The CitA BIM Gathering, taking place from November 12-13, 2015, is an international conference which will include some of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of BIM and will provide delegates with the opportunity to hear from businesses at home and abroad, as they continue to take advantage of BIM. The conference has a threefold function. Its primary purpose is to present Ireland as a place where BIM will succeed. The second is to emphasise BIM’s importance in making the Irish construction industry more efficient and cost-effective. The third is to discuss new BIM innovations and developments with the global BIM community. The BIM Gathering opens with a welcome drinks reception in the Gibson Hotel on November 11 in the executive lounge from 7pm-10pm.  The two-day conference opens on November 12 in the main conference room with four additional breakout rooms. There are eight kenote speakers, 60 presentations from industry and academia along with 20 exhibitors. The conference dinner is taking place on November 12 in the Old Jameson Distillery with David Philp as the after-dinner speaker. The success of the BIM gathering in 2013 was as a result of bringing together BIM experts, BIM educators, BIM vendors and Irish Construction Industry practitioners under one roof for two days to present, discuss and brainstorm about BIM. CitA is hoping to build on the 2013 success in 2015. The key additions to this year’s event are that the line-up of keynote speakers has been increased from six to nine, the number of exhibitors has been increased from 15 to 20 and the number of Irish companies presenting has increased by 15 per cent. CitA selects key international experts from the field to present their experiences and vision from the viewpoint of the various disciplines in the construction sector including education while being aware of the gender balance. This year’s event covers a host of topics relevant to the building industry. The five breakout rooms provide delegates with a large cross-section of presentations to choose from and, with a five-minute break between each presentation, delegates have the opportunity to move between the various breakout rooms which enables them to view presentations from each topic through the breakout sessions quite easily. Twenty per cent of delegates registered for the 2015 CitA BIM Gathering are coming from abroad including Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Scotland, the UK and the US. Not registered yet, there are still tickets available. Full capacity for the conference is 300 delegates. CitA has sold 200 to date. To register and download the conference programme go to http://www.cita.ie/events/cita-bim-gathering/ It is often highlighted that CitA is influencing the future of the Irish construction industry with its programme of events. CitA merges sustainability, green construction, lean and other construction topics with technology. CitA carries out a training needs analysis of its member companies each year to assist in the design and development of future training courses. I wouldn’t necessarily say that the CitA BIM Gathering shapes the training. But the Gathering definitely displays and demonstrates the various skills required to excel in the world of BIM which thus highlights to delegates where their skill gaps exist. Register Here - http://www.cita.ie/events/cita-bim-gathering/ Conference Video – https://youtu.be/332rQMMNBdw Conference Programme - http://www.cita.ie/events/cita-bim-gathering/ Conference Website - https://cita091-public.sharepoint.com/