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International Conference on Electronic Trade in the Construction Sector At the threshold of a new century and a new millenium, we are more than ever looking for new ways of carrying out our work - while at the same time respecting the best of our traditions. These new ways of working are beginning to emerge from current trends, notably in the domains of communication and information. Thanks to the most recent innovations, it is significant to note that distance is no longer a barrier to the development of business opportunities and to inter-firm networking. That is why Cibât (the Montreal International Building Center) - a precursor in the field of systems for accessing information in building and construction - launched the idea of an international conference and a virtual exhibition on the theme of electronic trade in the construction sector. More specifically, the events focused on the scope for the international exchange of information, goods and services by using the electronic means that are already available. More than fifty international experts, coming from government, universities and the construction industry - all deeply interested in electronic trade - met in Montréal from May 12 through May 16, at the École des Hautes études commerciales de Montréal (The Montreal Business School) and took part in the International Conference on Electronic Trade in the Construction Sector. This event, whose aim was to examine the state-of-the-art regarding electronic trading in the building industry, gave the participants the opportunity to learn about the latest developments and current trends in this field. For most of the keynote speakers, there can be no doubt that construction is a sector that is potentially suitable for developing electronic trade . The Stakes Construction specialists agree that the availability and quality of information are key factors in the productivity of the sector. Conversely, difficulty in obtaining information is a major cause of conflicts. These considerations apply equally to the flow of information between a project's participants and to the flow of scientific or commercial information towards any one project. The 1999 Annual Seminar of the International Union of Building Centers (UICB) and the First meeting of Commission W102 of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) provided a cooperative platform that is perfectly adapted to take a proactive position regarding the transfer of information to, and between, practitioners and builders. Keynote presentations "Electronic trade in construction : successes and failures", Clarisse Molad (USA) "Electronic trade in construction : problems and solutions" Antonio Grilo (Portugal) "The Electronic Plans Chest", Dominic Dubuc (Canada - Archidata) "The Future of Electronic Trade", Paul Robillard (Canada - BCE Emergis) |