AIAI members created a positive impact yet again at this year’s P3C Government Conference in Washington, DC.

Even before the conference formally began, AIAI members were busy going about the work of moving P3s forward.

HNTB’s Jim Ray and Dr. Shawn Wilson of LA DOTD discover they’re on the back of the conference program!

Monday, December 2nd was an early start with a morning meeting between AIAI and the Water Finance Center within the Federal EPA. AIAI’s Water Committee has been working with EPA on the development of a new Water Toolkit for P3 Projects, and while the EPA has had some delays in finalizing their toolkit, the AIAI Water Committee has been moving forward and this meeting was a continuation of the working relationship between the two organizations. That meeting was followed by an AIAI industry discussion on risk and risk allocation in the P3 market. The discussion, moderated by Steve DeWitt, focused on what AIAI can do – now – to address this challenge in the market. Also, pre conference on Monday, AIAI hosted a special meeting with leadership of the US Navy to examine the continuing impact Federal scoring has on P3 projects at the federal level. Naval facilities leadership and AIAI are working to find pathways towards reforming this system.

Main Stage or AIAI’s Education Track Presentation Room, our panelists were as always ready, willing and MORE than able to share their knowledge and expertise.

Monday was capped off by an AIAI hosted reception for conference participants in the mezzanine of the hotel.

Tuesday, December 3rd another early start as leading AIAI members shared their expertise with public sector officials looking to learn more about P3s at the AIAI P3 101 Question and Answers session. This session has become the kickoff of all P3C Conferences and attendance grows with each itineration.

With the official conference underway, AIAI members were panelist and moderators for nearly every session. Topics ranging from best practices for building a P3 business case to procurement process to increasing DBE participation were all covered, and we maintained a live social media presence throughout the day as our panels happened. Tuesday concluded with an AIAI dinner with guest speakers Congressman Bill Shuster, senior policy advisor with Squire Patton Boggs and Lucian Niemeyer, Acting Asst. Secretary US Navy Installations.

Wednesday, December 4th allowed for a few public sector meetings and several more member led panel sessions including the infamous ending Q & A led by Steve DeWitt.  Between sessions, the AIAI team had the opportunity to meet with two of our newer members – Johnson Controls and Ballard Spahr – for in-person onboarding meetings. It was a great opportunity to connect more fully with these members as a means to welcome them to the association and gain greater insight into their goals.

Thank you, in no particular order, to our members and associates from: ACS Infrastructure, Plenary Group, Concourse Group, Ballard Spahr, InfraStrategies, Johnson Controls, BTG Group, Deloitte, Pillar Inc, ATHS Consult, HNTB, Transurban, CRC Companies, WSP, Ferrovial, EY, Kiewit, Meridiam, John Laing, Fengate, Acciona, Zurich, Strategic Partnerships, Square Peg Infrastructure, JLC, Phoenix, CPM, Peckar & Abramson, Hunt Companies, Greystone, , IceMiller, Craddock Local Solutions, Alvarez & Marsal, Skanska.

“The P3 Government Conference in D.C. was a joy.  It’s clear that newcomers to infrastructure and alternative project delivery were on-hand, and they were fortunate to have had the industry and advisory expertise there to meet and (hopefully) to learn from.  I was pleased to see a variety of panels addressing threshold, but also more complicated issues in the space.  It’s clear to me that AIAI is working (and working hard) to bring folks together to help advance projects and solve our country’s infrastructure challenges.  I’m pleased that our firm, Ballard Spahr LLP, has joined AIAI.  I’m also flattered to have been asked to help with the education and outreach efforts.  I think we’re well on the way!” JOHN SMOLEN, BALLARD SPAHR

Next stop Dallas – look for an email heading your way very soon!