Annual Conference Features High-Profile Keynotes, New Educational Formats
DENVER – DEC. 13, 2016 – The International Erosion Control Association Region One (IECA) will present its Annual Conference Environmental Connection 2017, the premier educational event for the erosion and sediment control and stormwater industry, February 21-24, 2017 in Atlanta. Environmental Connection is a one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity that combines can’t-miss keynote speakers, intense topic and regionally focused educational courses, certification and CEU opportunities, and the industry’s largest and most innovative expo.
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. A few highlights of what’s new at Environmental Connection 2017 include:
- Can’t Miss Keynote Speakers – Joining Environmental Connection 2017 as opening keynote speaker is Jim Cantore, world renowned meteorologist with the Weather Channel, who will discuss changes in weather patterns, predictions for the future and how these changes will affect the industry. The first-ever closing keynote speaker is Craig Zeller, PE, Senior Regional Project Manager with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who will provide a look into 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 in 2008.
- Pre-Conference – For the first time, IECA is offering half-day courses in addition to full-day training and a full slate of educational courses valid for Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in its pre-conference program. Additionally, IECA is offering a full-day pre-conference field tour to the Auburn University Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility in Opelika, Alabama. IECA offers additional field tours later in the week to the Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park Stadium and to green infrastructure sites around Atlanta as part of the full conference.
- Industry Roundtables– Environmental Connection will offer four industry roundtables facilitated by engaging industry experts who will encourage brainstorming and in-depth small group discussion. Roundtable topics include: Stream Restoration and Protection for Watershed Sustainability; BMP Inspection and Maintenance: Good for Business and Good for the Environment; MS4 Collaboration; and, Sediment Basins for Construction Stormwater – What Works Best?
- Fireside Chats– The conference offers four fireside chats – informal panels, which encourage conversation between the moderator, panelists, and attendees – providing attendees an opportunity for insightful conversation from the panelists and plenty of audience Topics include: Implementation of Green Infrastructure; LID International Expert Panel; A Developer, a Lawyer, and a Regulator Walk into a Bar…. And Talk about Construction Stormwater; and, Sustainable Soil Stewardship – Soil as a Living Resource and Not a Passive Pollutant.
- Construction Track– Environmental Connection features its first-ever construction-specific education track to highlight the latest regulations, ideas, business information, and case studies for those in the construction business.
- Regional Track– The conference regional track will highlight the top regional presenters and take a look at the Southeast region through papers, case studies, and workshops.
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 Jan. 1, 2017, and recipients will be notified by Jan. 8.
To learn more about the conference and to register, visit www.ieca.org/conference. Connect with conference attendees on social media with the hashtag #IECA2017.
About IECA
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is the world’s oldest and largest non-profit, membership organization that provides education, resource information and business opportunities for professionals who specialize in natural resource protection. To sustain its mission, IECA hosts an annual conference for industry professionals, which includes continuing education on the latest technologies and findings, and the industry’s largest exhibit of related materials, products and equipment. For more information about IECA, please visit www.ieca.org.
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