ASPE Conference in Indy

Written By Matt Burress, Aspen Group Estimator

You might have heard the exciting news about the 2012 Super Bowl being hosted here in Indianapolis, but what you might not have heard is that the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) has also chosen Indy for their 2014 annual conference! For those of us in the local construction and construction estimating community, this is very exciting. Being part of the team responsible for bringing this event to Indy, I am especially thrilled.

Now I do realize it isn’t the same as the Super Bowl, but to me, this is a pretty big deal.  First, the conference has been held in many great cities.  It’s great to see Indianapolis recognized for what it has to offer.   And marquis projects in our area like Lucas Oil Stadium, the new Midfield Terminal, JW Marriott and the Convention Center provide some great case studies and tours for construction estimators.  But more importantly, I gain a great deal from attending the ASPE Convention and other ASPE events. 

This year, I went to both the convention and the Estimating Academy.  It was good to affirm many of the processes I use every day at Aspen Group.   Some new tools and technologies were introduced that will enhance the way estimation is done.  One that I plan to use immediately is the ability to pull in existing site topography from Google Earth for use in preliminary site estimates.

Being able to continue developing job skills, network with other estimators and seeing the newest technology related to BIM, IPD and cloud management (all very important in the life of an estimator) define what the ASPE Conference is all about.  Aspen sent both Dave Westfalland me, so we can continue to learn best practices for our company and for the churches we serve.  

I have been on the board of the local chapter for eight years and greatly value all that has come from that experience.  So what professional organizations are you a part of?  Do you go to their national conferences?   

And for you Indy locals….you’ve been warned….look out for the pocket-protector brigade in 2014!