Westcon upcoming events

DINNER PROGRAM (September) (September 16, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

You are invited to the Dinner Educational Program "How Disconnects Between Marketing, Design, and Construction Lead to Acoustical Problems " on Wednesday, September 16th from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Eve's Waterfront in Oakland.

What happens when a community is sold as "luxury" but built with acoustical performance that doesn't match buyer expectations? This presentation examines the gap between marketing promises, design decisions, and construction execution, and how those gaps can lead to noise complaints, resident dissatisfaction, and costly construction defect litigation. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of where projects commonly go wrong and how better collaboration can help prevent future claims.

Biography:

A Lifelong Passion for the Built Environment

I’ve always wanted to be part of a team that makes real-world structures for people to work, live, and play in. Growing up watching my father and his colleagues at work, I learned how the art and science of acoustics affects the built environment. I wanted to be a part of that from a young age. In my almost 20 years at Salter, I have consulted on hundreds of projects around the country and internationally.

My first foray into the industry was conducting Y2K assessments at the Boeing factory in Long Beach, CA where I was impressed and inspired seeing new aircraft roll off the assembly line. Then I moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a management consultant and worked with the U.S. Department of Defense. I consulted on software integration with various branches of the U.S. Military, where I developed skills presenting technical subject matter to a diverse clientele. One of my peak moments was speaking to over 500 people at U.S. Military facilities across the country as we installed procurement software. By the time I finally landed at Salter, I brought a wealth of experience and expertise with me to help clients improve their projects and experiences every day.

The Interaction of People and Systems

Within the specialty of acoustical consulting, I’m best known for my expertise in green building. I contributed a chapter on green building acoustics to the 2nd Edition of Architectural Acoustics: Principles and Practice (Wiley, 2009). My work considers the interactions between people and systems, especially the fractal scalability of various behaviors and the ramifications of small and large events (i.e., “the butterfly effect”). Buildings can help shape behavior and vice versa.

I always have a camera with me and love to photograph architecture and nature. On days off, I unwind with long distance running through the wilderness. With two young kids, we are always getting out into nature and finding adventures.

Dinner Buffet to be served.
Vegetarian Options included.

*Details subject to change.

DINNER PROGRAM (October) (October 21, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

See last years program, below.

You are invited to the Dinner Educational Program "Windows/Sliders: Steps in Specifying Replacement Windows/SGDs -- It's More Than Just Replacing 'In-Kind'" on Wednesday, October 15th from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Zio Fraedo's in Pleasant Hill.

When replacing a window and/or a slider, there are many details that need to be considered in order to ensure these replacements meet performance and aesthetic requirements. Rana will review these details, highlighting the pitfalls that often occur in the process of their replacement.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, attendees will better understand the following

possible changes in the amount of light of the new window/slider;
the changes in the ventilation the window/slider will provide;
the importance of rating - wind/water pressure - and how it affects the performance of the new window/sliders
the possible changes to the aesthetic of the window/slider; and,
best practices in installation of new windows/sliders -- property tying the window/slider into the existing weather barrier

Biographies:

Rana has 25 years of experience in design and construction. Rana specializes in building envelope systems, such as foundation waterproofing, exterior building walls, roofing, green roof covering systems and exterior elevated elements for any structure. Her experience includes ground up new construction, historic building restoration and existing structures reconstruction and expansion. She is proficient in hygro-thermal analysis and air/water barriers as they function in conjunction with the Building Envelope and Mechanical Systems. Her expansive construction and engineering background provides a multifaceted perspective for design and construction with creative risk management and design solutions. At Cedar Construction Management and Consulting she oversees projects from design conception to construction completion including drawings, plans, specifications, permits and manages construction by overseeing administration, inspections and reports. Rana executes forensic studies, condition assessments and specializes in façade and elevated element inspections. Rana also performs constructability, waterproofing and design coordination peer reviews.

Dinner Buffet to be served.
Vegetarian Options included.

*Details subject to change.

2026 Westcon Symposium (November 06, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, November 6, 2026

Roundhouse Event Center

2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583

The 16th Annual Westcon Symposium is a day-long seminar presented by highly qualified experts in an interactive learning environment. This years conference theme is "Mastering the Defect Litigation Spectrum: Every Angle, Every Expert, One Symposium."

The Symposium panels of experts will include attorneys, insurance experts, contractors, architects, engineers, and finance representatives.

