Continuing education -- a growth industry! In May of this year more than 2000 engineers and others involved in construction attended the first North American Steel Construction Conference (NASCC), held in Toronto. They were seeking knowledge - and they found it - whether they were interested in advanced structural engineering ideas, architectural concepts, detailing software, fabrication and erection practicalities, or animated conversation with old and new friends on subjects of mutual interest. What an excellent opportunity to learn and exchange ideas!
Three hundred and fifty Canadians attended this conference. Why not attend the next one - in Las Vegas in February 2000 - see the advertisement in this issue. It's no gamble - you will learn and benefit from the experience!
Continuing education - in March and April this year CISC co-sponsored half-day seminars in 14 Canadian cities to inform engineers about powerful new software to help them design steel structures faster and more efficiently. They also learned about the "new" North American steel industry. The positive response to these seminars has prompted us to reprint summaries of the presentations, which you will find in this issue of Advantage Steel.
Continuing education - as essential for today's structural engineers and architects as the degrees we obtain from our universities. For many years, CISC has recognized the need - and the desire of professionals to satisfy that need - to continually learn about advancements in the field of steel design and construction. In co-operation with a related organization, the Steel Structures Education Foundation, CISC provides one and two-day courses on structural steel design - the latest dealing with design of low rise buildings and the next scheduled course dealing with bridge design. Watch for the announcements!
Continuing education - learning can be fun! Look for the advertisement in this issue about CHEOPS - an interactive,computerized Handbook. It' different - it's new - it's a tool for the future and for today.
Hugh A. Krentz, P.Eng., editor