“Successful placemaking demands spaces that nurture human community through the integration of technical systems design and modern building design - in facilities, campuses, offices, leisure attractions, museums and performing arts centers. We call this practice Acoustically Integrated aRchitecture, or AIR. It is the foundation of the seven educational sessions we will present this year at InfoComm in Orlando, June 14-19, and of our outreach blog,” says Steven J. Thorburn, PE, LEED-AP, CTS-D, CTS-I, principal of Thorburn Associates Inc., a technical design company specializing in audiovisual and acoustics engineering, and president of the Themed Entertainment Association.

Thorburn (right) is a respected industry figure and spokesperson and a popular instructor at the InfoComm show, where every year his company, Thorburn Associates (TA) reaches out to the industry community with a slate of sessions addressing real-world issues of project development, such as videoconferencing, acoustics for architecture, audiovisual system integration and how to issue an RFP (request for proposal). [See session details below.]

Adding a new layer this year, in addition to the seven at-show sessions, TA will reach out online during InfoComm via a daily editorial on the blog Bemusement, which is published on the industry website Blooloop.com. The blog will be penned by Steve Thorburn and will share observations, impressions, news and even a little name-dropping.

“Steve Thorburn is an established expert who cares deeply about the industry and isn't afraid to step up and speak his mind,” says Charles Read, publisher of Blooloop.com. “His views are worth hearing. We invited him to blog from InfoComm because he will give us a clear-sighted picture of this important industry gathering.”

"The open exchange of information builds better projects and a better industry,” says TA President Lisa Thorburn, LEED-AP, CTS. “Continuing education has always been a core component of our business structure, and is especially critical in today's project environment where limited budgets and green building practices are changing the way we do things.” 

InfoComm bills itself as an “information communications marketplace” and is said to be the largest annual conference and exhibition for audiovisual (AV) buyers and sellers worldwide. The show is attended by AV dealers, independent reps, design consultants, systems integrators, rental and staging companies, and AV buyers from business, government, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment and the worship market. To sign up online in advance, visit www.InfoCommShow.org.

Thorburn Associates' Educational Sessions at InfoComm 2009, Orlando

How to Issue an RFQ/RFP to Hire AV Designers and Contractors (Session #IS10)
Presented by Lisa Thorburn, Wed. June 17, 8-10 am
How to issue an RFQ (request for qualification) and RFP (request for proposal) for both design/bid/build and design/build project delivery methods. For anyone planning on building or updating any type of AV presentation facility.

AV System Integration Issues for Owners and Facility Managers (Session #IS09)
Presented by Steve Thorburn, Wed. June 17, 8-10 am
Intro to intermediate level course for those who may be new to the AV building process and wondering what issues need to be addressed during a room fit-out.

Introduction to Acoustics in Architecture (Session #IW2)
Presented by Steve Thorburn, Wed. June 17, 12:30-4:30 pm
Using the seminar room as a testing lab, participants will learn the basics of acoustics in this hands-on introductory session.

Presentation Facility Design and Integration (Session #IW9)
Presented by Derek Meares, Wed. June 17, 12:30-4:30 pm
Review major issues to be considered such as how to determine proper sightlines and seating distances for audiovisuals.

Advanced Acoustics in Architecture (Session #IW4)
Presented by Steve Thorburn, Thurs. June 18, 8 am–noon
Delves into acoustical issues such as noise and vibration control, absorption and echo control.

Building the Perfect Teaching Station (Session #IS72)
Presented by Jim Horn, Thurs. June 18, 10:30 am–noon
For the university or college environment.

Space Planning for Videoconferencing Systems – Designing a Total Environment (Session # IW6)
Presented by Lance Sturdevant, Fri. June 19, 8 am-noon
Looking at how the space and technology work together.

About InfoComm International

InfoComm International® is the international trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has 5,000 members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 70 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV market research and news. Its training and education programs, along with its separately administered Certified Technology Specialist (CTS®) and corporately administered Certified Audiovisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP®) company credentials, set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers worldwide. InfoComm also produces trade shows in Europe, Asia and China. Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.

About Blooloop.com

Blooloop.com is the premier web site covering the themed attractions industry, including amusement parks, theme parks, museums, science centers, world expos, family entertainment centers, casinos, heritage centers, resorts and other facilities in all regions of the globe. Blooloop.com is read worldwide for its comprehensive coverage of trends, developments, projects, business operations, design, architecture, safety, technology, trade events and organizations, and news and views from the industry. The latest industry headlines are posted 24/7 on www.blooloop.com together with market data and news from around the globe.

About Thorburn Associates

Thorburn Associates Inc. is a professional service firm providing technology system engineering and design and acoustical consulting for the commercial, corporate, leisure, residential and retail industries, and for houses of worship. Thorburn Associates works in both new constructions and renovations, as an independent consulting firm offering unbiased designs to improve communication and fully realize the functionality of all projects.

Headquartered in Castro Valley, California, with regional offices in Los Angeles and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Thorburn Associates has been recognized as one of the leading firms in the acoustical and audiovisual system design industry. In the course of 17 years in business, the company's projects have received multiple awards, from the International Communications Industry Association (ICIA-InfoComm), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). Thorburn Associates’ principal Steven J. Thorburn, PE, LEED AP, Associate AIA is sitting president of TEA. Visit www.ta-inc.com.

Thorburn Associates is Press-Friendly!
Do you need information or quotes pertaining to audiovisual technology, design, acoustics or engineering? We've got the expertise and we'll cooperate with your editorial deadline. Thorburn Associates’ principal Steven J. Thorburn, PE, LEED AP, Associate AIA is a respected industry spokesperson, educator, columnist and current president of the Themed Entertainment Association. Contact us for a timely response.

THORBURN ASSOCIATES INC. Technology and Acoustical Consultants, Designing Quality Environments, www.ta-inc.com

See also:
Themed Design: Seven Steps of Tech Design Success
Themed Design: Modern Building Design Demands Partnership between Tech Designers and Architects
Reconciling Architecture and Acoustics in the LEED Era
The Future of Themed Design? A Search for Identity
Themed Entertainment: Live Interaction with Electrosonic’s Chris Conte
Themed Attractions: Visitors are Immersed, Educated and Engaged at Air Force One Discovery Center
The Joyful Architect: Al Cross Talks about Themed Attraction Design