Links to the DRAFT Conference Schedule and the Construction Inspection Schedule are listed below.

NEW to the 2026 New York State Chapter APWA Annual Conference is a Construction Inspection Track.

See below for more information.

 

New York State Chapter Annual Conference

March 17 – 19, 2026 | Utica, New York

 

Join the New York State Chapter of the American Public Works Association for their 2026 Annual Conference on March 17 – 19, 2026 in Utica, New York.  The 2026 Annual Conference will feature expert speakers and opportunities to earn CEU and PDH credits.  Early bird registration is now open through January 31, 2026.  If you need help with registration, please contact Jolie Murray jmurray@mvwa.us for assistance.   The Annual Conference starts on Tuesday night with a Networking Event /Vendor Blender being held at the Delta by Marriott Utica from 6 pm – 9 pm.  The next day and a half will feature educational sessions involving public works.  Keep checking back to view the tentative schedule.

Conference Schedule

Click the following link to view a DRAFT of the Conference Schedule.

DRAFT Conference Schedule

Construction Inspection Workshop

This workshop focuses on public infrastructure inspection, including the roles and responsibilities of an inspector, pre-construction planning, documentation, communication, risk management and legal issues, scheduling, and project close-out.

Technical Areas covered include earthwork, excavation and trench safety, confined space safety, general concrete, underground piping installation, and street and surface improvements.

Module 1: Construction Inspection: Basic Overview and Regulatory Overview

0.5 Hour: This session will address the Inspector’s role, duties, limitations, and qualifications.  Also discussed will be the personal health and safety issues for the Inspector (protective equipment, site awareness, etc.)

0.5 hour: This session will address OSHA requirements related to a construction site.  The role and limitations of the Inspector in addressing these rules will also be addressed.

Module 2, 23: Documentation, Communication, Project Closeout

1 Hour: This session will address the methods of communication (verbal, written, email, etc.) and guidelines for communicating with the Contractor, public, management, etc.  This session will also address the record-keeping and documentation required for a project, including daily entries in the project diary, tracking of quantities and materials, and various report forms. This session will also address the steps involved in project completion and closeout.

Module 3: Risk Management and Legal Issues

1 Hour:  This session will address the basics of Contract law, Contract documents, the inspector’s role as an agent of the Owner, potential for litigation, and managing risk.  (Case Study)

Module 4: Pre-Construction Planning

1 Hour: This session will address the steps involved in pre-project planning.  The nature of the plans and specifications that comprise the Contract documents will be addressed, as well as some of the key items that must be completed before construction begins.

Module 6: Earthwork – General Construction Process and Procedures

1 Hour: This session will address surveying, easements, and construction stakeout; grading operations, testing procedures and record keeping.  Acceptance/rejection criteria will also be discussed.

Modules 10-12: Pipeline Materials and Installation

1.5 Hour: This session will address pipe materials, pipe installation, and testing procedures for gravity and pressurized pipelines.  This session will focus on water lines, sewer, and storm drainage systems.  This session will also address open cut and trenchless installation techniques.

Module 13: General Concrete Inspection

1 Hour: This session will address general concrete construction.  Topics include mix designs, concrete strength, placement and inspection of reinforcing steel, handling and placement of concrete, weather implications, expansion and contraction joints, finishing, curing, and sampling and testing procedures.

Module 14-15: Street and Surface Improvements

1 Hour: This session will address milling, paving and reconstruction of public roadways with a focus on asphalt pavements.  The session will also address the different mix designs and their applications; handling and placing materials; paving equipment; testing procedures; and acceptance/rejection criteria.

Click the following link to view a Draft of the Construction Inspection Workshop schedule.

DRAFT Construction Inspection Workship Schedule

Exhibitor Opportunity – EXHIBITOR SPACE IS FULL (Please consider a sponsorship.)

 Register as an exhibitor and showcase your products, services, solutions at the 2026 APWA NYS Chapter Annual Conference!

  • Market your organization and technologies to highly targeted audiences focused on public works.
  • Network and interact one-on-one with colleagues, including Wednesday evening Happy Hour and Networking Event.
  • Highlight your organizations logo in the Conference Program.
  • Attend educational sessions to learn the latest in public works.

Exhibitor Registration Fee:  $800 

Exhibitor Registration includes one (1) person admission to the Networking Event on Tuesday evening, breakfast both Wednesday and Thursday, Lunch on Wednesday, and the Awards Banquet Wednesday Evening. Any additional booth attendees/representative will need to register below, separately, using their own name. Exhibitor registration also includes one (1) 6” table.  Electric is available upon request.

NEW in 2026 all exhibitors will be in one room (Ball Room).  The networking event on Wednesday evening will be held in the exhibit area. Each exhibitor will have an opportunity to “Pitch It” during the Networking Event or during Lunch. Exhibitors will be able to set up early on Tuesday and breakdown no later than 4 pm on Wednesday.

To register as an exhibitor click here: Exhibitor Registration

We very much appreciate our exhibitors.  Exhibitors that are currently attending are listed below.

  • ADFORS
  • ADS
  • AMS Consulting
  • Beta Group
  • C. T. Male Associates
  • Cintas
  • CMC Bridge Systems
  • Da-Lee Pavement Products
  • Eastcom Associates
  • EJ, USA
  • FORTA
  • G. A. Fleet Associates, Inc.
  • GP Jager
  • John Thomas Inc (JTI)
  • Kimco USA Inc
  • Koester Associates
  • Lane Enterprises
  • Larson Design Group
  • MagniFlood Inc.
  • MRB Group Engineer, Architecture & Surveying, DPC
  • Old Dominion Brush Company, LLC
  • Rausch USA
  • RM Headlee Co., Inc.
  • RTVision
  • Siewert Equipment
  • Statewide Aquastore, Inc.
  • Tek-Sales, Inc.
  • UDig NY
  • USG Water Solutions
  • vialytics

Setup: Exhibitor setup time will be available between Noon and 5 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Breakdown: Exhibitors MUST have booths broke down no later than 4 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 for the hotel to flip for the Awards Banquet.

