Each year, the NDSP Technical Seminar unites professional dam safety practitioners to explore emerging challenges, research, technologies, and regulations vital for the effective operation of our national dam infrastructure. This year's seminar emphasizes the crucial collaboration between state and federal agencies, highlighting joint efforts to address diverse challenges and enhance dam safety through shared expertise and resources.
The 32nd FEMA National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar (NDSPTS) is scheduled for Feb. 19-20, 2025, at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Innovations in Dam Safety: Collaborative State and Federal Efforts
This seminar will provide a comprehensive platform for state and federal agencies to collaborate on dam safety by featuring specialized sessions on dam modeling tools, updated resources, and grant requirements for state dam safety programs. Participants will also review evolving dam safety strategies, provide feedback on FEMA publications, and engage in a panel discussion on cross-sector collaborative efforts. The goal is to enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and resilience in dam infrastructure through shared expertise and resources.
If you're a dam safety professional, follow the guide below to discover how you can participate in this valuable opportunity to engage with peers, contribute to collaborative discussions, and advance our collective knowledge in the field.
2025 Seminar Schedule and Format
This year's NDSP Technical Seminar introduces a dynamic new format designed to enhance learning and collaboration among dam safety professionals. The seminar will blend training, workshops, and traditional presentations, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing dam safety challenges and innovations.
This refreshed format is designed to foster a more interactive and collaborative environment. Participants will be able to engage in targeted training, hands-on workshops, and insightful discussions while benefiting from the latest research and regulatory updates in dam safety.
Day 1 will feature a mix of advanced technical sessions and traditional presentations. The morning will focus on cutting-edge advancements in hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling technologies, providing a detailed overview of current and future developments in key dam modeling tools. The afternoon will offer insights into federal guidelines, particularly the latest updates on resources, with a call for abstracts highlighting state and federal innovations.
Day 2 will split into two specialized tracks will provide in-depth guidance on compliance with FEMA NDSP and HHPD grant requirements, including training on environmental and historical preservation considerations, tracking compliance, and updated floodplain management guidance. Meanwhile, the second track will present innovations, featuring a call for abstracts focused on technical advancement.
The afternoon will bring stakeholders together for a collaborative session on updates to FEMA publications, featuring breakout groups for feedback and a panel discussion on collaborative efforts in dam safety. This panel will include experts from state, federal, and private sectors, exploring successful collaborations, challenges, and future directions.