Early Bird Sessions

EARLY BIRD “A” :  GRADING FLORIDA’S ONGOING EFFORTS TO PROTECT OUR WATER RESOURCES

Florida’s revitalized business environment, vibrant agricultural base, and world class tourism industry continues to attract growth. State experts predict that Florida’s population may increase by 25% or more over the next twenty years.  Although the State has significant water resources, traditional groundwater supplies in some regions of the State are not sufficient to meet all water use sectors’ projected demands.  Florida’s expanding population also continues to challenge the myriad of programs in place to protect and restore water quality and water flow in state springs, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, and our sensitive coastal estuaries. In 2018, the Florida Legislature once again endeavored, largely through significant funding, to support the many steps needed to further ensure that water supply and water quality protection infrastructure will be in place to meet the growing demands of all economic sectors. This panel of public sector, private sector, and environmental advocacy representatives will address the Florida Legislature’s current approach to investing the revenue provided through Florida’s Water and Land Legacy Constitutional Amendment and also analyze the key legislation that passed, the bills that didn’t, and what it all means for Florida’s economy and environment.

Instructors:  Herschel Vinyard (Moderator), David Childs, Ryan Matthews, Ernie Marks, Temperince Morgan, Ernie Barnett, Drew Bartlett, Rep. Matt Caldwell (invited), Sen. Lauren Book (invited)

EARLY BIRD “B”:  THE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR THE PRACTICING ENGINEER

This course has been completely redesigned for 2018! Come join our panel of experts in a 4-hour interactive, small group setting, as they provide the practicing engineer with the keys to a successful practice, including the essential updates that govern the practice of engineering in the state of Florida and the latest “best practices” to manage professional risk to yourself and your firm. Our experts will help guide you with concrete strategies and tips for managing risks, including work practices, protective contract language, and decipher the complexities of other risk management tools such as insurance and bonding. Additionally, you will receive the latest instruction on any changes to the rules and statutes affecting the engineer, as well as any guidance resulting from individual disciplinary and unlicensed practice cases. Don’t miss this opportunity to tune up your professional practice knowledge, and prepare yourself and your firm to manage professional risk. (As a bonus, you will also be satisfying your biennial Laws, Rules and Ethics continuing education requirements in a far more rewarding way than taking another online quiz!)

Instructors:  Michael Harding, George Powell, Brent Anderson, Kellie Tomeo