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The BIM ecosystem and the integration of parametric design for sustainability at early design stages

by Pedro Santiago

Buildings have a huge impact on the planet. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), buildings account for an average of 41% of the world’s energy use. This number is confirmed by the UN in it’s Global Status Report where it’s predicted that over the next 40 years, the world is expected to build 230 billion square metres in new construction – adding the equivalent of Paris to the planet every single week. The two next biggest energy consumers, don’t even come close with the industrial sector accounting for 30% while transportation accounts for 29%. Part of this is due to the huge amount of electricity that buildings use. In the United States, buildings are responsible for 73% of the country’s electricity consumption for example.

While the building sector’s energy intensity has improved in recent years, this has not been enough to offset rising energy demand. Building-related CO2 emissions have continued to rise by around 1% per year since 2010, and more than four million deaths each year are attributable to illness from household air pollution. (UN Global Status Report)

Fortunately, many opportunities exist to deploy energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions for buildings and construction.

Designers play a crucial role in the mitigation of this process and result. The ASHRAE GreenGuide states and confirms that the very early stages of the design process are the most important. The design process is the first crucial element in producing a green building. Without a clear definition and goal, the the latter stages become completely compromised. For design efficiency, it is necessary to define the objectives and criteria, including sustainable/green goals, before beginning the design, to minimize the potential of increased costs. Designers are often challenged and sometimes affronted by the idea of green design. Achieving green or sustainable design goals requires a different approach than has been customarily applied. Still based on the ASHRAE GreenGuide, some have expressed the view that significant reductions in energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions will never occur by simply tweaking current practice.

The act of designing, conceiving, constructing and living in a building, i.e. its life-cycle, involves in all its phases a complex process of coordination between people, ideas, solutions, materials and energy. The essence of success is to ensure that this data and information that is produced within each stage is understood and processed by all parties with the purpose of obtaining the best solution. The more fluid this flow is, the faster and more efficient the process will be. The “ideal” building is conceived as the one that best answers the formal, material, programmatic, functional, economic, sustainable and structural questions, bringing together a group of specialists from the most diverse areas and all the corresponding information.

During this process, the design team challenges all types of available and possible solutions, and finds the one most fit for purpose. For example looking at material issues with a solution that has the least impact combined with energy issues and a solution that is the most energy efficient.

BIM softwares are incorporating tools that allow the validation and analysis of solutions from the early stages. If the design stage is responsible for a larger percentage of efficiency in the final result, the first stages of design are also a crucial part of this process. It can become extenuating to analyze and validate each solution found in the form finding process. The form of a building is the basis for the energy efficiency of the building. It represents the envelope and shell, the interface between the interior and exterior and the support for energy capture and generation.

This process, to be taken seriously under sustainable principles can be extenuating and frustrating, since it results in a process of trial and error containing a lot of variables and constraints. Even with the tools available the design team can’t determine the best and most efficient outcome. This is where parametric and generative design systems can be incorporated.

BIM softwares such as ARCHICAD now allow the integration and real-time incorporation of parametric and generative design systems, establishing a bridge with programs such as Grasshopper. This step opens a door in the creative field but also in the search for solutions based on algorithms, establishing geometric and mathematical rules that were previously beyond the reach of designers in the BIM environment. The possibilities are as diverse as the creativity of the minds that think and build them.

Parametric design allows very interesting results from the plastic and formal point of view, however, it also allows the solution of geometric problems that the BIM systems struggle to materialize. The optimization of solutions can be raised to a level of accuracy and complexity that only programming and computing allow. We can program for sustainability according to the need and means available.

Incorporating these systems into the BIM environment is a new approach that differentiates the design process from the current methodologies. It involves a novel mindset and perspective on the design process, including data, geometry and processes that be automated or manually edited. The tools that arrive with this fusion allow the analysis and validation as well as the search and optimization to be clear, automatic and fast.

Recurring to various optimization algorithms and incorporating them into the main script enhances the design possibilities and ensures solid solutions.

