Sessions
At ICE Conference 2010, sessions are no longer solely geared toward the Estimators in your company. New sessions have been developed for Executives, IT Personnel, ICE Basic, Intermediate and Advanced users. Company Executives can come to ICE Conference 2010 and walk away knowing that their investment will produce proven results. Basic sessions are a great place to start for those who have had minimal exposure to ICE. New users can come to ICE Conference 2010 and walk away with the tools needed to become a proficient user of ICE. Other sessions are designed for users with prior training or with several years experience with ICE. Throughout the conference we will also run a full Construction System Toolkit and Wizard Toolkit training class. Several sessions are on tap that will cover all the latest estimating enhancements to ICE.
Basic - The Basic track is recommended for the beginning users with little or no experience with ICE. This track will cover all the basic functions of how to estimate with ICE without getting into the more advanced functions and options.
Intermediate - The Intermediate track has been designed for users who have been using ICE for six months or more. If you are currently using ICE to produce an estimate, but are using the basic functionality, this track will help you learn more about ICE and how to utilize the program to produce better estimates. In the past year, if you attended and understand the basic training or the basic track, this track is the next step in understanding the power of ICE.
Advanced - The Advanced track is for users with several years of experience in ICE. This track will cover the advanced features as well as new features in ICE.
Professional Estimators - This track is a new track intended for those individuals that have years of experience in estimating and are interested in furthering their education on the latest trends in the profession. This track will expose users to both leading industry topics as well as the latest tools in ICE that help meet those demands. The focus of this year’s professional estimator’s track is Building Information Modeling-BIM.
Toolkit - This track is a concentrated review of the Construction System and Wizard Toolkits. These sessions will demonstrate the tools that allow users to tailor these takeoff tools to meet their estimating needs. This track would be considered an advanced user track. Because of time restraints, many of the sessions are split into two parts, so you must plan to attend both parts.
Demo - This track will demonstrate other software products related to ICE as well as provide trade oriented discussion forums. This track is optional and should be considered as alternatives to the sessions offered in the other tracks. So feel free to join in on these sessions no matter which track you might choose to follow.
Conference 2009 Session List*
This list is for reference only and will be updated for the 2010 sessions.
Getting Started in ICE – Basic Track
This session will introduce new users to the ICE estimating process and familiarize them to MC² terminology.
Sorting an ICE Estimate – Basic Track
Learn to use sort codes, to segregate areas of your project and database into logical groups for reporting, estimate maintenance, or summary totals.
Setting up General Conditions – Basic / Intermediate Tracks
Explore the many options to create and add General Condition type to your ICE estimate.
Takeoff with Construction Systems – Basic Track
Learn how to use Construction Systems to quickly enter building components into an estimate. Also, learn how to use models and other takeoff utilities to dramatically speed up the takeoff process.
Takeoff with Assemblies and Add Items – Basic Track
This session demonstrates the various methods to add line items to your estimate that are not addressed in the Construction Systems. Specifically, it will demo how to use, modify and setup these other takeoff methods.
On-Screen Takeoff Interface – Basic / Intermediate Tracks
This session will demonstrate how to utilize On-Screen Takeoff to make the takeoff process more efficient. This class will highlight the many features available including new additions in ICE 3.3.
Getting Started with Typical Specs – Basic Track
This new session demonstrates the takeoff format for Industrial Pipe takeoffs specific to mechanical contractors. The intention of the class is to teach users new to ICE the terminology used in Typical Specs and how to setup Pipe Specs and complete piping takeoffs.
Fine Tuning the Estimate – Basic Track
Learn how to change items brought into your estimate by takeoff and customize the Estimate Maintenance window to suit your company's needs.
Printing Reports – Basic Track
This session will demonstrate effectively using the reports contained within ICE including the customization features.
Summary and Estimate Bid Intro – Basic Track
This will be a demonstration and explanation of setting up the ICE Estimate summary and how to create a Company Standard for your company.
UPC and Project Pricing Codes – Intermediate Track
This introduction demonstrates how the Unit Price Catalog database is built and the Company Standard links to the catalog. Learn how pricing codes are pulled from company standards into an estimate and how they affect prices of items pulled into your estimates during takeoff.
