Conference 2004 Focuses on the Past, Present and Future

10th Annual Monolithic Dome Conference Update

March 29, 2004

by Kris Garrison

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David B. South took conference attendees on a stroll down dome history lane during the Keynote address at the 2004 Monolithic Dome Conference - A Decade of Domes through photos of the very first dome and many others built over the past 10 years showing the constant progress and development of dome construction and architecture.

Monolithic welcomed attendees from all areas of the US, Canada and even two attendees from Kenya, South Africa. During the opening address, Monolithic vice president Gary Clark recognized Kirt Olsen, Maurice Dubois, Andy Gee and Walter Lanham with a special award for having attended every Monolithic Dome Conference since 1994.

Speakers David Passey, FEMA Public Information Director, Lela Wright from UCSC of Arizona, energy experts Russell Smith and Charles Freeman, all gave intriguing presentations. South Industries of Idaho shared years of expertise and insight into Monolithic Dome home building. Monolithic designer, Larry Byrne, assisted participants in understanding the entire dome building process from start to finish in his presentation entitled, From Concept to Completion. On Saturday, several dome owners, including Jan Pregowski of Monolithic Constructors of Poland, shared personal dome building experiences. Participating vendors were available to discuss coating options, windows, equipment, design and concrete mixes.

Conference Coordinator Anne Sutherland sums up the 2004 conference, "Each year, I am always so impressed with the happenings at the Conference. From New York to California, people flock to network for the Monolithic Dome Industry. They all have "dome dreams" and gather to learn more from the best in the business.

During the keynote address, David South said, "Every year we have this conference and we wonder if the enthusiasm will return the next year. Every year rolls around and we see that the excitement and interest is still there, so we do it all over again. And we're glad we do." Anne Sutherland agrees with David. She said, "Most of the attendees are brand new and have never seen our conference before. Therefore, there is a need to continue to teach the technique "one more time."

Many dome enthusiasts are posting their comments and thoughts regarding conference on the domebuilder bulletin board. It's comments like these that remind all of us here at Monolithic that putting this conference together is worth the effort:

Arnold Williams of Murphy, Texas said, "This was my first conference and it was the best money I have ever spent." And Bob Warden of Cincinnati, Ohio expressed appreciation for Monolithic staff and the breakout sessions. "This was our... first conference and it was well worth the trip to Texas from up here in Cincinnati. The staff of MDI are very friendly and did a fine job. The seminars were very informative without being too dry. The dome tour alone was worth the trip."

The Third Annual Monolithic Dome Builders Association met on Friday afternoon to elect four new officers and discuss how to get the ball rolling within the association. MDBA's focus this year will be raising awareness about Monolithic Domes and educating the public through attendance at home builder shows across the nation. If you are interested in helping with this endeavor, contact one of the officers below at mdbaofficers@monolithic.com. The elected officers for 2004-2005 are as follows:

President - Linda Ware
Vice President - Ray Ansel
Secretary - Jose Vega
Treasurer - Andy Barnes
Executive Secretary - Anne Sutherland

Attendees rounded out the weekend with a bus tour of Monolithic Headquarters, Italy High School Gymnasium, Avalon Gymnasium, Starship Pegasus and the Carter home in Milford, Texas. Attendee, Bob Warden also loved the dome tour. He said, "There is no substitute for actually being inside some domes to get a good feel for the various options available for a home design. A real highlight for us was to be able to enter the Starship Pegasus dome that was under construction and still in the airlock phase, rebar hung, but no shotcrete as of yet."

Dates, times and locations are being considered at this time for Conference 2005. Check our website frequently for the latest dome news and conference updates.

Conference 2004 Focuses on the Past, Present and Future

10th Annual Monolithic Dome Conference Update

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