From the early stages of the process, the project team can incorporate information that solves these issues without leaving it’s native environment. This means the ideas, concepts and intentions within the BIM model are not compromised, resulting in work processes and conscious solutions driven by information and concrete data in search of a more humane result.

Correct orientation and correct selection of facade solutions can reduce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment size and cost, resulting in a more efficient and sustainable building. Buildings that effectively combine their surroundings with the application of green design principles generally provide a project with greater psychological and physiological benefits for the occupants.

BIM and parametric design flux to ensure sustainability though “a different approach than has been customarily applied”, as an answer to “ significant reductions in energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions will never occur by simply tweaking current practice” like stated in the ASHRAE GreenGuide, and we need to consider a different mentality to truly changing the industry and make our building more efficient and sustainable for the future.

This year at BILT Europe in Edinburgh on October 10-12, one of the many classes that will be held is a hands-on lab workshop to explore Sustainable Building Design through BIM and Parametric Methodologies, which will be led by Pedro Santiago. To register for the event and register for this class visit the website

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Registration Conditions

BILT FEDERAL 2023 (“Conference”), 6th– 8th December 2023,

will be held at the MGM National Harbor, Maryland.

The Organizer (“Organizers”) of the Conference is the

Digital Built Environment Institute USA, INC (DBEI).

3943 Irvine Blvd. - Suite 13
Irvine, CA 92602 USA

Phone: +1 213 814 2888

All inquiries relating to these matters should be directed to DBEI’s Marketing Team at info@dbei.org.

Be Well Agreement

Any public space where other people are present holds a possible risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. By attending this event, I agree to voluntarily assume all risk related to exposure and agree to not hold DBEI or any of their affiliates including partners and sponsors, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, or sponsored venues liable for illness. I will take necessary precautions while at the event which may include, but not be limited to, engaging in appropriate social distancing, wearing a mask in public areas when not consuming food or beverage, minimize face touching, frequently washing hands and avoiding risky environments such as overcrowded bars or restaurants. I agree to not attend any DBEI event if I feel ill or had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case.

DBEI, together with the venue and their suppliers, commits to taking all reasonable actions to provide a COVID safe environment for its attendees, sponsors, speakers, staff, and visitors by complying with local regulations.

Payments

Once registration is received, a confirmation email will be issued. Any accounts must be paid in full 30 days from the invoice date or 10 business days before the Conference start date, whichever comes first. The Organizers reserve the right, without notification, to cancel outstanding accounts any time after 45 days from the date of the confirmation e-mail being sent. If payment is not received prior to the conference, access will be granted only after full payment is made via credit card. Non-payment does not constitute cancellation.

All payments should be made to Digital Built Environment Institute USA, INC (DBEI).

Cancellations
DBEI understands that circumstances can change. At any point prior to the Conference, you are welcome to contact us in writing to nominate a substitute attendee at no extra charge (ideally at least 72 hours prior to the Conference).

Cancellations of registration, social functions, accommodation, and other items received:

  • 3 months prior to the Conference will incur a fee of 50% of the item(s) cancelled. All cancellations received within 2 months of the Conference will be liable for 100% of the total fee. No refunds will be offered after 1st October 2023.

All cancellations must be made in writing to Digital Built Environment Institute USA, INC via info@dbei.org. Any cancelled registrants with an outstanding balance due will be liable for the full registration fee, subject to the timeframes nominated above; this liability will be the responsibility of the attendee.

Please note: A ‘no show’ to the Conference will still be considered as a cancellation and therefore the above terms apply.

In the unlikely event that DBEI is required to cancel or postpone the Conference for any reason (other than Force Majeure as noted below), DBEI will issue you a non-transferable credit note for the amount of the Fee, which may be redeemed against any appropriate future DBEI event for a period of 13 months from the date of issue.The Organizers hold no additional liability for travel costs, hotel costs, or any other cost, damage or expense whatsoever.

Insurance
It is strongly recommended that registrants take out insurance at the time of registration to include any eventuality including but not limited to loss of fees through cancellation of registrant's participation in the Conference or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of airfares through cancellation for any reason, loss or damages to personal property, force majeure or any other reason.

