IECA Annual Conference Announces Speakers of the Year
Spokane, Washington – The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Annual Conference is a vibrant platform where industry leaders take a deep dive into cutting-edge erosion control and stormwater management strategies. Each year, a standout session earns the prestigious “Speaker of the Year” award, recognized for its exceptional quality, content and high acclaim from attendees.
IECA proudly presents Daniel M. Nitzsche, CPESC, CESSWI, SE, and Jackie R. Claver, GISP, CE, AWB®, of GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc., as this year’s esteemed honorees for their workshop entitled “Get Dirty: A Hands-on Soil Texture Workshop.”
This workshop provided participants with an introduction to soil science fundamentals, with a particular emphasis on practical field techniques for evaluating soil texture. Attendees had the opportunity to work with various soil samples, practicing crucial field methods like ribboning and wire-making. Through hands-on activities, participants acquired valuable skills to assess the erosion potential of different soil types.
“Attendees are eager for interactive learning experiences at conferences,” noted Samanta A. Roe, IOM, CEO of IECA. “This workshop perfectly aligned with our audience’s preferences, setting a standard for the conference industry by promoting direct engagement with the presented content.”
The session began with an overview of the advantages and challenges associated with soil in construction settings. The second half invited attendees to immerse themselves in practical exercises. Participants dove “hands-first” into the soil, refining their ability to discern soil textures and grasp the intricacies and commonalities among them.
Feedback from attendees acclaimed the session as a multifaceted learning experience: “Learning by listening, reading, and doing! Great class setup. Any day you get to play with soil is a good day!” and “…the best presentation I have attended this year.”
The winners will be honored at the upcoming IECA Annual Conference in Richmond, Virginia, scheduled for February 25 – 28 next year.
About IECA
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is the world’s oldest and largest member organization devoted to helping professionals who specialize in natural resource protection. IECA is the global resource for specialized education and training, resources and business opportunities for members to utilize to develop their skills and further their careers. For more information about IECA, please visit their website at ieca.org.
