RESTON, VA. — The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will hold its 139th Annual Civil Engineering Conference in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 29-31, 2009. With the theme, From Builders to Integrators — Civil Engineers Leading the Way, the conference’s goal is to help guide civil engineers as they face the challenges of the future.

The conference session topics include emergency management issues, sustainability and infrastructure, leadership, professional development, and the future of civil engineers in society over the next two decades. Pre- and post-conference workshops and sessions will feature topics such as communications and leadership, as well as sessions for international members and young engineers. During ASCE’s Annual Business Meeting, Blaine D. Leonard, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, the Society’s 2009-2010 president, will make his inaugural address.

The conference will also include an Industry Leaders Forum on sustainability, an International Roundtable, several technical tours, and two keynote speeches:

Erik Peterson, senior vice president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and founder and director for the Seven Revolutions project, will open the conference with a discussion of issues such as energy trends, innovation in technology, and the economy. Ben Stein, political humorist, will end the conference with wit and wisdom on finance, ethics, and life.

A regular part of the conference for the last seven years, ASCE members will also perform a service activity for the host city. This year, improvements will be made to the Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc., facility, a non-profit organization that provides equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with disabilities through the movement of, and human interaction with, horses.

For a complete conference agenda, visit: www.asceannualconference.org.