About the author: Caitlin Cunningham is managing editor of Storm Water Solutions. Cunningham can be reached at 847.391.1025 or by e-mail at [email protected].
The erosion and sediment control industry will come together Feb. 9 to 12 for Environmental Connection 2009 (EC09), the annual conference of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA). “The Biggest Little City in the World” will host this year’s world’s-largest soil and water event at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Atlantis Casino Hotel.
More than 2,100 registrants made the most of the 77 educational opportunities and 160 exhibitor booths at EC08 in Orlando, and EC09 promises to continue the event’s high-quality tradition out West.
See & Learn
IECA’s four-day event will feature peer-reviewed education sessions covering topics within eight technology sections: slope stabilization, stream restoration, vegetative establishment, storm water management, wetlands technology, erosion and sediment control, beach and shoreline stabilization and—new for 2009—wind erosion technology. Some opportunities to keep in mind include:
Digital Data Collection for NPDES Compliance. Feb. 9, 1 to 4 p.m. Jay Riggs, CPESC, CPSWQ, will provide intermediate-level training.
What Do Inspectors Need to Know About BMPs? Feb. 11, 2 to 3 p.m. This session, led by Tim Zimmerly, CPESC, will offer inspection program know-how.
Environmentally Sound & Sustainable Approaches for Storm Water Management. Feb. 12, 8:30 to 9 a.m. Instructor Steven Allen will focus on issues surrounding island nations and present an illustrative case study.
And what better way to complement newfound knowledge than observing the latest technologies and techniques in action? Join engineers, contractors, regulators and other attendees on the convention center’s show floor during exhibit hours, which run Feb. 10, 5:15 to 8 p.m.; Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Get Connected
IECA offers its guests a variety of special events for fun and networking. Consider attending one or more of the following:
International Attendees Reception. Feb. 8, 4 to 5 p.m. Meet other industry professionals from abroad, or stop by to extend a warm welcome.
Dinner Groups. Feb. 8, 6 to 8 p.m. At registration, sign up to mingle and dine with industry peers at a restaurant of choice.
SOIL Fund Benefit Denim & Diamonds Dinner & Auction. Feb. 9, 4 to 7:30 p.m. Support IECA’s charitable fund and enjoy a casual but elegant evening hosted by James Ridgway of ESCN.tv. $150 per person.
Post-Conference Ski Tour. Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unwind after a busy week—hit the slopes of Lake Tahoe’s highest resort, Mt. Rose Ski Area. $150 registration covers transportation and one-day lift ticket.
Editor’s note: Save the date—EC10 will take place Feb. 14 to 18, 2010, in Dallas.
For more information, visit www.ieca.org/conference.
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