b'LUNCH & LEARNcontacting me to be presenters on topics that would be good for industry.The response from the construction community has been positive. According to Schneider, industry members have taken to online events, with attendees engaged and asking more questions of the presenter than during regular, in-person sessions.Its nice to be able to ask the presenter questions during the live webinar, she says, detailing the advantages of an online forum. SICA uses Zoom, a platform for video and audio confer-encing. When its a webinar, you can ask them anonymously. referring to a widespread pain pointChallenges aside, SICA members have during the pandemic. Weather, Internetbeen favourable towards SICAs Lunch Zoom has been popular for organiza- and data connection have occasionally& Learn webinarseries.tions of all industries and sizes duringaffected the streaming capabilities of the the pandemic for various reasons. Thewebinar. And while the technology hasWe always seem to have great feedback straightforward tool provides easyprovided a few hiccups, Schneider saysin the survey once people are done, collaboration and participant controls,that the biggest drawback of movingSchneider says, adding that because its can fit any user count and budget andto virtual sessions has been the lack ofa convenient, safe and economical way works seamlessly across all operatingface-to-face interaction. for the association to provide added systems. But with the benefits ofbenefits to members, online events are technology also comes obstacles.Its still not that in-person handshake,here to stay.she says. Its still not as personable. But One is only as good as the technologyits a way to reach out to the members andGoing forward, well definitely have is working, Schneider explains,give them the information that they need. additional virtual events. C OMBINEDM ECHANICALC ONTRACTORS (2019)LTD. COMMERCIALINDUSTRIALPlumbing HVAC Water TreatmentWaste Water VentilationAir Conditioning VERNON, BC920 Waddington Drive, V1T 8T3Telephone 250.542.6213Fax: 250.542.8386 PENTICTON, BC2110 Government Street, V2A 8B5Telephone: 250.490.9303Fax: 250.490.930536 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'