Chief Experts & IBS in Las Vegas

January 17 - 24, 2020 

Join Dan Baumann and other Chief Architect enthusiasts for three days of comprehensive Chief Architect training and two days of exploration at the

International Builders Show

 

Become a Chief Expert!

  • Develop your Chief skills in 3 days, not 3 years!

  • Get plans done faster with advanced Chief skills

  • Get better at solving client design problems using Chief

  • Get “Best Practices" for using Chief & Drawing Plans

  • See the latest products at the Builders Show

  • Network and develop new, lifelong friends

Finally, An Easy Way To Learn The Right Way To Use Chief Architect!

The Chief Architect IBS Event in Las Vegas, NV

During this training event, you'll discover everything you need to know to draw plans faster, create more accurate and detailed 3D models, use the 2D CAD tools and assemble great working drawings on the layout.

These courses are geared toward users who want to get a better understanding of the program and what it can do using a systematic method of creating plans using templates.

Chief Architect Users
"Choose The Class For You"

Intermediate: Jan 19 & 20

If you're new to Chief Architect or have been using it for awhile and are ready to get to the next level, this workshop will give you a strong overview of how the program works and the correct work flow for starting and completing a set of plans.

  • Introduction to the new template you'll use in this class
  • Overview of how this class works
  • Overview of the interface, preferences, and defaults
  • Review the "Best Practices" for completing a plan
  • Using and understanding the 2D CAD tools
  • Proper procedures for creating and laying out walls
  • Dimensioning the different views on your plan
  • Proven methods for creating more accurate models
  • Adding, positioning and grouping windows and doors
  • Simple methods for adding various types of stairs
  • Using the automatic and manual roof tools
  • How to quickly and accurately add stairs
  • Setting up and creating a cabinet layout and plan
  • Creating and using slabs and molding polylines
  • Creating and using symbols and images
  • Adding cameras and using the rendering tools
  • Introduction to layers, layer sets, and annotations
  • Assembling your views using the layout pages
  • Procedures and techniques for selling plans for more
  • Networking, Q&A and much more ..........
ENROLL NOW!

Advanced: Jan 19 & 20

In this class we’ll dive into areas of Chief Architect that will help you get a more in-depth understanding of what a powerful CAD software Chief is. From advanced 2D CAD techniques and modeling functions, you’ll discover how to do much more than you ever thought possible.

Attendees of this class should have a good working knowledge of Chief Architect. This day will be very fluid as we go though as many of the topics as possible that are listed below. 

  • Introduction to the new template you'll use in this class
  • Toolbars: Customizing and creating your specialty toolbars
  • Productivity Tips: Shortcuts, Mouse, Keystrokes, Preferences, Defaults
  • 2D CAD: Concentric, Jump, Arcs, Edit Area, Stretch, Transform Replicate, Arrays, Offset
  • Molding Lines & Slabs: Creating custom 3D elements for your projects
  • Custom 3D: Detailing elevations and 3D views with 2D and 3D elements
  • Tracing Over Pictures & PDF: How to accurately Import, scale & trace over images
  • Plot Plans: Creating Plan Footprints with Surveys using the tracing method
  • Surveys: Using coordinates to create surveys
  • Terrain: Creating 3D terrain models with roads, sidewalks, retaining walls, and more
  • Rendering: Creating high-quality renderings and other 3D Views
  • Framing: Adding 3D framing and trusses to your plan
  • Framing: How to do framing for a remodeling plan
  • Libraries: Creating custom libraries that will increase productivity
  • Foundations: Creating Pier footings, stem walls, pony walls and more
  • Graphics: Customizing and creating materials and adding/using graphics
  • Timber Frame: Creating pole barns and other timber frame structures
  • Kitchen and Bath: Tips for faster layout of kitchens and baths
  • Schedules: Customizing and Adding schedules to your plans
  • Roofs: Creating complex roofs, dormers, saddles, vaulted ceilings and more
  • Stairs: Adding and customizing more complex stair systems
  • As-Built Plans: Techniques used to draw existing structures
  • Macros: Overview and how they work in Chief
  • Save-As Templates: Using old plans for new templates
  • Page Sizes: Creating different page sizes for your drawings
  • Elevations & Sections: Tips for adding more detail automatically and manually
  • Symbols: Creating your own symbols and libraries
  • Material Lists: How to get more accurate lists
  • Plan Options: How to show different options in the same plan
  • Selling Your Services: How to get paid more for your plans
  • Last hour of the day will be for review and Q&A
ENROLL NOW!

