ISI & ZPH Virtual Conference: Shovel-Worthy Ideas For A Fresh Start, Nov. 18-19

Emerging from a turbulent year, rife with systemic racism and a global pandemic, infrastructure will be at the forefront of progress while continuing to provide reliable essential services to recovering communities. How will infrastructure assets meet these demands? What do the owners, planners, developers, engineers, constructors and operators need to do to make sure we get it right?

This thought-provoking virtual conference answers these questions and more, posturing that the solutions lie in infrastructure investments that are driven by a focus on social equity, public health, and economic recovery. Leaders in resiliency and sustainable infrastructure from around the world will share the commitments made and projects delivered that will help communities in crisis recover and build for a more sustainable future.

Two-Day Virtual Conference Agenda

Webinar 1: Opening Session, Shovel-Worthy Ideas for a Fresh Start

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Registration Link

Speakers will set the stage for the topics that will be discussed throughout the workshop, including how infrastructure can best address equity and social justice, COVID-19 impacts and recovery, and planning for the future. Recent projects that have made significant strides in sustainability, resiliency, and equitable achievements will be recognized during an awards presentation. ISI will acknowledge the individuals and project teams who had an impact in the past year.

• Session A: Opening Remarks and Award Ceremony / 10:00 a.m

• Session B: Keynote Speaker to be announced/ 11:00 a.m.

Webinar 2: Equity and Social Justice 

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. EST

Registration Link 
As we work to learn more to address persistent and systemic racism, it is becoming clear that infrastructure will be critical in ensuring an equitable distribution of benefits. Speakers in this session will share their experiences in working to overcome these challenges and will offer examples from projects that begin to make progress toward a more equitable and just future for everyone in the community.

• Session A: Connecting Equity & Social Justice with Meaningful Progress in Infrastructure / 2:00 p.m.

• Session B: Infrastructure Projects that Lead the Change / 3:00 p.m.

• Micro-networking session with Webinar 2 moderators and speakers / 4:00 p.m

• Networking Session – World Cafe / 5:00 p.m.

Webinar 3: Recovering from a Global Pandemic

Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. EST

Registration Link
The approach to recovery will need to address two critical questions: how can public health be addressed through infrastructure systems; and how will infrastructure systems spur much-needed economic recovery? Public health experts and economists will be invited to address what we’re seeing in the recovery phase so as to better plan for the future.

• Session A: COVID-19 and Public Health / 10:00 a.m.

• Session B: Recovery and Infrastructure Investments / 11:00 a.m.

• Micro-networking session with Webinar 3 moderators and speakers / 12:00 a.m.

Webinar 4: Resiliency

Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Registration Link
The conference wraps with a look into the future and forward-thinking strategies for resiliency planning will be shared. Projects that “get it right” will be showcased, and upheld as examples for continued recovery, development, and resilience. As we build back stronger, we need to be able to address the unknown challenges that face future generations. A foundation with resilient infrastructure assets will help define the path forward.

• Session A: Transformative Solutions for Sustainability and Health / 2:00 p.m.

• Session B: Resiliency Planning / 3:00 p.m.

• Micro-networking session with Webinar 4 moderators and speakers / 4:00 p.m.

• Networking Session – Table Topics / 5:00 p.m.