Productive week exchanging ideas with restoration and service-life extension professionals at the ICRI – International Concrete Repair Institute Convention in Austin, TX. The host chapters and staff did a remarkable job. It was great to see some phenomenal people receive personal awards. Brian MacNeil, FICRI did an excellent job as ICRI President in 2024 and I’m excited for Gerard Moulzolf, PG’s presidency in 2025.

Sessions, meetings, exhibits and seeing friends at the conference were great, but I couldn’t help but sneak away for a bit and visit The University of Texas at Austin. Special thanks to Dr. Thano Drimalas and Gregory Hunsicker for the fantastic tour of the structural and materials labs, durability exposure sites, and CBEI – Concrete Bridge Engineering Institute initiatives. I really appreciate your time! I’ve heard about the facilities for years, but never had the opportunity to visit. I was not disappointed. Great job! It was nice to see Anthony Bentivegna and Stephen Stacey, PE while there too!

I was also really happy to meet and spend some time with an exceptional UT graduate student at the conference. Thanks Alexander Babcock (Xander) for hanging out. I look forward to seeing you advance the industry!

Mark LeMay, Vincent Lapointe, Eric Hauth, Dale A. Regnier, Jr., CAE, Matthew Carter, George M. Reedy, David Karins, PE