It was a distinct honor to present at the 2023 National Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Conference in Minneapolis on October 5th at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The focus of my presentation was a compelling breakout session centered around engineered building air and surface disinfection. With close to 35 years of active membership in CSI, participating as a speaker at this conference held a special place in my professional journey. This convention not only offered me a platform to share my insights but also opened doors to partake in other enriching workshops and presentations. In this blog post, I am excited to impart three pivotal takeaways from this conference and delve into how these insights are catalyzing transformative changes in the construction industry.
- AI and the Future of Construction Documentation
Artificial intelligence (AI) was a hot topic at the convention, with discussions centered around its potential impact on the construction industry. While AI is still evolving, one key message resonated: it's not a matter of AI taking away jobs, but rather, it's about those who embrace and utilize AI gaining a competitive edge. As the construction sector evolves, AI can be a valuable tool in enhancing efficiency and precision in areas such as specification writing.
- Embracing Diversity for the Future Workforce
The CSI community recognizes the importance of diversity in shaping the future of the construction industry. With the evolving landscape of the workforce, we need to appeal to a more diverse group of individuals to ensure a robust talent pool. As we face a shortage of new entrants in the field, reaching out to a broader range of people and backgrounds is crucial. Embracing diversity will be instrumental in developing the next generation of specification writers.
- Adapting to Industry Changes
Attending conventions like the National CSI Conference offers valuable insights into the factors shaping the industry. It's an opportunity to gain a glimpse of how construction documentation and practices are evolving. These gatherings help professionals stay informed about industry trends and anticipate changes that will impact their work going forward.
During the convention, I had the valuable opportunity to delve into the work of CASPR. CASPR's core mission is dedicated to enhancing air and surface disinfection, a mission that deeply resonates with the broader goal of elevating health and safety within the construction industry.
In conclusion, the National CSI Convention was an enriching experience, providing insights into the future of construction documentation and the importance of diversity in the workforce. The event reaffirmed that the industry is evolving, and embracing change is crucial. Whether it's the potential of AI, fostering diversity, or staying updated on industry shifts, conventions like this offer invaluable opportunities to stay ahead of the curve.
If you're interested in learning more about CASPR's work in mitigating MDROs in healthcare settings, I invite you to read my previous article, "CASPR's Recent Study on Mitigating Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) in the NICU."
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the ever-changing world of construction and disinfection.
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About the Author
Andrew J. Miller, CDT, CSI is the Founder, Principle, and President of Dakota Safety, a leading provider of safety building products and services. He has over 35 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in air and surface continuous, no-touch, pathogen reduction/disinfection, and passive fall protection.
In addition to his work at Dakota Safety, Andrew is also a published author and presenter. He is a regular speaker at AIA Continuing Education events, and his work has been featured in numerous industry publications. He is also a long-standing member of the Minneapolis St Paul Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for 35 years now, and previously served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and as Committee Chair for Certifications.
Andrew is passionate about safety and is committed to helping his clients create safe and healthy environments for their employees and customers. He is also a strong advocate for community service and volunteers his time to a number of local organizations.
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn for more industry updates and professional networking.