Public Works Professionals to Meet in Phoenix for APWA Conference

Nearly 6,000 public works professionals from around the world are expected to gather in Phoenix from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, 2015 for the American Public Works Assn. (APWA) 2015 International Public Works Congress & Exposition. The annual congress is set to provide education sessions on the most critical challenges in public works and infrastructure from the public and private sectors, including new strategies in funding and budgeting, career development and workforce solutions, asset management, emerging technologies, storm water, sustainable practices, emergency preparedness and planning for livable communities.

“APWA’s 2015 International Public Works Congress & Exposition will prepare attendees for the future of their communities, and bring forward new trends in public works. Congress participants will share their knowledge and experience in addressing both day to day challenges and long term issues that will help them provide critical services more cost-effectively throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said APWA President Brian Usher, PWLF, public works director of Largo, Fla.

APWA is also producing The Expo Experience, located on the expo floor. More than 400 exhibitors will be located on the floor of the expo, which also includes a Technology Pavilion, Sustainability Pavilion, Exhibitor Solutions Theater, There’s an App for That Theater, a New Product Showcase Booth and Big Ideas Theater. “The Congress Expo will allow conference participants to explore over 85,000 sq ft of exhibit space,” Usher said.

Keynote speakers include:

Aug. 30: Marcus Luttrell - As the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling book, Lone Survivor and Service: A Navy Seal at War, Luttrell will present the story of four Navy Seals who journeyed into the mountainous border of Afghanistan and Pakistan for Operation Redwing—a story that was made into the film Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg.

Sept. 1: Public Works Technology Panel - APWA’s 2015 Emerging Leaders Academy’s panel provides attendees with an exploration of new technologies that will change the way public works delivers and maintains infrastructure services and influences the lives and expectations of their communities.

U.S. Department of Transportation Team Leader Kate Hartman will present the way connected vehicles will change the way we travel, and A2 Technology Management, LLC President, Tom Schaffnit, will discuss the automobile manufacturers’ perspective regarding pre-competitive research projects with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the benefits of a coordinated nationwide deployment of connected vehicles Dedicated Short Range Communications technology.

Sept. 2: Diana Nyad - Long distance swimmer, sports journalist and broadcaster, Nyad recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida in September 2013. Nyad’s presentation will include her perspective about the pursuit of her Xtreme Dream, and her ultimate message about the heart and professionalism of her 35-member Xtreme Dream Team.

Sept. 3: Dan McNichol, PhD. – As an infrastructure advocate, best-selling author and an award-winning journalist, McNichol has published numerous books, articles, and though-leadership works, focusing on mega construction projects ongoing in the U.S. and around the world. With his firsthand experience, insights and illustrations, and humorous anecdotes, his presentation will have value for public works agencies and business organizations as they go forward.

Other Congress highlights include the Public Works Stormwater Summit that addresses both storm water resiliency and sustainable storm water management, the International Public Works Directors’ Roundtable, the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Envision Roundtable, the Self-Assessment Using the Public Works Practices Manual workshop, and several Wednesday Workshop/Tours that include; Behind the Scenes: NRG Energy Center Phoenix and Chase Field Tour, ASU Solar: The Largest Solar Portfolio of any university in the U.S., University of Phoenix Stadium – Home to the Super Bowl XLIX and Arizona Cardinals, Resource Innovation Campus Tour, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Sky Train System, and PHX Renews: Keep Phoenix Beautiful – 15 Acre Vacant Lot Initiative.

Details about sessions and speakers can be found on the APWA website. 

Source: American Public Works Assn.