Civil engineers celebrate the past while reaching for the future at annual ASCE conference in Las Vegas

RESTON, VA. — The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will hold their 140th Annual Civil Engineering Conference in Las Vegas from Oct. 21–23. With a theme of Today’s Civil Engineers: Innovating a Dynamic Future, the conference’s goal is to help guide civil engineers as they face the challenges of the future.

The conference will include many sessions on a broad range of topics, including career management, sustainability and infrastructure, leadership, and the future of civil engineers in society during the next two decades. Pre- and post-conference workshops and sessions will feature topics such as alternative delivery methods and project management, as well as sessions for international members and younger engineers. And, during ASCE’s Annual Business Meeting, Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., the Society’s 2010-2011 president, will make her inaugural address.

This year’s conference will also include a symposium recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Hoover Dam. Starting Oct. 20, the three-day event will include a welcome reception for participants, presentations, and tours. The presentations will look at various aspects including seismic evaluation of the Hoover Dam power plant and the long-term properties of Hoover Dam mass concrete.

The conference will also include an Industry Leaders Forum on sustainability, an International Roundtable, several technical tours, and two keynote speeches.

Andrew Winston, best-selling author and founder of Winston Eco-Strategies, will speak at the opening plenary session. He will discuss how “going green” can drive innovation, create value, and build stronger relationships.

At the closing general session luncheon, John Foley, former lead solo pilot for the Blue Angels, will discuss his experiences and lessons learned about team building, elements of trust and accountability, and extreme precision in reaching goals and objectives.

For the eighth year in a row, ASCE will sponsor a community service event as a part of the annual meeting. This year, attendees can join the Boy Scouts of America to mend some fences and make other repairs at the Spring Mountain Ranch. The ranch, located within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, is host to numerous historic sites.

For a complete conference agenda, visit www.asceannualconference.org.