50 Years Strong: Join Us in Milwaukee for ASFPM’s Milestone Conference
For 50 years, ASFPM—and this conference—has helped shape the national conversation on reducing flood risk. This year, we’re not just gathering—we’re marking a milestone.
Join us May 31–June 4, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as we celebrate the 50th Annual ASFPM Conference and reflect on five decades of policies, programs, and people in floodplain management. Together, we’ll look back at how far we’ve come, share what’s working today, and explore the challenges and opportunities that will define the next 50 years.
Guided by the theme “The Fresh Coast Legacy: 50 Years of Floodplain Management,” this event brings together practitioners, partners, decision-makers, and experts from across the country for meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and the connections that make this the largest and most comprehensive gathering of flood risk management professionals in the nation.
Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is your chance to be part of a defining moment for the field.
Sunday: Welcome to Milwaukee (and Let’s Get This Started)
The conference begins Sunday with round one of preconference workshops and technical field tours—before we officially kick things off that evening at Welcome Fest, hosted by the Wisconsin Association for Floodplain, Stormwater & Coastal Management (WAFSCM).
This year’s Welcome Fest brings a distinctly Wisconsin flavor with a tailgate theme—complete with food, beverages, music, and games. The highlight? A chance to meet the Milwaukee Brewers Famous Racing Sausages, plus live polka music to keep things moving.
Come hungry, ready to reconnect, and show your team spirit by wearing your favorite college or pro team apparel.
Monday: Dive In and Get Connected
Monday is all about getting oriented, engaged, and ready for the week ahead.
Key meetings take place throughout the day, including a discussion led by ASFPM’s policy team on legislative priorities, along with committee and regional meetings. These sessions blend presentations with open discussion and are a great way to share ideas, compare approaches, and hit the ground running.
You can also:
- Sit for the CFM exam (pre-registration required)
- Participate in training workshops (additional fee)
- Attend a first-timers orientation session (highly recommended if this is your first conference)
At 5:00 pm, the exhibit hall opens its doors. With more than 75 exhibitors, it’s your first chance to explore the latest tools, technologies, and services supporting flood risk management—and connect with the people behind them.
Tuesday: 50 Years in Focus
Tuesday we hit the heart of the conference—starting with a plenary that sets the tone for this milestone year: Back to the Future: Floodplain Management 50 Years Past and 50 Years Hence
This session takes a thoughtful look at where we’ve been—and where we’re headed. After more than five decades of practice, what approaches have proven effective? Where have we fallen short? And what should we be doing now to reduce flood damages, strengthen resilience, and protect floodplain resources over the next 50 years?
You’ll hear from leaders who have helped shape the profession, including French Wetmore, one of ASFPM’s founders; Mark Riebeau, past CBOR President; Annie Mack Vest, CFM, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management; and Lori Peek, Director of the Natural Hazards Center.
The day continues with a full slate of concurrent sessions and training workshops, followed by time in the exhibit hall.
For those with full registration, Tuesday also includes a special anniversary luncheon hosted by the ASFPM Foundation, celebrating 50 years of ASFPM and 30 years of the Foundation.
Wednesday: A Little Competition—and a Look Ahead
Start your day by lacing up your sneakers for the Running of the Chapters 5K Run/Walk. In the spirit of Midwestern politeness, this year’s race is officially the “Ope! (lemme just squeeze right past ya there) 5K”—or simply, The Ope!
The race is a long-standing tradition that brings a little friendly competition to the conference, with states going head-to-head for bragging rights and the title of most participants. So rally your crew, represent your chapter, and don’t get squeezed out. (Bus transportation provided to Veterans Park)
After the race, it’s back to the main stage for the morning plenary: What’s Next for the NFIP? Perspectives from Those Who Know the Program Best
With the National Flood Insurance Program continuing to evolve—from Risk Rating 2.0 to changes in mapping approaches and recommendations from the FEMA Review Council—this panel brings together former FEMA program leaders to offer candid insights on what’s working, what needs improvement, and which proposals deserve a closer look.
Presenters include Paul Huang, Vice President, Civilian Sector, OST Global; Luis Rodriguez, Program Director for Public Sector Engineering Resilience at AECOM; Laura Algeo, Managing Partner, Operational Strategy at SNA Partners; and Eric Levin, Vice President of Resilience at Tidal Basin Group.
Later in the day, young professionals won’t want to miss the Career Paths in Floodplain Management session, where emerging professionals can connect with experienced practitioners and gain practical guidance for navigating the field.
Thursday: From Plans to Progress
The final plenary of the conference brings the focus back to what matters most—results.
Owning Our Future: State & Local Success Stories highlights real-world examples of what’s possible in floodplain management. From improving compliance to launching new initiatives and building effective partnerships, these stories offer practical, proven approaches to today’s challenges.
You’ll hear directly from practitioners leading this work, including Kevin Schaffer, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District; Phetmano Phannavong, Senior Strategic Advisor at AECOM representing the Norfolk, VA Coastal Storm Risk Management project team; and Kelli Higgins-Roche, New York’s NFIP Coordinator.
And speaking of celebrating success, don’t miss the annual awards luncheon, where we recognize the individuals, organizations, and agencies making a meaningful difference in reducing flood risk across the country.
Closing Night: 50 Years—1970s Style
We wrap up the conference with a celebration that’s been 50 years in the making.
Join us at The New Fashioned for a 1970s-themed closing reception—complete with live music, hyperbowling, and plenty of opportunities to connect and unwind. Break out your bell bottoms, platform shoes, or your best vintage-inspired look and help us celebrate five decades of progress, community, and commitment to flood resilience.
There’s Still Time to Register
There’s still time to register. Whether you attend in person or online, you’ll get on-demand access to session recordings and the opportunity to earn up to 12 CECs.
Visit ASFPMconference.org to secure your spot.
