Snowfighters head to Michigan for annual conference

Over 1,500 snowfighters from across North America are expected in Grand Rapids, Mich., for the American Public Works Association (APWA) 2015 North American Snow Conference, April 12-15. The conference, known as “The Show for Snow,” will be staged at the DeVos Place.

Snow and ice management professionals from local and state transportation and public works departments from across U.S. and Canada will be attending. With the severe winter experience this year, attendees will have the 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,” said King. He noted that the exhibit area is 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. In the photo to the left below: a scene from the 2014 Snow Conference exhibit floor.

Technical Tours of the Grand Rapids area are also part of the conference. The tours will take place on Wednesday, April 15 from 8 a.m.-noon. Here is one of the tour 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. The facility provides air service for over 2 million passengers per year. On average, the airport receives 82 inches of snow annually. The airport management 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.

The conference Exhibit Hall will open on Sunday, April 12 at 4:30 p.m., with exhibit hours also on Monday and Tuesday, and will close at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.

The educational sessions, workshops, and discussions program highlights include:
–Sunday, 4/12, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Workshop
–Monday, 4/13, 2-2:50 p.m.: Success Planning, Are You Ready for the Next Step?
–Monday, 4/13, 3:30-5:00 p.m.: The “Top 10” Winter Maintenance Issues
–Tuesday, 4/14, 8-8:50 a.m.: Demystifying Sustainability in Winter Maintenance

For more information about the APWA North American Snow Conference, visit this site.

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