Template Creation: Jan 21

A properly set up Layout and Plan Template can save you massive amounts of time on each project that you draw. In this class you will take the templates that we supply and you'll customize them for your company. You'll also learn how to use them and modify them as needed. 

The template you'll use in all of the training has been developed by Dan Baumann. he has thousands of hours of work into this template and with it you'll increase your productivity with Chief Architect dramatically.

Register for Templates Class Day-3... Only $350

  • How plan templates work and how they will save time
  • Setting up a plan template for your types of projects
  • Important settings used in plan templates
  • How libraries interact with templates
  • Creating and saving cameras within a template
  • Annotation and Layer settings
  • Controlling the size of items in your plans
  • How Layout templates work and how they will save time
  • Setting up and customizing layout templates
  • Macros and automatic function on layouts
  • Scale and page size options on layouts
  • Printing options
  • View port and camera control on layouts
  • General Q&A about templates
ENROLL NOW!

It's Not Just Classes - It's An Event

 

Hi Fellow Chief Architect Enthusiast!

For over 25 years, I've been using Chief Architect to draw plans for homeowners and contractors and have also had the privilege of teaching 1000's of fantastic people the best ways to use Chief.

It's very rewarding to watch the transformations that occur when someone becomes fluent with Chief and learns how to wow their clients while using Chief to create amazing plans.

They discover the potential of the software as a sales and production tool for all of their projects plus the benefits it brings in the way it gets used as a communication platform.

But as everyone gets busy in their business and life, it's sometimes difficult to take the time necessary to focus their attention on learning how to use the software to it's fullest - to dig in and absorb the best practices needed to truly understand Chief and the many ways to use it effectively.

Everyone learns differently, and there are many ways to learn how to use Chief - whether it's trial and error, YouTube and other videos, webinars, manuals and online courses and more. The bottom line is, whatever you can do to learn this software is a good thing.

In all my years of doing all of the different kinds of training methods, the one form of training that stands out above all the rest as the best way to learn Chief Architect, are live training classes. Being in a distraction-free environment for six days allows even the busiest of people to focus on and absorb the information being taught.

But as good as live classes are, they still have one large flaw that has always bugged me. They are too impersonal. People show up, sit through class all day, and then leave. There is little exchange of information between everyone. Networking and business ideas are rarely explored.

In 2008, I stopped doing live training classes for many years, but seven years ago I had this crazy idea of renting a house during the International Builders Show in Las Vegas and filling it with other Chief Architect users for a week of education and networking.

I imagined an event where a group of like-minded professionals would come together and be willing to spend time learning, sharing ideas and breaking bread together.

An event where the exchange of knowledge and ideas would lead to improvements in everyone's businesses and at the same time, we would be building friendships. Most importantly, we would all have a great time doing it.

These events have become everything that I dreamed they would, and I am excited to make this experience available to even more people.

I look forward to seeing you at our 7th annual event in Las Vegas and at the 2020 IBS.

To your success,

Dan Baumann

Your 2020 Pro Academy Hosts

We are all set to take great care of you before, during and after your stay in Las Vegas. Our commitment to you includes help planning your event, helping you get around Las Vegas, top-notch training, excellent food, relaxing and stress-free accommodations and networking with other Chief Architect users and continued involvement after the event.

Dan Baumann

President, Chief Experts Academy

With more than 26 years of experience using and teaching Chief Architect, Dan is highly qualified to teach you the best practices needed to complete your building plans and models using this software. His 20 years of experience as a remodeling contractor also give him the insights into what it takes to run a successful design-build construction company.

Dan's passion for maximizing the compensation you receive for your design services helps ensure that your design sales become the profit center of your business.

