2011 BICSI EUROPEAN CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION CONCLUDES
Edinburgh, Scotland, 15 June 2011—BICSI, the international association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, brought its 2011 BICSI European Conference & Exhibition to a close Wednesday, 8 June, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland. The event brought together more than 300 ITS and information and communications technology (ICT) industry professionals and exhibitors from all over the world.
The European Conference included 14 technical presentations focused on topics such as data centres, green IT, planning for disaster, AV system design and more. In addition to the technical sessions, delegates were able to enjoy Exhibit Hall hours, where several ITS vendors were available to speak with conference delegates about their latest products and services.
The conference featured two After Hours receptions, held Monday and Tuesday evening. Monday’s After Hours involved a presentation by Jon Pettitt of Munters Air Treatment. His technical session, titled “Reduce Data Centre Energy by Up to 90% with Indirect Evaporative Air Coolers,” offered many BICSI credential holders the opportunity to earn an additional continuing education credit (CEC).
Tuesday’s After Hours event was headlined by live music from the professional four-piece cover band, East of Java, and the announcement of Melanie Green of CNet Training as the European Member of the Year, an award presented to a member of the European Region who has made a significant contribution to BICSI and the ITS industry as a whole throughout Europe. In addition, a portion of the evening was dedicated to recognizing the first group of individuals to take the RCDD examination in Europe back in 1999.
“The 2011 BICSI European Conference & Exhibition has been a prime venue for an exciting three days packed with prime education and networking value,” said BICSI President Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI, from Leviton. “In addition to the in-depth technical presentations and Exhibit Hall hours, delegates were able to enjoy two high-quality after hours events, which were particularly well received. The many networking opportunities at the exhibition, as well as during the social functions allowed ongoing discussions well into the evening hours.”
A highlight of the conference was the announcement of Joe Moye of Cable Connect Technical Services in Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, England, as the winner of the first ever BICSI European Cabling Skills Challenge during the After Hours event on Tuesday. Moye, along with six others, raced against the clock and each other to complete a series of industry tasks to correct specifications during Exhibit Hall hours on 6 and 7 June. As the winner of the Challenge, Moye will compete in the fifth annual BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge during the 2012 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Fla.
The conference closed with a presentation from BICSI Cares, the association’s charity arm. BICSI Cares ensures support for local charities in every location where a BICSI conference is held. Donations by delegates from the 2011 European Conference & Exhibition were given to The Teddy Bear Foundation, which provides funding to schools and organizations working with special need children. More information can be found at www.theteddybearfoundation.org.
BICSI would like to extend a thank you to all of the sponsors of the 2011 BICSI European Conference & Exhibition:
· Bronze Conference & Exhibition Sponsors: Fluke Networks, MaxCell and Munters Air Treatment
· Cabling Skills Challenge Sponsors: Corning, Belden, Brand-Rex, Mayflex, Networks Centre, Cablofil, CNet Training Limited, Excel, Fusion, Mills, Support Comms and Rittal
· After Hours – East of Java Sponsors: Cablelines Limited, CNet Training Limited and Siemon Cabling Systems
BICSI would also like to thank Communication Solutions, Datacenter Works, Data Centre Solutions (DCS), Inside Networks, NETCOMMS and Network Communications News as its 2011 BICSI European Conference & Exhibition Media Partners.
BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fibre- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signalling between and among communications and information gathering devices.
BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.
Contact: Amy Morrison, amorrison@bicsi.org, or John Bechtold, jbechtold@bicsi.org, +1 813.979.1991
Amy Morrison | Marketing & PR Campaign Specialist | amorrison@bicsi.org
BICSI | Advancing Information Technology Systems | 8610 Hidden River Parkway | Tampa, FL 33637
+1 813.979.1991 or 800.242.7405, ext. 278 | Fax: +1 813.971.4311 | www.bicsi.org
