Welcome Breakfast, Keynote, Practice Section & Board Installation

7/25/2024 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

The Labor Shortage Crises in Engineering and Construction: Causes, Efforts, and Possible Solutions (FES Track | 1 PDH)

7/25/2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Presenter: Mohamad Hussein, PE | David Witsken | Scott Pittman | Stacey Miller, PE | Ines Triay

Mohamad Hussein, PE - GRL Engineers, Inc. | David Witsken - Universal Engineering Sciences | Scott Pittman - AJAX, FTBA | Stacy Miller, PE -  FDOT | Dr. Ines Triay - FIU

The historically tight labor market is having dramatic effects on all sectors of the national economy. There are 3 job openings for every 2 unemployed workers. The labor force shortage is acutely felt in the engineering profession and construction industry; and that is even without considering the tremendous additional need for workers to deliver the anticipated projects under the $1.2-Trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The situation in Florida is compounded by the increase in population growth with its corresponding increased demand for private and public works on top of the robust infrastructure work program. There are probably a multitude of reasons and causes to the labor shortage (e.g., pandemic effects, retiring baby-boomers, immigration regulations, changes in employment psychology and attitudes, decrease in civil engineering college enrollment, lack of interest in construction work, economic reasons, etc.). The negative effects are real and long-lasting – half of the engineering companies turned down work due to lack of human resources. The solutions are likely not easy, or quick. The distinguished panel will discuss this important and timely topic addressing the causes, effects, and possible solutions from different perspectives.

2024 ACEC Florida Board Installation & Conference Lunch (Event Only)

7/25/2024 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

Computing in Engineering Curriculum (FEE Track | 0 PDH)

7/25/2024 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Jeff Greenfield, Ph.D., P.E. F. NSPE - Broward County Water & Wastewater Services

This presentation will include a PP  to illustrate and introduce some of the tools important for engineers to know as they transition into their respective careers. This includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft Project, Excel, GIS, Autocad, BIM, Civil 3D, Revit, ETABS, and STAAD. Following the introduction of these software programs, we will have a panel discussion where students can ask questions.  

Progressive Design Build for Aviation Project Delivery (ACEC Florida Track | 1 PDH)

7/25/2024 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Marcos Souza, PE, PMP | Richard Forbes, PE - EXP US Services, Inc. | Maurico Gonzalez, PE - Kiewit

While not formally adopted across Florida, Airport Authorities have entrusted their most prominent capital programs to the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method. Owners have benefited from PDB’s streamlined qualification-based selection, single point of responsibility, and Owner “off-ramps”. Insight provided from multiple angles of those involved in the PDB process including Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Owners.

Flood Protection Level of Service for Central | Northern Miami-Dade County (FES Track | 1 PDH)

7/25/2024 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Presenter: Laura Vogel, PH.D, PE | Brent Whitfield, PE - Chen Moore & Associates

The SFWMD is conducting a system-wide review of the regional water management infrastructure of critical watersheds within South Florida to determine the flood protection level of service (FPLOS) being provided by existing infrastructure under current and future conditions. This project involved preparing a FPLOS analysis for the roughly 200 square mile area in central Miami-Dade County defined as the C2, C3W, C4, C5 and C6 watersheds.

 

Design Build Procurement Methods - Pros and Cons (ACEC Florida Track | 1 PDH)

7/25/2024 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Presenter: Clint Pletzer, PE - AVCON, Inc. | Mark Jackson - JCJ Insurance

Storm surge from hurricane Irma flooded the Bethune Pointe WRF. After this event the City of Daytona Beach decided to conduct a vulnerability assessment and create a road to resilience for this critical piece of infrastructure. This presentation summarizes the steps taken to assess the vulnerability to climate change and the steps taken to create a road to resilience for this facility. The process used can be applied to any coastal facility..

 

Two Subaqueous Water Trans. Mains, Two Protected Waterways, Two Funding Sources w/ Two Municipalities Equals One Successful Project (FES Track|1 PDH )

7/25/2024 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Presenter: Kelcia Mazana | Mark Worsham, PE - CHA Consulting, Inc. | David Sackett - Brierly Associates

Two Subaqueous Water Transmission Mains, Two Protected Waterways, Two Funding Sources with Two Municipalities Equals One Successful Project (FES Track | 1 PDH)

The Pineda Causeway Water Transmission Mains Project consisted of installing twin 16-inch water mains along the south side of the Causeway totaling 39,800 linear feet. In addition to open trenched sections, 7 jack and bore and 10 Horizontal Directional Drills (HDD) were utilized to install pipelines composed of fusible PVC (FPVC), HDPE, and ductile iron piping materials. The two alignments included subaqueous HDD crossings beneath two protected rivers, the Indian and Banana Rivers, with the pipe installed up to 90 feet below the river bottom, in materials consisting of medium dense sands and soft to stiff clays. The Cities of Melbourne and Cocoa shared the funding, design, permitting, and building of the water mains. This paper showcases the complexities of multiple design and construction methods and the permitting required to protect environmentally sensitive estuarine environments in addition to the efficiencies and cost savings realized by the collaboration of two municipalities.

