Opal Group SpArc 2023

Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, CA
March 12, 2023 - March 14, 2023

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An Exclusive Event for Senior Specifiers & Architects

Opal Group SpArc is an invitation-only Summit that brings together the heads of specifications and architects from the most active firms in the US. This event is focused on real-world experiences, professional insights and genuine dialog with an emphasis on the industry’s top challenges.

Set in sunny San Diego, we are sure the three days spent at this year’s Summit will provide you invaluable information and the necessary resources to enhance your specification writing.

We believe in creating a memorable, collaborative and effective experiences focused on continuous improvement for Spec Writers and Architects. Sit down with your peers in an intimate setting and learn new ideas. Explore what true collaboration really is about.

We look forward to collaborating with you!


Current as of February 28, 2023

2:00 pm

Registration

5:30 pm

Welcome Cocktail Reception

6:30 pm

Opening Keynote

Presented by

Rachel Wilson, Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Data Security & Infrastructure Risk, Morgan Stanley

7:30 pm

Dinner Reception

7:15 am

Breakfast & Itinerary Pick-Up

8:00 am

Panel: The Creative Space & Workplace Culture for Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X

Panelists

Faith Brown, Specifications Writer/ President, Integrated Spec Solutions

Cherise Lakeside, Senior Specification Writer, RDH Building Science

Jonathan Oswald, Studio Leader & Project Manager, HDR, Inc.

8:50 am

One on One Meetings

10:25 am

Track A: Strategic Collaboration and Communication

Presented by

Elias Saltz, FCSI, CCS, CDT, SCIP, Executive Vice President, Conspectus, Inc.

Track B: Integrated Fire and Smoke Door Systems: Specifying Your Own Safety Net

Presented by

Candace Kitchen, Customer Service Specialist, Total Door Systems

11:10 am

One on One Meetings

12:40 pm

Luncheon

1:40 pm

Track A: Designing Visually Dynamic Facades with Coil and Extrusion Coatings

Presented by

Royce Brown, Architectural Manager, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings

Track B: Interior Finish Material Selection Considerations: selecting and coordinating Finish Material Specifications in Design-Bid-Build and Design Build Projects

Presented by

Jay Whisenant, Vice President, Specifications Lead West, CannonDesign

2:25 pm

One on One Meetings

3:30 pm

Track A: Painting and Coatings: The Dichotomy Between Logic and Language

Presented by

Carrie Gerstenberger, WELL AP, CDT, CCS, CSI, Senior Specifications Writer, PAGE

Track B: Specification Strategies to Eliminate Concrete Moisture

Presented by

Bill Roper, National Technical Sales Manager, ISE Logik Industries, Inc.

4:15 pm

Track A: Panel: Supply Chain –Material Sourcing & Product Timetables

Panelists

Michael Chambers, Architect, MCA Specifications

Ralph Pitman, Project Manager, Lancer Associates Architecture

Jay Whisenant, Vice President, Specifications Lead West, CannonDesign

Track B: Developing and Implementing a Spec Eco-System within a Firm

Presented by

Holly Jordan, FCSI, CCS, SCIP, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Specifications, Perkins&Will

5:00 pm

One-on-One Meetings & Happy Hour

6:30 pm

Dinner Reception

7:45 am

Breakfast

8:15 am

Fast-Tracking Project Schedules and Construction Document Accuracy

Presented by

Chris O’Hara, Founding Principal, Studio NYL

Brad Prestbo, Architect, Boston Office Director, Studio NYL

9:05 am

One-on-One Meetings

10:40 am

The Process of Writing Specifications in Modern Spaces

Presented by

Jay Ford, Associate, Kalin Associates

11:15 am

Inclusive Design Strategies in Today’s Work and Public Spaces

Presented by

Amie T. Keener, Associate, Gensler

12:05 pm

Closing Lunch

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4star
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California, 92101, USA



Opal Group SpArc is an invitation-only meeting for senior specifiers and architects with projects in the US. Qualified Spec Writers and Architects receive complimentary registration to the Summit, inclusive of lodging and conference meals. Solution providers and manufacturers are able to participate through sponsorship.

For details on attending or sponsoring, contact summits@opalgroup.net
  • Design: From Complicated to Complex
  • The Building Envelope Challenge: Sustainability
  • Restoration & Adaptive Reuse
  • Sustainability & Material Transparency
  • Construction Management: Plan, Monitor, Control
  • Architecture & Artificial Intelligence
  • Mega Projects
  • Building Technology
  • Disruptive Construction Scene
  • Abstract to Concrete
  • Prescheduled One-to-One Meetings:
    Each participating solution provider and attendees will have pre-summit access to our matching software that allows you to completely customize your meeting agenda. The password protected website provides the information needed to make your selections on who you want to meet with.

  • Exceptional Networking Opportunities:
    We strive to maximize your face-to-face time by providing a multitude of avenues that are engaging and informative. The agenda incorporates cocktail receptions, networking lunches and a specially selected offsite dinner at a nearby venue. Opportunities are endless with a wide variety of nearby activities to continue your networking and build strong personal relationships with current and future partners. We’ll provide a list of our recommendations for pre and post conference activities a few weeks prior to the Summit.

Attendee projects fall in the following categories:

  • Aviation
  • Commercial
  • Federal/State/Municipal Government
  • Education
  • Entertainment/Leisure
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Industrial
  • International
  • Manufacturing
  • Multi-Family
  • Museum/Cultural
  • Religious
  • Research/Laboratories
  • Retail
  • Sports/Recreation

    Very well organized. Really enjoyed the mixture and variety of formats for presentations. Architect

    Carrier Johnson + Culture

    This is my fourth time to attend and I continue to believe these events are valuable. The opportunity to hear a variety of speakers inspires new thinking. Meeting one-on-one with people who are really knowledgeable about their products, in one place, is convenient and efficient. Holding these events in nice, interesting venues gives the chance to relax as well. Vice President

    Specifications Manager, FKP Architects

    As always, very good. Professional set up and venue. Very good speaker presentations – topics and presentations. Vice President

    Cannon Design

    Excellent. I like the format of workshops interspersed with business meetings. I also like the expansion/intermix of specs, architecture and interiors – it brings more perspectives to the table. Associate

    LPA, Inc.