The first annual StormCon–the North American Surface Water Quality Conference & Exposition–was held August 12-15, 2002, in Florida. More than 470 people attended the 40 technical presentations, and 79 exhibitors filled the exhibit hall. Two attendees share their impressions of the conference and expo.

Reflections on the Florida Conference

By Gordon England

Gordon England

Looking back at StormCon’s first annual conference in Marco Island, FL, I would have to say it was a resounding success. Stormwater practitioners, vendors, and experts were drawn to this tropical island for four days of intense but leisurely discussions and networking at the gorgeous Marco Island Marriott. I certainly enjoyed meeting many of the professionals from other parts of the country of whom I read about in magazines and talk to on the listservs. Friendships from the past were renewed and new ones were created. Talking to the people from California, I was amazed at the local challenges they have in addressing stormwater issues. Stormwater magazine is providing an invaluable resource for those local officials struggling with new mandates. And the vendors from the West Coast had truly clever new BMPs that were seen in Florida for the first time. There were more stormwater exhibitors than I have seen at any conference to date. They are responding to the challenges and opportunities facing our nation in the struggle for clean water. Florida invites you back for even bigger and better conferences in the future … say maybe in the Keys!

Gordon England, P.E., is a project manager with Creech Engineers Inc. in Melbourne, FL.

Impressions of StormCon

By Vincent H. Berg

Vincent H. Berg

I will be the first to admit that my attendance at this year’s first StormCon conference was with some apprehension. A conference being held during prime vacation time in August in southern Florida was not my idea of good timing and presence. But I was greatly surprised at how organized, well run, and fun the conference turned out to be. The weather (warm but bearable) in Florida was even better than what I left behind in Maryland (very hot and humid).

The StormCon conference was the first time I have seen so many new and innovative stormwater products displayed in one location. It made the education, learning process, and comparison-shopping of products so much easier with all of the systems and products in one place. It would have taken more than a year to collect this much information if you stayed home and sat in your office and read your journals and technical magazines. I was also amazed at how many young professional people are working in stormwater and watershed programs and their eagerness to learn as much as they could.

The technical sessions were of the highest quality, and many of the speakers provided great insight into how they developed successful NPDES stormwater programs and stormwater utility programs. I also learned about the many university and private monitoring studies being conducted all over North America. I was a little disappointed that many of the generic stormwater systems were not as well represented. The opportunity to educate 400 designers and regulators on all aspects of stormwater control systems was lost.

Noticeably absent from the conference were the federal regulators and a booth with the many federal stormwater and watershed publications and information. On the one hand, innovative tools are being encouraged by federal and state organizations, but when given the opportunity to participate at a national stormwater conference, the federal–and many state–agencies declined. The federal agencies should have been a major participant at this conference, and their absence was not overlooked. Federal and state regulators are needed at all stormwater conferences to help deliver the important message of protecting and restoring our watersheds.

The numerous contacts I gained and discussions I had on stormwater and watershed issues with people all across the country provided a great opportunity. Rarely can you go to a national conference where 100% of the participants are focused on the same issues. I know that several of my discussions will lead to the development of innovative and improved stormwater systems and ideas. I have already decided to make sure I attend the next StormCon.

Vincent H. Berg, P.E., is an engineering consultant in Derwood, MD.

SW - November/December 2002