ICE uses web conferencing software to hold virtual meetings and to broadcast lectures and seminars from its London centre and regional areas.
i-meetings
In the early days, the IS Panel was instrumental in testing the technical boundaries of the software. The Panel now regularly uses the software to hold online meetings, saving time, money, and helping to push the Panel's agenda along at a greater pace. Every other month they hold a one hour online 'chat' to promote their current agenda and exchange ideas. This has proved not only popular, but highly successful in generating ideas and delivering outputs.
i-events
Broadcasting ICE lectures and seminars live has become very popular - particularly for people who live outside the UK. It enables high quality knowledge to be transmitted to a wider audience, and Members can listen 'live', or watch at a later date. Those joining live are also able to pose questions to the speaker in the theatre and have them answered in real time.
As the event is recorded, it is available for members to view at a time and date to suit. ICE now has a library of recorded events which can be found here and in each Topic page.
What is the web conferencing software and does it work?
Formerly known as interwise, the web conferencing software is now Adobe Connect Pro. Selected for its seamless performance, no download requirement (apart from Flash which is available on 98% of all PC's) as well as simple and intuitive use, the system has been instrumental in connecting a large number of ICE members and their colleagues to over 200 live civil engineering lectures.
Testimonials
'This opens up ICE activities to lots of members who wouldn’t be able to participate otherwise – not just part-time Mums like me, but Dads too, as well as those who live too far from events to attend, or have time or financial restrictions. A whole load of people now have the opportunity to be more engaged with the ICE.''
Fran Loren, Halcrow
Cliff recession at Hunstanton lecture
'I logged on from Copenhagen. It was the first time I had used the service - which is excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to my colleagues. It is a massive help for those of us who work overseas and enables us to interact with the ICE and to keep up with CPD. Keep it up.'
Chris Walker
Scruton Lecture
'Works perfectly - found you can access it remote off a network so I can watch it while travelling - excellent stuff!!!'
Stephen Faulkner, Halcrow
ICE/Halcrow Prestige Lecture
'I now use Interwise for my European Sub-Committee meetings. The Sub-Committee is ‘virtual’ as the members are representatives from 26 countries in Europe and only have the possibility to meet face to face once a year. The attendance at our meetings has doubled, and there is increased activity in Europe, which I believe is due to the sharing of best practice at these meetings. I intend to roll this out to Europe so that the Representatives can use it ‘in-country’ where appropriate.'
Melissa Zanocco, Area Manager Europe, ICE
'This is an excellent means of allowing us to broadcast lectures and technical meetings online, meaning members and others who cannot attend the physical meeting for whatever reason do not miss out. It also allows ICE Scotland to build a valuable archive of past events. We are now experimenting with using it for regional committee meetings to allow members to contribute where they might not otherwise be able to because of large travel distances.'
Doug Forbes, ICE Scotland committee member
'Three of us attended here in Arup Dublin. It was a very good presentation on an excellent topic.'
Tim Mc Hugh, Arup Maritime, Dublin
James Forrest Lecture
General comments
‘A very useful facility, particularly for small companies and sole practitioners.’
‘Very convenient green method, saving on carbon.’
‘Excellent service with superb support from ICE. A very satisfactory alternative to attendance in person.’