
Second City – Second Chances: Stories of Rehabilitation, Modification, and Revitalization
April 8-11 -- Chicago Hilton
Conference Eligible for 1.25 CEUs or 12.5 PDHs
Workshops CEUs / PDHs Vary
Local Host:
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
Dams and levees continue to provide essential public benefits including flood control, water supply, renewable energy, recreation, navigation, and habitat and environmental enhancement. The need to maintain and improve our aging infrastructure has been well publicized, making it important to also share the great success stories of restoration and upgrades for dams and levees.
The “Second City” of Chicago is the site for the 2019 USSD Annual Conference. The conference theme echoes Chicago’s history of rebuilding and modernization to adapt to changing public needs. Rehabilitation, modification, and revitalization of dams and levees give new life to these existing structures through increased public safety and new or enhanced benefits. Papers and presentations addressing the conference theme and other technical topics remind ourselves and the greater community of the value of, and need for, dams and levees in society.
Technical session and workshop attendees eligible for PDHs as well as CEUs from Colorado State University.
Technical Committee Meetings
Interested in or curious about our technical committees? Then plan on arriving Monday to attend the Legacy Lecture Series and then attend any committee meeting of interest Monday or Tuesday afternoon. Technical committee meetings are open to any conference attendee and are a great opportunity to meet the committee chairs and other committee members. View committee meeting schedule
Legacy Lecture Series
Eligible for additional 0.35 CEUs or 3.5 PDHs
On Monday, April 8th, Dr. Donald Bruce, President of Geosystems, L.P. will be the speaker for this continuing series designed to provide an opportunity for esteemed professionals to discuss projects, people, thoughts, and paradigm shifts that led to their advancements. View description of Legacy Lecture here
Workshops
CEUs and PDHs vary
Several workshops developed by the USSD Technical Committees are scheduled for Thursday, April 11th and are included with your full conference registration
Field Tours
The $3.6-billion Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) Project in Chicago is a mega project, one of the largest civil engineering projects ever undertaken in terms of scope, cost and time frame.
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There will be two 1/2-day options on April 11th at an additional cost of $50.
View tour details here.
Conference Closing Party
The conference closing party will take place at The Crystal Gardens, an indoor 1-acre botanical garden at historic Navy Pier. Event ticket is included with all full conference and guest registration fees.
Exhibitor Booths Available
The Exhibit Hall promises to be a hub of excitement and activity in 2019. Almost 50% of booths were pre-sold in Miami, so don't miss out on your chance to be part of the action!
Already have your booth in Chicago? Download the Freeman Exhibitor Kit
Booths sell out every year; don't miss out on yours! Purchase here
Download the Exhibitor and Sponsorship Prospectus
Current Exhibitors
See a list of current Exhibitors as well as a map of the Exhibition Hall.
Conference Sponsorships Available
Expand your marketing efforts and increase your ROI by supporting USSD through an exclusive sponsorship. Join these companies that support USSD and the industry.
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Download the Exhibitor and Sponsorship Prospectus for detailed information.
5k FUNds Run
Run, walk, or be a virtual runner and sleep in. The 5th Annual 5k FUNds Run will take place in Grant Park on Wednesday, April 10th. Net proceeds benefit the USSD Scholarship Program. Registration is separate from the conference registration and will open on Nov. 14th. Race registration is $40 until March 27th; $50 after March 27th. Register and pay for the 5k FUNds Run separately. Register here
Become a Partner in Education Donor and support the USSD Scholarship Program! For $350, donors will get their logo on the 5k Race poster that will be displayed on the conference website, on the event mobile app, and at the conference. Partner in Education Donors also receive one free race registration.
Your STEM donation supports the Young Women’s Leadership Charter School (YWLCS) in Chicago, the site of the 2019 conference. The school has an enrollment of 150 students, of which 90% are on the free or reduced lunch program; 33% are special education students. The school is focused on STEM education and works to get all students ready and accepted to college. To learn more https://ywlcs.org
Hotel Information and Registration
The conference hotel is the Hilton Chicago with an additional room block at the nearby Congress Plaza Hotel. Room blocks are filling up quickly, so don't delay. Hotel information and reservation link
Information on Alternative Hotels near Chicago Hilton.
Information for Confirmed Authors/Presenters
Log in to your Catalyst Dashboard
Oral Presentation Guidelines
Poster Presentation Guidelines and Poster Template
Cancellation Policy
Conference attendee cancellations must be received by email in order to receive full refund (less cancellation fee) prior to March 15, 2019. No refunds after March 15th, however substitutions are permitted. Cancellations between January 1-March 14, 2019 without substitution will incur a $50 cancellation fee.
For More Information:
Conference Technical Planning Chair: Rachael Bisnett, rachael.bisnett@stantec.com
USSD Executive Director Sharon Powers: sharon@ussdams.org
USSD general or conference information: Tonia Bengtson, Member Services Coordinator: tonia@ussdams.org; 303-792-8753