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• DINNER PROGRAM (September)

  • When
    September 16, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Eve's Waterfront, 15 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607
  • Registered
    9 registrants

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  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.

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• DINNER PROGRAM (October)

  • When
    October 21, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Zio Fraedo’s, 611 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

  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.

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• 2026 Westcon Symposium

  • When
    November 06, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    RoundHouse Event Center, 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583
  • Spaces left
    59
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  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 – Building the Case  From Investigation to Litigation: Building a Defensible Construction Defect Case Description: Every construction defect claim begins long before a deposition or trial. This phase explores the critical role of SB 800 investigations, expert reports, and early litigation strategy in building a strong case. Learn how attorneys and experts collaborate from the outset to preserve evidence, evaluate claims, and position a case for either successful settlement or trial. Speaker(s): Glen Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke Litigation & Trial Attorneys PC  9:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PHASE 2 – Expert Investigation Expert Reports Part I: Investigation, Analysis & SB 800 Documentation Description: Effective expert reports lay the groundwork for successful defect litigation. This phase examines how industrial hygienists, structural engineers, geotechnical experts, and other consultants investigate building failures, document findings, and prepare reports that withstand legal scrutiny. Speaker(s): Christine Diosdado, PE, SGH, Blake Schatz, Schatz Architects 10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Break & Exhibitor Networking 10:50 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. PHASE 3 – Preparing for Litigation Depositions, Trial Strategy & Making Expert Reports Work Description: An expert report is only as valuable as its ability to support litigation strategy. Learn how attorneys prepare experts for deposition, identify strengths and weaknesses in reports, and use technical findings to negotiate settlements or present compelling testimony at trial. Speaker(s): Glen Van Dyke, Esq., Van Dyke Litigation & Trial Attorneys PC 11:25 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. PHASE 4 – Advanced Technical Analysis Expert Reports Part II: Specialized Perspectives in Construction Defect Investigations Description: Continue the discussion with a deeper dive into specialized investigations, including structural engineering, geotechnical analysis, industrial hygiene, and other disciplines that frequently shape construction defect claims. Panelists will discuss how multiple expert opinions intersect to establish causation, liability, and damages. Speaker(s): Christine Diosdado, PE, SGH, Blake Schatz, Schatz Architects 12:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch, Headshots, & Exhibitor Networking 1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. PHASE 5 – Quantifying the Damage The Cost of Repair: Developing Credible Repair Estimates Description: Accurate repair estimates are essential to evaluating exposure and resolving construction defect claims. This phase explores methodologies for developing repair costs, defining appropriate scopes of work, and addressing common disputes between experts, contractors, and legal teams. Speaker(s): Bill Mann, Paradise Pools, Michael Kennedy, Esq., Berding|Weil 1:55 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. PHASE 6 – Insurance & Risk Allocation Insurance Coverage, Wrap Policies & Construction Defect Claims Description: Insurance coverage often shapes the direction of a construction defect case. This phase examines wrap policies, coverage disputes, allocation of responsibility, and the practical challenges that arise when insurers, developers, contractors, and associations disagree over liability and coverage. Speaker(s): Dave Miller, IMA Insurance, Allison Andersen, Andersen Law 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Afternoon Break & Exhibitor Networking 2:45 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. PHASE 7 – Resolution & Repair From Settlement to Repair: Developing and Executing the Scope of Work Description: Resolving a construction defect claim extends beyond settlement—it requires a practical, well-executed repair plan. This closing phase explores how repair scopes are developed, coordinated, and implemented while balancing technical recommendations, contractor expertise, insurance considerations, and owner expectations to achieve successful project outcomes. 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

  
  

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