If you’re a Building Information Modeling (BIM) manager or developer, you know it’s not easy to keep up with the quickly changing construction technology landscape.

There is an overwhelming amount of information published daily, and it can be difficult to sift through pages of tangentially-related content.

Fear not. I’ve taken the time to search through the best-known BIM blogs, publications, associations, events, and tools, and selected the industry’s premier resources.

Here we go!

Blogs­­

LauraEHandler.com

Laura Handler, a virtual construction expert, aims to showcase innovation within the building industry and offer insights into BIM technology.

(bim)x

Laurie Handler, the Virtual Construction Manager at Tocci Building Corporation, aims to showcase innovation within the building industry and offer insights into BIM technology.

AEC DevBlog

This blog is run by Autodesk’s Developer Technical Services (DevTech) team. This is a good resource for managers and developers using Revit, Navisworks, and other Autodesk AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) and BIM technology.

Beyond Design

Beyond Design has been a key asset for BIM managers since 2009. It’s run by Autodesk’s Navisworks team and covers a variety of tips and tricks, best practices, and insider knowledge to make the most out of BIM software and management.

BIM Fix Blog

Get the latest news and tips from Australia’s BIM community, all run through one-man show Brian Renehan. The blog may only update once a month, but every article is worth it.

Buildz

Buildz, which is run by an Autodesk engineer, offers great tutorials, from writing data to text files to how to use the formula node in Dynamo. They also frequently update their readers on the newest developments and releases in the industry. Their last post was in 2015, but you can peruse their extensive archive of information on the industry.

Construction Code

Construction Code is independently run by Stephen Hamil, who started working on NBS products in 1999 and has a PhD “in the digital modeling of building structures.” He offers BIM advice while also cataloging his own professional life.

Practical BIM

While this blog isn’t updated as frequently as others, Antony McPhee of Australia makes every post count. With no-nonsense guides and photos to help users out, this blog is a great resource for experts looking to improve their craft.

Revit Add-ons

This blog is exactly what it sounds like. Tim Grimm covers Revit add-ons and plugins, many of which are free.

The Revit Kid

Jeffrey A. Pinheiro, a.k.a. “The Revit Kid,” offers to-the-point video and written tutorials for Revit developers.

thinkBIM

The thinkBIM blog seeks to generate discussions on BIM-enabled construction with pieces from both the thinkBIM team and guest bloggers. It’s part of the Centre for Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Beckett University.

What Revit Wants

This independent blog is largely an aggregator of the latest news, tips, and tricks coming out of BIM, Revit, Navisworks and IT. Best of all? They keep it brief.

Publications

AECbytes Magazine

AECbytes is offering a new quarterly print magazine for $49 a year. They also keep an updated blog.

AECMagazine

AECMagazine is a free online UK magazine that publishes bi-monthly. It keeps readers up-to-date on the latest technology solutions in architecture engineering, and construction.

Architect Magazine

Architect Magazine is not exclusively focused on BIM, but it does publish extensively on the subject. You can view all articles on the subject by selecting the “BIM” tag.

AUGIWorld

AUGIWorld is Autodesk User Group International’s official magazine which is published once every two months. This in-depth publication provides specialized insight into topics like CAD management, AutoCAD add-ons, and management advice. AUGIWorld is reserved for AUGI subscribers only.

Automation in Construction

This international, research-oriented journal focuses on information technologies in construction. They particularly focus on computer-aided design. Readers can order a year’s worth of print articles for $99.

Cadalyst

Cadalyst’s quarterly print magazine provides software and hardware reviews, illuminates technology trends, and delivers expert advice to help CAD and BIM managers stay up-to-date.

Constructech

This magazine zeroes in on the intersection of construction and technology (for example, the latest issue features an entire app catalog that’s sorted by how relevant it is to certain professions). It is published quarterly.

Associations

Associated Builders and Contractors

ABC works with all levels of the government to make sure the construction industry’s interests are best represented. This trade organization offers member discounts on products like Revit and AutoCAD licenses. They also champion collaboration within their membership while also supporting open competition and free enterprise.

BIMForum

BIMForum aims to promote and hasten the AEC industry into adopting BIM. They help develop best practices for VDC and host a large and engaged community. A $150 membership provides exclusive access to benefits including videos from BIMForum meetings.

BuildingSMART

This international organization creates standards and tools and provides training for construction professionals across AEC and facilities management industries.

Fiatech

Fiatech centers on the large commercial assets like hospitals, power plants, and refineries. They cover all points of production, from planning and design to engineering and construction.

