Close to 6,000 public works professionals from around the world are expected to gather in Phoenix during Aug. 30 – Sept. 2, for the American Public Works Association (APWA) 2015 International Public Works Congress & Exposition. The annual Congress, known as “The Best Show in Public Works,” is set to provide world-class 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, stormwater, 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 Elect, Brian Usher, PWLF, Public Works Director of Largo, FL.
APWA is also producing The Expo Experience, conveniently located on the Expo Floor, bringing more opportunities for attendees to learn and discover. Over 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 square feet of exhibit space,” Usher said.
Congress Headliners - Keynote Speakers:
- Aug. 30: Marcus Luttrell - As the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book, Lone Survivor and Service: A Navy Seal at War, Luttrell will present the harrowing story of four Navy Seals who journeyed into the mountainous border of Afghanistan and Pakistan for Operation Redwing – a story that was also made into the film Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg. Their mission was to gather intelligence on a Taliban leader with ties to Osama Bin Laden, but Luttrell and his team were ambushed by Taliban on a remote ridge, and fought valiantly despite being outnumbered. After all three friends died, and a rescue helicopter was shot down with all aboard lost, Luttrell, riddled with shrapnel and unable to stand, crawled through the mountains and was taken in by the Afghan villagers of Sabray, who risked their own lives to protect him. His survival and grace are woven into his account of courage and sacrifice in his life-affirming story.
- Sept. 1: Public Works Technology Panel - APWA’s 2015 Emerging Leaders Academy’s panel provides attendees with an exploration of new, cutting-edge technologies that will change the way public works delivers and maintains infrastructure services and influences the lives and expectations of their communities. Drones, unmanned cars, intelligent transportation systems and other new technologies will be presented that are on the verge of becoming mainstream in the workplace. 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 (DSRC) 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. She is the author of three books and is currently working on a new memoir.
- Sept. 3: Dan McNichol, PhD. – 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. His focus recently has been on the Departments of Public Works and their unsung heroics around patching America’s aging infrastructure systems with anemic levels of funding through the Low & Slow Across America’s Infrastructure Tour, a road trip through the U.S.’s public works in a 1949 Hudson Commodore, sponsored by APWA and the Engineering News Record (ENR). With his first-hand experience, insights and illustrations, and humorous anecdotes, his presentation will have impact and immediate, take-home value to reflect upon for public works agencies and business organizations as they go forward.
APWA International Congress Highlights:
Other Congress highlights include the Public Works Stormwater Summit that addresses both stormwater resiliency and sustainable stormwater 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.
