ACI Convention

About the ACI Convention

Since the first convention held in 1905, ACI conventions have been dedicated to improving the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of concrete structures by offering over 300 committee meetings, 30+ technical and educational sessions (open to all), a number of social events, and an opportunity to visit with exhibitors. During conventions, attendees have the opportunity to provide input on concrete industry codes, specifications, and guides.

Additionally, ACI conventions offer numerous forums to network and reconnect with some of the most well-informed individuals in the concrete industry. Expect to meet with engineers, architects, contractors, educators, manufacturers, and material representatives from all over the world!

Green Initiatives

In an effort to promote a “greener” convention, ACI asks that each attendee consider the following:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the water stations in the meeting rooms or the exhibit area;
  • Return used name badge holders to the ACI Registration Desk at the end of the convention;
  • E-mail committee meeting agendas and minutes to recipients;
  • Post your session handouts online for attendees to view;
  • Reduce the amount of paper used for meetings and sessions by double-siding your copies or sending the material electronically in advance; and
  • Bring your own bag to carry convention materials.

In addition to ACI’s efforts, the Sheraton Chicago seeks to reduce, reuse, and recycle with the following practices:

  • Implementing a linen/towel reuse program
  • Purchasing amenity containers that are made with recycled materials;
  • Minimizing disposable food service items and working with vendors for recycled product replacements;
  • Replacing all incandescent lighting in guest rooms with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL);
  • Installing low-flow and restricted-flow faucets and toilets;
  • Purchasing local plants and trees to be used for outdoor landscaping;
  • Implementing a paperless check-in/check-out program;
  • Sourcing food products from local growers and organic farmers;
  • Sourcing biodegradable products; and
  • Adopting an energy efficiency program that is executed throughout the hotel.
  • Shipments are made on a fully loaded truck that doesn’t idle while being loaded and unloaded.

Book Drive

Book Drive


One of the leading causes of adolescent illiteracy worldwide is the insufficient and inappropriate supply of resources. In the U.S. alone, 13% of 17-year-olds are functionally illiterate and 44% of fourth grade students cannot read aloud fluently. This spring, ACI will once again be conducting a book drive during the ACI Spring 2010 Convention in an effort to promote literacy.

ACI is asking that each attendee bring a new or gently-used book to the convention for children in grades K-12. Book donations may be made in the River Exhibition Hall of the Sheraton Chicago from March 20-24, 2010, during open exhibit hours.

Donated books will go to Book Worm Angels a non-profit organization founded to help children in underachieving Chicago Public Schools strengthen their reading skills and develop a love for reading. Book Worm Angels helps to establish classroom lending libraries for recreational reading in an easily administered program involving principals, teachers, reading specialists and parents/caregivers. For more information aobut Book Worm Angels go to www.bookwormangels.org.

Help us reach our goal of 1200 books!