It may be spring, but winter operations professionals will experience the latest snow and ice control solutions very soon.
Over 1,500 snow fighters from across North America are expected in Grand Rapids for “The Show for Snow,” the American Public Works Association (APWA) 2015 North American Snow Conference, held April 12-15, at DeVos Place Convention Center, which will provide an economic impact of over $1.6 million to the city.
Snow and ice management professionals from local and state transportation and public works departments from across the U.S. and Canada will be studying the latest in snow and ice control solutions. With another severe winter experience this year; attendees will have the unique opportunity to share how they have managed to keep their citizens safe and communities functioning in unprecedented ice and snow.
“APWA’s Snow Conference will feature a concentrated collection of industry-leading snow and ice education sessions, and an exhibit floor with vendors showcasing the latest technologies and equipment,” said APWA Executive Director Peter B. King. “This year’s Snow Conference will feature the largest exhibit floor in Snow Conference history, with more than 190 companies and 440 booths, where attendees can learn of products and services focused on snow and ice removal, winter road maintenance, fleet operations, emergency management and sustainability in winter operations,” King said.
Technical Tours of the Grand Rapids’ area are also part of the conference. The tours will take place on Wednesday, April 15 from 8am-12 Noon at the following locations:
· Gerald R. Ford International Airport Winter Maintenance: The airport is the second largest airport in Michigan with three runways and numerous taxiways that must be maintained to serve 24 non-stop destinations and provide air service for over 2 million passengers per year. On average, the airport receives 82” of snow annually, and relies on in-house staff and contractors to clear the 1.6 million square yards of paved surfaces, including the airfield, 40-lane miles of roads and surface lots accommodating about 6,500 cars.
· Kentwood’s Winter Operations & Truck Fabrication – A Regional Collaboration: This technical tour will take place at the City of Kentwood’s Public Works Facility where representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Kent County Road Commission, Cities of Kentwood, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker, Wyoming and East Grand Rapids will be on hand to display their latest snow fighting equipment. They will each explain their collaboration throughout the winter months to ensure a consistent level of service.
The Exhibit Hall will open on Sunday, April 12 at 4:30 p.m., with additional exhibit hours on Monday and Tuesday, closing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.
The educational sessions, workshops, and discussions program highlights include:
· Sunday, 4/12, 8am-4:30pm: Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Workshop
· Monday, 4/13, 2-2:50pm: Success Planning, Are You Ready for the Next Step?
· Monday, 4/13, 3:30-5:00pm: The “Top 10” Winter Maintenance Issues
· Tuesday, 4/14, 8-8:50am: Demystifying Sustainability in Winter Maintenance
For more information on the APWA North American Snow Conference, visit http://www.apwa.net/snow. To access the registration form for a complimentary press pass for the Snow Conference, contact APWA Media Relations/Communications Manager, Laura Bynum, at lbynum@apwa.net. For media interviews, please contact Sarah Cavanaugh at 616-560-3627.
About APWA:
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 28,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, D.C. and 63 chapters in North America.
