Conference 2016 Recap

Conference attendees enjoy conversation as they await lunch preceding the awards ceremony.

Well, our 2016 Annual State Planning Conference in Houma is now history and it seemed to me that a good time was enjoyed by all who attended. We heard encouraging words from U.S. Congressman Garrett Graves, learned much about threats to Louisiana’s coast and about techniques for mitigating them, and enjoyed some delicious south Louisiana seafood as we conversed with friends both old and new. Speaking of old friends – we were joined by Dr. Fritz Wagner, FAICP, former Dean of the UNO College of Urban and Public Affairs – who presented our Excellence in Planning Awards. Many of us enjoyed tours up, down or around “da bayou” as we saw for ourselves exactly what storm protection and regional planning projects are completed or underway in Terrebonne Parish. We are indebted to the Terrebonne Council on Aging who provided bus service for these tours at no charge. Thanks also to the Terrebonne Parish Library and Nicholls State’s Duhe Center who provided lecture rooms in addition to those at the Marriott Courtyard hotel which hosted our conference.

Many people, agencies and firms made tremendous contributions to make our conference a success. Thanks to Host Committee Chair Christopher Pulaski and his assistant Linda Henderson who worked tirelessly to plan events and finalize details. Thanks to other host executive committee members who all did your part. Thank you to all of the financial sponsors including public agencies, non-profits, private firms, and individuals who kept this conference “in the black.” (Is it a coincidence that the sponsorship campaign was led by Mart Black? Hmmm...) Thank you to all of the session presenters who carefully prepared and presented their experiences and lessons learned about recent projects or current responsibilities. All of these strive to further the cause of planning in our state and region.

More information about the conference will be published in the days and weeks ahead as time permits. This will include awards, stories about mobile workshops, and hopefully perspectives from individual attendees. If YOU would like to contribute your reflection on the 2016 State Planning Conference please send narrative and photos to webmaster@louisianaplanning.com

2016 Photo Gallery