LAC Chair Update - May 2024
Posted by [email protected] on May. 1, 2024 / Mountain District Executive Update / Subscribe 0
Mountain District Members and Friends,
The 2024 ITE Mountain District Annual Meeting is nearly one month away! The Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) is thrilled to welcome you to the mountain resort community in Big Sky, Montana on June 19-21, 2024. The LAC has committed countless hours into making this year’s meeting a resounding success. After meticulously crafting an educational, informational, recreational, and sensational schedule and technical program, this meeting is bound to be memorable. Early registration is still open, so be sure to take advantage of it before late registration begins on May 16. Hotel rooms under the Mountain District block will also be available through the May 16 deadline. If you need a little encouragement to register your spot in Big Sky, consider the following:
Local Recreation
Before (of after) the conference, take advantage of the numerous recreational activities around the Gallatin River Canyon and Southwest Montana region. These activities include exploring the nearby mountain ranges via hiking or biking, try your hand at fly fishing, enjoy world-class golf, go ziplining, or head out on horseback. It’s also an excellent time to visit Yellowstone National Park, only one hour south of Big Sky with fewer visitors in June and beautiful spring scenery. Locally, the LAC is offering hiking opportunities around the conference center on Wednesday before the meeting starts.
Technical Program
Don’t miss this opportunity to earn continuing education credits in one of Montana’s premier mountain resorts! This year’s program features 15 technical tracks, including specialty sessions focused on equity in transportation engineering and students entering the workforce. Speakers from across the Mountain District states will present on topics such as alternative delivery, vulnerable road users, complete streets, the latest MUTCD, innovative intersections, and many more. Other highlights include the continuation of the captivating Mountain TED Talks, a limited-capacity technical tour of the new Big Sky Tram, and keynote presentations on Ethics in Transportation and A History of Roads in Montana. Check out the preliminary technical program on the conference website.
Mountain Music Reception
Embrace the Montana vibe for our Thursday night event at the Mountain Music Reception. At the reception, you’ll have the pleasure of relaxing on Vista Hall’s deck providing amazing views at the base of Lone Mountain. Live music will be performed on the deck by Montana musician Tanner Laws, who stepped away from his position as a civil engineer to pursue music full-time. Tanner has since performed alongside notable country music stars and dancing will be encouraged! After dinner, stroll down to the central plaza for some cornhole, mini-golf, or kick back next to the firepits (per local restrictions) for a truly enjoyable evening.
Other District Committee Happenings
In addition to the usual conference schedule and technical program, this year’s meeting promises to be a significant building block for the Mountain District’s two newest committees – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Service and Outreach Committees. The DEI will hold a social on Wednesday morning before the meeting commences, and an equity in transportation track is included in the technical program. The DEI Committee is also happy to announce the first scholarship recipient to support attendance at the Annual Meeting. The Service and Outreach Committee will also be supporting a Blood Donation Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. The drive will take place on Thursday, June 20 and all presenting donors will be entered into a prize drawing. Check out the conference website for additional details and how to pre-register for your gift of life.
Vendors / Sponsors
Our vendor space is FULL due to the extraordinary support from all our vendor companies! Vendors this year will be right in the middle of the conference activities, located in the Lower and Upper Atriums of the conference center. The Wednesday evening Vendor Social will provide opportunity for the 3rd Annual Mountain District Cornhole Tournament, hors d'oeuvres, and a chance to mingle and catch up with attendees. We appreciate all the support from our vendors and sponsors who contribute to the success of each annual meeting. There are still sponsorship opportunities available – contact Erin Claunch ([email protected]) today to get your company involved!
Student Activities
Students attending the annual meeting will have numerous prospects for engagement in the technical program and standalone activities. The technical program includes a student-focused session with job offer comparisons, employer expectations, and joining effective teams. Additional activities include the student competition, student chapter traffic bowl (with snacks!), and networking bingo event.
The excitement for this year’s meeting is palpable, and we’re just as thrilled to see you! Register today, book your lodging, and arrange transportation for this event you won’t want to miss! Please check out the annual meeting webpage on the Mountain District website for the latest information, events, and activities for the conference. If you have additional questions, reach out to our LAC Chair Dillon McLain ([email protected]).
See you in 49 days!
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