PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Why Are DFI Events and Conferences So Good? A s I canvass DFI members about what DFI means to them and what they value, I am continuously informed that our conferences (Annual Conference on Deep Foundations, SuperPile and S3) are industry-leading events in terms of quality, content and networking opportunities. I listen closely to why these features have meaning and value to each individual. For some it is the social events, activities and contests that are crafted to stimulate new introductions, or in-person access to committee chairs and board of trustee members. Others mention how DFI mentors students and young members by identifying them and fostering their inclusion in conversations. To many it is the deliberate mixing of members in the exhibit areas, the exposure and the conversations generated there. I am delighted to hear that so many find the DFI technical sessions rich in content with applied theory, practical innovation and case histories that allow appropriate time for a full presentation of the authors’ work — this is what I find most valuable and interesting. Our events have enjoyed sustained and strong growth over the years, with con- secutive record attendance. SuperPile is now as well attended as our fall Annual Conference was only a few years ago. The high quality and increasing attendance of DFI events is no accident. Our staff and guiding members apply great, proven geotechnical theory to generate such results: the Terzaghi and Peck Observational Method! Through the application of the Observational Method, our events are designed for success, observed, tested, measured and improved. Our staff and board canvass and listen to our members and attendees, critically evaluate past events and performance, attend competing and sister organization events, brainstorm innovations, and chase any possible improvements that may benefit our members’ event experiences. We don’t always get it right, but the batting average is high. We constantly perform SWOT analyses, review surveys, ask key attendees what worked well and more. Recent inno- vations include having Manu- facturer, Supplier and Service Provider (MSSP) technical and business sessions, improving and evolving the conference app, using higher-profile Hal Hunt lecturers, hosting 5k fundraisers, offering a SuperPile is now as well attended as our fall Annual Conference was only a few years ago. faster and smoother registration process, and live broadcasting of Legends and keynote speaker sessions. Soon to come are interactive conference apps that allow access to authors and session chairs, richer and more interactive conference webpages on the DFI website, further simplified and accelerated registration, online conference access packages for those who cannot attend in person, and continued high- quality multimedia presentations. As DFI continues to evolve, we look for new, more creative and effective ways to provide networking opportunities, and to attract and involve junior members and students. To do so we need to continue to hear from you, our members. Ideas can come from your successful corporate initiatives, perhaps a spouse’s conference where you attended as a companion or from a colleague’s experience. So, what will our events become as we constantly strive for a more rewarding attendee experience? [email protected] Matthew Janes, M.B.A., P.Eng. President We foresee a more diverse content delivery experience where conflicting parallel session content will be available via video, increased online access will occur for remote attendees, and improved session referencing and search- ability will be available that includes links to existing, related DFI content. The rich content in existing DFI publications is underutilised and often missed by members seeking additional, high-quality, relevant resources. DFI can do a much better job of getting our content into our members’ hands and the hands of nonmember industry professionals. The more nonmembers find and experience our content, the more new members will join DFI, attend events, discover our members’ valuable services, and share their own ideas and innovations. What will a DFI conference experience be like in 5 or 10 years? Will it be virtual? Will in-person conferences exist? As we ask these questions, I am reminded of an in- depth analysis that Boeing performed on its business model: Was it a strong model? Will people still fly in the future? With the high costs of fuel, infrastructure, plants and equipment, and the carbon footprint … Their conclusion was that f l ight , essentially, makes little sense … However, they also concluded that that business model was as strong as ever based upon one simple premise: People find great value in getting together. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity” As we strive to improve, remember: — Albert Einstein DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2020 • 7
