Houston Welcomes 6,000+ Infrastructure Leaders from Across the Globe to Tackle Communities’ Biggest Challenges

KANSAS CITY, MO—Houston will welcome more than 6,000 public works professionals from around the world, August 30–September 2, as the American Public Works Association (APWA) brings its Public Works Expo (PWX) to the George R. Brown Convention Center. This year’s program will provide world-class education and training on the most critical challenges in public works and infrastructure from the public and private sectors, including disaster preparedness and recovery, flooding and stormwater management, workforce development, transportation, emerging technologies, water and wastewater systems, sustainability, and asset management. As communities continue to invest in resilient infrastructure, PWX provides a unique forum for public works leaders to exchange ideas, share lessons learned, and identify practical solutions that improve quality of life for residents.

“There is tremendous value in gathering face-to-face with peers who have solved similar problems, especially in a city like Houston that understands the critical importance of resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and long-term community investment,” said APWA President Vic Bianes, PE. “The ideas and relationships developed during these four days help public works leaders return home better equipped to serve their residents and strengthen their communities.”

Highlights of this year’s PWX program include:

• Attendees can visit one-on-one with representatives from more than 480 exhibiting companies across approximately 300,000 square feet of exhibit hall space on August 30, 31, and September 1. This year’s exhibit floor will be the largest ever.
• As part of APWA’s Proud to Care Initiative, attendees will have the opportunity to give back to the local community by donating blood to Gulf Coast Blood during the 19th Annual Blood Drive on August 30, 31, and September 1. They may also donate to the Houston Food Bank and Rebuilding Together Houston in support of the APWA Texas Chapter’s fundraising goal.
• Attendees may choose from more than 150 education sessions, seminars, and workshops, including classroom instruction, interactive workshops, and “live” learning labs, on the most pressing topics in public works today, from workforce development and recruitment, to public works role as first responders, to managing budgets, and more.
• General sessions on August 30, September 1 and 2 will feature three inspiring storytellers, Dr. Amber Selking, J.R. Martinez, and Doc Hendley. Each will explore timely topics that will resonate with attendees at all levels, including building resilience for excellence, becoming powered by purpose, and how to turn purpose into impact.

“Cities like Houston understand just how important public works professionals are to everyday life and community resilience,” said APWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “The City of Houston’s Public Works Department is APWA’s largest accredited agency, which speaks to the city’s strong commitment to professional excellence in public works. Whether preparing for major storms, restoring critical services after an emergency, or maintaining the infrastructure residents rely on each day, public works teams are essential to keeping communities safe and connected. PWX creates a unique opportunity for these professionals to come together, learn from each other’s experiences, and discover practical solutions that work today and lay the groundwork for future thinking.”

Media members are invited to attend PWX. To schedule interviews or arrange for press credentials, please contact Jared Shilhanek, APWA Chief Growth Officer, at jshilhanek@apwa.org or by phone at (816) 595-5257. To request high-resolution event photos, please email media@apwa.org.

To learn more about PWX, visit the conference webpage.