DFI ACTIVITIES Outstanding Annual Conference in Atlanta From October 20 to 25, DFI held a very successful annual confer- ence in Atlanta, Ga., with nearly 700 attendees and exhibitors. The Marriott Marquis hotel was an ideal venue with a very large, open atrium, ample meeting space and easy access to the exhibit hall. The conference opened with a Board of Trustees meeting and a meeting of the Technical Committee Chairs on Monday, October 20. That evening there was a Dutch treat dinner for trustees and committee chairs in the revolving Sun Dial restaurant of the Westin hotel. On Tuesday, October 21, 15 Technical Committees held meetings. Despite the spacious rooms, most meetings were standing room only, a testament to the increasing interest in committee activities, one of DFI’s long-term goals. Official Opening On Wednesday, October 22, the conference opened with a welcome message from John Wolosick, conference chair, as well as Theresa (Rappaport) Engler, executive director. Silas Nichols from the Federal Highway Administration gave the keynote lecture on performance and service life of geotechnical features. It was a very interesting presentation with many fascinating photos that kept attendees talking throughout the conference. The guest lecturer was Ernie Drott from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His message to DFI was that the USACE is in the middle of a huge cultural transformation regarding Board of Trustees meeting asset management, and that the alternative project delivery method of public-private partnerships is being explored intently to meet the needs of the agency, although there will be obstacles and impediments. It was a great conference opening and set the tone for several days of learning and interacting with the best of the deep foundations industry. Wednesday was also the opening of the exhibition hall in the Ernie Drott, USACE, guest lecturer International Ballroom. It was a large enough space to accommodate the exhibitors as well as continental breakfasts and cocktail receptions throughout the conference. The Energy Foundations Working Group meeting was held in the morning as well as the Seismic and Drilled Shaft Committee Project Fund Working Group meeting. At the Welcome Luncheon, DFI President Bob Bittner presented John Wolosick, conference chair, and Antonio Marinucci and Scott Ballenger, conference program chairs, with plaques to recognize their efforts. After lunch, the technical sessions began with earth retention and stabilization, ground improvement and grouting, and enhancing geotechnical sys t ems through da t a and r i sk management. Also in the afternoon was a five-hour workshop on best practices for drilled shafts. It provided a wealth of information on comparison of design, construction, QC/QA, contracting me thods , and innov a t ions and DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2014 • 21
