DFI 44th Annual Conference on Deep Foundations

Tuesday, October 15 – Friday, October 18, 2019
 
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
United States
Quick Links
Theme: > Future > Forward > 

Conference Summary and Schedule

This conference will be a call to action to develop forward-thinking plans in geotechnical engineering through technical presentations and panel discussions. The 2019 Conference will provide an international forum for a wide range of geo-professionals to present, discuss, and debate all aspects of how we build on our current success to create and maintain a better tomorrow for us and future generations. A session will be dedicated to the DFI Legends program to recognize practitioners who have made significant contributions to and advancements in the research, design, construction, manufacturing and use of deep foundations. 
 
Schedule at a Glance: 
 
Monday, Oct. 14 - Pre-Conference: Board and Technical Committee Chairs Meetings
 
Tuesday, Oct. 15 - Pre-Conference: Technical Committee Meetings and Women in Deep Foundations Networking Reception
 
Wednesday, Oct. 16 - Conference Day 1 (Full Day): DFI Educational Trust 5K Fun Run/Walk, Exhibits, Opening Plenary and Technical Sessions, MSSP Trade Expo, Welcome Luncheon, Conference Welcome Reception and Poster Presentations, All Day Student Activities Program
 
Thursday, Oct. 17 - Conference Day 2 (Full Day): Exhibits, Technical Sessions, MSSP Trade Expo, Business Meeting Luncheon, Hal Hunt Lecture on Communications, Paper Competition Presentations, Outstanding Project Award Presentation, DFI Legends Program, Awards Reception & Banquet
 
Friday, Oct. 18 - Conference Day 3 (Half-Day): Exhibits, Technical Sessions and Closing Plenary
*Schedule subject to change
 
Want to view At-A-Glance highlights of the Conference? Click here. 

The Value of Attending DFI Conferences: 7 Great Reasons to Attend #DFI44

1. Join the largest gathering of international practitioners specializing in cutting-edge technologies for deep foundations, ground improvement, earth retention and excavation support.

2. Explore forward-thinking plans in geotechnical and deep foundation engineering and construction. This is the >Future>Forward conference of the year!

3. Discuss and debate all aspects of building on our current successes to create and maintain a better tomorrow for us and future generations. 

4. Learn about future innovations and initiatives in safety; the digital environment; equipment, robotics and drones; workforce and work place practices; design and construction efficiency for urban construction and redevelopment; and tools to meet the demands of 21st century infrastructure. 

5. Explore the Exhibit Hall featuring specialty services of 140+ companies.

6. Attend one or more of DFI’s technical committee meetings and become involved in projects that promote safety, quality, durability and sustainability in the geotechnical and deep foundation industry.

7. Make the most of your time in Chicago! Attend DFI’s Annual Conference and enjoy the Windy City!

Video: The Value of Attending DFI Conferences

Registration Information, Fees, and Policies

Full Conference Registration for DFI Members, Non-Members, Exhibitors, Exhibitor 2nd Attendees, Young Professionals, and Government attendees includes access to:

  • Conference Presentations
  • Exhibit Hall
  • Continental Breakfasts
  • Morning and Afternoon Networking Breaks
  • Welcome and Business Meeting Luncheons
  • Welcome Reception
  • Hal Hunt Lecture on Communications
  • DFI Legends Program and Awards
  • DFI Awards Reception and Banquet
  • Online Conference Proceedings
Student Attendees Receive Access to: All Student Activities, Conference Presentations, Exhibit Hall, Continental Breakfasts, Morning and Afternoon Networking Breaks, Hal Hunt Lecture and Communications, DFI Legends Program and Awards, and Online Conference Proceedings. Luncheons and the Welcome Reception are not included at this time.
 
Choose the Registration Type that suits your needs. Additional Special Event Tickets are available for purchase for luncheons, receptions and the awards reception/banquet.
 
View our chart of Registration Fees, Payment and Cancellation Policies.

Quick Links

Organizing Committee

A dedicated group of industry professionals serve on the Conference Organizing Committee for this event. Led by Conference Chair, Dhooli Raj, P.E., project manager at Collins Engineers, Inc., and Technical Program Co-Chairs, Ray Franz, P.E., D.GE, vice-president of Hayward Baker, and Cassandra J. Rutherford, Ph.D., P.E., assistant professor in the department of civil, construction and environmental engineering at Iowa State University, this event is expected to serve attendees at a high-level.

We thank the following industry organizations for their support of this conference. Learn more about them by clicking on the logo and viewing their website.

Media Partners

DFI’s Media Partners are committed to keeping our industry well-informed about our conferences and happenings around the world. We thank them for their partnership.

Cooperating Organizations