers of today and tomorrow? In this session we’ll look at practical examples of AI, tips for getting started, and consider the wide-ranging impact this technology has on our profession, from adoption to education and economics.

After completing this presentation, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand ways AI is impacting us today and how to adopt AI in the workplace by applying adoption frameworks from previous innovations.

  • Explore examples of practical applications of AI in architecture and specifying to eliminate waste and tedious tasks.

  • Identify the potential business impact AI will have on the practice of architecture and ways to prepare for this change.

  • Prepare for the impact of an increasing generational divide and the role experience has in an “artificially” intelligent world.

Read Jack's Bio

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM  |  AM Break

10:00 AM - 12:15 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #1-4

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM  |  Networking Lunch

1:30 PM - 3:10 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #5-7

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM  |  PM Break

3:30 PM - 4:35 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #8-9

4:35 PM - 6:00 PM  |  Attendee Free Time

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  |  Cocktail Reception & Dinner

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Friday, February 9

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM  |  Breakfast: Sponsored by  Air Barrier Association of America 

+ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM  |  Education Session: Laura Derrick

Laura Derrick

Project Manager-Architect, Missouri State University

Where Spec Writing is Today – Observations, Dialogues and Antidotes

The history of specifications can be traced back to the earliest days of engineering and construction. The earliest specifications were simple and often informal, but as technology advanced and projects became more complex, specifications have become more detailed and rigorous. Today, specifications are typically written in a more formal style, using clear and concise language. They are often structured in a specific way, with sections relating to design intent, local rules and regulations, testing, and sustainability considerations. This structure ensures the specifications are complete, easy to understand, and tailored specifically to the project with the accuracy of specifications essential for the successful completion. Good specifications provide a clear and concise description of what is required, which assists in avoiding misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working towards the same objective.

After completing this presentation, attendees will be able to:

  • Have increased knowledge on the history and evolution of specifications.

  • Explore how the manner specifications are written has been impacted by the evolution and growing complexity of project delivery.

  • Define the importance of unique specifications and how regulations and social attitudes can influence accuracy.

  • Identify solutions to improve the specification writing process.

Read Laura's Bio

9:40 AM - 10:45 AM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #10-11

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  AM Break

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #12

11:35 AM - 12:05 PM  |  Open Exchange Meetings (specifiers are encouraged to meet with BPMs they do not have scheduled appointments with)

12:05 PM - 1:00 PM  |  Networking Lunch

1:10 PM - 2:15 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #13-14

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM  |  PM Break

2:30 PM - 3:35 PM  |  Knowledge Exchange Meeting #15-16

3:40 PM - 5:00 PM  |  Attendee Free Time

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM  |  Closing Happy Hour: Sponsored by PPG PPG Industrial Coatings Logo

Visit our sponsor website at https://www.ppgpaints.com/

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Featured Speakers

Jack Sadler

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Jack Sadler, CEO Part3

Part3 | Construction Administration Software for Architects and Engineers

Jack is the CEO and co-Founder of Part3, where the mission is to enable architects and engineers to take back control over their projects and manage construction administration with speed, automation, and intelligence. Jack has held strategic roles and helped launch multiple tech companies prior to taking on the challenge of connecting construction teams and starting Part3.

View Session Info

Laura Derrick

Project Manager-Architect, Missouri State University

Laura Derrick is a registered architect and has been a proud business owner for over 25 years. Laura has been a member of CSI since 1995. She specializes in small- to mid-range projects with a focus on rehabilitation and historic preservation in the Springfield, Missouri, region. She has experience as a corporate architect for a major regional bank and as a consultant/project manager-owner’s representative for Bass Pro Shops for 15 years. She has also taught classes at the Southwest Missouri State University in the Construction Management and Interior Design Departments. Laura joined Missouri State University's Planning, Design and Construction Office as a project manager-architect in 2019, when she resumed teaching in the Interior Design Department. Currently Laura is the project manager for the largest academic project in the history of MSU, a $120-million addition and renovation to the 50-year-old science building.

View Session Info

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Laura Derrick

Resort

The Royal Sonesta

Nestled on Isla Verde Beach, our San Juan hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Stay close to La Plazoleta De Isla Verde, Teatro Francisco Arriví, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico. Find a calming retreat in our elegant rooms and suites. Indulge in our thoughtfully designed amenities including on-site dining options, 24,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, fitness center, and a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar. 

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Travel Reimbursement

Many costs for this event are covered for attendees, including airfare (up to $500) plus one checked bag, ground transportation to/from the airport, hotel for three nights, and meals. This is made possible through the support of our participating BPMs.

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Sponsors

Air Barrier Association of America Logo

Carlisle Construction Materials Logo

PPG Logo

RIB Logo