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2024 Virginia Engineers Conference (VEC) Sessions

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3/12 Breakfast with Exhibitors

3/12/24 7:00-8:00 AM

Speakers
  • ACEC Life/Health Trust
  • Anderson UnderBridge
  • Cardinal Education / SVHEC
  • CJ Geo
Summary
Thank you to our Tuesday Breakfast Sponsors AMT and Jacobs!

Not Attending Breakfast with Exhibitors

3/12/24 7:00-8:00 AM

Professional Track - Inclusive Recruitment & Retention Strategies

3/12/24 8:00-9:30 AM

Speakers
  • Jacquie Johnson - Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
Summary
Creating an inclusive workplace culture goes beyond having a non-discrimination policy and one or two employees who reflect different identities. In this workshop, participants consider how to cultivate workplace climates that support recruitment and retention of employees from all backgrounds to feel a sense of belonging and to thrive. • Explore the value of diversity beyond the business case • Gain knowledge about why recruiting and retaining staff diversity is an integral part of team and organizational success • Identify the strengths and challenges of current recruitment and retention strategies

Vertical Track - Mass Timber Pt. 1

3/12/24 8:00-9:30 AM

Speakers
  • Kevin Hopkins, RA - Austin Brockenbrough & Associates
  • Mike Matthews, PE - The Structures Group
  • Rick Hinson, PE - ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC
Summary
Understand the concepts of Mass Wood or Mass Timber by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code Understand the nomenclature and characteristics of new construction types Understand the plan reviews and what should be evaluated at Plan Review, i.e. what should the designer provide to plan reviewers Understand the inspections, i.e. what the builder should provide to code and special inspectors

Environmental Track- Resilient Norfolk and a Progress Report on the Coastal Resiliency Project

3/12/24 8:00-9:30 AM

Speakers
  • Jonathan Mulligan - Moffatt & Nichol
  • Matthew Simons - City of Norfolk
  • Noelle Crowley - AECOM
Summary
Attendees will gain a more detailed understanding of environmental features of the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management (NCSRM) Project, including the evolution of the approach to water quality, wetlands and nature-based features inclusion.

Transportation Track- HRBT and James River Bridge Steel Cable Replacement

3/12/24 8:00-9:30 AM

Speakers
  • Allison Richter - VDOT
  • Brooke Grow - VDOT
  • Pete Reilly - VDOT
  • Ryan Banas - VDOT
  • Shannon Ternes - VDOT
  • William Eshbaugh - VDOT
Summary
HRBT- Attendees can anticipate learning about the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project. It is currently the largest highway construction project in Virginia’s history, and this transformative undertaking will widen the current four-lane segments along nearly ten miles of the I-64 corridor between Norfolk and Hampton. Highlighted by the use of the 2nd largest tunnel boring machine (TBM) in North American history, Mary the TBM is building twin, new two-lane tunnels across the harbor increasing capacity to 8 lanes, 4 in each direction. At $3.9B, the HRBT Expansion is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. James River Bridge Steel Cable Replacement- This presentation will help attendees understand the critical need for wire rope replacement, optimization of project schedule, communication strategies, and lessons learned during the construction phase, as well as a briefing on VDOT’s Special Structures program.

Not Attending 8:00-9:30 AM Session

3/12/24 8:00-9:30 AM

Professional Track- Harnessing Online Engineering Education for Workforce Development Efforts

3/12/24 10:00-11:30 AM

Speakers
  • Alicia Johnson - VT
  • Amy Cole - SVHEC
  • Bob Bailey - Cardinal Education
  • Jennifer Mauller - UVA
Summary
Opportunity to engage in an interactive session that will allow a two way sharing of information on the educational and professional development needs and resources for Virginia’s engineering community. • Panel discussion on the online engineering resources available from Virginia universities • Interactive exchange of information on online educational needs and options • Features and benefits of online engineering education options available in Virginia • Advantages and disadvantages of online engineering education Panel Discussion will include: Amy Cole, Director of Student and Partner Advancement – SVHEC, Jennifer Mauller – University of Virginia and Alicia Johnson – Virginia Tech