Privacy
Personal Information acquired by DBEI for Digital Built Week Americas, BILT Americas, or any other events or activities, is governed by Digital Built Environment Institute’s Privacy Policy.

Registrants must opt-in to have their details shown on the event app and attendee list for BILT Federal 2023. If you do not wish for your details to be included in the event app, please select the opt-out option.

Registrants must indicate if they agree to receive marketing updates, event information and newsletters by email, post, phone, and other communications from Digital Built Environment Institute. Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsors also have access to this list. If you do not wish to be contacted, please select the opt-out option.

By registering for the Conference, registrants agree to receive emails in relation to this event.

By completing the survey post Conference(s), registrants’ comments and feedback will be used for marketing and other related purposes by DBEI.

Conference Code of Conduct
Our event will present opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and network. We believe the event should represent a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for all people, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, disability, socio-economic background, experience, size, shape and so on. No one should be subject to any harassment, bullying or abuse. Any such behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take such action as we deem necessary to ensure it does not reoccur. This may include immediate removal from the event and a prohibition from attending future events held by DBEI. This Code of Conduct explains exactly what we mean by unacceptable behaviour, and it outlines the steps someone subjected to such behaviour at an event can take to report it.

DBEI is a listening organization focused on its participants and fosters interaction, engagement, collaboration, connectivity, and community, in a fun and safe learning environment.

We value the participation of each member of the community and endeavour to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Conference participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy and respect for others and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all conference programs and events, whether officially sponsored by DBEI or not. All attendees, speakers, organisers, volunteers, partners, vendors, and staff at any DBEI event are required to observe the following Code of Conduct.

DBEI is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for the conference.

Be kind to others. Do not insult or defame participants. Harassment in any form, sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not condoned at DBEI events.

Participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of DBEI. Thank you for helping to make this a welcoming event for all.

The Organizers reserve the right to reject or terminate a registration without giving reasons at any time, with full refund of registration fees received – if terminated prior to the conference. Registrants asked to leave during the running of the conference, with reason, will not be entitled to a refund.

Student Registration
To qualify for the student registration category, registrants must be studying full time at their indicated university/institution. Full time study is a minimum of 20 hours of active class participation. Students must provide the Organizers with a copy of their photo student identification card, proof of full-time status as a student from their university/institution and contact details for their administration office. Registration under the student rate is not guaranteed until full-time student status is verified by the Organizers.

Change to Conference Program
It may be necessary, for reasons beyond the control of the Organizers, to alter the times, dates, itineraries, or speakers of the Conference by notice to you at any time and in doing so DBEI will carry no additional liability for these circumstances beyond that noted below.

Liability
Registrants register for and attend the Conference at their own risk. Registrants agree not to hold the Organizers liable for any losses, damages, expenses, costs, claims or liabilities suffered or incurred by registrants including consequential or indirect losses or loss of profit through registering for the Conference, attending the Conference, cancellation of the Conference, failure of the Conference to achieve your expectations, or for any error or omission by the Organizers.

Registrants agree not to hold the Organizers liable or responsible for any personal injury (i.e. physical, psychological or emotional stress) or any loss or damage to personal property.

By registering to the Conference, registrants agree to receive emails in relation to this event.

By completing the survey post Conference(s), registrants’ comments and feedback will be used for marketing related purposes by Digital Built Environment Institute.

Photos taken during the Conference (which includes the Exhibition and social events) will be used for marketing related purposes by Digital Built Environment Institute.

Force Majeure

DBEI shall not be liable for any loss caused by the cancellation of the Conference where such cancellation is due to Force Majeure. The organisers will use all reasonable efforts to conduct the conference despite the intervention or occurrence of any such circumstance.

