The annual Environmental Connection conference and exhibition from the International Erosion Control Association Region One (IECA) is a long-running, well-known show, but it’s history isn’t stopping evolution. With Environmental Connection 2017, the organizers have modified the format, as well as have formed a strong program of keynote speakers, technical education, networking opportunities, and certification.
The conference will be held 21 – 24 February 2017 in Atlanta.
“IECA has revamped and energized the conference with more opportunities for attendees to connect with colleagues, gain specialized knowledge tailored to their industry and region, take valuable certification and CEU-eligible courses, and acquire valuable insight critical to their professional success,” the Association wrote in December 13 statement.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION 2017 HIGHLIGHTS
- Keynote Speakers
- Jim Cantore (Weather Channel) – The renowned meteorologist will discuss changes in weather patterns, predictions for the future, and how these changes will affect soils, stormwater management, and other environmental and infrastructure concerns. What can we do today to prepare for the weather changes over the next 50 years? Cantore will lend his insights.
- Craig Zeller, PE (US Environmental Protection Agency) – Zeller will share his experience as the EPA’s on-site coordinator for the clean-up and recovery efforts of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant environmental disaster of 2008 that spilled 5.4 million cubic yards of contaminated ash across 300 acres. He’ll discuss the US $1 billion+ cleanup, including highly successful BMP strategies that have restored the site for ecological and recreational use.
- Half- and Full-Day Pre-Conference Courses – In a first for IECA, half-day short courses will be offered alongside the traditional full-day courses on the day before the conference opens. See the full pre-conference schedule here.
- Full-Day Pre-Conference Field Tour – Visit Auburn University’s Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (Opelika, Alabama).
- Additional Field Tours (Included in Full Conference) – IECA offers additional field tours later in the week to the Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park Stadium and to green infrastructure sites around Atlanta.
- Industry Roundtables – IECA 2017 will include four industry roundtables facilitated by field experts who will encourage brainstorming and in-depth small group discussion. Topics:
- Stream Restoration and Protection for Watershed Sustainability
- BMP Inspection and Maintenance: Good for Business and Good for the Environment
- MS4 Collaboration
- Sediment Basins for Construction Stormwater – What Works Best?
- Fireside Chats – These informal panels will encourage conversation between moderators, panelists, and attendees. Topics:
- Implementation of Green Infrastructure
- LID International Expert Panel
- A Developer, a Lawyer, and a Regulator Walk into a Bar…. And Talk about Construction Stormwater
- Sustainable Soil Stewardship – Soil as a Living Resource and Not a Passive Pollutant.
- Construction Track – Another first for the Environmental Connection series: a construction-specific education track. Sessions will highlight the regulations, ideas, business information, and case studies.
- Regional Track – Top regional presenters will focus on the US Southeast with paper presentations, case studies, and workshops.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTION 2017 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
In partnership with various sponsors, IECA offers financial assistance for industry professionals (IECA membership is required) to attend the conference. Scholarship applicants must apply online by 1 January 2017. Recipients will be notified by January 8.
Learn more about the event and register at www.ieca.org/conference.
In social media, look for and use the hashtag #IECA2017.
