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After more than 1,000 participants and 76 exhibits, more than 60 papers and presentations, 9 short courses, 4 special sessions, 3 keynotes, and 2 panels—after all that in just 4 days, the Geosynthetics-2007 Conference and Trade Show came to a close in Washington, D.C.
The Jan. 16-19 event marked an enthusiastic high point on the geosynthetics community’s calendar. The conference was billed as a “3-in-1” event, with 2 days devoted to an Environmental Conference, 2 days devoted to a Transportation Conference, plus a unique GRI 20th Anniversary Conference with a focus on homeland security.
Held at the Hilton Washington, the conference launched on the 16th with all-day short courses on the environment. The Trade Show Welcome Party on the evening of the 16th featured a presentation by former congressman, HUD secretary, and vice presidential candidate, Jack Kemp. His company, Kemp Partners, along with the firm of Whitmer and Worrall, are currently leading the government relations efforts for the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA).
The Geosynthetics Research Institute’s 20th Anniversary Conference on Jan. 18 ran concurrently with the first day of the 2-day Transportation Conference. The GRI event featured the presentation of 18 papers plus a noontime luncheon and technology café.
Day 1 of the Transportation Conference included 4 short courses and the day concluded with a Fiesta Cancun reception to showcase GeoAmericas 2008. The first Pan American Geosynthetics Conference and Exhibition will be held March 2-5, 2008, at the Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort.
Day 2 of the Transportation Conference on Jan. 19 started with a keynote address from Richard Capka, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. A 90-minute panel discussion followed, moderated by Corey Bobba of the FHWA.
Morning and afternoon Transportation Conference technical sessions proceeded throughout Friday, the 19th. A closing wine and cheese reception concluded the week for Geosynthetics-2007.