Expo Preview: PCBC Coming To San Francisco

There will be something for everyone-dealers, distributors and, of course, builders-at this year's PCBC Pacific Coast Builders Conference. is being held this year from June 15-18 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Ca.

Exhibitors and guests will be able to enjoy discussions and educational workshops, award ceremonies, special events, product displays, and a wide variety of keynote speakers at this years conference.

Mitch Albom. author of the bestselling books Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven kicks off the conference at the opening breakfast.

Malcolm Gladwell will be keynote speaker during the June 17 breakfast, addressing "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference." Gladwell will discuss how comoanies are able to advertise by woid-ofmouth and rules that govern change.

J. Walker Smith, Yankelovich Partners; Barry Berkus, B3 Design Studios, and Brent Herrington, DMB Associates, will take part in a panel discussion on the forces shaping new home purchases and how generations differ in their needs for new homes.

Nike's "Katalyst," Kevin Carroll, will lead a discussion on "Inspired Dreams, Inspired Design," which will focus on his methodology for unleashing and sustaining creativity, imagination and human potential.

Discussing "Remaking the Way We Make Things," William McDonough, designer and leader of what he calls "the next Industrial Revolution." will focus on the transformation of human industry through ecologically intelligent design.

In addition to speakers, PCBC is offering several educational workshops and discussions, such as the multi-family trends conference, which targets trends, opportunities and best practices in for-rent and for-sale multifamily housing. Pre-conference workshops begin June 15.

Chief financial officers and senior managers can discuss projects and financing needs with industry lenders and equity sources at "Meet the Money" June 16.

Hundreds of vendors will be on hand to showcase their new oroducts and latest innovations. Exhibitors include TimberTech Ltd.. Potlatch Corp., Universal Forest Products, Chemco Inc., WindsorOne, California Redwood Association. Boise Engineered Wood Products, Shaw Industries, Sierra Pacific Windows, CertainTeed Windows, Jeld-Wen, and companies representing other specialties such as cabinets, fireplaces, outdoor living, stairs, roofing and tools.

For guests looking to unwind after the conferences and workshops, PCBC has arranged a variety of activities. Local interests tours include stoDs at the Fioli Estate. a San Franci sco Giants ballgame, the San Francisco Design Center, and the CamronStanford House/Preservation Park.

Sports fan will delight ar rhe PASS luncheon's guest of honor, the San Francisco 49ers' Joe Montana.

Rounding out the festivities are the Hall of Fame dinner and the Gold Nugget Awards.

"Monty Python" star and final speaker John Cleese closes things down June 18 with a speech titled "And Now for Something Completely Different."

Cover your projects before the roof goes on.

For virtually any project, residential or commercial, for virtually any application and all major building codes, LP is proud to be there with an l-joist specifically designed for the job. Engineered to be straighter and stiffer than traditional lumber, LPI Joists reduce the problems that naturally occur as solid sawn lumber dries - like shrinking, warping, splitting and crowning. That means floors and ceilings that are more true, solid and uniform than ever before. lt also means stronger and more efficient, because pound for pound LPI Joists have a greater load-bearing capacity than traditional lumber, so floors and ceilings can be designed with less material, not less quality. Add a great warranty and environmental efficiency and LPI Joists become the smart choice for today's builder. For information contact 1.800.999.9105 or visit the LP web site at www.lpcorp.com.

Saw Away

A full-color, 210-p. catalog of hand tool specifications, pricing and photos is free from Great Neck Saw. 165 E. 2nd St., Mineola, N.Y., 11501; (800) 457-0600; www. greatnecksaw.com.

Guided Gonstruction

Raised Floor Systems, a 45-p. guide that contains photographs, product information and case studies. is now available from the Southern Pine Council. P.O. Box 641700, Kenner, La.70064: (504) 4434464: www.southernoine.com.

Cypress Reading

A 12-p. technical guide on cypress for building and design professionals is available from the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. 400 Penn Center Blvd., Ste. 530, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235; (81 7 ) 60'7 -'7 2621 wwrv. cypressinfo.org.

Purchasing Assistance

The 2004 edition of Where ro Buy' Hardwood Plywood, Veneer & Engineered Hardwutd Flooring, buyer's guide and membership directory is $5 from the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association. P.O. Box 2789, Reston, Va. 20195; (703) 435-2900; www.hpva.org.