Building information modeling (BIM) is big in architecture and engineering, but it is rapidly gaining mainstream traction in the construction sector and even owners are getting into the game. Autodesk is sponsoring a Web-based town hall panel discussion Nov. 12 for owners and those in the construction industry — and anyone who works with them — to understand how BIM is influencing the entire building lifecycle process.

Learn from BIM industry experts, visionaries and practitioners about what BIM means for general contractors, others in the construction industry, as well as for owners. Find out what BIM is (and isn’t), what the pros and cons are, what considerations need to be taken into account before transitioning to BIM, who is doing it, and why.

Panelists include Paul Teicholz, founder of the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering at Stanford University; Dan Klancnik, virtual construction and building information modeling at Walsh Construction — Archer Western Contractor; and Rodd Merchant, P.E., LEED AP, vice president of JE Dunn.

What The Contractor Can Learn: For general contractors, specialty contractors and others in the construction industry, find out how the BIM process can support team integration from design through construction and how a building model can be used for construction planning and scheduling. Understand how the model needed by the contractor differs from that generated by the architect and what the primary barriers are to adopting full use of BIM by the project team.

What The Architect And Engineers Can Learn: For architects and engineers, learn about the downstream use of models, and the needs and considerations of those who will be using them. Gain a better understanding of how your design fit in the building lifecycle and the data that needs to be captured in the model to meet the requirements of others in the ecosystem.

To register, click here. To submit your BIM question, e-mail bim_question@autodesk.com.