In this clause, Force Majeure means circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of DBEI and which are reasonably likely to affect DBEI’s successful delivery of the Event or would make it inadvisable, impracticable, illegal, or impossible for a party to perform its obligations as originally contracted under this Agreement, including: fire, flood, earthquake, extreme adverse weather conditions, failure of electric power, gas, water, or other utility service, collapse of building structures, widespread disease or other public health emergency (including pandemic or epidemic), strike or other industrial action, the outbreak or declaration of war, act of terrorism, revolution or government orders or action (including the declaration of a State of Emergency).

If, as a result of Force Majeure, DBEI cancels the Event/s, DBEI shall use reasonable commercial endeavours to reschedule the Event. If DBEI is unable to reschedule the Event, it will issue you a non-transferable credit note for the amount of the Fee, which may be redeemed against any appropriate future DBEI event for a period of 13 months from the date of issue.

Without prejudice to its obligations under this agreement, DBEI accepts no liability, and will not be liable, for any compensation where the performance of its obligations under this Agreement is affected by Force Majeure.

Disclaimer and Waiver
The Conference Organisers reserve the right to change activities, topics, and presenters where necessary.

The Organisers reserve the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. These Terms and Conditions will be governed by and constructed in accordance with the laws of the and the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of that state and country.

As a condition of my participation in this Conference I hereby waive any claim I may have against DBEI and its officers, directors, employees, or agents, or against the presenters or speakers, for reliance on any information presented, and release DBEI from and against any and all liability for damage or injury that may arise from my participation or attendance at the Conference. I further understand and agree that all property rights in the material presented, including common law copyright, are expressly reserved to the presenter or speaker or to DBEI, as per any separate agreements between said parties.

I acknowledge that participation in DBEI events and activities brings some risk and I do hereby assume responsibility for my own well-being. If another individual participates in my place per the DBEI transfer policy, the new registrant agrees to this disclaimer and waiver by default of transfer.

DBEI intends to take photographs and video of this event for use in DBEI news and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the DBEI website. By participating in this Conference, I grant DBEI the right to use any image, photograph, voice or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media becomes the property of DBEI and media may be displayed, distributed or used by DBEI in its sole discretion.

By registering for this event, I agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of contact and demographic information. This information includes any information that identifies me personally (e.g. name, address, email address, phone number, etc.). DBEI will use this information to: (a) enable your event registration; (b) review, evaluate and administer scholarships or other DBEI initiatives; (c) market DBEI opportunities you may potentially be interested in; and to (d) share limited information (e.g. title, company, address and demographic information) with third parties that perform services on behalf of DBEI. DBEI may also distribute the attendee list of those who have opted in to the list, to eligible sponsors and partners, however not without the prior consent of the individual. DBEI may use this information for so long as DBEI remains active in conducting any of the above purposes.

Registration Conditions

DIGITAL BUILT WEEK AMERICAS 2023 (“Conference”) 15 – 17 June 2023 will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas.The Organizer (“Organizers”) of the Conference is the Digital Built Environment Institute USA, INC (DBEI).

3943 Irvine Blvd. - Suite 13 Irvine, CA 92602 USA

Phone: +1 213 814 2888

All inquiries relating to these matters should be directed to DBEI’s Marketing Team at info@dbei.org.

Be Well Agreement

Any public space where other people are present holds a possible risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. By attending this event, I agree to voluntarily assume all risk related to exposure and agree to not hold DBEI or any of their affiliates including partners and sponsors, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, or sponsored venues liable for illness. I will take necessary precautions while at the event including, but not limited to, engaging in appropriate social distancing, wearing a mask in public areas when not consuming food or beverage, minimize face touching, frequently washing hands and avoiding risky environments such as overcrowded bars or restaurants. I agree to not attend any DBEI event if I feel ill or had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case.

DBEI together with the venue and their suppliers, commit to taking all reasonable actions to provide a COVID safe environment for its attendees, sponsors, speakers, staff, and visitors by complying with local regulations.

Payments

Once registration is received, a confirmation email will be issued. Any accounts must be paid in full 30 days from the invoice date or 10 business days before the Conference start date, whichever comes first. The Organizers reserve the right, without notification, to cancel outstanding accounts any time after 45 days from the date of the confirmation e-mail being sent. If payment is not received prior to the conference, access will be granted only after full payment is made via credit card. Non-payment does not constitute cancellation.