Advanced Takeoff Methods – Intermediate Track
This session will expose users to new and existing tips and tricks that are available within the takeoff options, which will include Group Operations for copying and changing multiple lines of takeoff within the current estimate or from another estimate.
Setting up General Conditions – Basic / Intermediate Tracks
Explore the many options to create and add General Condition items to your ICE estimate.
Estimate Audit Trail – Intermediate Track
In this session the user will follow his or her various takeoff methods into the Estimate Maintenance window for the purpose of analyzing and reviewing dollar amounts and determining how to find and correct any mistakes that may have been made. The main focus within the Estimate Maintenance window will be on Drill-Down and Take-off toolbar options in conjunction with relevant columns and the Unit Cost view.
Application of Visual Takeoff – Intermediate / Toolkit Tracks
This session will demonstrate how to apply the new Visual Takeoff tool to easily customize the Construction System takeoff screen for a more dynamic takeoff screen.
On-Screen Takeoff Interface – Basic / Intermediate Tracks
This session will demonstrate how to utilize On-Screen Takeoff to make the takeoff process more efficient. This class will highlight the many features available including new additions in ICE 3.3.
Using MS Project with ICE – Intermediate / Advanced Tracks
This session will demonstrate various methods of transmitting information from your MC² estimate to MS Project. ICE interfaces with several construction scheduling programs with a similar method, but this class will be specific to MS Project so that all the procedures can easily be followed.
Estimate Summary – Intermediate / Advanced Tracks
Learn how to integrate your existing Excel spreadsheets into the MC² Summary and link totals from your estimate into those sheets reducing the need to export estimate data. This class will show how users can add worksheets, add totals by sort codes, use programmable "controls" (radio button, checkbox), query the estimate data with SQL statements, and other advanced methods of collecting and disseminating Summary data.
Subcontract Markups and Escalation – Intermediate Track
This session will teach you how to markup line items in the estimate to account for sub markups and how to escalate entire groups of items in your Estimate Maintenance window.
Trade Open Forum – Intermediate / Advanced Tracks
This new session is a trade specific forum to discuss the knowledge base needs of the different types of contractors using ICE. The purpose of this session is to open a dialog between MC² and our contractors as well as discussion between contractors. This session will focus on ICELINE, MC² Online Forum, as well as demonstrating new Construction Systems, Wizards, as well as other database features in ICE that MC² has developed over the last several years for specific trades.
ICE Interface with On-Screen Takeoff – Advanced Tracks
This session will demonstrate how to utilize On-Center’s On-Screen Takeoff® to make the takeoff process more efficient. This class will review the ICE 3.3 feature of using On-Screen Takeoff with ICE to generate Construction System takeoff automatically.
Estimate Bid – Advanced Track
This session discusses finalizing an estimate in preparation for transfer to Estimate Bid and then actually making the transfer. Once there, all aspects of setting up and using Estimate Bid are covered in depth, including setting the Estimate Bid grid up for rapid bid input. Finally, transferring of the completed Bid back to ICE is reviewed.
Using Excel with ICE – Advanced / Professional / Toolkit Tracks
Recent updates of ICE include several methods of importing and exporting data in order to reduce or even eliminate the need to re-enter data as an estimate progresses though each phase of its life cycle. The class will focus on the many methods of exchanging data within the various areas of ICE such as takeoff, estimates, unit price catalog and company standard. ICE integrates with many formats and applications, however this class will concentrate on the most widely use tool, MS Excel.
Multiple Currencies and Metric – Advanced Track
The latest version of ICE includes support for multiple currencies in an estimate. This class will explain how to activate this feature as well as the necessary steps to setup and utilize this feature. This session will also demonstrate how ICE supports metric quantities in addition to currencies for contractors bidding international jobs.
Virtual Columns – Advanced / Professional / Toolkit Tracks
This session will introduce the newly developed capability of Virtual Columns. Virtual Columns are user defined columns embedded in the Estimate. Topics will include how to define Virtual Columns in the Estimate and Reports as well as demonstrations of applications of Virtual Columns.
Developing Crystal Reports – Advanced / Admin Tracks
Learn to build custom presentation style reports or even custom export files with Business Object’s Crystal Reports 2008 and well as see the ICE 3.3 interface that allows sorting to four levels and user defined queries.
