TRADA talks timber

Some of the biggest names in the industry discussing some of the hottest topics: this is the Timber Talks seminar programme organised by TRADA and an integral part of Timber Expo 2013.

After a successful debut in 2012, Timber Talks this year is bigger and better than ever before. The high-profile programme is at the heart of this year's show and will provide a valuable opportunity to meet like-minded business professionals.

The 2013 seminar programme content has largely been informed by feedback from last year's show and research among TRADA members about the topic and themes they most wanted to hear. More than 200 people responded to the call for information, proving that there is a great appetite for information about building with wood.

Taking place over a morning or afternoon at this year's Timber Expo, Timber Talks will be characterised by key industry topics, major names, super projects and big issues. The subjects are designed to appeal to all, but particularly clients, contractors, architects and engineers, on whom the timber construction industry relies. And, not only that, but the seminars are all free.

Over two days, 50 presentations will be arranged into eight core streams that will be case study-based to offer real-life examples on how and why timber is performing across a wide range of sectors and applications.

The hour-long themed sessions, which will be delivered in two purpose-built timber-based theatres, will cover topics such as engineered wood, innovation in timber and its use, while speakers will be drawn from the best industry insiders and those working with timber, including architects.

Anticipation is already growing around the eight sessions. "From blueprint to building: a client and contractor perspective" kicks off proceedings on September 24 in the Timber Frame Theatre with Andrew Kinsey, Mace's head of sustainability - construction, one of several speakers who will explain some of the reasons why timber is so highly regarded and how BIM can solve many riddles surrounding low carbon benefits.

Meanwhile, in the Glulam Theatre, the first morning session is "Organic mechanics: connecting engineering and a renewable resource". Gavin White, a structural engineer at Ramboll UK, will discuss the prospects for UK-grown glulam and CLT, while Coventry University's David Trujillo will examine the potential for transformed bamboo.

Other sessions include titles such as "Grown in Britain: creating a reliable UK supply" and "Low energy high impact: mixing efficiency and effectiveness".

And if that wasn't enough, because TRADA and Timber Expo are so passionate about encouraging innovation within the timber industry, the winner and runners-up of this year's TTJ Timber Innovation Award - to be announced at the TTJ Awards on September 12 at The Savoy, London) - have been given an even greater opportunity to promote their products at the Timber Expo show, with an afternoon session dedicated to their products.

A Q&A session at the end of each talk will enable visitors to glean as much information as possible on a broad range of timber-related topics.

TRADA will also host a seminar theatre on its stand, discussing popular timber subjects including fire prevention in timber buildings, innovations in cross-laminated timber and how underfloor heating affects wood coverings.

So if you want to hear some of the best speakers in the industry address a wide array of current and interesting topics, then the Timber Talks programme is the perfect solution.

Trada Unveils New Website
Timber Expo 2013 will see TRADA unveil its bold new website. Having taken nearly 12 months to develop, the new site is a response to feedback from members who had suggested ways of enhancing the visitor experience.

Proving that TRADA always takes its members' advice seriously, it has created a fresh, contemporary look for the new site that is enjoyable to read and research.

Information will now be much easier to find, and organised by publication title, such as Case Studies or Wood Information Sheets. Not only that, but search results will be broken down into publication types - making it much easier to find what you are looking for.

"It's been a significant investment in both time and money - but we think the results are well worth it," said marketing executive Olivia O'Sullivan.

TRADA will use Timber Expo to provide an exclusive preview of the new site and a demonstration of all the new features.