program
Workshops, Symposium, Hackathon
Since our creation in 2013, we have grown from a two-day conference into a four-day experience for all individuals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry and beyond. The event has developed past a simple conference and into professional development workshops, speakers and presentations, and 26-hour hackathon. We aim to provide the most comprehensive workshops in the latest technology, bring in current industry leaders, and offer a space for project growth, development, and networking.
EDUCAtion & Outreach
AEC Tech Academy
Since our founding in 2011, CORE studio has presented dozens of workshops, seminars, and classes to colleagues and industry professionals. We created AEC Tech Academy in 2019 to offer even more learning opportunities to the scientific and academic communities.
AEC Tech Academy believes education is crucial to the growth and advancement of the AEC industry. We recognize the importance of teaching workflows and processes to enable the development of more intelligent products. Our goals are increased knowledge sharing and awareness of technology and computational methods across the community. We achieve these goals by hosting a variety of professional master-class events and providing an online learning portal.
WORKSHOPS
As the demand for more skills on software and technology grows in the AEC industry, we offer a wide variety of technical masterclasses. We’re able to build custom classes for our clients and audiences needs. We also offer any of the below courses that are our most popular:
Building .Net Integrations
Introduction to Dynamo
Parametric Environmental Design
Introductory and advanced courses in data-driven design for Grasshopper
Custom plug-in development for Grasshopper and Dynamo in Python or C#
Physical computing with Arduino
innovation tournaments
Based off the book, Innovation Tournaments, we have found tournaments are a valuable tool at Thornton Tomasetti to benefit our continuous research and development initiatives. Now, we’re excited to work with other AEC firms in hosting collaborative Innovation Tournaments.
Hackathons
Our hackathons are sprint-like events focused on software solutions to benefit the greater AEC, academic, and scientific community. We often collaborate with other event organizers and companies to bring our hackathon structure as an additional program.
AIA SEMINARS
Continuing education is important and we offer a variety of AIA approved seminars on topics such as Data-Drive Design and Engineering.
Data Driven Design and Engineering
ENGINEERED FOR COMMUNITY
DESIGNED FOR TECHNOLOGY
Authenticity Statement
AEC Tech values the open exchange of ideas and the sharing of thoughts and expression. We aim and commit to providing an affirming, accessible, and pleasant conference experience with equity for all participants. We want every participant to feel welcome, included, and comfortable to be their most authentic self at this conference.
We aim to provide a safe, respectful, and harassment-free conference environment for everyone involved regardless of age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, nationality, marital status, military status, veteran status, religious beliefs, dietary requirements, childbirth- and pregnancy-related medical conditions or childcare requirements.
If any concerns arise, please contact the event team at aecconference@thorntontomasetti.com
Code of Conduct
TL;DR. Be respectful. Harassment and abuse are never tolerated. If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable at an AEC Tech event, if the event itself is creating an unsafe or inappropriate environment, or if interacting with an AEC Tech representative or event organizer makes you uncomfortable, please report it using the procedures included in this document.
AEC Tech values inclusion and diversity. We believe that every single person has the right to network and hack in a safe and welcoming environment.
Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. If what you’re doing is making someone feel uncomfortable, that counts as harassment and is enough reason to stop doing it.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Sponsors, judges, mentors, volunteers, organizers, AEC Tech staff and anyone else at the event are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, attendees should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material both in their hacks and during the event. All staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, AEC Tech may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no eligibility for reimbursement or refund of any type.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact AEC Tech using the reporting procedures defined below. AEC Tech representatives will be happy to help participants contact campus security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all pre-event, masterclass, symposium, reception, and hackathon venues, online interactions in relation to the event, related social events, and on any supplied transportation.
Reporting Procedures
If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the code of conduct, please report it immediately using one of the following methods. All reporters have the right to remain anonymous.
Contact any of the below representatives directly in case of emergency, direct contact details are listed below.