Using MS Project with ICE – Intermediate / Advanced Tracks
This session will demonstrate various methods of transmitting information from your MC² estimate to MS Project. ICE interfaces with several construction scheduling programs with a similar method, but this class will be specific to MS Project so that all the procedures can easily be followed.
Estimate Summary – Intermediate / Advanced Tracks
Learn how to integrate your existing Excel spreadsheets into the MC² Summary and link totals from your estimate into those sheets reducing the need to export estimate data. This class will show how users can add worksheets, add totals by sort codes, use programmable "controls" (radio button, checkbox), query the estimate data with SQL statements, and other advanced methods of collecting and disseminating Summary data.
Advanced Typical Specs – Advanced Track
This session will demonstrate the latest features for industrial piping takeoffs in MC²’s Typical Specs program. This class is geared for current users of Typical Specs to gain in depth knowledge on how this tool is setup as well as demonstrate the new features included in ICE 3.3.
Trade Open Forum – Intermediate / Advanced Tracks
This new session is a trade specific forum to discuss the knowledge base needs of the different types of contractors using ICE. The purpose of this session is to open a dialog between MC² and our contractors as well as discussion between contractors. This session will focus on ICELINE, MC² Online Forum, as well as demonstrating new Construction Systems, Wizards, as well as other database features in ICE that MC² has developed over the last several years for specific trades.
BIM Concepts – Professional Track
This session is an introduction to the terminology, concepts and technologies of BIM. If you are new to the concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technologies, this class will also explain the potential benefits of using BIM technologies to building professionals including contractors, construction managers, and design-build firms.
BIM Implementation – Professional Track
This session discusses many issues contractors face in the adaptation and implementation of BIM technologies in their organizations and projects. This session will demonstrate many of the Autodesk Applications that are available on the market to utilize the BIM technology such as QTO and Revit.
(BIMC²) BIM & ICE – Professional Tracks
This session will demonstrate the latest ICE interface to Autodesk’s QTO for automated quantity takeoffs from a BIM model. The demonstration will show how QTO can visualize and quantify BIM data with construction systems in ICE.
Using Excel with ICE – Advanced / Professional Tracks
Recent updates of ICE include several methods of importing and exporting data in order to reduce or even eliminate the need to re-enter data as an estimate progresses though each phase of its life cycle. The class will focus on the many methods of exchanging data within the various areas of ICE such as takeoff, estimates, unit price catalog and company standard. ICE integrates with many formats and applications, however this class will concentrate on the most widely use tool, MS Excel.
Virtual Columns – Advanced / Professional Tracks
This session will introduce the newly developed capability of Virtual Columns. Virtual Columns are user defined columns embedded in the Estimate. Topics will include how to define Virtual Columns in the Estimate and Reports as well as demonstrations of applications of Virtual Columns.
Developing Basis of Estimate – Professional Track
Learn how to Identify and explore the functions in ICE that allow for the capture and report of statements typically used in the basis of estimate. Where the basis of estimate includes all parts of the deliverable estimate documents such as the clarifications and exclusions, which describe the costs and factors that make up what’s included and not included in the estimate. This session will include an open discussion with class participants to help users integrate their ideas.
Customer Perspective – Professional Track
This a new concept for the ICE conference where we will have a customer present how their company is applying ICE to better their business. Look for information regarding this topic as the conference nears.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis – Professional Track
Designed for the novice practitioner, this workshop will provide an overview of Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) through the present worth method (used to convert present and future expenditures into one baseline of comparison). Topics include LCCA general concepts, definition of common terms, basic formulas, and calculations used to perform such analysis. Attendees will gain an awareness of LCCA uses in the construction industry, its application in architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems, and its role in the evaluation of alternates.
Applying LEED Ratings & LCCA – Professional Track
This class will demonstrate how to apply The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating system to an ICE estimate as well as LCCA as discussed in the previous session.
ICE Implementation – Professional / Toolkit Tracks
This discussion will outline the necessary steps to implement ICE into your company in order to get the maximum return on your investment.
Getting Started in the Construction System Toolkit– Toolkit Track
This session will demonstrate the basic functions of the CS toolkit which allows users to tailor Construction Systems to meet their estimating needs starting with basic procedures, setting up the unit price catalog and takeoff prompts (Dimensions and Spec Selections).
