EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE Embracing Technology to Connect, Communicate and Collaborate A t DFI, we are always looking for ways to provide added value to our members and the industry. As advances in technology continue to create new outlets for professional education, and as DFI explores those avenues, we encourage you to let us know the type of information you find most valuable, and the ways in which you’d like to access such information. Instructional videos, courses via webi- nar, virtual participation in panel dis- cussions, the ability to ask a fellow member a question on a social media platform, collaborative online workspaces for committees and long-distance presentation opportunities are just some of the ways DFI is embracing technological advances and expanding its educational offerings. Did you know that DFI has a YouTube channel? There, you can find the first video, Static Load Testing of Deep Foundation Elements, produced by members of the DFI Testing and Evaluation Technical Com- mittee, in addition to recorded panel discussions. We are working on enlarging our video library and will soon be posting the recorded 2018 Osterberg and Gerwick lectures presented during IFCEE 2018. Do you belong to DFI’s LinkedIn Group or one of the committee subgroups? LinkedIn is a great place to ask questions and gather opinions from other group members. You can also post information on one of your interesting and challenging projects, not only to showcase you and your company’s abilities but also to share your knowledge and lessons learned with your fellow members; just as you would as a conference presenter or author of a paper. It’s a quick way to get feedback and to expand your network of contacts. Do you follow DFI on Face- book? If not, Like Us and com- ment on our posts or share wi th your FB friends. Are you aware of DFI’s regional chapters in India, the Middle East and Europe? We encour- age you to participate in person at conferences and s emina r s he ld worldwide. However, if you can’t travel but have a presentation that fits the themes these regional groups are soliciting, consider making a virtual presentation from your desk and impart your knowledge to members who may not have the opportunity to hear you speak in person. Sharing your innovative methods and experiences with those who are not yet aware of or using such techniques and fielding questions via the chat feature is the next best thing to being there at the venue. Furthermore, we also have many student members who would greatly benefit from your expertise. Are you a member of one of DFI’s technical committees and working on a Theresa Engler Executive Director [email protected] …we encourage you to let us know the type of information you find most valuable, and the ways in which you’d like to access such information. white paper, manual or presen- tation? Then, certainly you’ve been part of a GoToMeeting, which is a great way to hold a me e t ing in between getting together at conferences and to keep your projects mov- ing along. In addition to these video conference calls, DFI is launching a new plat-form for online col-laboration, which will allow editing of documents in a shared space with secure, easy access from any device. With all these ways to network, educate, communicate and collaborate through your DFI membership, please let us know what’s important to you so that we can continue to improve our educational offerings and address your needs and those of your company. All members received a brief online survey, which is also available when you login to MyDFI. Take a few minutes to let us know which DFI resources and benefits are most useful and which industry issues are of concern so we can work towards addressing them. After all, that’s what we’re here for. Editorial Submissions Want to share your expertise, project experience and product information with the deep foundations community? DFI is always interested in editorial submissions for Deep Foundations magazine. We are particularly interested in articles on state-of-the-art projects (big and small) and new techniques, products and technology. Guidelines for writing feature articles are available on www.dfi.org — select ‘Publications’ and then navigate to ‘DFI Magazine.’ To discuss an idea for an article, contact Antonio Marinucci, MBA, Ph.D., P.E., executive editor, [email protected] . DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAY/JUNE 2018 • 9