Vertical Track- Mass Timber Pt. 2

3/12/24 10:00-11:30 AM

Speakers
  • Kevin Hopkins - Austin Brockenbrough & Associates
  • Mike Matthews - The Structures Group
  • Rick Hinson - ECS Mid-Atlantic
Summary
Understand the concepts of Mass Wood or Mass Timber by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code Understand the nomenclature and characteristics of new construction types Understand the plan reviews and what should be evaluated at Plan Review, i.e. what should the designer provide to plan reviewers. Understand the inspections, i.e. what the builder should provide to code and special inspectors

Environmental Track - Virginia Stormwater Handbook

3/12/24 10:00-11:30 AM

Speakers
  • Meghan Mayfield - Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
  • Rebeccah Rochet, PE - Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Transportation Track- VDOTS Traffic Operations Strategic Plan and Using Connectivity and Automation to Improve Operations

3/12/24 10:00-11:30 AM

Speakers
  • Kirsten Tynch - VHB
  • Mena Lockwood - VDOT
  • Michael Fontaine - VDOT

Not Attending 10:00-11:30 AM Session

3/12/24 10:00-11:30 AM

Lunch Keynote (3/12)

3/12/24 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Speakers
  • Chip Votava, PE - Kimley-Horn
  • Laura Kirkwood, PE - HRSD
Summary
Chip and Laura will discuss the Chesapeake-Elizabeth Interceptor Diversion Improvements Program project on how this team worked through a program to close the Chesapeake-Elizabeth wastewater treatment plant, a plant capable of treating 24 Million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater.  We will discuss the initial system concept, how the project was refined from a general concept to a specific actionable project, how we worked with and defined critical path project elements, and how we used scheduling needs to identify project delivery methods to construct all aspects of the project. Thank you to our Lunch Keynote Sponsor, Anderson UnderBridge.

Not Attending Keynote Lunch (3/12)

3/12/24 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Professional Track - Enhancing Communication

3/12/24 1:00-2:30 PM

Speakers
  • Danielle Kennedy - Kadima Leadership
Summary
Master the art of effective communication: learn to adapt, ask, and convey with clarity! Join us to unlock the keys to connecting deeply and succeeding in every interaction. Participants will: -Engage in interactive discussions about personal communication preferences and strategies for adaptability. -Recognize the value of asking questions to foster understanding and build rapport in communication. -Explore practical techniques for clear and concise message delivery to enhance comprehension and retention. -Practice adapting communication styles based on the individual they are interaction with. -Develop skills to tailor communication approaches to diverse audiences and contexts.

Vertical Track - Friend or Foe – The role of Commissioning in HVAC

3/12/24 1:00-2:30 PM

Speakers
  • Joey Dunleavey - Thompson Consulting Engineers
Summary
We will discuss the importance of Commissioning and how to sell Building Owners on the additional expense. We will also discuss the upcoming legal requirements for Commissioning on public works and LEED benefits for Fundamental and Enhanced Commissioning. Our session will cover framing a Commissioning Specification for a 3rd party Commissioning Agent and typical points of friction between the Commissioning Team.

Environmental Track- Virginia State Trails Plan

3/12/24 1:00-2:30 PM

Speakers
  • Torsha Bhattacharya - VDOT
Summary
The attendees will learn about different public outreach efforts undertaken by the State Trails Office, the lessons learned during the public outreach process, and best practices for cost estimation for multiuse trails. The attendees will also learn about scenario and thematic mapping efforts for multiuse trail networks across the state and how to incorporate technical expertise and local knowledge to build trail networks that are context specific and reflect the needs of the community.