 

GMEC Installation

7/25/2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Expanding Commuter Rail in South Florida (FES Track | 1 PDH))

7/26/2024 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Presenter: Phil Schwab | Jie Bian | Lisa Colmenares, DPA, AICP | Lisa Maack

History of the corridor and early planning (Note- FDOT has studied 85 miles of the FEC corridor through 3 counties, prior to Brightline starting service and the counties starting their studies), benefits of Commuter Rail, FDOT participation/support BC and MD presentations would be: Overview of their individual studies/projects, Schedule of activities and next steps, Key challenges/benefits.

 

Mastering Delegation: Using the 7 Essential Steps to Delegating Effectively (FES Track | 1 PDH)

7/26/2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Presenter: Craig Wells, PE | Tricia Hatley, PE - Freese and Nichols

There is a constant pull on our time and resources and as you develop your career your capacity to do everything shrinks. Effective delegation is a critical skill for professionals at all levels, as it empowers teams, fosters growth, and drives productivity. In this professional development session, we will explore the seven crucial steps of delegation, providing participants with a practical roadmap to delegate with precision and finesse.

 

Legislative Program

7/26/2024 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

This 1-hr program will include a recap of the 2024 Legislative Session, brief presentation regarding the legislative process and how you can support advocacy through FES|ACEC Florida, and a preview of the 2024 Legislative Session including key focus areas.

FES Awards Luncheon (event only)

7/26/2024 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM

I-395 | SR 836 | I-95 Signature Bridge Project Tour

7/26/2024 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The I-395 Signature Bridge Project is a transformational project that will enhance safety, increase mobility, and transform the Miami community with a sustainable project that includes an iconic bridge over Biscayne Boulevard, a multi-level highway, and community spaces underneath the highway. This tour will focus on the unique elements of the project and highlight some of the construction methods and best practices being used on the project. The tour will leave the JW Marriott at 1:30 PM in a chartered bus and provide on-site access (weather permitting) to the signature bridge construction site. Then the tour will take visitors to other parts of the project to view aspects of the elevated viaduct and proposed community features that are included with the project. The tour will return to the JW Marriott by 5 PM. Cost is $35. Since this is an active construction project, attendees will be expected to provide their own hard hats, safety vests, and wear closed-toed shoes.

Making Connections for the Florida Panther (FES Track | 1 PDH)

7/26/2024 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Presenter: Alan Eldridge, PE | Nicole Cribbs, CE - Faller, Davis and Associates, Inc.

Habitat loss and collisions between vehicles and Florida panthers are leading causes of mortality of this endangered species. Engineers and scientists worked together to address a specific challenge along I-75 Alligator Alley, which was how to reconnect habitat important to the Florida panther that was fragmented by past roadway construction. The result was eight new passageways under I-75 for wildlife in western Collier County.

 

Ethical and Efficient Use of AI in Engineering Projects and Proposals (ACEC Florida Track | 1 PDH)

7/26/2024 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Presenter: John Oliver Smith, PE - Haley Ward | Davar Ardalan - TulipAI

In the engineering field, mastering the art of creating effective proposals is just as crucial as possessing technical skills. Our lecture at the FES 2024 Annual Conference, titled "Ethical and Efficient Use of AI in Engineering Projects and Proposals," is designed to highlight the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in elevating the work, standard of proposal and bid writing for engineers.

 

Bay District Schools Land Development Analysis and School Planning (FES Track | 1 PDH)

7/26/2024 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Presenter: John Gilreath, GISP - JBPro, Inc.

This presentation will cover the development of GIS school planning management tool to maintain, assess, and map Bay County (BDS) residential development and BDS school capacity and population data. Student population was assessed on a bi-annual basis from 2017 to 2023 to understand trend analysis related to Hurricane Michael and the Pandemic. The talk will lay a foundation for how Florida School Districts track growth in the state.

Professional Engineering Ethics, Risk and Liability with Technology (Project Track | 1 PDH)

7/26/2024 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Presenter: Ben Amaba, PhD, PE - Analogy Solutions | Cate Richards - Sonatype

Software has eaten the world. The rapid change in technological advancement is outpacing how to manage and/or protect public health, safety, and welfare from new emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and robotics underpinned by open-source software as the foundation. Software warrants how engineers should be accountable to protect the public’s security and welfare.

Membership Dinner (Event Only)

7/26/2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Laws, Rules & Professional Ethics | 2 PDHs

7/27/2024 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Presenter: Edwin Bayo, Esq.

Licensees are required to obtain one (1) hour of continuing education focusing on Florida’s professional engineering laws (F.S. 471) and rules (F.A.C. 61G15). Licensees are required to obtain one (1) hour of continuing education focusing on ethics for professional engineers. These courses are expected to cover the basic engineering canons.