All payments should be made to Digital Built Environment Institute USA, INC (DBEI).

Cancellations
DBEI understands that circumstances can change. At any point prior to the Conference, you are welcome to contact us in writing to nominate a substitute attendee at no extra charge (ideally at least 72 hours prior to the Conference).

Cancellations of registration, social functions, accommodation, and other items received:

  • 6 weeks prior to the Conference will incur a fee of 50% of the item(s) cancelled. All cancellations received within 6 weeks of the Conference will be liable for 100% of the total fee. No refunds will be offered after 02 May 2023.

All cancellations must be made in writing to  Digital Built Environment Institute USA, INC via info@dbei.org. Any cancelled registrants with an outstanding balance due will be liable for the full registration fee; this liability will be the responsibility of the attendee.

Please note: A ‘no show’ to the Conference will still be considered as a cancellation and therefore the above terms apply.

In the unlikely event that DBEI is required to cancel or postpone the Conference for any reason (other than Force Majeure as noted below), DBEI will issue you a non-transferable credit note for the amount of the Fee, which may be redeemed against any appropriate future DBEI event for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.The Organizers hold no additional liability for travel costs, hotel costs, or any other cost, damage or expense whatsoever.

Insurance
It is strongly recommended that registrants take out insurance at the time of registration to include any eventuality including but not limited to loss of fees through cancellation of registrant's participation in the Conference or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of airfares through cancellation for any reason, loss or damages to personal property, force majeure or any other reason.

Privacy
Personal Information acquired by DBEI for BILT AMERICAS is governed by Digital Built Environment Institute’s Privacy Policy.

Registrants must opt-in to have their details shown on the event app and attendee list for DBWa 2023. If you do not wish for your details to be included in the event app, please select the opt-out option.

Registrants must indicate if they agree to receive marketing updates, event information and newsletters by email, post, phone, and other communications from Digital Built Environment Institute. Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsors also have access to this list. If you do not wish to be contacted, please select the opt-out option.

By registering for the Conference, registrants agree to receive emails in relation to this event.

By completing the survey post Conference(s), registrants’ comments and feedback will be used for marketing and other related purposes by DBEI.

Conference Code of Conduct
Our event will present opportunities to learn, share knowledge and network. We believe the event should represent a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for all people, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, disability, socio-economic background, experience, size, shape and so on. No one should be subject to any harassment, bullying or abuse. Any such behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take such action as we deem necessary to ensure it does not reoccur. This may include immediate removal from the event and a prohibition from attending future events held by DBEI. This Code of Conduct explains exactly what we mean by unacceptable behaviour, and it outlines the steps someone subjected to such behaviour at an event can take to report it.

DBEI is a listening organization focused on its participants and fosters interaction, engagement, collaboration, connectivity, and community, in a fun and safe learning environment.

We value the participation of each member of the community and endeavour to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Conference participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy and respect for others and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all conference programs and events, whether officially sponsored by DBEI or not. All attendees, speakers, organisers, volunteers, partners, vendors, and staff at any DBEI event are required to observe the following Code of Conduct.

DBEI is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for the conference.

Be kind to others. Do not insult or defame participants. Harassment in any form, sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not condoned at DBEI events.

Participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of DBEI. Thank you for helping to make this a welcoming event for all.

The Organizers reserve the right to reject or terminate a registration without giving reasons at any time, with full refund of registration fees received – if terminated prior to the conference. Registrants asked to leave during the running of the conference, with reason, will not be entitled to a refund.

 

Student Registration
To qualify for the student registration category, registrants must be studying full time at their indicated university/institution. Full time study is a minimum of 20 hours of active class participation. Students must provide the Organizers with a copy of their photo student identification card, proof of full-time status as a student from their university/institution and contact details for their administration office. Registration under the student rate is not guaranteed until full-time student status is verified by the Organizers.

