Rising costs of fuel, materials, and other supplies coupled with tight budgets is challenging the skills of many erosion and sediment control professionals. That’s where a first-rate education in how to work more effectively and more profitably can pay off.
You can get just that kind of knowledge by participating in EC09. The 2009 edition of the IECA annual international Environmental Connection conference will give you the training and skills you need to Survive and Thrive. It will be held Feb. 9–13, in Reno, Nevada.
Among the many highlights is an expanded schedule of professional development courses. Taught by experts selected on the basis of their technical knowledge, field experience, and teaching abilities, these intense courses combine solid theory with practical information for solving real-world erosion and sediment control problems.
In the past, these training courses have been presented during the first two days of the conference. Beginning in 2008 and continuing for EC09, they will be offered over four days—from Monday through Thursday, February 9–12, 2009.
“This will allow participants who can’t attend the entire conference more options for getting the education that they want,” says Jennifer Hildebrand, CPESC, CPSWQ, who chairs IECA’s Professional Development Committee.
Choices include both basic and advanced courses covering a wide range of timely topics from SWPPP design techniques and establishing vegetation in challenging conditions to wetland construction methods and business development strategies. In all, you’ll be able to choose from 38 training courses, the most ever. These include reviews for various certification exams that will be offered on Friday, February 13, 2009.
“We’ve improved the technical level of both new courses and the popular courses that we have offered in previous years,” Hildebrand says. “Our goal is to provide courses of interest and value for everyone, whether they’re just beginning their erosion and sediment control career or have been working in the industry for 20 years. At the same time, we want to provide new learning opportunities for those who attend the conference year after year.”
Among the new courses at EC09 are those that address erosion and sediment control and revegetation practices following natural disasters, such as wildfires, mudslides, and hurricanes. Other new courses include low-impact development and low-impact road construction activities.
These training courses will be complemented by technical papers and workshops, which also will be presented from Monday through Thursday of the conference. These technical sessions cover topics in eight areas: slope stabilization, stream restoration, vegetative establishment, stormwater management, wetlands technology, erosion and sediment control, beach and shoreline stabilization, and wind erosion technology.
“These technical classes combined with the training courses will provide the conference attendee with an awesome learning experience,” Hildebrand says.
More Highlights
- A great trade show
The professional educational opportunities at EC09 also will include the Expo. The largest display of erosion and sediment control products, services, and equipment anywhere in one location, it gives you the opportunity to see the very latest technology for yourself. You’ll be able to talk with the people who make and supply these products and materials to learn how they can help you meet the challenges you face in your daily work. The show kicks off late in the afternoon of February 10, with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- A new networking opportunity
On Sunday evening, February 8, preceding the start of EC09, you can join one of the new, optional dinner groups. Each small group can choose from a number of local restaurants, recommended by IECA members living in the area, to enjoy a fine meal and meet other professionals. It’s one more way to make new friends and to establish valuable business contacts.
- Survival of the fittest
An all-new type of Chapter Challenge offers still another way to expand your network of professionals while having fun in the process. In this survival contest you’ll compete to find hidden treasures using GPS units and maybe even complete a word puzzle or two.
- A salute to the past
One of the general sessions will take you back to the earliest days of IECA in photos and stories as old-timers recall how IECA got its start and recount some of the major events in the development of the association.
Sign Up Now
The host for EC09 is IECA’s Western Chapter. The site of the conference is the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Not far from the airport, this facility is connected by a new skyway to the host hotel—the Atlantis Casino Resort Hotel. As an EC09 attendee you’ll receive special rates there. The nearby Peppermill Hotel-Casino Resort also is offering discounted room rates for those attending EC09. A free shuttle will provide transportation between each hotel and the Convention Center.
For all the details and to register go to www.ieca.org.
