News Story

USA to Host the Next PIANC World Congress — 2014 in San Francisco

The US Section of PIANC is proud to announce that it will host the next PIANC World Congress (2014) in San Francisco, California. Every four years, a Congress, open to members and non-members, is held in one of PIANC's member countries in order to present and discuss topics relevant to the waterborne transport infrastructure sector. These Congresses are particularly valuable for the exchange of knowledge and experience for participants of all ages and stages in careers. The last time the United States hosted a Congress was in 1961 in Baltimore, MD.

The US Section selected San Francisco as the location for the next Congress for many reasons but mostly because there is so much "navigation-related" to see and do in the Bay area. The Ports of San Francisco and Oakland are nearby, tourist attractions abound, not to mention the nearby Napa Valley and Sonoma - our own "wine country" in the United States. Many of the city's leading tourist attractions are located at the port, including the famous Fisherman's Wharf and the island of Alcatraz. These attractions draw more than 15 million visitors annually to San Francisco's northern waterfront.

PIANC Commissioner Mr. Dominic Izzo, KBR, will serve as the 2014 Congress Chair. Over the course of the next year, PIANC USA and Mr. Izzo will be organizing a team to plan the Congress, and we will be looking for volunteers (especially for the technical committee, Young Professional Committee, and the local organizing committee). If you are interested in being a part of this exciting event, please let us know (pianc@usace.army.mil).

We look forward to seeing you in San Francisco!

revised 30 Jun 2010