This year’s American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) National Convention was held in New Orleans, Louisiana in early October and was attended by two ASCE New Hampshire board members; TFMoran’s Senior Project Manager Nicholas Golon, PE – ASCE-NH Treasurer and Anabelle Allen, EIT – ASCE-NH Vice President. In the week leading up to the convention there was concern the convention may be canceled with hurricane Nate heading straight towards the Big Easy. Thankfully, the storm weakened just in time for the main days of the convention with only needing to cancel a few tours and talks. The rest of the week went off without a hitch!

For those whose travel plans were not altered by Nate, attendees of the convention were welcomed with an invigorating talk from Marci Rossell, Ph.D., who takes complex economic issues, often dull in the button-down business press, and makes them relevant to people’s lives, families, and careers. Her opening remarks set the stage for a fantastic few days of compelling short courses and thought-provoking sessions with impressive technical knowledge and expertise. Many of the sessions were centered around the recovery of New Orleans post-Katrina, which was a timely topic seeing as the city had just dodged what could have been another devastating storm.

Following the first day of a jam-packed program was a Mardi Gras themed Welcome Reception where Nick and Anabelle networked with other ASCE board members from surrounding states and chapters, sharing tips, stories, and event ideas for future ASCE get togethers!  They even found the time to pose for a few pictures with conference dignitaries.

The program on Tuesday included a talk on the Structural Innovation of designing and constructing the new NFL Stadium in Atlanta, GA. This stuck out as a favorite among many attendees only to be topped by Michael Howell and his talk on Engineering Failures. His non-typical session talked about the fundamental concept we sometimes forget…. Although engineers, we’re still human and we all make mistakes!

Wednesday wrapped up the convention with an amazing closing luncheon where all attendees soaked in the valuable insights from motivational speaker and career guru, Kaplan Mobray who spoke on how to transition your personal brand into something that reflects the true you.

“In any room, bring value to the table. If you’re not bringing value, you’re just taking up space and someone else wants your seat.” – Kaplan Mobray.

The convention was packed from beginning to end with the latest information, innovations, and technologies in the field of Civil Engineering.  Although the convention kept Nick and Anabelle plenty busy, they did manage to venture out and take in some of the sights and sounds NOLA had to offer, including a zydeco band at one of the City’s most notable restaurants, Mulate’s.

As well as some fine dining at Mother’s Restaurant, who have been serving up po’boys and down-home Southern fare since 1938.

Thank you to Nick and Anabelle for representing our State well, in attending the ASCE National Convention, and thank you to ASCE National and NOLA for putting on a fantastic event!