4. Learn about future innovations and initiatives in safety; the digital environment; equipment, robotics and drones; workforce and work place practices; design and construction to meet the demands of 21 century infrastructure. efficiency for urban construction and redevelopment; and tools st 5. Explore the Exhibit Hall featuring specialty services of 140+ companies. 6. Attend one or more of DFI’s technical committee meetings and become involved in projects that promote safety, quality, durability and sustain-ability in the geotechnical and deep foundation industry. 7. Make the most of your time in Chicago. Attend DFI’s Annual Conference and enjoy the Windy City! Student Activities Program Plans are also in progress for an exciting Student Activities Program, led by May El Khattab, P.E., ENV SP. The Student Activities Committee is exploring opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to network and socialize with industry profes- sionals and attend technical presentations at the conference. The program will feature a career fair, a tour of Chicago’s notable engi- neering and architectural sites, and more. WiDF Professional Development Grants Each year, the DFI Educational Trust and the DFI Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Committee provide professional development grant opportunities to women involved in the design and construction of deep foundations. Five grants, each of $1,750, plus a free full registration to the Annual Conference will be awarded. The grants must be used to cover lodging, meals, travel and other related expenses for the recipients’ attendance at the DFI Annual Conference. The recipients will be featured in Deep Foundations and be recognized during the WiDF Committee’s Networking Reception and the Awards Banquet. The application deadline is May 15. Visit www.dfi.org/trust/programs.asp?widf. th The WiDF Committee’s 5 Annual Networking Reception, which is a fundraiser for the WiDF Fund, is on Tuesday, October 15, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. To sponsor the event or donate to the fund, visit www.dfi.org/Annual2019 , enter the conference website, and navigate to the ‘Special Events and Awards’ tab. 5K Run/Walk All runners and walkers are invited to join the DFI Educational Trust 5K Fun Run & Walk on Wednesday, October 16. The race begins at 7:00 a.m., at Maggie Daily Park and Lake Front Path. Proceeds from the race raise funds to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in the deep foundations engineering and construction industry. The online registration fee is $35 and on-site entrance fee is $45. All partici- pants receive a custom race shirt and an “on-the-run” breakfast. www.dfi.org/Annual2019 Enhance Your Company’s Visibility There are large and small sponsorship opportunities available. In addition to sponsorship packages, DFI is offering à la carte options for more specific opportunities and all budget ranges. Join the confirmed sponsors and support the conference and DFI. In addition, the Exhibit Hall is expected to feature over 140 companies. If you haven’t reserved a booth yet, don’t hesitate, as spaces are selling fast. New this year, exhibitors can elect to participate in a mobile app photo scavenger hunt, Click, where participants are challenged to perform various tasks or answer questions pertaining to your company. Exhibitors can also choose to run a half-page ad, at a reduced price, in the Conference Program that will be viewed by over 1,000 attendees. To learn more about these oppor tuni t ies , vi s i t www.dfi.org/Annual2019, enter the Registration site and navigate to the ‘Sponsor’ tab. Looking Forward 45 DFI Annual Conference on Deep Foundations October 13-16, 2020 National Harbor, Maryland th 42 • DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2019 New!