MCEER HIGHWAY PROJECT
FHWA CONTRACT DTFH61-98-C-00094
Seismic Vulnerability of the Highway System

Task G2-1: 3rd FHWA National Seismic Conference and Workshop on Bridges and Highways

Subject Area: Technology Exchange and Transfer 
Research Year 2

Ian G. Buckle, University of Nevada, Reno

Objective and Approach

The first and second National Seismic Conferences on Bridges and Highways were held in San Diego and Sacramento, California in December 1995 and July 1997, respectively. Under this task, MCEER is organizing and conducting the Third conference on behalf of the FHWA. At this time, it is anticipated that the conference will be held in early to mid 2002.

Work on this task was initiated during Year 1. A Steering Committee was formed, which will be responsible for overseeing the conference and making major decisions on how it should be conducted. A conference planner was subcontracted who will be responsible for the daily activities as plans for the conference progresses. Also during Year 1, RFPs were sent to the Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) for seven potential host cities. The CVBs, distributed the RFPs to all potential hotels/convention centers capable of hosting the event. Thirteen hotels/convention centers responded to the RFPs and the Steering Committee is in the process of selecting the host facility/city.

During Year 2 work on this task will continue and will include:

• Convening a meeting of the Steering Committee to select the conference theme, topics of the conference, potential international speakers, members of the technical committee, the site and date of the conference. 
• Negotiating a contract with the host facility. 
• Preparing and widely distributing a "Call for Papers" to solicit conference papers and presentations.
• Convening a meeting of the Technical Committee (via conference call) to review abstracts of potential conference papers and determine which papers will be accepted. Contact selected presenters and arrange for the submission of camera-ready conference papers.
• Finalizing and confirming which international speakers will make presentations.

Following Year 2, MCEER activities will focus on hosting the conference and wrapping up, which will include:

• Preparing and publishing bound conference proceedings which will be distributed to all conference participants.
• Working with the steering committee to develop, print and issue the final conference announcement and appropriate registration forms.
• Organizing an exhibition area, including marketing to potential exhibitors, negotiating space, and collecting exhibitor fees.
• Managing all conference registration functions, including pre-registration and on-site registration, collection of registration fees, and preparation of conference hand-out packages.
• Managing all on-site conference activities. This will include on-site registration, preparing and setting up all required space and signage, negotiating and managing audio-visual and poster session equipment and personnel, organizing speakers and speaker-ready facilities, and management of conference exhibitors.
• Providing a post-conference report documenting problems and successes.

Products

Conference proceedings which will include the conference papers.
Post-conference report documenting conference problems and successes.

Technical Challenges

None anticipated.

8/14/01