Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions regarding this exclusive event, or confusion about the application process and eligibility, below are some frequently asked questions that may help.
Q: Who is this event for?
A: The CSI Master Specifiers Retreat is for specifiers, architects, and other design professionals that either directly or indirectly influence building product selection. Specifically, those that work on large-scale projects across the country that want to learn about specific building products and form relationships with expert building product representatives.
Q: What can I expect at this event?
A: Participating specifiers and architects will be scheduled for up to 16, 30-minute meetings with various building product manufacturer (BPM) companies. Before attending, you’ll have the chance to indicate your level of interest in meeting with each of the BPM companies – the BPMs will do the same, and your meeting schedule will be created based on mutual interest. Before, after, and between meetings, there are many opportunities for networking, enjoying the resort, sharing meals with peers, and more. There are also two keynote-style education sessions on timely and engaging topics.
Q: Why are there so many steps to apply?
A: Because the CSI Master Specifiers Retreat is meant to be an exclusive and intimate experience, attendance is limited and based on specific qualifications. To save you some time, we ask you to first fill out an eligibility form to make sure all basic qualifications are met. Qualified individuals will be sent a link to complete the full application, where you will be asked for more detailed information about your role in selecting or recommending specific building products for projects primarily in the United States. If you are accepted, you will receive a personal invitation to attend!
Q: If my application wasn’t chosen for one event, does that mean I should never apply again?
A: No! If you made it through the eligibility screening but your full application wasn’t accepted, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for future events. There are a few reasons for declined applications for eligible attendees: space, the number of BPMs attending, current project details, or your past MSR attendance.
Q: Do I have to be a CSI member to attend?
A: No, CSI members and non-members are welcome!
Q: Is there a cost for me as a Specifier/Architect to attend?
A: No. CSI covers the cost of airfare (up to $500), hotel room nights, and transportation to and from the airport and hotel. Food and drinks at the event are included.
Q: Do I have to be a “Master” Specifier to attend?
A: No, we welcome specifiers and architects at all stages of their careers.
Q: I attended the last MSR, am I eligible to attend again?
A: If you attended the most recent MSR as a specifier or architect, you are not eligible to attend the next MSR. After skipping the next retreat you’ll be eligible to apply to attend again. In other words, you are eligible to attend “every other” MSR.
Q: Can multiple people from the same firm apply to attend?
A: Yes, but we typically don’t have more than three people from a single firm in attendance.
Q: How do I participate as a product manufacturer?
A: Please contact Brian Knotts (303-565-4019 or bknotts@csinet.org) to learn more about getting involved as a product manufacturer.