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Conference Confidence: A Young Professional’s Playbook

Includes a Live Web Event on 2026/01/28 at 2:00 PM (MST)

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Conference Confidence: A Young Professional’s Playbook

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Amesha L. Morris, Stormwater Knowledge Manager, Acorn EnviroComply LLC
Joe Johnson, Business Development Manager - NZ, PGG Wrightson Turf.

Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: Webinar - Live
Date and Time: 28th January 2026, 2:00PM MT (USA) | 29th January 2026, 8:00AM Australian Eastern Daylight Time

Get a clear, practical game plan for the IECA Annual Conference & Expo—March 1–4, 2026 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. We’ll show you how to maximise learning, build real industry connections, and navigate the Expo with confidence so you leave Fort Worth with momentum—and next steps you can use right away. 

Why this webinar
Conferences can feel overwhelming—especially early in your career. In one fast paced session, we’ll demystify the experience and give you templates, prompts, and a simple, repeatable approach tailored for Young Professionals.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Build a personal conference game plan: choose sessions aligned with your goals across education tracks like Erosion & Sediment Control, Stormwater Management, MS4 Management, Wetland/Stream/Shoreline Restoration, and Business & Professional Practice. 
  • Confidently start conversations and follow up so you turn introductions into lasting professional relationships.
  • Navigate the Expo Hall strategically and capture vendor insights you can act on with your team.
  • Convert new connections into post event opportunities (MentorConnect, chapter engagement, project collaboration).

Leave with clear, practical actions
We’ll guide you through three specific conference activities—and how to use each to grow your skills, network, and confidence:

  1. Exhibitor Bingo during the Expo Hall Reception. Make meeting vendors intentional and fun. You’ll learn how to set targets, ask smart questions, and track who to revisit so you leave with solutions (not just swag).
  2. Participation in the Knowledge Circles: Pick the best circles for your interests, contribute confidently using a three step sharing framework, and turn small group discussions into ongoing peer support.
  3. Participation in the IECA MentorConnect: Understand how to opt in, craft a strong ask, and set goals and cadence with your mentor so the relationship delivers real value after Fort Worth.

What to expect

  • A lively 45–60 minutes packed with practical examples for YPs.
  • Templates you can use immediately (session planner, conversation starters, follow up notes).
  • Q&A to address your specific goals for Fort Worth.

Onsite highlights to look for

  • Welcome Reception in the Stockyards and Young Professional meetups—great places to put your new networking framework into action. 
  • A re-imagined Expo hub with more opportunities to connect and learn on the show floor. 



Amesha Morris

Stormwater Knowledge Manager

Acorn EnviroComply LLC

Amesha Morris is a stormwater professional with over 15 years of experience in construction, industrial, and MS4 stormwater. After graduating from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Environmental Science, Ms. Morris embarked on her stormwater career journey. Beginning as an intern, and progressing to the roles of stormwater inspector, specialist, and administrator manager, where she saw the need for quality professional development and began a new journey. 

Joe Johnson

Business Development Manager - NZ

DuraVeg From PGG Wrightson Turf

Joe Johnson brings over two decades of experience in revegetation and erosion and sediment control, having begun his career with PGG Wrightson Turf and worked across complex project environments. Early in his career, he collaborated closely with government agencies and industry partners during the Christchurch earthquake recovery, helping introduce innovative hydraulic erosion control technologies for challenging terrain. He has attended numerous International Erosion Control Association (IECA) conferences at both chapter and global levels, gaining firsthand insight into how conferences support professional growth.

Joe currently serves on the Global Board of Directors of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) as Vice President of Young Professionals and has previously held leadership roles on the IECA Australasian Chapter Board, including Treasurer and Vice President. A strong advocate for education, networking, and professional development, Joe brings a practical perspective on how Young Professionals can strategically prepare for, engage in, and maximise the long-term value of attending industry conferences.

This event is worth one (1) Professional Development Hours.

IECA is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth. Through a process of peer review and content selection standards, we ensure that our content is robust, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.  We respect the authority of certification organizations to evaluate and accept professional development activities according to their criteria, acceptance of professional development credits is at the discretion of your certifying organization.

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