Mechanical Contractors Association of America

The MCAA serves the AEC industry as a resource for education, forecasting, and networking association. Many of their educational tools teach advanced BIM techniques. This association is ideal for those in the HVAC community.

National Association of Home Builders

NAHB is a trade association that represents the home-building industry. It provides a network for BIM managers to connect with home builders. Membership comes with joining any home-builders association in your area.

National BIM Standard

The National BIM Standard is an organization that provides “consensus-based” BIM standards. The organization provides open BIM standards that allow nearly every piece of information an owner needs about a facility to be available electronically. It is an initiative of the National Institute of Building Sciences.

The CAD Society

The CAD Society is an authority on all CAD products. They offer mentorship programs, CAD discounts, and provide a point of contact between users and vendors. Membership is $20 for students and $40 for professionals.

Events/Conferences

AEC Hackathon

The AEC Hackathon is an annual event held in London, and has by far the coolest branding of any AEC company I’ve seen to date. The conference is entirely dedicated to sharing ideas and awarding businesses who are shaping the digital construction industry.

AutoDesk University

Every year, Autodesk University hosts conferences that provide outstanding opportunities for networking, training, and even certification. It features over 650 classes for engineers and designers. Last year, for example, it offered classes called “Influencing Company-Wide BIM Adoption” and “Safety Is No Accident: Actively Evaluating Project Safety with BIM.”

AGC Convention

This international convention features a host of education session presentations. It is well-known within the industry. The conference is well-attended by its most prominent members, like BP, GM, and Waste Management.

The National BIM Conference

The national BIM conference is run through AEC Science and Technology, an organization that frequently produces high-quality industry reviews and observations. The conference is dedicated to how to best implement BIM at your company.

North America Revit Technology Conference

Hosted annually, the Revit Technology Conference (RTC) focuses specifically on “all things BIM and the whole ecosystem that supports it.” This conference is independent of any specific organization.

BIM Workshops

Featuring speakers like Lynn Allen from Cadalyst, Steve Stafford of Revit Op-ed, and Tom Whitehead of DCI Engineers in the past, these regional conferences boast some of the best BIM training for professionals the industry has to offer.

Procore’s Groundbreak Construction Conference

Procore’s Groundbreak Conference, which is held in Austin every spring, showcases the latest and greatest of construction technology, including in the area of BIM.

Free Object Libraries

ARCAT

For CAD and BIM resources, ARCAT is a one-stop-shop. Their free, no registration system has everything from concrete to pollution control system.

BIMObject

Using Revit or AutoCAD? BIMObject seek offers both branded and generic BIM product specifications, drawings, models, and files. Because manufacturers supply their own product information, users can quickly find product specifications for over 66,000 commercial and residential building products.

BIMBox Info

BIMBox offers an extensive library for designers and manufacturers seeking objects for just about any type of construction project. “We provide native format interior BIM objects created to PAS1192 & COBie standards,” says Tracey Dingwall, an associate at the company. “All designers have to do is register for free and they can begin downloading objects immediately.”

The National BIM Library

The National Bim Library offers generic and proprietary BIM objects to professionals for free. With its vast library of foundations, doors, windows, walls, and more, it’s often been cited as the “primary source” for free-to-use objects.

Polantis

Polantis is a free-to-use BIM library that is fantastically organized and simple to use. While its library is a little smaller than others on this list, it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

SmartBim

SmartBim offers product models from over 40,000 families types in 10,000 Revit objects. Need a sprinkler? It’s an entire category. An ice maker? They got ‘em. A hospital bed? They’ve got four!

Tools

Android and iOS Apps

Tekla BIMsight Note is a great project management app for teams on the go (and aren’t they all?). This program records all project communication and can even read .bcfzip notes.

AutoCAD 360 from Autodesk allows users to work on their projects on and offline, use the phone’s GPS to orient themselves in the drawing, and upload files to email.

Ready to present your hard work? BIMx makes presenting your ArchiCAD project easy—right from iPhone or iPad.

Capterra Architecture Software Directory

If you’re looking for new BIM software, look no further than Capterra’s architecture software directory. It has all the best BIM software that can be further filtered to your company’s needs.

Capterra Construction Management Software Directory

Covering over 100 construction management software products, the Capterra construction management software directory allows you to filter by important features like business process control and forecasting.

More?

This is a long list, but I’m sure that there are more great resources out there. What are some of your favorites that I missed? List them in the comments!