John Schrader

President, John Schrader Construction

John has been involved in the residential remodeling and building industry for 35 years and has been using Chief Architect in his business for over 13 years.

John will assist and share his passion and insights into how Chief works for him and how you can use it to improve your business. 

Linda, Patti, Mary, Doug and Avis

"Come For The Food, Stay For The Training"

Linda and Mary are Dan’s sisters and, Avis is his sister-in-law and Patti is John's wife. Together they are committed to making sure every minute of your stay has a smile attached to it. 

Come prepared to eat well, play some card games and laugh a lot.

All you have to do is show up and we’ll take care of the rest!

Your Accommodations For Our 2020 Event

 

The Mansion, House #1

This beautiful home with 8 bedrooms and 5-1/2 baths will be our main event venue. It's newly renovated and has a large banquet facility where our advanced and template classes will be held.

The house is located at: 6260 W. Oquendo RD. Las Vegas, NV 89118 - More Information about the property

The Las Vegas Convention Center is where we'll be heading on Wed. & Thur. for the International Builders Show. It's 8 miles from this house.

Classes are 8:30 - 4:30 each day. If you're just coming for the classes, come early for breakfast and stay after for dinner in you like, 

Reserved for
Kevin Transue
Michael Elzufon

Reserved for
Stein Solum and

Brandon Fitzmorris

- Shared Room Bed 1 Available -
- Shared Room Bed 2 Available -

Reserved for
Scott Stubs

Reserved for
Kathleen Jennison

- Shared Room Bed 2 Available -

Reserved for the Crew!

Reserved for
Arlen Miller

Reserved For
Doug Cooper

Charley's Place House #2

 

This property is comprised of a 6-bedroom and a 4-bedroom house with a private entrance and driveway and is less that 1/2 mile from the Mansion. 

These houses are located at: 5975 W Quail Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89118 (More Info About These Properties)

- Private En suite Reserved for Jay Martin

Reserved for:
Peter Brown

Reserved for Patti and John

- Private Room Is Available -

- Private Room Is Available -

- Private Room Is Available -

- Private En suite With
King Bed Is Available -

- Private Room Is Available -

- Private Room Is Available -

- Private Room Is Available -

Choose Your Room - We'll Take Care Of The Rest!

Rooms are assigned on a first come, first-served basis, so do not delay. If you have any questions please email Dan at [email protected] or call him at 952-451-9911. BTW - You don't have to stay at the house to attend the classes.

ENROLL NOW!

Location Map

View on Google Maps

 

The Agenda

Day 1 - Friday, January 17, 2020 - Arrival and Setup

Arrive after 3:00 pm and get settled in. We'll have steaks on the grill for dinner and take some time to get to know each other while enjoying a soda or adult beverage.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL MEALS WILL BE SERVED AT THE MANSION - HOUSE #1

Day 2 - Saturday, January 18, 2020

Everyone continues to arrive and get settled in while setup for the event is completed. Dinner will be served around 6:30 and everyone is welcome to join in on a game of cards or general discussion about Chief Architect. 

Day 3 - Sunday, January 19, 2020 - Class Day #1

A casual breakfast will be served at 7 am. If you are not staying at the house and are registered for a class, you’re welcome to join us for all meals on this day. At 8:30 the Chief Architect classes will begin, with a break at mid-morning. Lunch will be served around 12:00 and we’ll finish up around 5-ish. Dinner will be served around 6:30. Linda and the gang are planning a family favorite of Sauerkraut and Dumplings. It's a huge hit every year. We’ll resume for some fun Q&A from 7:30 to 9:00 pm or you can just hang out if you like.

Day 4 - Monday, January 20, 2020 - Class Day #2

This day will be much like Sunday as we dig deeper into Chief Architect and look to get more of your questions answered. Dinner will be served around 6:30. Mexican fare will be on the menu. Linda and Avis make mean tacos and salsa.

