ASCE 139th Annual Civil Engineering Conference

News From the Conference Chair

Welcome to Kansas City!

On behalf of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Kansas City Section, and the Conference Organizing Committee, welcome to ASCE's 139th Annual Civil Engineering Conference.

The 2009 program: "From Builders to Integrators - Civil Engineers Leading the Way" will help to define the new kind of Civil Engineer, necessary to revitalize our infrastructure, promote economic development, and address population growth and human needs. The meeting opens on Thursday morning, October 29, with a keynote address by the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Vice President, Erik Peterson.  Mr. Peterson's presentation will help you meet our industry’s new challenges and work productively to promote forward thinking in order to enact real, positive change. And for more details on what your peers and leaders in the industry are doing to address current concerns be sure to attend the Industry Leaders Forum, Friday morning, October 30.

The Program Committee is preparing exciting sessions to define the Civil Engineers future role and advance your career. These sessions will incorporate the following themes:

  • Best Practices
  • Current Issues
  • Hands-on Experiences
  • Student and Younger Member Programs

We are also planning ample opportunities for you to meet and interact with your peers. Join us Friday evening for great food, new friends and a hauntingly good time at the ASCE Theme Party - Halloween Fun. Then get ready for Saturday's Closing General Session Breakfast with Political Humorist, Ben Stein, as he delivers advice with his unique sense of humor, while telling you what you need to know.

Additional events and programs before and after the Annual Conference include Student and Younger Member activities, and Short Courses on Negotiating Better Engineering Contracts, Communication, and Learning to Lead.  Technical tours include a visit to the construction site at the Truman Sports Complex, home of Kansas City's Chiefs and Royals, a cable stay road bridge, the expansion of a water treatment plant, and a special behind-the-scenes look at the challenges engineers faced with the National World War I Museum. 

Guests have the option of visiting Boulevard Brewery - the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest; the National World War I Museum, Crown Center & Hallmark, & Union Station; Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kemper Museum, & Country Club Plaza; learning the history of the Steamboat Arabia; and excellent shopping opportunities at the Kansas City Power and Lights District. 

Make plans to visit Kansas City and enjoy its cultural attractions, museums, outstanding Barbeque, and jazz music as you take steps to lead our industry into the future.

Sincerely,

 
Glen

Glenn E. Schirmer, P.E., F.ASCE

2009 Annual Conference Chair

Homer L. Chastain & Associates, LLP

craig

Craig A. Buhr, P.E., M.ASCE

2009 Annual Conference Co-Chair

Burns & McDonnell

 

 

 

 

ASCE