Transportation Track- Sustainable and Resilient Transportation

3/12/24 1:00-2:30 PM

Speakers
  • Chris Berg - VDOT
Summary
Learn what steps the Virginia Department of Transportation and its partners are taking to address emerging environmental challenges and provide a more sustainable transportation system. We will discuss research, planning, outreach, and project implementation efforts across VDOT’s Decarbonization, Land Stewardship, and Resilience Programs, and explore how VDOT is leveraging new federal funding to support these efforts.

Not Attending 1:00-2:30 PM Session

3/12/24 1:00-2:30 PM

Professional Track- Pathway to Management

3/12/24 3:00-4:30 PM

Speakers
  • Justin Hunt - Burgess & Niple
  • Mike Matthews - PSMJ Resources
Summary
Learn important keys to advancing your career. This session will focus on culture, leadership styles, and what managers look for in up-and-coming professionals. Organizational cultures will cover various aspects of what makes up a culture and how it can be measured. Leadership styles will include a review of the components of Servant Leadership and Authentic Leadership, with and an overview of other leadership styles. Lastly, what managers look for in the next generation of leaders will be discussed.

Vertical Track- AEC Code Forum with Southeast VA Code Representatives

3/12/24 3:00-4:30 PM

Speakers
  • Kenny Hackworth - City of Newport News
  • Lee Ostheller - City of Chesapeake
  • Rick Hinson - ECS Mid-Atlantic
  • Scott Steen - City of Virginia Beach
  • Tom Coghill - James City County
Summary
This session will provide a two-way moderated conversation between code officials and designers. The topics will be pulled from the participants around code compliance in the process of design, permitting and construction. The forum is intended to provide a two way conversation between designers and code officials. The objective is: • Identify where Designers can facilitate the permitting process • Identify common code design issues • Identify upcoming issues from the code changes adopted in 2024 • Identify design and construction issues at the forefront of the design community Kenny Hackworth- City of Newport News, Lee Ostheller- City of Chesapeake, Tom Coghill- James City County, Scott Steen- City of Virginia Beach AEC is a joint venture of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia, the American Institute of Architects, and the Associated General Contractors to educate and promote best practices of the design and construction industry.

Environmental Track: Environmental Compliance for Construction Projects and Environmental Regulatory Updates and Initiatives for Permitting Constru

3/12/24 3:00-4:30 PM

Speakers
  • Larry Newman - AMT
  • Ricky Woody - Stantec
Summary
Raise Awareness on the Water Quality Permitting changes in Virginia: • Waters of the United States/State Surface Waters • United States Corps of Engineers • Virginia Marine Resources Commission • Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Transportation Track- VDOT Structure & Bridges

3/12/24 3:00-4:30 PM

Speakers
  • Bruce Shepard - VDOT
  • Kevin O'Neill - VDOT
  • Manjil Devkota - VDOT
  • Todd Springer - VDOT
Summary
Bridge focused. Overview of funding sources and distribution. VDOTs performance as a state against state and federal metrics. On-going research and implementation projects.

Not Attending 3:00-4:30 PM Session

3/12/24 3:00-4:30 PM

Welcome Reception with Exhibitors

3/12/2024 4:30-6:00 PM

Speakers
  • ACEC Life/Health Trust
  • Anderson UnderBridge
  • Cardinal Education / SVHEC
  • CJ Geo

Not Attending Welcome Reception with Exhibitors

3/12/2024 4:30-6:00 PM

Keynote Breakfast

3/13/24 7:30-8:30 AM

Speakers
  • Chad Willett
Summary
Thank you to our Breakfast Keynote Sponsor, Merrick. “Smash the Box” at the workplace by transforming your work environment into a culture of innovation. Groups that “Smash the Box” generate game changing ideas and execute on them which gives them an advantage over their competition. Is your team ready to take thinking outside the box to the next level?