Day 5 - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - Class Day #3

A casual breakfast will be served at 7 am. If you are not staying at the house and are registered for a class, you’re welcome to join us for all meals on this day. At 8:30 the Chief Architect classes will begin, with a break at mid-morning. Lunch will be served around 12:00 and we’ll finish up around 5-ish. Dinner will be served around 6:30

EVERYONE WILL COME TOGETHER FOR THE TEMPLATE CLASS THAT WILL BE HELD ON THIS DAY AT THE MANSION IN THE LARGE CLASSROOM.

Day 6 - Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Today we’ll head out early to the convention center to attend the Chief Architect users breakfast. The breakfast meeting is a fun event hosted by the great people at Chief. You’ll have a chance to meet other users and learn what sorts of new things they are planning for the program.
We’ll then proceed to the International Builders Show where you’ll be free to spend the day exploring all that it has to offer. Dinner will be served around 6:30. We’ll resume for some fun Q&A from 7:30 to 9 pm or you can just hang out if you like.

Day 7 - Thursday, January 23, 2020

A casual breakfast will be served at 7 am. We’ll then proceed to the International Builders Show where you’ll be free to spend the day exploring all that it has to offer.
Dinner will be served around 6:30. We’ll resume for some fun Q&A in the big room from 7:30 to 9 pm or you can just hang out if you like.

Optional Class: On This day in the main training room at the Mansion, we'll be having a discussion about Marketing and Fee Tactics for Your Design Business. Contents are in development and this event is free to those staying with us. ($350 for those not staying with us)

Day 8 - Friday, January 24, 2020

We’ll have a light breakfast while we put the finishing touches on our cleanup of the houses. Check out time is 10 am. We’ll shuttle you to the airport if you need a ride. Alas, all good things must come to an end as we give our hugs and say goodbye.

Post Event Webinars - Tuesday, February 4 & 18, 2020

All attendees will meet in a private GoToWebinar session from 3:00 to 4:30 CST. You'll be able to get clarity on things and ask your questions about Chief Architect.

Testimonials

What Others Are Saying About Chief Experts Academy Events

This short clip was created for the 2017 Orlando International Builders Show promotion and it features a few of the attendees along with Dan. 

"There is no better way to go about training. There's no better way to go about the comradery, the networking. This is the premier way to attend anything having to do with training, conferences, whatever. And in this case, Chief Architect. It's fantastic!"

Kevin Transue, CHC Creative Remodeling

 

"Dan, ...you are a gifted teacher and big soul. I am grateful for the week spent under your guidance and am inspired that my tired old brain will actually learn this program now. I look forward to working with you by phone and in person in the coming months/years..... The students:.... again, I feel so lucky to have spent this time with each of you. I appreciated the camaraderie and help from those of you who actually understood the program, the time cooking and eating together, the discussion of personal/world views in a respectful setting, and the overall goodness that was present in this group. It was a special time that I will remember for a long time."

Jonathan Mills
Mills Builders

"To all of the Gang - You inspired me - I decided to keep on trying new things with Chief so I took my computer to a site measure yesterday and did the as-built drawing on site. I will need to get used to the extra time working on-site for a measure, but it worked out great. I realized, besides the benefit of being able to verify details as you are drawing, there is another benefit. I came back to my office with a drawing I could immediately start moving into design ideas while the inspiration from being in the actual spaces was still fresh. There was no lag time while I slogged through as-builts and then had to restart the creative part of the process. It will take some time to adjust to a measure taking longer, but I saved time over all and the process feels more fluid. Who knows what Dan will get us to try next!"

Margaret Griffith
Griffith Design

"I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting everyone there. Great bunch of folks, almost felt like being with a group of Texans. :-) The interaction during the fixing of meals, etc. was great and the help from those that were more advanced was appreciated."

Jim Aswell
Kingwood, TX

"It was a great week with lots of education in so many ways. Thanks Dan for a job well done and to all of my fellow class mates for a fun and relaxing environment. Think we should all consider a "Family" reunion to further our education sometime in the not too distant future. Thanks everyone!"

Kevin Kofron
Kofron Builders Inc.

" I have taken several classes from Dan and I always learn new way of using the software to get more done is less time. All of his training is well worth the time, cost and effort. I will remain a client for years to come."

