Theme: Winning Practices & Ace Technology

Conference Program and Schedule*

The Technical Program Committee, led by co-chairs Martin B. Hudson, Ph.D., P.E., G.E., of Turner Construction, and Ramin Motamed, Ph.D., P.E. of University of Nevada, Reno, is developing an innovative schedule of programs that illuminates the Winning Practices & Ace Technology theme. Click the image below to view the program.

Joining us for pre-conference activities?

Meetings

The schedule of DFI Leadership Meetings, Technical Committee and Working Group Meetings being held on Tuesday, October 12 can be found here.

Lunch & Learn Workshop

This year’s Lunch & Learn Workshop will be presented on technical committee day and will focus on how to hone the art of the elevator pitch.  Recognizing all of us have numerous demands that vie for our attention, learning how to communicate effectively can allow us to make the impressions that motivate others to continue connecting with us. Continued connection is 

necessary for all types of persuasive interaction including sales, competing for projects and clients, even pitching a committee project or research idea.  Concise and effective, elevator pitches are tweets before Twitter.  DFI members, Robert Thompson (Dan Brown and Associates), Diane Fischer and Nicole Angie (Pile Dynamics) will provide an overview of elevator pitches, examples, steps and tips, a group challenge exercise, and resources for further learning.  Please join us for the next installation of this fun and light workshop series held during lunchtime on committee meeting day.

Keynote Speakers

Donald W. Davies, P.E., S.E.​
Principal
Magnusson Klemencic Associates

Michael McGettigan, P.E.
President
McGettigan Consulting LLC

Jie Han, Ph.D., PE, F.ASCE
Professor
University of Kansas

Armin W. Stuedlein, Ph.D., P.E. 
Professor, Geotechnical Engineering
Oregon State University
School of Civil and Construction Engineering

Matthew Gibson, Ph.D., P.E.
Principal
Clarity Engineering, LLC

Geotechnical Baseline Reports (GBR) Workshop

On Friday, October 15, DFI's Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) Task Force will present an interactive workshop on the effective use of GBRs for foundation projects.  Jim Morrison, P.E. of COWI will lead this workshop, supported by Conrad Felice, Ph.D., P.E., P.Eng., D. GE., F. ASCE., Steve Saye, P.E. of Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc., and Randy Essex, P.E. of Mott MacDonald.  Through a detailed case history, the leaders will address specific project risk categories, facilitate discussion highlighting various stakeholder interpretations and consequences, and propose improvements to GBR provisions on bidding, design, construction, and claims reduction on the foundation industry.  Owner and contractor perspectives will be presented.  All are welcome to participate.  The outcome of the workshop is intended to be a framework for the use of clear and equitable GBRs for foundation works.  Join the conversation and learn about the promise of GBRs in our industry.

Student Activities Program*

We encourage students to join us at DFI46. The Student Program kicks off with a mentorship and orientation breakfast on Tuesday, October 12. You can also participate the New Face program —an opportunity to meet with DFI ambassadors who will help you navigate the event and introduce you to other attendees. There will be several meet-ups during the conference for you to connect with ambassadors. Students are welcome to join all technical committee meetings.  There is also a casual networking and mentoring reception on Tuesday, October 12 at 4:15 PT where students can get advice and tips for navigating a foundations career.

 

The DFI46 student program is being led by Rabie Farrag, Ph.D., of UC, Irvine, Robert Leaf of Shannon & Wilson, and Ashley Shirer, Ph.D., P.E., of DiGioia Gray. 

 
Student registration is $100.00 for the entire conference. This fee includes registration materials, access to the student program and technical presentations, networking breakfasts and breaks in the exhibit hall, access to the online proceedings of the conference, and more. Register for the conference today.

 

FREE STUDENT MEMBERSHIP | Did you know that a DFI Student Membership may be at no cost to you? Learn more on DFI’s website. Questions about membership? Email us at staff@dfi.org.

Student Activities Program Sponsors

Please consider serving as a Sponsor with a contribution of $500.00 or your best gift toward this program in support of the future industry professionals who are attending this event.

Hal Hunt Lecture on Communication

Jim Abbott, retired Major League Baseball pitcher, is presenting “Adapting to Challenge and Overcoming Adversity” for the 2021 Hal Hunt Lecture on Communications at DFI46 on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Born in Flint, Michigan, without a right hand, Jim Abbot found success pitching for 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. Abbott pitched for the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers from 1989 to 1999. He finished his career with 87 wins in 1999 and has since spent considerable time sharing his story of overcoming adversity with various groups across the country.
 
The Hal Hunt Lecture was established in 1989 to recognize notable communicators in the Deep Foundations Industry. The Lecture was named in honor of Hal W. Hunt, one of the initial organizers of DFI. 
Previous Hal Hunt lecturers sponsored by the Educational Trust include:
 

Michael Sherman, National Capital Planning Commission
Linda Alvarado, Co-Owner Colorado Rockies
Carl Lewis, U.S. Olympian-Track & Field
Archie Manning, NFL Player
Dr. Mae Jemison, NASA Astronaut
Billy Beane, Oakland A's Manager

 
Be a Sponsor of the Lecture
This lecture is supported by the generous donations of companies and individuals, such as yourself. Net proceeds benefit the DFI Educational Trust. To arrange for a sponsorship/donation, click here.
 
Sponsorship Opportunities
Cornerstone Sponsor
$10,000
Supporting Sponsor
$5,000
Patron Sponsor
$2,500
Sponsor (Individuals Only)
$1,000
A General Donation of your choosing is appreciated, too!

Hal Hunt Sponsors

Patron Sponsor

Young Professor and Student Paper Competitions

Each year the Deep Foundations Institute Educational Trust hosts Young Professor and Student paper competitions for those studying in the fields of engineering, construction and geological sciences. The authors of the winning papers will be invited to attend the DFI 2021 Annual Conference on Deep Foundations to present their papers. Conference registration, two nights of lodging, and a $1,000.00 stipend for travel expenses will be provided to the winners. Both the winner and first runner-up will receive a library of up to 20 printed DFI Publications and a complimentary two-year full Individual Membership in DFI. 

Professional Development Hours

Deep Foundations Institute provides general professional development hours for conference attendees. The number of hours provided for this conference will be announced summer 2021. 
 

NEW! For New York State Licensed Engineers:

The New York State Educational Department now certifies the PDHs earned by attendees at DFI’s conferences, seminars and workshops. Stay tuned for updates regarding documentation requirements from NYSED for technical session speakers and attendees.

Author Guidelines and Deadlines at a Glance

View the complete Author Guidelines document here.