You’ll find a variety of specialized educational events available during PWX 2025 that you won’t want to miss. Some require an additional fee while others are included in registration.
All times subject to change. Times are Central time zone.
YP Summit
Saturday, August 16, 2025
8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The YP Summit aims to provide an engaging platform for young professionals within the dynamic realm of public works. Through insightful networking opportunities, enriching interactions with experienced leaders, and targeted skill-building sessions, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools essential to not only advance in their careers but to also lead the industry forward. In addition, the YP Summit will provide a space for young professionals to engage and connect with APWA leadership and YP leaders within the organization.
Fees: $200 for members and nonmembers (price will increase to $225 starting July 1)
Self-Assessment and Accreditation Workshop
Saturday, August 16, 2025
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Self-Assessment and Accreditation Workshop has been developed with a focus on understanding the practices for completing the self-assessment and improvement process using the Public Works Management Practices Manual and the software tool. Public works self-assessment and accreditation provide opportunities for continuous improvement to your overall operations, ultimately leading to better quality of life for your community. Plan for a stronger, more resilient operation in which your employees are empowered by this opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge.
Fees: $300 for members; $350 for nonmembers
Futures Program: College Career Expo
Sunday, August 17, 2025
8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
This free full-day event offers students who are interested in potential careers in public works opportunities to learn in the classroom, walk an extensive exhibit floor, and connect and network with hundreds of professionals. Content will include a career development panel discussion and a deep dive into what skills are needed for the future workforce.
Fees: Applicants must apply and be selected for 50 open spots.
Escape Rooms
Dates and times vary
Step into the fast-paced world of public service in this immersive, scenario-driven escape room designed exclusively for public works employees. Your team has 60 minutes to respond to a simulated emergency that has thrown your community into disarray. Whether it's coordinating a flood response, solving a budget shortfall, navigating complex regulatory obstacles, or managing citizen complaints—every puzzle you solve brings your team closer to restoring order. Using real-world challenges inspired by public works operations, this experience will test your decision-making, collaboration, and communication under pressure. The question is: Can your team beat the clock and save the day?
Learning Objectives
- Enhance Team Communication and Collaboration by practicing clear communication, role delegation, and active listening while solving interdependent tasks in a high-pressure, time-bound environment.
- Apply Critical Thinking to Real-World Public Sector Challenges by analyzing simulated public works problems—such as emergency response coordination, regulatory decision-making, and community relations—and determine logical, effective solutions.
- Strengthen Decision-Making and Time Management Skills while being challenged to prioritize tasks, weigh trade-offs, and make informed decisions quickly, mirroring the pace and complexity of real public works scenarios.
Fees: Included with a full registration, although space is limited.
Solutions Hub
Dates and times vary
The Solution Hub is an interactive, peer-driven learning session designed to bring public works professionals together to collaboratively tackle real-world challenges. Using a structured yet flexible format, participants engage in guided discussions, idea mapping, and solution-focused brainstorming around timely issues facing the industry. Facilitated by trained moderators, each 90-minute session fosters knowledge-sharing, creative thinking, and practical problem-solving in a supportive, small-group environment. Whether exploring a single topic from multiple angles or comparing perspectives across related challenges, the Solution Hub emphasizes action, insight, and connection.
Learning Objectives
- Apply structured peer-to-peer problem solving using tools such as idea mapping, group prioritization, and brainstorming solutions to address complex public works challenges.
- Identify practical solutions to shared public works issues, drawing on your own experiences and those of your peers.
- Build professional connections and increase awareness of tools, strategies, and resources that can be applied within your own organization.
Fees: Included with a full registration, although space is limited.
Spotlight on Stormwater
Dates and times vary
Previously named “Stormwater Summit,” these sessions are back-to-back education sessions on Monday and Tuesday of PWX focused on current trends, technology, and developments in stormwater. This program has been renamed for consistency with other APWA educational offerings. Sessions offer attendees a chance to explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in stormwater management, providing a deeper dive into specific topics and innovative solutions. They are designed to be engaging and interactive, fostering discussion and knowledge sharing among professionals.
Fees: Included with a full registration, although space is limited.
In the Driver’s Seat with the Experts
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
3:30 p.m.–4:20 p.m.
Ever wish you could have a conversation and learn from experts in the field of public works? Join us as we wrap up the first year of this new program series featuring experienced professionals in public works sharing what they have learned about leadership, management, and supervision challenges and why they are passionate about the public works profession. If you missed any of the online series or want to learn more from these experts, come listen to our in-person panel featuring Mary Joyce Ivers, Dan Schacher, and Bo Mills.
Fees: Included with a full or one-day registration.
Facilities and Grounds Management Certificate Program
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The Facilities and Grounds Management Certificate program i covers the basic need-to-know topics that professionals in the facilities and grounds disciplines need to understand to perform their jobs effectively and proficiently. The program provides training and real-life experiences in the areas of ADA compliance, grounds maintenance, preventative maintenance, capital improvement planning, and more.
Learning Objectives
- List the topics about which facilities and grounds professionals should possess a basic mastery and proficiency.
- Discuss what facilities and grounds professionals should consider in their day-to-day planning and in forming both long- and short-range objectives.
- Identify the information that should be considered by facilities and grounds professionals when they develop program initiatives and budgets.
Fees
Through June 30: $125 for members; $175 for nonmembers
Starting July 1: $150 for members; $225 for nonmembers
Public Fleet Management Certificate Program
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
This program, designed for fleet managers, including those who aspire to become fleet managers or division leads or directors who would like a better understanding of fleet operations. The program will provide an overview of the many skills and areas of knowledge fleet managers need to be successful, including organization structures, communication, procurement, purchasing, finance, and fleet operations.
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- Describe the role of a fleet manager and determine the benefits of enhanced communication with partners and fleet customers.
- Recall basic finance and technology issues related to fleet management and identify global issues and their impact on fleet management.
- Explain common industry best practices.
Fees
Through June 30: $125 for members; $175 for nonmembers
Starting July 1: $150 for members; $225 for nonmembers
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