Not Attending Keynote Breakfast (3/13)

3/13/24 7:30-8:30 AM

Business Development Track- Better Experiences by Design: Building Brand, Employee, and Client Experiences that Drive Growth

3/13/24 8:30-10:00 AM

Speakers
  • Susan Quinn - circle S studio
Summary
Attendees will gain practical tips for empowering their engineering firms’ branding and marketing efforts that will help them attract and retain talent, build long-lasting relationships with clients, and thrive in a competitive landscape. Your brand is more than your logo and marketing materials — it’s the culmination of the entire experience people have with your company. How does your firm measure against industry leaders? In this session, participants will learn the nine traits of top performing companies and the impact that aligning brand, employee, and client experiences will have on your ability to stand out in the marketplace.

Technology Track- How is Generative AI Disrupting and Transforming Workplace Tasks Across Industries

3/13/24 8:30-10:00 AM

Speakers
  • Anupam Sharma - Dewberry
Summary
“AI is no longer a science-fiction movie concept.” Generative AI applications such as ChatGPT, GitHub, M365 Copilot, Stable Diffusion, etc., are poised to unleash the next wave of productivity. Research firm McKinsey predicts that GenAI will deliver total value from $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in economic benefits annually when applied across industries. This will eventually increase annual global GDP by 7% over ten years, driven by significant labor savings, new job creation, and higher productivity for non-displaced workers. According to the Global Economics Analyst Report - Goldman Sachs, Generative AI is set to affect 300 million jobs across significant economies worldwide. In the US, this should apply to 63 percent of the workforce. About 7 percent of US workers are in jobs where at least half of their tasks could be done by generative AI and are vulnerable to replacement. A further 30 percent working in physical or outdoor jobs would be unaffected, although their work might be susceptible to other forms of automation.

Technical Track: Navigating the Path to Carbon Neutrality: Exploring Hydronics for Decarbonization, Design Strategies, Budget Assessments, and Future Milestones - Pt. 1

3/13/24 8:30-10:00 AM

Speakers
  • Mark Atkinson - Wiley|Wilson
  • Tyler Morris - Wiley|Wilson

Not Attending 8:30-10:00 AM Session

3/13/24 8:30-10:00 AM

Business Development Track- Client Experience Management (CXM): A Framework to Fuel Growth & Accelerate Client Loyalty

3/13/24 10:15-11:45 AM

Speakers
  • Tim Asimos - ClientSavvy
Summary
Creating an unrivalled client experience (CX) is the key to creating meaningful differentiation and long-term competitive advantage. But a remarkable client experience isn’t simply the result of delivering clients sound engineering solutions or projects on-time and on-budget. Actually, it’s often in the details. Experience can’t just be an aspiration, it needs to be intentionally designed with every aspect of the client journey in mind. This session aims to help attendees understand how to design a standout customer experience for their firm that can turn your client base into a growth engine. You’ll gain actionable insights into how to delight clients and drive growth, with simple and practical ways to give them the engagement they crave and the experience they deserve.

Technology Track- Cyber Security - How to Protect Your Firm

3/13/24 10:15-11:45 AM

Speakers
  • Sam Panicker - Network Technologies + Support

Technical Track - Navigating the Path to Carbon Neutrality: Exploring Hydronics for Decarbonization, Design Strategies, Budget Assessments, and Future Milestones - Pt. 2

3/13/24 10:15-11:45 AM

Speakers
  • Tyler Berry - TLA Inc. / ASHRAE Region III – YEA RVC
Summary
Unlocking a Sustainable Future: Discover the Power of Decarbonization through Hydronics and Heat Pump Technology! Learn how to maximize your impact by leveraging proper design strategies and IRA funding for sustainability focused projects. Join us in revolutionizing heating systems for a cleaner, greener tomorrow! • Understanding the importance of retro-commissioning and energy analysis of existing buildings • Understanding the importance and implementation of load-profile analysis with heat recovery • Understanding of compressor maps and requirements for high-lift with different refrigerants • Understanding how to apply different forms of heat pump technology. • Understanding hybrid systems and leveraging cost control with IRA and coordination with contractors

Not Attending 10:15-11:45 AM Session

3/13/24 10:15-11:45 AM

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