BICSI unveils expanded world headquarters in Tampa, FL

On Nov. 13, Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) unveiled its expanded world headquarters facility and BICSI Learning Academy with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening event. The construction project included substantial technological and configuration enhancements to the facility's interior workspaces and the BICSI Learning Academy.

“The world-class BICSI Learning Academy has served thousands of individuals across the globe. The updates made to our training facilities will ensure we are equipped to serve thousands more going into the future,” commented BICSI President Jeff Beavers, RCDD, OSP. "Modern, collaborative and sustainable, the remodeled BICSI World Headquarters is a state-of-the-art facility befitting of the global leader of information and communications technology (ICT) education, certification and standards. In addition to optimizing overall building performance, enhancements made to headquarters contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly facility through the conservation of thermal and electrical energy. Upgraded cabling with greater power efficiency and limited environmental impact in the manufacturing process was installed as part of the building update."

Leading the extensive remodeling project was the BICSI Project Refresh Working Group consisting of four BICSI past presidents and two BICSI staff representatives: Ed Donelan, RCDD, NTS, ESS; Russ Oliver, RCDD, DCDC, NTS, ESS; Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI; Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, CSI; and BICSI staff representatives Vice President of Administration and CFO, Betty Eckebrecht, CAE and Director of Human Resources, Bernie Currie, SHRM-CP, PHR.

“The support these individuals have brought to the table has been a critical component to the overall success of Project Refresh from conceptual planning to detailed design, RFP development, vendor selection, system acceptance and integration,” said Beavers. “The adept knowledge and expertise of our BICSI past presidents continues to be an awe-inspiring resource.”

Per a BICSI statement, the new headquarters is an intelligent building complete with new and redesigned technology infrastructure and complex systems, including distributed antenna system (DAS), upgraded power over Ethernet (PoE) CCTV security, optical fiber cabling enhancements to improve wide area network (WAN) reliability, advanced sound masking and paging, fully integrated 4K input/output design, wireless microphone and array microphone technology, any-to-any switching by room, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and PoE lighting systems.

With a total of four spacious classrooms, the new and improved BICSI Learning Academy can host more face-to-face classes. An additional installation classroom fit for both copper and optical fiber cabling classes was added as part of the renovation. Classrooms are equipped with a number of advanced features that elevate the quality of instruction including simulated entrance facilities, equipment rooms, telecommunications rooms (TRs), flexible workstations, dual projection screens, switching and capacitive touch control, lecture capture/live streaming, 4K laser projectors and ceiling-mounted 4K document cameras capable of projecting even the smallest of optical fiber-related items. Audio enhancements, such as the addition of sound masking and upgrades to the amplifier, pendant speakers and microphones, were also made to the training rooms.

BICSI in its statement emphasized that the success of Project Refresh is a demonstration of industry-wide collaboration and support. Twenty-four companies committed to the advancement of the ICT community contributed time, product and specialized expertise to ensure construction a superior headquarters facility. “BICSI’s standing as the authority on ICT education is backed by the support of industry leaders,” said Project Refresh Lead and Chief ICT Designer Ed Donelan, RCDD, NTS, ESS. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous contributions of our sponsors that have helped make Project Refresh a success.”

Project Refresh sponsors included Biamp; nVent CADDY; CEO Communications; Chatsworth Products, Inc.; CommScope; Corning; Eaton; Extron; Graybar; H.E. Williams, Inc.; Hilti; Hubbell; K-Tech Solutions; Legrand; Leviton; Molex, Inc.; SIEMON; Snowbird Strategic Advisors; STI Firestop; Superior Essex; Telecom Infrastructure Corp.; Unistrut, A Part of Atkore International; Waldmann Lighting; and Wilson Technology Group, Inc.

“Since BICSI’s inception in the 70s, the technology industry has undergone immense changes," concluded BICSI Executive Director and CEO John Clark Jr., CAE. "Through the decades, BICSI has remained ahead of the curve to provide continuously unmatched education and thought leadership to the ICT community. The modernization and renovation of the BICSI World Headquarters, including the expansion of the BICSI Learning Academy, is indicative of our commitment to provide the highest level of service and value to the ICT community and our members, starting with our home base in Tampa, Florida.”