Debra Taylor Purvis
Design House, Inc.

"His ability to make the software do things is amazing. He helps us to think outside of the box in our design projects. If you're using Chief Architect software I strongly recommend working with Dan and all of his training."

Dennis Gehman
Gehman Custom Remodeling

"Dan had helped to give me a deep understanding of how Chief works. His classes are lively, entertaining and always very educational. I highly recommend all of the online and live training that Dan provides."

Kevin Transue
CHC Creative Remodeling

What's Included In This Event

This is not an ordinary training class! From the moment you arrive, you will be treated like part of the family. You will be immersed in an atmosphere like you've never experienced and you will leave with a new level of understanding of Chief Architect, new ideas for your business and new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Seven Nights Lodging in one of the beautiful properties.
You'll be staying in one of the private or shared bedrooms where you can take advantage of everything this event has to offer. You can also stay elsewhere and join us for the training classes.

All Food & Beverages
All meals will be provided during your stay. Each day we'll start with a healthy breakfast followed by lunch that will feature an ala cart menu. Dinner will include grilling and other great food. Beverages are included.

Three (or 4) Days of Training
In this small group setting, you will learn the correct way to use Chief Architect. You'll have time to ask questions, discuss projects and get deep into the inner workings of the program. You will come away with a true understanding of how to create more detailed plans in less time and will leave with a custom template setup and ready to go for your business.

Bonus Event - For those staying at the houses with us you are welcome to attend the class on Thursday where we'll discuss Marketing and Fee Tactics for Your Design Business. Others may attend for a $350 fee.

Two - Private, Post Event Webinars
These live, private webinars will give you a chance to ask the questions you need to get clarification of the things you need to keep moving forward with Chief and your design business. They will be recorded for review at any time.

Networking & Friendships
One of the reasons this is called an event is because it goes beyond training. You'll make friends that you'll be able to network with long after the class if over. Many that have attended this event in the past are now doing business with each other.

Enroll Now, Space Is Limited!

Private Bedroom

$2,397

1-Private Bedroom

6-Days, 7-Nights Lodging

All Food & Beverages

2-Days of Intermediate or Advanced Chief Architect Training - Jan. 19 & 20

1-Day of Chief Architect Template Creation and Working Drawing Assembly Training - Jan. 21, 2020

2 - Post Event Webinars

Template Downloads

Networking & Friendships

Private Bedroom 

REGISTER

Share a Bedroom

$1,997

1-Bed In Shared Room

6-Days, 7-Nights Lodging

All Food & Beverages

2-Days of Intermediate or Advanced Chief Architect Training - Jan. 19 & 20

1-Day of Chief Architect Template Creation and Working Drawing Assembly Training - Jan. 21, 2020

2 - Post Event Webinars

Template Downloads

Networking & Friendships

Shared Bedroom

 

REGISTER

3-Day Class Only

$1,097

2-Days of Intermediate or Advanced Chief Architect Training - Jan. 19 & 20

1-Day of Chief Architect Template Creation and Working Drawing Assembly Training - Jan. 21, 2020

2 - Post Event Webinars

Template Downloads

Networking & Friendships

All Food & Beverages
on Training Days.
Including Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner

 

REGISTER

2-Day Class Only

$797

PER MONTH

2-Days of Intermediate or Advanced Chief Architect Training - Jan. 19 & 20

2 - Post Event Webinars

Template Downloads

Networking & Friendships

All Food & Beverages
on Training Days.
Including Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner

 

REGISTER

After Registering:

Email [email protected] with your room choice and if you want to be in the Intermediate or Advanced class. Not Sure which one? Call Dan and he will help you decide.

Got Questions?
Call Dan at 952-451-9911

Don't Miss Out On This Opportunity To Master Chief Architect!
Join Us January 17-24, 2020

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Q&A

What the heck is "Immersion" training?
Sounds like a dip in a pool. Rest assured, you won't get wet unless you decide to hop into the whirlpool or pool during one of our breaks. The bottom line is you'll be immersed in learning Chief Architect and how to make more money in your design business from the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave.

