Control Network Newsletter

BCIA Conference 2011 and ConnectFest

April 2011 - On May 12, 2011, Contemporary Controls (LTD) will again participate in the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) annual conference at St. John's Hotel in Solihull near Birmingham, UK. This year's theme is Building Controls for Energy Efficiency: Quick wins and long-term strategies.

The Conference aims to emphasise the fact that building controls can offer some 'quick wins' in achieving greater energy efficiency, for example by a simple review of an existing BMS. Alongside this, we will also be encouraging end-users to think about their strategic approach to putting controls at the heart of an energy-efficiency strategy.

Paul French, Contemporary Controls EMEA manager, will speak on Open networks for energy efficiency in the afternoon session. Paul will be looking at the world of open networks and how they benefit end-users by bringing flexibility and cost-savings to building controls projects. The aim is to take the mystery out of technical terminology and guide delegates through the network maze, with the long-term goal of more energy efficient business.

As part of the conference, building automation suppliers will demonstrate the benefits of open systems at ConnectFest where equipment from different vendors interoperate using open protocols such as BACnet and Modbus. Contemporary Controls will participate in the demonstration with our BACnet routers and Modbus to BACnet gateways. If an Ethernet switch or media converter is required, Contemporary Controls will provide the equipment. This year, the ConnectFest is open to non-BCIA members.

In the evening, the BCIA Awards Dinner will be held. This black-tie affair gives the building controls industry in the UK an opportunity to mingle and share in the success of this dynamic industry.

More information about the conference is available from BCIA by PDF.