Currently the application will only handle small files and is primarily web-based, so there are still limitations. However, kudos to Mr. Keough for being the first to provide a solution with such tremendous potential.

Having the ability to access Building Information Models on portable devices will someday allow facility managers to easily identify issues, create work orders, and aid in critical response by using Augmented Reality. During the construction phase of a new project, contractors will be able to walk through a site with their iPhone, Android or iPad and see any phase of the project overlaid on the portable device using the its digital camera. The benefits and possibilities are endless.

BIMable will be keeping a close watch on this technology and will post updates as it matures. In the meantime, be sure to congratulate Mr. Keough and provide input on his contribution to the industry.

More than 200 design and construction professionals and affiliates will convene to discuss the business benefits of BIM, present projected effects on the bottom line, and detail case studies that have demonstrated real, measurable results. Attendees will have direct access to BIM technologies, including those new to the market, and will have the opportunity to analyze trends alongside the foremost BIM thought-leaders.

“BIM capability is increasingly becoming mission-critical, both for winning work and improving productivity,” said Stephen Jones, Senior Director, McGraw-Hill Construction, who will present highlights from McGraw-Hill Construction’s new research report on the nationwide adoption and business value of BIM. “In challenging economic times, companies need an edge to survive, and the Business of BIM Conference will equip them to survive, and indeed, thrive.”

David R. Van Wyk, Executive Director, Project Management, Walt Disney Imagineering, will present the keynote address. Other distinguished speakers include:

• • Digby Christian, Senior Project Manager, Sutter Health
  • Derek Cunz, Director of Project Development, Mortenson Construction
  • Samir Emdanat, Director, Virtual Design & Construction, GHAFARI
  • John Mack, VDC/BIM Manager, Herrero Contractors, Inc.
  • Patrick MacLeamy, CEO, HOK
  • Ben May, Owner & Founder, May Construction Services
  • John Moebes, AIA NCARB, Director of Construction, Crate & Barrel
  • David Morris, Director of Virtual Construction, EMCOR Construction Services
  • Brady Nadell, PE, Project Manager, PB Americas, Inc.
  • George A. Pontikes, Jr., President/CEO, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc.
  • Nadine M. Post, Editor-at-Large, Engineering News-Record
  • R. Scott Ricks, Owner, South Central Steel, Inc.
  • Igor Starkov, President, Tokmo Solutions, Inc.

For more information and online registration, visit http://construction.com/events/natlbim/ or call 1-800-371-3238. Special rates apply for associations, media, and groups of 4 or more, and attendees can earn 7 HSW AIA Continuing Education Credits. In addition to the national conference, local events will take place this fall in Orlando (9/15), New York (9/30), Texas (10/21-23), and Chicago (10/27).

The Business of BIM is produced by McGraw-Hill Construction. The buildingSMART alliance and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc. are Silver Association Sponsors. Association Media Event Sponsors include the American Institute of Architects California Council, the Society for Marketing Professionals, and the U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles Chapter.

About McGraw-Hill Construction

McGraw-Hill Construction connects people, projects and products across the design and construction industry. For more than a century, the Company has remained North America’s leading provider of construction project information, plans and specifications, product information, industry news, and industry trends and forecasts. In print and online, the Company offers a variety of tools, applications, and resources that easily integrate with its customers’ workflows. Backed by the power of Dodge, Sweets, Architectural Record, Engineering News-Record, GreenSource,and 11 regional publications, McGraw-Hill Construction serves more than one million customers within the $5.6 trillion global construction community. To learn more, visit www.construction.com or follow @mhconstruction on Twitter.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com