HONOLULU – The Sixth Annual AIA/CSI Building Trade Expo now known as the Pacific Building Trade Expo sponsored by HONBLUE, Inc. and presented in conjunction with the Honolulu Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Honolulu Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has sold 80% of its booth spaces with returning exhibitors from last year and a waitlist from last year's Expo.

Barbie Rosario, of BK Corporate Coordinators, Inc., show administration consultant, has announced that "Exhibitors have responded enthusiastically and booth sales have been stronger than last year." Sponsors and previous exhibitor invitations have been sent out and now it is open to all.

John Fullmer, AIA, CSI, co-chair for the Expo explained "Pacific Building Trade Expo better reflects what the event has evolved into. With exhibitors from the Pacific Rim and the mainland the new name more accurately identifies our geographical reach." John added, "We wanted the name to indicate that the Expo meets the needs of Contractors, Designers and Owners, not just the members of the host organizations."

In keeping with the mission of the AIA/CSI Building Trade Expo to promote building excellence in Hawai`i, the Expo Planning Committee has launched promotions to sell over 200 booth spaces to hundreds of key suppliers of building products and services in the building construction industry. This year the booth spaces have been expanded to include 225 booths and booth spaces.

A special and new feature this year will be strategically located dessert tables featuring brownies, lemon bars, cheesecake squares, napoleons, cookies, mai tai bars and more. Interested exhibitors can sponsor a dessert table for $750 with associated benefits including having the dessert table in your booth space.

The venue for the fourth year running will be the Ballroom and Meeting Rooms at the Hawai`i Convention Center. The one-day Expo is the largest trade exposition serving Hawaii's building design professionals, owners and contractors. The Expo features the latest building products and services from hundreds of suppliers. It also offers a full schedule of continuing education sessions addressing current issues, innovations and techniques within the building design industry. Topics include computer technology, sustainable design, building systems, and professional practice issues, and there are special exhibits by association co-sponsor, The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Over 1,500 architects, specifiers, interior designers, engineers, contractors, educators, government officials and building management professionals attended the 2004 Expo.

Admission to the Pacific Building Trade Expo is free and exclusive to building industry professionals, including contractors, suppliers, government officials, maintenance engineers and those who work within the building industry. With membership in either AIA, CSI or ASID, a standard 8' deep by 10' wide booth space will be available for reservation at discounted rates which begin at $745. For additional information on sponsorship (including the new dessert sponsored tables), reserving booth space or registering as an attendee please contact Barbie Rosario of BK Corporate Coordinators by calling 808-845-4994 (Oahu) or e-mail bkcorp2@verizon.net.

Last year, trade Association Sponsors such as the General Contractors Association, Hawaii Construction Industry Association, Contractors Association of Kauai, Hawaii Pacific Steel Framing Alliance, Inc., Masonry Institute of Hawaii, Historic Hawai'i Foundation, Consulting Engineers Council of Hawaii, Hawaii Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, National Kitchen and Bath Association, Light Gauge Steel Engineer's Association, Cement and Concrete Products Industry of Hawaii and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) put on construction and design related seminars held throughout the day at the Expo. "We are still actively pursuing new Association and Business Sponsors and welcome new additions," said Stephen Nash, AIA, co-chairperson of the Expo planning committee.