Theme: People. Purpose. Passion

Conference Program and Schedule*

The Technical Program Committee, led by co-chairs Jennifer E. Nicks, Ph.D., P.E. of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Gregg V. Piazza, P.E. of GeoStructures, Inc. is developing an innovative schedule of programs that illuminates the People. Purpose. Passion. theme.
 
Joining us for pre-conference activities? The schedule of DFI Leadership Meetings, Technical Committee and Working Group Meetings, the Lunch & Learn Workshop Series, WiDF Reception will be available soon.
 

Technical Poster Presentations

Throughout the conference, Technical Posters will be on display in the Exhibit Hall representing the programmatic emphases of this conference. At the Conference Welcome Reception on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the authors of these posters will be available to network with attendees and answer questions about their display. Technical papers about these posters will be featured in the Online Proceedings of the conference.

Student Activities Program*

Plans are in progress for an exciting Student Activities Program during the conference. Led by Diana Goodwin, Foundation Testing Group, Arjun Roy, P.E., Rummer Klepper & Kahl LLP and Margaret Tomeo, P.E., AECOM, the Student Activities Committee is exploring several opportunities for collegiate and graduate students to network and socialize with industry professionals and attend technical presentations at the conference. Specialized activities are being finalized for the Student Program and details will be available soon.
 
New this year, there will be a Young Professionals Forum at the conference where students will get to meet and learn from young professionals (YPs). YPs will share their experiences and challenges in the deep foundations field.

Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, make contacts and ask for advice – it’s an opportunity like no other for both the profesionals and the students. Can’t make it in person? No problem – this portion of the student program will be available via a webinar as well.

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

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:
 

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

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 2020 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. 
 

Students – View the Student Competition Call for Papers Here
Young Professors – View the Young Professor Call for Papers Here

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 2020 and are usually around 15, depending on the final program structure.
 

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.

Accepted Authors Confirm by Email to speakers@dfi.org their Ability and Agreement to Submit Draft Paper, Finalize and Present their Papers.

Friday, January 31, 2020
Author Deadline to Submit Draft Paper to www.dfisubmissions.org.
Friday, April 3, 2020
DFI Notifies Authors of Presentation Status by email from support@incontrolproductions.com. Reviews Available through their Author Account at www.dfisubmissions.org.
Friday, June 26, 2020
Authors Re-Confirm Ability to Present and Finalize Paper by Submitting the Following: Final Presentation Title, Presenter’s Names, Short Biographies, and Presentation Release Form via DFI’s online ShareFile platform. Use this link. All Presenters Register for Conference at www.dfi.org/annual2020.
Friday, July 3, 2020
Authors Submit Final Papers and Exclusive Publishing Agreements through their Author Account at www.dfisubmissions.org.
Friday, July 24, 2020
Final PowerPoint Presentation Files Submission Deadline with Audio/Video Requirements Form via DFI’s online ShareFile platform. Use this link. Please view this checklist of deadlines and documents requested to ensure you’re all set for your presentation.
Friday, September 11, 2020
Questions? Email us at events@dfi.org.