Reliable radio communication for first responders is not a luxury—it’s a life safety requirement. Modern building materials, energy-efficient glass, and dense construction often block radio signals, creating dangerous dead zones during emergencies.
This session breaks down Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) and explains what building owners, engineers, and managers need to know to stay compliant and protect occupants and responders. Attendees will learn:
Why ERCES is required under IFC, IBC, and NFPA codes
How building materials impact radio signal strength
The various acronyms: ERCES, BDA, and DAS
What triggers ERCES requirements in existing buildings
The inspection, testing, and approval process with AHJs
Common compliance pitfalls and how to avoid them
Presenter:
Brett Weiss is an owner of ICON Fire and Life Safety and has worked in building-related technology since 2000. A long-time member of the Austin Association of Facilities and Maintenance Engineers (AAFAME) since 2003, Brett has served as Chair for numerous committees and has completed multiple terms as Vendor Director. He became actively involved with Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) in 2017 and is known as an ERCES evangelist focused on practical, real-world outcomes for buildings and first responders. Brett regularly teaches ERCES classes to AHJs, architects, developers, general contractors, property managers, and building engineers, helping teams understand requirements, expectations, and common pitfalls from design through acceptance.
Please join us for a volunteer project @ Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch whose mission is to rescue animals who suffer from abuse or neglect. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Planned activities include painting and installing a window on a tortoise enclosure. Enclosing the cat shelter for outdoor access. And general clean up and maintenance. More details will be provided as the date gets closer.
This event is a great opportunity to work outdoors, learn new skills, and support the care and comfort of the animals.
Learn how to quickly interpret chemical labels and identify hazards using GHS pictograms — now required on all chemical labels.
In this interactive session, our team will demonstrate how to recognize the risks of industrial, commercial, and even everyday household products simply by understanding the pictograms on the label. Participants will practice identifying hazards through guided exercises, followed by a fun Pictogram Matching Game with prizes.
This session will help clarify common misconceptions about chemical safety and build confidence in recognizing hazards at a glance.
Presenter: Mary Bruce
The Chemical Store
Mary Bruce brings more than 45 years of experience in the industrial specialty chemical industry. She began her career in sales in 1980 with Texas National Chemical, a family-owned business in Dallas, and has spent decades helping grow and innovate within the building operations and maintenance space. Originally from northern Minnesota, Mary relocated to Texas in the late 1970s, where she and her husband built a janitorial supply company into a respected competitor in the industry. Known as a product innovator, Mary has introduced numerous high-performing preventative maintenance solutions and is widely respected for her practical, no-nonsense approach, strong customer relationships, and ability to identify real-world solutions that meet the needs of maintenance professionals.
Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor!