Developing Tables and Formulas – Toolkit Track
This is a continuation of the toolkit “Getting Started” session. Next demonstrated in the toolkit will be the functions to create CS Tables to generate the correct Item Codes and how to develop formulas to calculate quantities.
Modifying Existing Construction Systems in the Toolkit – Toolkit Track
After demonstrating the principles of the toolkit in the previous two classes, this session will show how to apply that information by modifying existing Construction Systems. The session will demonstrate several typical modifications as well as cover a few additional toolkit features such as diagnostics and online help
Using Excel with ICE – Advanced / Professional Tracks
Recent updates of ICE include several methods of importing and exporting data in order to reduce or even eliminate the need to re-enter data as an estimate progresses though each phase of its life cycle. The class will focus on the many methods of exchanging data within the various areas of ICE such as takeoff, estimates, unit price catalog and company standard. ICE integrates with many formats and applications, however this class will concentrate on the most widely use tool, MS Excel.
Application of Visual Takeoff – Toolkit Track
This session will demonstrate how to apply the new Visual Takeoff tool to easily customize the Construction System takeoff screen for a more dynamic takeoff screen.
Virtual Columns – Advanced Track
This session will introduce the newly developed capability of Virtual Columns. Virtual Columns are user defined columns embedded in the Estimate. Topics will include how to define Virtual Columns in the Estimate and Reports as well as demonstrations of applications of Virtual Columns.
Table Functions in CS Toolkit – Toolkit Track
This session is a continuation of the basic concepts from the previous day. If you feel you have mastered those concepts and want to know more, this class will explain the many capabilities of the CS tables in the toolkit such as calculating variables, setting sorts, modifying descriptions and assigning costs. This advanced class assumes that you have an understanding of the terms and logic discussed in the previous CS Toolkit sessions.
Advanced Techniques in the CS Toolkit – Toolkit Track
This session is a continuation of the previous advanced toolkit class, which will introduce the most complex and powerful capabilities of the CS toolkit. The class will demonstrate such functions as one system “calling” another construction system or an assembly as well as creating new item code on the “fly” directly from the CS Table with the “dot” technique. This advanced class assumes that you have an understanding of the terms and logic discussed in the previous CS Toolkit sessions.
Project Variables – Toolkit Track
This session will describe the capabilities and implementation of Project Variables. Project Variables are published estimate scope repositories of data which may be statically defined or dynamically derived from Estimate content. Topics will include how to view and define Project Variables as well as how to implement Project Variables across the various areas of the ICE application.
Wizard Toolkit – Toolkit Track
Wizards are the conceptual estimating tool in ICE. This session is an overview of the toolkit that allows you to create your own wizards which quickly generate items in your estimate. Specifically this class will demonstrate how to turn an existing estimate into a Wizard that can be used to create similar estimate based on just a few simple questions.
On-Screen Takeoff Demo – Demo Track
This session will show you the ins and outs of On-Screen Takeoff. You will learn how to take full advantage of using digital plans for takeoff with this program.
EarthWorks Basic – Demo Track
Get a look at the latest earthwork programs from TRAKWARE. This class will introduce new users to EarthWorks for Windows. You’ll learn techniques, tips and tools to calculate cut and fill volumes quickly and accurately. Whether you are interested in quantifying excavation or are just getting started with EarthWorks, this entry-level class is for you.
EarthWorks Advanced – Demo Track
If you are an existing user of EarthWorks and are looking for help to take advantage of this sophisticated tool, this class is for you. This session will demonstrate EarthWorks Pro to existing users of EarthWorks. You’ll learn the best techniques, tips and tools to calculate cut and fill volumes quickly and accurately as well as new features like importing AutoCAD files to skip the digitizing process.
Autodesk® QTO – Demo Track
Get a look at the latest BIM tool from Autodesk®, QTO-Quantity Takeoff. Autodesk QTO software enables estimators to easily bring together design data, high-quality images, and precise design information from intelligent design applications such as AutoCAD®, and Revit® Architecture, as well as from nonintelligent image formats such as .jpg and .tif.
PlanSwift® – Demo Track
This session will demonstrate the ICE interface with PlanSwift takeoff, which will allow you to quickly complete electronic takeoff from digital plans with a easy to use graphical interface.
Tech Open Forum – Admin Track
This session will introduce you to the programming staff at MC² and allow the audience to engage them in questions and answers.
- Updated 01/27/10
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