 Sponsorship Opportunities 

We very much appreciate our sponsors.  Sponsorships that are currently available are listed below.  Sponsors receive a full-page ad in the Conference Program.

To register as a sponsor click here:  Sponsorship Registration

  • Appetizer Station at Cocktail Reception – GHD
  • Audio/Video – T.Y. Lin International
  • Awards Banquet – LaBella Associates
  • Awards Banquet Table Gift – Koester Associates
  • Breakfast Buffet (Wed/Thurs) – C & S Companies
  • Coffee/Snack Breaks – GA Fleet Associates
  • Conference Program Reproduction – Barton & Loguidice
  • Corn Hole Toss Bags – Siewert Equipment
  • Know Before You Go – RTVision
  • Lanyards – C.T. Male Associates
  • Luncheon (Wednesday) – Koester Associates
  • Nametags – GA Fleet Associates
  • Networking Event – BCA Architects & Engineers
  • Open Bar (1-Hour) Cocktail Hour – Koester Associates

 Venue/Accomodations 

We are pleased to work with the Delta by Marriott Utica on providing an incredible venue and accommodations for our attendees.

Delta by Marriott Utica, 200 Genesee Street Utica NY 13502 (315) 797-8010

  • Room Rate:  $159 night
  • Last day to book: February 16, 2026 
  • Check-in/Out Time:  Check-in time is 3 PM, Check-out time is Noon

Book your group rate for APWA 2026

Phone Reservation:  315-266-1461, mention APWA NYS Chapter Annual Conference

For more hotel information click on the following link:  Delta Hotel Property Overview

If you did not make the deadline, and there are not any rooms left at the Delta, there are several hotels a short distance from the Delta with the closest (two blocks away) being The Hotel Utica.

 

Registration 

Conference Attendee Registration

 

Networking Event/Vendor Blender

The Networking Event/Vendor Blender is Tuesday, March 17th from 6 PM – 9 PM at the Hotel.  I highly recommend you attend.  Not only is it a lot of fun and a great way to start off the conference, but there is free food, free drinks, and a cornhole competition.  Attendance to the Networking Event is NOT included in the conference registration fee.  If you would like to join us, go back to the registration site by clicking on the link below and register for the networking event.

VERY IMPORTANT!

I cannot stress enough how important it is that you find the time to check out each of the vendor booths.  If not for our vendors, the conference wouldn’t be what it is.  Please show them your appreciation and take a few minutes to stop and talk with them.

 

Awards Banquet

The Awards Banquet is Wednesday evening starting promptly at 6 PM with a cocktail hour prior beginning at 5 PM.  Please don’t only come to the cocktail hour and skip the awards banquet.  These projects deserve to be recognized, and it is important that you are there.

 

 Conference Attendees – Things You May Want to “Know Before You Go”

The main entrance to the hotel is located adjacent to the parking garage. As you arrive you can park in the loading/10-minute area, help yourselves to a luggage cart if needed.

On site parking is available at the Washington Street parking garage, adjacent to the Delta Hotel. The 3 level, city owned garage has a 7-foot clearance and holds 525 spaces.  Hotel guests will receive a discounted rate of $10.00 per day for overnight stays. Parking charges for hotel guests will be processed by the hotel and require ticket validation at hotel concierge. These charges will appear on your bill upon departure.  Non-hotel guests may park at a rate of $2.00 per hour, $18.00 max per day. Parking charges for non-hotel guests will be processed through the Washington Street parking garage kiosk. Please note, cash is not accepted at kiosk (debit or credit card only).

The hotel does have complimentary wi-fi in both the lobby and event spaces. The hotel also offers an enhanced private network for a fee.  See details below:

Registration will be in the hotel lobby.  Early registration begins at Noon on Tuesday, and again Wednesday morning beginning at 7 AM.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that circumstances may arise which require you to cancel your registration. The following policy applies:

  • Cancellations Received by February 1, 2026 – A full refund will be issued, minus administrative fees.

  • Cancellations Received Between February 2, 2026 and March 1, 2026 – A 50% refund will be issued.

  • Cancellations Received After March 2, 2026 – No refunds will be issued.

  • No-Shows – Registrants who do not attend the conference and have not cancelled in advance will not be eligible for a refund.

Substitutions:
If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute attendee at no additional cost. Please notify us in writing at jmurray@mvwa.us with the substitute’s name and contact details.

Conference Cancellation by Organizer:
In the unlikely event that the conference is cancelled, all registration fees will be refunded in full. The organizer is not responsible for any travel, lodging, or incidental expenses incurred by registrants.

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, November 7, 2025 – Deadline for Abstract Submittals

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – Exhibit Hall Set-up and Networking Event/Vendor Blender

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Exhibitors are to be removed from exhibitor area no later than 4 PM.  Awards Banquet begins at 6 PM with Cocktail Reception at 5 PM.

*********************************************************************************************************

Again, be sure to thank our sponsors and exhibitors.  They are a very important part in making this event a success.

If you have any further questions, shoot me a text.

Jolie Murray

APWA NYS Chapter Administrator

315.368.7769