TICKET PRICING

$295 MEMBER early-bird Pricing

$375 Member (after 09/25)

$430 Non member early-bird Pricing

$525 Non-Member (after 09/25)

Don't like the Non-Member price? JOIN US!
Prorated membership from now until December 31st is $165

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Exhibitor Setup/Staff Setup

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Registration, Hot Breakfast & Exhibitor Networking

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome Address & Sponsor Recognition

9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. PHASE 1 – Early Stages of a Construction Defect Claim

Description:

Planning for the entire process as much as possible at the start, including the prelitigation/SB800 process, early litigation, and working in unison with the lead expert. This session will address the scope of the claim and initial report, identifying the “Builder” or agent for the prelitigation process, insurance coverage, realistic goals for prelitigation, repairs, discovery, mediation and settlement options, and the Special Master role.

Takeaways:

What do you need in a lead expert in prelit/early litigation stages, and what specialized experts do you need and when to retain?
What you need to do to prepare the case early, including the first SB800 Reports (or defect list in non SB800 cases), early investigation work, and getting documents from builder as part of the prelitigation SB800 process.
How to use the Special Master efficiently to maximize discovery and the opportunity for settlement, including early joint expert meetings, methods of repair, and different costs.

Speaker(s): Glen Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke Litigation & Trial Attorneys PC & Omar Hindiyeh, CMA Consulting

9:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PHASE 2 – Expert Investigation

Description:
Investigation statistics
Speaker(s): Christine Diosdado, PE, SGH, Blake Schatz, Schatz Architects, Lonnie Houghton, AVELAR

10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Break & Exhibitor Networking

10:50 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. PHASE 3 – Expert Reports

Description:
SB800 Investigation / Reports

Speaker(s): Christine Diosdado, PE, SGH, Blake Schatz, Schatz Architects, Lonnie Houghton, AVELAR

11:25 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. PHASE 4 –Cost of Repair

Description:

Speaker(s): Bill Mann, Paradise Pools, Michael Kennedy, Esq., Berding|Weil

Estimates

12:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch, Headshots, & Exhibitor Networking

1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. PHASE 5 – Depositions and Trial

Description: Party and third party depositions, expert depositions, and expert testimony at trial/arbitration hearing. This session will address working with experts to solidify the basis for opinions, deposition prep and conduct, reports vs PP vs opinion summary/outline, and preparing and presenting expert testimony at trial.

Takeaways:

Work with experts to learn what information the expert needs to solidify basis for opinions and work with the client to firm up facts you think might come out in deposition to supplement your early fact discovery.
Deposition prep and conduct during deposition, including preserving opinion in case you need them at trial, key docs and discovery at expert’s fingertips, and what to do when you don’t know or don’t remember an answer.
Trial testimony prep and conduct during trial testimony, including direct vs cross examination and redirect, presentation prepared early, and 402 hearings/in limine motions impact of testimony.

Speaker(s): Glen Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke Litigation & Trial Attorneys PC

1:55 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. PHASE 6 – Insurance Coverage

Description:
Wrap policies and construction defect claims
Speaker(s): Dave Miller, IMA Insurance

2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Afternoon Break & Exhibitor Networking

2:45 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. PHASE 7 – Repair Process

Description:
Development of the Scope of Work
Speaker(s): Bill Mann, Paradise Pools, Roger Grant, Fenton Grant Law Firm

3:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks & Sponsor Recognition

Companies must book sponsorship no later than 10 business days prior to this event in order to guarantee signage at the event (One of each sponsorship available unless noted otherwise.)

Table Sponsor - $1500 (5/6 Available)

Includes one (1) attendee; more may be purchased at attendee price. Early Bird Special Until September 30th - $1500 Standard Pricing $1795

Badges Sponsor $1000 (1 Available) SOLD OUT!

Logo on all attendee badges

Lanyard Sponsor (1 Available)

Company logo on lanyards for event!

Photographer Sponsor $1000 (1 Available) SOLD OUT!

Sponsor the complimentary headshots happening during lunch! Sponsor logo on badge for photographer, and in email to attendees with headshots link.

Lunch Sponsor $1,000 (4/4 Available)

Signage on buffet, includes two (2) attendees

Program Sponsor $1000 (1 Available)

Includes one (1) attendee ticket. Sponsor a specific session of symposium! Company representative introduces speakers and self (1 minute hello).

Breakfast Sponsor $750 (4 Available)

Signage on buffet

Electricity Sponsor $750 (4/4 Available)

Westcon will supply table tent with Company logo on attendee tables.

Internet Sponsor $750 (1 Available) SOLD OUT!

Everyone loves having Wifi - supply that need.

Break Sponsor $750 (2 Available)

Coffee helps people learn! Sponsor a coffee break. Company logo on coffee station.

*Only credits will be given after purchase of symposium sponsorship/ticket, no refunds. Cancellation for credit through October 25th