50th Anniversary Preview: Celebrating Five Decades of Impact

Help Us Tell ASFPM’s Story, 50 Years in the Making

In 2026, ASFPM turns 50 — and we’re getting ready to celebrate in a way that reflects who we are as an association and as a profession.

It all began in a nondescript meeting room in Chicago, where six state floodplain managers from the Midwest came together with a shared sense of purpose. From that modest start grew a national association that — along with its 38 state chapters—now represents more than 20,000 flood risk management professionals working across a wide range of specialties in both the public and private sectors.

That’s five decades of advancing flood risk reduction, advocating for sound policies, supporting communities, and strengthening a professional network grounded in the understanding that floodplain management is both a science and a service.

To mark this milestone, we’re planning a year-long 50th anniversary celebration — one that looks back at where we’ve been, recognizes the people who shaped ASFPM along the way, and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities still to come. 

A Year of Celebration — Not Just One Event

While the centerpiece of our celebration will be the 2026 Annual Conference in Milwaukee (May 31–June 4, 2026), the anniversary will extend far beyond one week and one location. Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting key moments in ASFPM’s history, elevating stories from members, and creating opportunities to reflect on the policies, programs, and people that have shaped the association.

And this is where you come in.

We want this anniversary to be a true community celebration — one that draws on your memories, your photos, your stories, and your ideas. 

What We’re Planning (and How You Can Participate)

Here’s a preview of some of the activities we’re planning — and how you can get involved:

Newsletters -Throughout 2026, The Insider and News & Views will feature articles highlighting major milestones in ASFPM’s history, influential policy moments, and the people who helped move the profession forward. Member contributions are welcome and encouraged!
Have a story to share? Send it to Mary Bart.

Annual Conference (Milwaukee, May 31–June 4, 2026) – We’re planning a variety of special anniversary elements for the Annual Conference, including:

• Plenary sessions reflecting on key policy decisions, defining moments over the decades, and what the next 50 years might bring
• Special recognitions honoring ASFPM’s history and leadership
• An interactive exhibit — think “ASFPM through the years” — featuring photos, materials, memorabilia from past conferences, and stories from across five decades

If you have photos or conference swag to share, contact Sarah Magdanz. 

Social Media – We’ll be sharing a series of posts throughout the year spotlighting meaningful moments from ASFPM’s past — 50 in total. From policy wins and memorable events to behind-the-scenes stories of the association’s evolution. Please follow the hashtag #ASFPM50 and help amplify our posts with likes, comments and shares. 

Digital Milestone Board – Members are invited to post a message, photo, or short video on a digital milestone board. Share a favorite ASFPM memory, what your membership means to you, or simply wish ASFPM a happy 50th anniversary. https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/XW48ipi2 and click + Add to board. 

Let’s Celebrate —Together

We want this year to be a celebration worthy of everything ASFPM has accomplished over the last 50 years. With your participation, we can honor our past, recognize the work happening today, and set the stage for the decades ahead. So start digging through those old photos, reflecting on your ASFPM journey, and thinking about how you’d like to be part of the celebration.