& Legislative Update
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of HEC-RAS 2D modeling – from scoping and model setup to mesh design, structure integration, results interpretation, and new feature evaluation in 6.6, 6.7, and 2025. The workshop will alternate between brief lectures to introduce concepts and hands-on exercises. Topics covered include building a model from scratch, mesh layout, structures, model review, results interpretation, and new feature capabilities. Over the past decade, Freese and Nichols instructors have led dozens of workshops for local and national conferences, universities, and other entities, including over 1,000 total participants.
Presenters: Mark Pauls, PE, CFM, Freese and Nichols, Inc.; Jeremy Dixon, PE, CFM, Freese and Nichols, Inc.; and Hector Olmos, PE, CFM, Freese and Nichols, Inc.
$50 additional cost
Pluvial, fluvial, and coastal flood events continue to pose growing challenges to communities as rainfall intensities and short duration flash floods exceed traditional drainage and river management capacities. This workshop focuses on how wet and dry floodproofing strategies and elevation/relocation can be effectively applied in dynamic flooding conditions to reduce damage, enhance resilience, and meet National Flood Insurance Program and building code compliance, as well as ASCE 24-24 standards. Participants will examine the key differences between pluvial (rainfall-driven), fluvial (riverine), and coastal (Great Lakes) flooding and the unique performance requirements each presents for mitigation systems. Through real-world case studies, the workshop highlights how wet floodproofing techniques, such as engineered flood openings and flood resistant materials, can protect buildings in repetitive loss zones, dry floodproofing using passive systems, floodproof windows, and certified deployable barrier systems provide essential flood protection. Learn how building elevation or relocation can limit or eliminate future flood damage to residential and nonresidential buildings. The workshop also addresses the growing role of early flood warning technology, showing how predictive rainfall & storm surge, as well as site-specific hydrology and hydraulics can complement nonstructural mitigation to create layered, predictive protection when timing is critical.
Presenters: Randall Behm, PE, CFM, Behm Hazard Mitigation, LLC; Tom Little, CFM, Floodproofing.com; Roderick Scott, CFM, Flood Mitigation Industry Association; and David Elvir, US Flood Control
$50 additional cost
Relatively simple mistakes can often torpedo requests for FEMA funding under the Public Assistance program. This session will be a hands on practicum in how to bullet-proof the tracking of labor, equipment and materials when requesting federal disaster assistance. It will cover the practical aspects of proper documentation to qualify for Federal disaster funding. We will discuss language to be avoided in the documentation process, and the policies that should be in place to maximize disaster financial recovery
Presenter: Michael Martinet, MS, CEM, The Martinet Group, LLC
$50 additional cost
This workshop will go through the new Elevation Certificate (released in 2023) section by section to help participants verify forms are being completed correctly by both licensed professionals and local community officials. Specific focus will be applied to building diagrams since they are very important in floodplain management at the local level and insurance rating by the NFIP. The workshop will also cover the proper steps to reviewing ECs for compliance with floodplain management regulations and for credit under the Community Rating System. We will also discuss the two new sections of the EC form, created to help homeowners document building characteristics that could potentially qualify them for insurance discounts without having to hire a surveyor.
Presenter: Becca Fricke-Croft, PMP, CFM, AtkinsRealis
$50 additional cost
This tour examines a $350M regional initiative by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to restore natural function to seven miles of waterways within the Kinnickinnic River watershed, mitigating flood risk for over 660 structures. The itinerary highlights the technical transition from 1960s-era concrete lining to natural stream design, beginning with a 4,000-linear-foot downstream reach requiring significant channel widening and the reconstruction of six bridges. Attendees will evaluate early-out hydraulic improvements near I-94, integrated floodplain storage projects at local parks that utilize dredged lagoons for offline detention, and headwaters restoration designed to attenuate “flashy” stormwater flows. These sites demonstrate the engineering complexities of urban river restoration, including bioengineered bank stabilization, expanded hydraulic capacity, and the strategic reconnection of a high-risk floodplain to its natural environment. Snacks will be provided.
$60 additional cost
This tour will highlight Lake Michigan’s diverse coastal landscapes and nature-based engineering solutions designed to address flooding, erosion, and water quality challenges. The first stop will be Samuel Myers Park in Racine, where green infrastructure and coastal dune and wetland restoration have improved nearshore water quality, habitat, and resilience to fluctuating lake levels. Next, attendees will learn about bluff restoration projects in Oak Creek that demonstrate how legacy industrial sites are being transformed into parks that provide public access to the lake. Attendees will also visit Milwaukee’s South Shore Beach. Once among the nation’s poorest in water quality, this beach is now rehabilitated through more than a decade of study, design, and construction. Lunch will be provided during the tour.
$85 additional cost (includes lunch)
International Policy
Floodplain Regulations
Map. & Eng. Standards
Mitigation
Professional Development
Higher Education & AI Sub-Committee
Post-Disaster Recovery
Open for all attendees
Hosted by your elected Regional Directors (organized by FEMA regions).
This interactive workshop helps participants move from awareness to action. Through guided exercises, scenario-based discussions, and structured planning tools, attendees will explore real-world applications of AI across ASFPM focus areas—from predictive modeling and mitigation to communication, equity, and governance. Participants will leave with a tailored AI Readiness Plan, a framework for ethical adoption, and language for building cultural and leadership buy-in. The session emphasizes responsible innovation, organizational readiness, and practical planning.
Presenters: Phetmano Phannavong, PE, PMP, CFM, AIGP, AECOM and Skye King, MS, MPH, Geode Lifeworks
$60 additional cost
Risk Communication & Social Justice Task Force
Flood Insurance
Coastal Issues
Stormwater Mgmt., Natural & Beneficial Functions, and No Adverse Impact
Nonstructural Floodproofing
Arid Regions
Open for all attendees
Pre-registration required. Apply for the CFM Exam here and write in “ASFPM Conference Milwaukee” for your prefered test location.
Sponsored by Stantec