Close to 6,000 public works professionals from around the world will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, Aug. 30 through Sept. 2 for the 2015 International Public Works Congress & Exposition. In addition to networking and education sessions, a number of speakers will headline this year's expo.

Sunday, Aug. 30 — Marcus Luttrell, author
As the author of the No. 1 New York Times' best-selling book, Lone Survivor and Service: A Navy Seal at War, Luttrell will present the story of four Navy Seals who journeyed into the mountainous border of Afghanistan and Pakistan for Operation Redwing — a story that was also made into the film Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg.

Monday, Sept. 1 — Public Works Technology Panel
APWA’s 2015 Emerging Leaders Academy’s panel provides attendees with an exploration of new, cutting-edge technologies that will change the way public works delivers and maintains infrastructure services and influences the lives and expectations of their communities. Drones, unmanned cars, intelligent transportation systems and other new technologies will be presented that are on the verge of becoming mainstream in the workplace.

U.S. Department of Transportation Team Leader, Kate Hartman, will present the way connected vehicles will change the way we travel, and A2 Technology Management LLC President, Tom Schaffnit, will discuss the automobile manufacturers’ perspective regarding precompetitive research projects with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the benefits of a coordinated nationwide deployment of connected vehicles with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 — Diana Nyad, athlete/sports journalist/broadcaster
Nyad recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida in September 2013. Nyad’s presentation will include her perspective about the pursuit of her Xtreme Dream, and her ultimate message about the heart and professionalism of her 35-member Xtreme Dream Team. She is the author of three books and is currently working on a new memoir.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 — Dan McNichol, Ph.D., author/journalist
As an infrastructure advocate, best-selling author and an award-winning journalist, McNichol has published numerous books, articles and thought-leadership works, focusing on mega construction projects ongoing in the U.S. and around the world. His focus recently has been on the Departments of Public Works and their unsung heroics around patching America’s aging infrastructure systems with anemic levels of funding through the Low & Slow Across America’s Infrastructure Tour, a road trip through the U.S.’s public works in a 1949 Hudson Commodore, sponsored by APWA and the Engineering News Record (ENR). With his first-hand experience, insights and illustrations, and humorous anecdotes, his presentation will have impact and immediate take-home value to reflect upon for public works agencies and business organizations as they go forward.

To register, or to find more details about sessions and speakers, visit the APWA website at: www.apwa.net.

Other Highlights
Other Congress highlights include the Public Works Stormwater Summit that addresses both stormwater resiliency and sustainable stormwater management, the International Public Works Directors’ Roundtable, the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Envision Roundtable, the Self-Assessment Using the Public Works Practices Manual workshop, and several Wednesday Workshop/Tours that include: Behind the Scenes: NRG Energy Center Phoenix and Chase Field Tour; ASU Solar: The Largest Solar Portfolio of any University in the U.S.; University of Phoenix Stadium – Home to the Super Bowl XLIX and Arizona Cardinals; Resource Innovation Campus Tour; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Sky Train System; and PHX Renews: Keep Phoenix Beautiful – 15 Acre Vacant Lot Initiative.

“APWA’s 2015 International Public Works Congress & Exposition will prepare attendees for the future of their communities and bring forward new trends in public works," says APWA President Brian Usher, who also serves as the public works director in Largo, Florida. "Congress participants will share their knowledge and experience in addressing both day-to-day challenges and long-term issues that will help them provide critical services more cost-effectively throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

APWA is also producing The Expo Experience, bringing more opportunities for attendees to learn and discover. Over 400 exhibitors will be located on the floor of the expo, which also includes a Technology Pavilion, Sustainability Pavilion, Exhibitor Solutions Theater, There’s an App for That Theater, a New Product Showcase Booth and Big Ideas Theater. “The Congress Expo will allow conference participants to explore over 85,000 square feet of exhibit space,” Usher says.

About APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 28,500 members involved in the field of public works. Originally chartered in 1937, APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. With 63 chapters throughout North America, APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and has an office in Washington, D.C.