2022 WEDA Eastern Chapter Meeting – Post Event Report

The Annual WEDA Eastern Chapter Meeting occurred Oct 18-20th in downtown Albany, New York. The weather was seasonally cool, and guests enjoyed the fall foliage at its peak in the Hudson valley area. Over 200 registered and attended the conference, setting a record. Don Hayes provided expert Dredging 101 & 201 instruction with record attendance.

• Dredging 101 course – 52 people
• Dredging 201 course – 67 people
• A well-attended Ice Breaker event on Tuesday kicked the meeting off, featuring local food and a wide choice of beverages.
• Wednesday morning included a full breakfast with local favorites like bagels and lox. The main meeting followed with a full ballroom of attendees, for the full day of presentations and special panel discussions.
• The popular Lunch with the Corps (USACE) was held in a dedicated room featuring Italian foods. USACE attendance and participation enhanced the overall program.
• Over 25 exhibitors set-up displays in the large gallery area just outside the main meeting room.
• The Woman of WEDA (WoW) conducted a special event for members that featured guest speakers and a dedicated area to meet and conduct business.
• Everyone enjoyed the New York State Museum’s exhibits, fine foods and top shelf beverages while listening to a special presentation by the President of the Canal Society of NY State on Wednesday evening. WEDA East presented Mr. Craig Williams with a donation to further his work in preserving the history of the Erie Canal.
• The meeting and presentations continued Thursday, with a full breakfast and local warm pretzels for break.

(L-R): Steve Simpson, Andrew Timmis, Steve Miller, Allie Schafer, Walt Dinicola , David Johanson

Thank you to David Johanson 2022 WEDA East President, Walter Dinicola, Allie Schafer, Steven Miller, Stephen Simpson, and past president Andrew Timmis for their efforts in making the 2022 WEDA Eastern Chapter meeting a huge success. Of course, our meeting wouldn’t be a success without the contribution of our sponsors and attendees. A big thank you from the WEDA Eastern Chapter to everyone who contributed through sponsorships and presentations.

Special thank you goes out to Corine Van Drimmelen for her dedicated support during registration and the meeting; Colleen Bisenieks at HelmsBriscoe for hotel conference and reservation support; Angela Callaway and Tessa Oleson with JF Brennan for marketing and program layout support. It takes a village.

Under the leadership of the new chapter president, Mr. Walter Dinicola, planning is already well under way for the 2023 WEDA Eastern Chapter Meeting to be held in Jacksonville, FL. Oct 9 – 11, 2023. Where we will see even larger event rooms at a great location on Jacksonville’s downtown waterfront.