AEC Event Team | aecconference@thorntontomasetti.com
AEC Tech reserves the right to revise, make exceptions to, or otherwise amend these policies in whole or in part. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact AEC Tech by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
A. You can reach out to aecconference@thorntontomasetti.com
Q2. The ticket I want is sold out! Can I get a ticket still?
A. If a ticket is sold out, it's sold out. Please do not email our event team regarding these requests.
Q3. What's the refund policy?
A. Full refunds are issued up to 7 days before the event. Refunds will not be issued past this period.
Q4. I don't live in the eastern time zone, what are my options to attend the event?
A. Anyone is welcome to purchase a ticket and attend regardless of time zone! When organizing virtual events, it is difficult to accommodate all time zones and we understand this may limit individuals who want to attend. Because our team is in New York, we need to stick to the eastern time zone for logistics. All sessions will be recorded and available on YouTube after the event is over.
Q5. Do I have to pay for any software?
A. No!(And maybe Yes) There is no paid software required to attend the Symposium, Hackathon, or Masterclasses. However, individual masterclasses may have individual requirements which will be posted in their description.
Q6. What about Slack? Do I need this?
A. Yes, yes! We heavily rely on Slack to connect our attendees to each other. There will be private channels set up specifically for this event that you will utilize.
Q7. Do you have student discounted rates?
A. Yes. Contact aecconference@thorntontomasetti.com from your Edu account to receive it.
Q8. Who do I tell about receiving accommodations?
A. AEC Tech strives to ensure that all programs and facilities are welcoming and accommodating to all individuals. We ensure reasonable accommodations for all event participants. Please communicate any accommodation requests or special needs when you register (e.g. dietary restrictions, service animal relief area, interpreter, braille, etc.). The deadline for accommodation requests is 3-weeks before the event. After this date, we accept reservations but cannot guarantee accommodation requests.
Hackathon
Q9. Doesn't 'hackathon' mean coding? What if I don't code?
A. The term ‘hackathon’ is defined very broadly as creative problem solving or an event of any duration where people come together to solve problems. Common hackathons are mainly designed for people who know how to code, but you don’t need to be a coder to attend The Hackathon. Whatever your skill, if you have an idea that you would like to develop, you are welcome to participate. We are confident that with the help of other Hackathon participants, you will find a valuable way to contribute to the event.
Q10. What type of projects will people work on during the Hackathon?
A. We hope to encourage a diverse range of projects geared towards the AEC industry. A list of ideas for possible projects that Hackers have initiated is available on the hackathon Slack group. If you don’t see a project that you would like to join, or if you would like to pursue an alternative approach, you can do so on the brainstorming channel of Slack!
Q11. I've never been to a Hackathon before. Can I still participate?
A. YES! We have plenty of attendees who are new to hackathons. We have staff and industry experts around to help you get involved with a team. Don't be afraid to jump in!
Q12. I have a project that I’m already working on. Can I bring it to the Hackathon?
A. Yes. However, you cannot reuse code from a previous idea and adding new features to existing projects is allowed. Awards judgement will be based on what you add to your project during the Hackathon. If you already have a project underway, please submit your ideas ahead of time in the Slack group. Your work may inspire others – we encourage you to team up to develop solutions together!
Q13. Can I build a team for the Hackathon before the event?
A. Sure! However, we encourage everyone to come and meet new people during our Lightning Round. We also have a Slack group where you can begin pitching ideas and meeting people prior to arriving. If you're attending with multiple people at your company, we suggest you all break out in different teams to get the ultimate networking and skill building.
Q14. Do I have to attend both days?
A. Participation during both days is certainly not required. We understand and respect that you may have obligations and/or responsibilities that may require you to leave early. We encourage everyone to partake in the event to the best of their abilities. With this in mind, please inform your team(s) of any schedule limitations at the start of the Hackathon.
Q15. What do I need to have to participate?
A. You will need a laptop (or tablet), power supply, and internet connection.
Q16. Who will own the project I produce?
A. You will own your work. We encourage the open-sourcing of projects and very much would like to exhibit results after the event. That said, it’s your call.