First-Timer Insights: Reflecting on APWA Spring Conferences

Century West has been a committed participant in the American Public Works Association (APWA) conferences, particularly with the Washington and Oregon Chapters. This spring, we sent some first-time attendees: Rachel Elliott from our Bothell office attended the Washington Chapter Spring Conference in Tacoma, while Elizabeth Wilson from our Portland office represented us at the Oregon Chapter in Salem.

We sat down with them to hear about their experiences, what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they’ll carry forward in their careers.

What were your expectations going into the conference?

Rachel: I’d been to a few professional conferences before, so I expected a mix of educational panels and networking, which is exactly what it was. What surprised me was the amount of downtime; it left a lot of room to stand around and chat, which turned out to be really valuable.

Elizabeth: I was a little nervous at first because I’m more of an introvert, and I wasn’t sure what it would be like to meet so many new people. But once I got there, it felt very natural. Conversations happened easily, and events like the Young Professionals happy hour helped break the ice.

Did you feel prepared going in?

Elizabeth: I got an overview from my team, but since I was only there for one day, I wasn’t able to take advantage of everything. I’d like to attend the full conference in the future, but going for one day made me really focus on getting the most out of it.

Rachel: I asked around to see if there were any expectations or assignments, and they really encouraged me to be a sponge, “go, experience, and bring back what you find.” That helped me keep an open mind and just soak it all in.

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

Rachel: I really like Tacoma, so I showed up excited. The venue had a great view and was walkable to local spots, which made the whole experience even better.

Elizabeth: I arrived early, and it was surprisingly quiet, but once things kicked off, the energy picked up quickly. The First Timer event paired me with a mentor, and we ended up having lunch together, which helped me feel connected right away.

“They paired every first timer with a mentor… That connection made the whole day easier.”

– Elizabeth

Were there any standout sessions or speakers?

Elizabeth: I attended a presentation by an OSU student and scholarship recipient. His talk on sustainability practices in Norway and Denmark really stood out; it was thoughtful, well-delivered, and inspiring, even though it wasn’t directly related to my daily work.

Rachel: I really enjoyed a panel on rebuilding the Seattle waterfront. It highlighted the human side of infrastructure, how collaboration and teamwork are critical to success.

“Good design has to include designing for teamwork.”

– Rachel

What kind of interactions did you have with others at the conference?

Rachel: So many! I saw a woman I recognized, it turns out she works at the QFC down the block from our office… She had just finished her degree in GIS, and a customer invited her to the conference to scout for career opportunities. She asked if she could hang out with me so she wouldn’t be overwhelmed, and we walked around together. I told her, “Don’t be embarrassed that you’re a recent grad – everyone’s been one.” I also had a memorable conversation with a woman named Linda at the first-timers meeting; she was so lovely, she gave me a bracelet she made that morning before the conference. I just love meeting people and hearing their stories.

Elizabeth: Most of my connections came through the Young Professionals event, it’s really geared towards introductions, so it makes sense. I met folks from public agencies like PBOT and had some great conversations comparing their career experiences in the public sector with ours in consulting. It was fun connecting over shared interests, even things like ADA ramp design!

Did the conference change your perception of the public works industry?

Elizabeth: I was struck by how interconnected the public works community is. Everyone knew each other – it felt like a big, supportive network. It made me appreciate how much collaboration happens across agencies.

Rachel: For me, it reminded me how much I prefer relationship-based work. I want to be part of a community, not just completing tasks behind a screen.

“It changed my perspective about working with municipalities versus just working around them.”

-Rachel

What surprised you the most?

Elizabeth: How easy it was to start conversations. I expected it to be more intimidating, but everyone was approachable. The structured events made it easier to connect with others.

Rachel: Well, I’ve attended professional conferences before, so it felt pretty on par with my previous experience – educational moments, social hours, an exhibit hall. I think I was mostly surprised with how many connections I’d made.

What advice would you give to someone attending for the first time?

Rachel: Wear something that stands out, seriously! I wore a pair of distinctive pants, and people kept commenting on them. It was the perfect conversation starter.

Elizabeth: Go to all the First Timer events. They’re specifically designed to help you meet people and get oriented. And try not to stick just with the people you came with, it’s worth stepping out a little.

Would you attend again?

Both: Absolutely.

Elizabeth: I’d love to stay longer next time and attend more sessions and the evening events.

Rachel: I’d be thrilled to go again, especially when we have more staff in attendance. It’s always nice to get introductions from people with longer-established relationships.

How do you think these conferences support your career development?

Rachel: They help you zoom out and see the broader picture of engineering. It’s a collaborative, human project. These events help you think beyond the technical and focus on the people and partnerships that make it all work.

Elizabeth: There’s a practical side, too – meeting clients, understanding what public agencies are focused on, and learning how to talk about your work in meaningful ways. It’s all valuable.

“Face time with clients, peers, and subs – it all builds stronger working relationships.”

– Elizabeth

Any lasting moments or quotes that stuck with you?

Elizabeth: I loved talking with people at the young professionals happy hour – not just about work, but about life. It reminded me how intertwined our passions and professions can be.

Rachel: I had this moment walking around with the recent GIS Grad and I found myself giving her advice. You know how when you give advice to young people, you’re really talking to the younger version of yourself? I thought, “Listen, 23-year-old Rachel…” and told her: Don’t try to force anything. Tell people what you’re passionate about and let them help direct your energy.

Since then, I’ve been trying to remember that advice myself. I can be proactive about where I put my time and energy, be more conscious about aligning what I’m good at with what I care about. That moment reminded me to take more ownership of my own path.

Final Thoughts

Rachel and Elizabeth’s stories show how impactful these events can be for professional development and building relationships, expanding perspectives, and finding inspiration. Whether through structured sessions or serendipitous hallway chats, the APWA Spring Conferences offer an experience that helps us all grow, connect, and collaborate.