Change to Conference Program
It may be necessary, for reasons beyond the control of the Organizers, to alter the times, dates, itineraries, or speakers of the Conference by notice to you at any time and in doing so DBEI will carry no additional liability for these circumstances beyond that noted below.

Liability
Registrants register for and attend the Conference at their own risk. Registrants agree not to hold the Organizers liable for any losses, damages, expenses, costs, claims or liabilities suffered or incurred by registrants including consequential or indirect losses or loss of profit through registering for the Conference, attending the Conference, cancellation of the Conference, failure of the Conference to achieve your expectations, or for any error or omission by the Organizers.

Registrants agree not to hold the Organizers liable or responsible for any personal injury (i.e. physical, psychological or emotional stress) or any loss or damage to personal property.

By registering to the Conference, registrants agree to receive emails in relation to this event.

By completing the survey post Conference(s), registrants’ comments and feedback will be used for marketing related purposes by Digital Built Environment Institute.

Photos taken during the Conference (which includes the Exhibition and social events) will be used for marketing related purposes by Digital Built Environment Institute.

 

Force Majeure

DBEI shall not be liable for any loss caused by the cancellation of the Conference where such cancellation is due to Force Majeure. The organisers will use all reasonable efforts to conduct the conference despite the intervention or occurrence of any such cause.

In this clause, Force Majeure means circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of DBEI and which are reasonably likely to affect DBEI’s successful delivery of the Event or would make it inadvisable, impracticable, illegal, or impossible for a party to perform its obligations as originally contracted under this Agreement, including: fire, flood, earthquake, extreme adverse weather conditions, failure of electric power, gas, water, or other utility service, collapse of building structures, widespread disease or other public health emergency (including pandemic or epidemic), strike or other industrial action, the outbreak or declaration of war, act of terrorism, revolution or government orders or action (including the declaration of a State of Emergency).

If, as a result of Force Majeure, DBEI cancels the Event/s, DBEI shall use reasonable commercial endeavours to reschedule the Event. If DBEI is unable to reschedule the Event in accordance, DBEI will issue you a non-transferable credit note for the amount of the Fee, which may be redeemed against any appropriate future DBEI event for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.

Without prejudice to its obligations DBEI accepts no liability and will not be liable for any compensation where the performance of its obligations under this Agreement is affected by Force Majeure.

 

Disclaimer and Waiver
The Conference Organisers reserve the right to change activities, topics, and presenters where necessary.

The Organisers reserve the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. These Terms and Conditions will be governed by and constructed in accordance with the laws of the and the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of that state and country.

As a condition of my participation in this Conference I hereby waive any claim I may have against DBEI and its officers, directors, employees, or agents, or against the presenters or speakers, for reliance on any information presented and release DBEI from and against any and all liability for damage or injury that may arise from my participation or attendance at the Conference. I further understand and agree that all property rights in the material presented, including common law copyright, are expressly reserved to the presenter or speaker or to DBEI.

I acknowledge that participation in DBEI events and activities brings some risk and I do hereby assume responsibility for my own well-being. If another individual participates in my place per DBEI transfer policy, the new registrant agrees to this disclaimer and waiver by default of transfer.

DBEI intends to take photographs and video of this event for use in DBEI news and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the DBEI website. By participating in this Conference, I grant DBEI the right to use any image, photograph, voice or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media become the property of DBEI and media may be displayed, distributed or used by DBEI.

By registering for this event, I agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of contact and demographic information. This information includes any information that identifies me personally (e.g. name, address, email address, phone number, etc.). DBEI will use this information to: (a) enable your event registration; (b) review, evaluate and administer scholarships or other DBEI initiatives; (c) market DBEI opportunities you may potentially be interested in; and to (d) share limited information (e.g. title, company, address and demographic information) with third parties that perform services on behalf of DBEI. DBEI may also distribute the attendee list of those who have opted into the list, to eligible sponsors and partners, however not without the prior consent of the individual. DBEI may use this information for so long as DBEI remains active in conducting any of the above purposes.