Where is this training event located?
We will be meeting in two houses. The main house called the Mansion (House 1) is located at  6260 W. Oquendo RD. Las Vegas, NV 89118. The second property called the Grand Estate (House 2) is two houses at the same location 5975 W Quail Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89118.

The Las Vegas Convention Center is where we'll be heading on Tue. & Wed. for the International Builders Show. It's about 8 miles from the houses where we are staying.

Can I (we) attend the classes without staying with you?
Yes, You can attend the two or three days of classes without staying with us. You can sign up using the links above. You are welcome to join us for all of the meals on the training days.

Do I need to be a member of Chief Experts Academy to attend any of these events? 
No. Membership is not required.

Will I have to pay in advance if I decide to attend?
Yes. Give Dan a call at 952-451-9911 or email [email protected] if you have questions and would like to make a reservation. If cash flow is an issue you can use the Multi-Pay option.

Should I wait to Register?
No, registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. When the rooms are gone, they are gone! If you would like to be added to a waiting list or be informed of our next event, please email [email protected].

Can I stay at the house, but not attend the training classes?
Pricing for this event is on a per bed basis. At least one person in your party staying in a private room at the house must pay for and attend the training classes. The second person in your private room may attend the classes for an additional Investment of only $697. Sign up the first person and then we'll send you a discount link to sign up another. You can also contact Dan if you have multiple people attending. 

Do I have to bring my computer?
Yes, bring your laptop or desktop! There will be plenty of power and internet to go around.

Do I need to be on the latest version of Chief Architect?
To avoid confusion during the class we do insist that you have the latest version of Chief Architect on your computer.

What about Travel Arrangements and Car Rental?
You handle your airfare and car rental. There will be plenty of parking at the house and carpooling is an option to get around town. We will do our best to shuttle everyone to and from the airport and convention center, and anywhere else you want to go. You are on your own for any cab, Uber or Lyft fees.

What topics will be discussed in the training classes?
General information for each course has been provided above. Some of the curricula will be developed based on an interview process with those that will be attending.

Why not just rent a conference room?
After years of doing training in hotel conference rooms, I've learned that it's too impersonal. Having done events around the International Builders Show where we all stayed in the house together, I've discovered that when we are together for an extended period, we learn and retain more, share ideas, and become friends.

Does staying together really make that much difference?
Attendees have said that they were able to cement the ideas they learned while sitting around the table after class reviewing things with someone else staying there. Simply put, YES, this is an amazing way to learn and make life-long friends. Just imagine what you'll learn while sipping on an adult beverage, swimming in the pool or sitting around a campfire at night! Priceless!

Are Food and Beverages Included?
Yes, you will be provided a full breakfast and dinner each day and lunch on each day except Tuesday and Wednesday. Linda, Mary, Avis, Doug and Patti will make sure you are well fed. They may even have a few surprises for you. We’ll supply milk, juice, soda, water, wine and beer. If you are on a special diet, please let us know and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

What about Noise Levels?
If you need peace and quiet, it might be a good idea to reserve a hotel instead. However, if you like to brainstorm and share ideas in a lively group setting, this is for you.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
If you need to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund within 30 days of the event. After 30 days, "IF" we can sell your space to someone else, we’ll give you a full refund. There will be no refunds for cancellations after January 7, 2020.

Is there a Guarantee?
Accommodation charges are non-refundable. If you attend the Chief Architect Training Workshop and are dissatisfied for any reason, a full refund will be issued for the workshop up to 1 week afterwards.

What does it cost to attend the International Builders Show?
To get your free admission to the IBS and visit the 1,300+ vendors, go to Chief Architect's Website to register for your free tickets. Educational events and some of the evening events at IBS do have additional charges. Check back here before the show and we'll post a link to get free tickets. (We'll update the link when tickets are available.)

Where can I find out more about the International Builders Show?
Main Website for the International Builders Show. (Remember - Don't pay for General Admission)

What Happens After I Make a Purchase?
You will be directed to a members area at Chief Experts Academy where you will get Directions, Webinar Sign Up, List of Attendees, Menu and more. 

Pictures From Previous Chief Experts Academy Events