2025 Summer Conference in Ottawa - July 11-13

Submitted by Executive Director on Thu, 01/09/2025 - 01:34

Join us for the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) Summer Conference in the dynamic and picturesque city of Ottawa, Canada, from July 11th, 2025 to July 13th, 2025, at the Ottawa Marriott.

This premier event will gather leading experts, innovators, and professionals in forensic engineering to explore cutting-edge developments, share insights, and network in Canada’s beautiful capital city. Whether you aim to enhance your expertise, discover the latest industry trends, or connect with fellow engineers, the NAFE Summer Conference promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and enjoy Ottawa’s vibrant culture!

Online registration for NAFE’s 2025 Summer Conference is now open.

Register Now

Tentative Schedule At a Glance

Friday

  • 8:30 AM - Board of Directors Meeting (Open to All Members)
  • 11:00 AM - ASTM E58 Meeting (Open to All Members)
  • 1:30 PM - Tour of Royal Canadian Mint See the News Story
  • 6:00 PM - Fellows Celebration Reception (Open to All Conference Attendees)
  • 7:00 PM - Celebration Dinner (Registration Required)

Saturday Technical Program - View the Schedule Here / Check out Session Abstracts and Speaker Bios Here

  • 6:30 AM  - Breakfast and Networking
  • 7:15 AM  - President’s Remarks and Introductions
  • Morning Track
  • 8:00 AM - Ziad Azzi, PhD, PE (NAFE #1343M) — “Discerning Wind-Related Damage to Residential Roofs: A Case Study of Shingle and Tile Roofs”
  • 9:00 AM - Tonja Koob Marking, PhD, PE (NAFE #1152S) — “Forensic Hydraulic Analysis of a Tow and Barge Vessel Allision with a Lock and Dam”
  • 10:00 AM - Morning Break | Sign Up for Dinner Groups
  • 10:15 AM - Michael Stall, PE (NAFE #955M) — “Forensic Engineering Evaluation and Quantification of Fire Damage to a Home Under Construction”
  • 11:15 AM - Stephen Batzer, PhD, PE (NAFE #677F) — “Unreliable at the Boundary: Analysis of Two Sub-Optimum Crossbow Trigger Designs”
  • 12:15 PM - Lunch
  • Afternoon Track
  • 1:15 PM - Henry Mowry, PE (NAFE #1195M) and David Ridder — “The Importance of Human Perception in Incident Reconstruction and the Potential for Misleading Interactive Reconstructions”
  • 2:15 PM - Robert Peruzzi, PhD, PE (NAFE #967M) — “Forensic Investigation of Bitcoin Mining, Power Transmission, and Vegetation Mismanagement Causing Electrical Faults and Railroad Control System Failures”
  • 3:15 PM - Afternoon Break | Sign Up for Dinner Groups
  • 3:30 PM - Stephen Batzer, PhD, PE (NAFE #677F) — “Barrel Failure in an Over and Under Shotgun”
  • 4:30 PM - Rebecca Bowman, Esq, PE (NAFE #1153M), Brian Eubanks, PE (NAFE 962S), and Lauren Kelley (NAFE 1358M) — “Beyond the Building Code: Expansive Soils”
  • 5:30 PM - Lobby Bar Meetup and Dinner on Your Own

Sunday Educational Program - View the Schedule Here / Check out Session Abstracts and Speaker Bios Here

  • 7:00 AM - Breakfast, Networking, President’s Remarks, and Introductions
  • Morning Track
  • 8:00 AM - Shawn P. Ray, P.E., DFE, ACTAR, ASE, CFEI, CVFI, CFII (NAFE #970S) - “Introduction to Consumer-Based 3D Scanner Apps for Use in Forensic Investigations”
  • 9:00 AM - Gregory L. Boso, P.E. (NAFE #748M) – “Pitfalls of Multi-Jurisdictional Practice for Engineers”
  • 10:00 AM - Morning Break    |     Vote for Favorite Saturday Technical Session
  • 10:15 AM - Curt M. Freedman, MSEM, PE, CEM, CEA, LEED ® AP (NAFE #912S) – ““Responsible Charge” Building/Enclosure Energy Modeling for Forensic Engineering Investigations & Building Assessments Using Electronic Spreadsheets”
  • 11:15 AM - Chad T. Williams, P.E., D.F.E., M.L.E. (NAFE #937M) – “Ethics and E58 Roundtable”
  • 12:15 PM - Lunch
  • Afternoon Track
  • 1:30 PM - Derek A. Hodgin, PE, RBEC, CCCA, CXLT, F-IIBEC, CPSI (NAFE #733S) – “How NOT to Serve As an Expert: (aka Why I Retired From Forensic Engineering)”
  • 2:30 PM - Afternoon Break
  • 2:45 PM - Lori Cox, P.E. (NAFE #1302S) – “The Case for AI in Forensic Engineering: Enhancing Expert Testimony and Avoiding Obsolescence”
  • 3:45 PM - Rebecca A. Bowman, Esq., P.E. (NAFE #1153) – “The Duty of Care: Resilience & Ethical Adaptation to Shifting Conditions”
  • 4:45 PM - End of Day 2 Sessions and Closing Remarks | Vote for Favorite Sunday Technical Session

 

Conference Details

  • Dates: July 11th, 2025 to July 13th, 2025
  • Venue: Ottawa Marriott -  Book with link below and contact amanda@nafe.org with issues. Group code is NAENAEB
  • Closest Airport: Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) - 13 km / 8 miles

Look Forward To:

  • Enriching Educational Sessions: Engage with the latest developments in forensic engineering.
  • Cultural and Historical Attractions: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Canadian Museum of History, and ByWard Market.
  • Outdoor Activities: Biking along the Ottawa River, kayaking, and exploring Gatineau Park.
  • Fine Dining and Culinary Experiences: Enjoy local specialties, craft beers, and international cuisine.

Book Your Hotel Room Staying at the conference hotel has many benefits and enables NAFE to keep the conference costs low. Book the Ottawa Marriott Hotel for 229 CAD per night. Click here to Book your group rate for National Academy of Forensic Engineers Book by Tuesday, June 25using code NAENAEB ***Please note that rooms are available for July 9-14, but may be limited on the beginning and end dates online. CONTACT amanda@nafe.org to open more rooms on those dates.
If you are unable to book online, contact amanda@nafe.org with your issue.

The Ottawa Marriott offers exceptional amenities to make your stay enjoyable, including:

  • Ottawa's tallest hotel in our central downtown location in the heart of the Nations Capital
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  • Fitness center and pool
  • Convenient downtown location near major attractions
  • Pets welcome

We look forward to seeing you in Ottawa for an inspiring and memorable summer conference!