Reflect. Connect. Advance. Join Us in New Orleans for the 2025 ASFPM Annual Conference

ByMary Bart

In just a little more than two weeks, ASFPM’s 49th Annual Conference gets underway in New Orleans, a city that knows a thing or two about resilience. This year’s theme, Extraordinary Lessons Below Sea Level: 20 Years of Innovation, is especially fitting as we return to the Big Easy two decades after Hurricane Katrina. It’s a moment to reflect, but also to look forward — to new approaches, stronger partnerships, and smarter strategies for managing flood risk in a changing world.

At a time when federal policy is shifting and new challenges emerging, there’s never been a better moment for our community to connect, collaborate, and lead. With 200+ presentations, interactive workshops, and technical field tours, ASFPM 2025 will arm you with tools, insights, and inspiration you can bring back to your community. 

Here’s what you can expect when you join us at the world’s largest and most comprehensive gathering of flood risk management professionals, May 18–22. 

We kick things off Sunday evening with Welcome Fest, hosted by the Louisiana Floodplain Management Association. Join us at the Presbytère and The Cabildo — two historic buildings in the heart of Jackson Square — to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  Appetizers, drinks, and entertainment will be provided.

Monday features a number of important meetings, including a discussion led by our policy team on key legislative issues, as well as meetings for all the policy committees and regions. These meetings are often a mix of presentations and discussions of issues, priorities, and recommendations and are a great way for conference attendees to hit the ground running, share ideas, and gain fresh perspectives. 

You can also sit for the CFM exam (pre-registration required) or register for one of the many training workshops. If this is your first ASFPM conference, we encourage all conference newbies to swing by any of the quick but informative first-timers orientation sessions. At 5:00 pm on Monday, it will be time to head to the exhibit hall for the grand opening. We have more than 75 exhibitors eager to chat with you and showcase their latest flood risk management technologies, products, and services.

Tuesday we hit the heart of the conference — three days of learning and inspiration — starting with a morning plenary session titled 20 Years After Katrina: Building Resilience for the Next Generation. As we mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, this plenary brings together experts to reflect on the progress made, challenges ahead, and critical considerations for the future. Together, these voices will explore how Katrina reshaped flood management in the area and how we can better prepare for tomorrow’s storms.

Featured speakers:  

  • Windell Curole, South Lafourche Levee District, Louisiana 
  • Col. Cullen Jones, PE, PMP, CFM, USACE New Orleans District
  • Gavin Smith, PhD, AICP, NC State University

The plenary is followed by a full day of training workshops and concurrent sessions, and concludes again in the exhibit hall. 

On Wednesday, it’s time to lace up those sneakers for the Running of the Chapters 5K Run/Walk. Bragging rights are on the line. Transportation to and from the Sheraton Hotel is provided. After the race, it’s back to business — starting with the morning plenary Stronger Together. The Power of Partnerships. Flood resilience is a collective effort. While it can be complicated to undertake, partnerships make it achievable. This plenary focuses on initiatives by partner organizations who are working to make our nation more flood resilient.

Featured speakers: 

  • Jack Krolikowski, CFM, American Flood Coalition
  • Aaron Davis, BuildStrong America
  • Peter Waggonner, Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI)/Greater New Orleans, Inc.

The day wraps up with a special screening of Built to Last: Buyer Beware, a gripping documentary that exposes the dangers of poorly constructed homes, revealing industry negligence and the devastating impact on homeowners. Narrated by award-winning actor Dylan Baker, it calls for higher building standards, empowering consumers with crucial insights for safer, more durable living environments. Director George Siegal will introduce the film and be available afterwards to answer questions.

The final plenary of the 2025 conference occurs Thursday morning and showcases several smart solutions in floodplain management. From Plans to Progress: State and Local Success Stories shines a spotlight on what’s possible in floodplain management. Learn from your peers as they share practical strategies and creative solutions that have made a measurable difference in their communities. Whether it’s improving compliance, launching bold initiatives, or building innovative partnerships, these stories offer real-world approaches to tackling today’s floodplain management challenges.

Featured speakers:

  • Reem J. Zoun, PE, CFM, Texas Water Development Board
  • Claire Jubb, AICP, CFM, Charlotte County, Florida
  • Lisa Foster, CFM, Pinellas County, Florida
  • Aaron Carranza, PE, CFM, North Dakota Dept. of Water Resources  

And while we’re talking about success stories, don’t miss the annual awards luncheon where we recognize the exemplary work being done by individuals, organizations, and agencies to keep our nation safe. 

Finally, later that evening we head to the National WWII Museum for the closing networking reception, which runs from 6:30pm-10:30pm. 

There’s still time to register for the 2025 conference. Whether you attend in-person or online, you get on-demand access to the session recordings and the opportunity to earn up to 12 CECs. Go to ASFPMconference.org to secure your spot!

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