Your local chapter of the Professional Engineers of Oregon welcomed the statewide membership to Sunriver for the annual State PEO Conference in May. Surpassing the expected attendance by over 60 percent, the conference attracted engineers and their families from all disciplines—from former Intel electrical engineers to the civil engineering staff from several Central Oregon cities. In addition to leading the group to Sunriver, the conference provided a platform for learning, licensure, and leadership, while building relationships across the state.
Sunriver is widely recognized as a premier Pacific Northwest vacation destination. When the state conference planning committee, chaired by The Wallace Group’s Mark Herbert, set the goal of 90 attendees, the intent was to draw a crowd to an enjoyable destination. The final registration count of 145 indicates how a great conference location can boost attendance. The state memberships expressed excitement at the proposal to visit Central Oregon, and noted the benefit of being able to attend with families.
The Central Oregon PEO chapter also recognizes the significance of attracting statewide participants, boosting the regional economy. A recurring theme among the conference evaluation forms was the satisfaction with the location and an eagerness to return in future years.
The annual event allowed members to dedicate several days to PEO’s core principles of learning, licensure and leadership. Under the banner of Engineers: We Change the World, the conference provided both a Technical Track and a Global Professional and Licensure Track. Speakers from around the state and from a variety of engineering backgrounds presented useful and engaging topics.
Central Oregon was well-represented as Benny Benson of ENERGYneering Solutions, Inc., headquartered in Sisters, explained his team’s leading edge work in the field of methane (biogas) recovery systems for power generation. Additionally, Tom Hickmann, engineering and planning director for the City of Bend, discussed the City’s experience with the Surface Water Improvement Project and how those lessons are shaping future contract management and public involvement efforts for infrastructure improvements in Bend. Full participation in either track, or a mix of both, granted attendees a total of 15 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) which are required to maintain Professional Engineer licensure.
Together with a great meeting location and agenda, the conference served as a means for Central Oregon engineers to build and strengthen connections with their peers from across the state. Whether between classes, around the banquet table, or over a round of superb Central Oregon beer, these personal and professional relationships nourish lifelong engineering careers. Through PEO, a network of engineers is formed for the unifying purpose of protecting the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
The state PEO conference was a success for all involved, and especially for the Central Oregon engineers in attendance. As a sign of the times, PEO membership grew by 35 new PEs at the conference registration table. The opportunity to enjoy the Sunriver setting, enrich careers, and strengthen connections across the state was afforded every attendee. For those engineers in Central Oregon who wish to continue their involvement with PEO, the chapter meets on the fourth Monday of every month and for occasional tours. Feel free to contact Tom Headley, PE, with questions at (theadley@centurywest.com).
