BICSI, the global association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT)/extra low-voltage (ELV) community, successfully concluded its 2019 BICSI EMEA ACE Summit and Masterclass. The events were held on 8 October at the Fairmont Dubai in conjunction with BICSI’s participation in GITEX Technology Week.

BICSI EMEA also conducted four Masterclasses as part of GITEX at Dubai World Trade Centre, one each on 7-10 October. These Masterclasses were conducted by BICSI subject matter experts and covered important topics for ICT/ELV industry professionals.

Paul Weintraub, RCDD, ESS, RTPM, TECH, CAE, BICSI Vice President of Global Development and Support, said: “The ACE Summit and Masterclasses are part of BICSI’s commitment to offer a platform to ICT and ELV professionals in the region, including Architects, Consultants & Engineers (ACE), to learn from industry experts and share experiences, expertise and challenges in designing ICT infrastructure systems deployed in Smart Cities, data centres and other ICT- and ELV-intensive projects.”

The Summit featured presentations and a panel discussion from experts on a range of topics including

“Security though Intelligent Sensors,” “Data Center Management in the Age of Accelerating Change,” “Bridging the Gap between Technology and Facilities Management,” and “Missed AEC Opportunities for Life Cycle Savings, in Terms of Digitalization and the Application of Proven Technology, Coupled with Common Sense.”

David J. Carey, MSc, CIWFM, Consultant and Project Director, MET Consulting, Dubai, UAE, said: “BIM (Building Information Modelling) is changing the way buildings are now being designed and built. The importance of design and planning prior to production of a building can be highlighted by understanding that 85% of the cost in the lifecycle of any project is incurred after construction is completed. Buildings in the future will be designed to optimize expenditure in their operational lifecycle. A perfect example of which is the new airport in Istanbul, that is paving the way in best practices for others to adopt.”

The Summit sessions were preceded by a masterclass on “Converged Networks – the Future of Intelligent Buildings as defined by BICSI 007” conducted by Barry Shambrook, RCDD, MIET, MBCS; Partner for High Tech Project Management, HartDixon, London, England, UK. “The only way to make a building intelligent is to improve the user experience. The fundamental requirement is to integrate building systems, allowing for intersystem connection and coordination that provides an environment, which is safer, more comfortable, productive and efficient. For this the building structure, aesthetics and engineering has to be in alignment and integrated,” said Shambrook.

BICSI EMEA’s 2019 ACE Summit was supported by Mobotix AG, AT&T Cabling Systems, Avigilon, Excel, DME Prolink, Polymedia, Superior Essex, Intersec and Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.

During the event, BICSI also provided information about its upcoming events, including the BICSI EMEA Conference & Exhibition, to be held 13-15 April 2020 at Sheikh Maktoum Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre.

For more information, email emea@bicsi.org.