Dredging Creates a Strong Economy and a Cleaner Environment

 

Eastern Chapter

The Eastern Chapter of WEDA represents Bermuda, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida (East Coast) Georgia (Eastern), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Virgin Islands and Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada.

2026 WEDA Eastern Chapter Meeting

Turning Sediment into Solutions

October 13–16, 2026 | Wilmington, North Carolina
Hotel Ballast | Cape Fear River

The WEDA Eastern Chapter is excited to welcome dredging and sediment management professionals to Wilmington, North Carolina for the 2026 Eastern Chapter Meeting, set along the scenic Cape Fear River at historic Hotel Ballast.

This year’s theme, Turning Sediment into Solutions, reflects the growing role sediment plays in advancing coastal resilience, navigation reliability, environmental enhancement, and community value. The meeting will bring together leaders from across the East Coast and neighboring regions to share knowledge, explore emerging practices, and strengthen collaboration across the dredging industry.

Abstracts

Key Dates

  • Abstract submission deadline: August 28, 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: September 10, 2026
  • Final presentation materials due: October 2, 2026

Submission Instructions

Submit abstracts to Wendy Rocha, Program Manager at wendy.rocha@foth.com

Submissions will be reviewed by the Eastern Chapter Technical Committee based on:

  • Technical merit
  • Clarity
  • Relevance to the conference theme and chapter mission

What to Expect

The 2026 Eastern Chapter Meeting will feature:

  • Technical sessions highlighting real-world applications and innovations
  • Agency updates shaping dredging and sediment management practices
  • Contractor and port perspectives on project delivery and operations
  • Networking events along Wilmington’s vibrant riverfront
  • Opportunities to connect across industry, agencies, academia, and consulting

Who Should Attend

This conference is designed for:

  • Engineers and scientists
  • Federal, state, and local agency staff
  • Port authorities
  • Contractors, consultants, and operators
  • Researchers, students, and early-career professionals

Whether you are involved in navigation dredging, beneficial use, environmental restoration, or sediment-focused research, the Eastern Chapter Meeting offers valuable insights and connections.

About the Location

Wilmington offers a unique blend of maritime history, walkable waterfront amenities, and coastal charm. The conference venue, Hotel Ballast, places attendees steps away from restaurants, shops, and waterfront views—providing the ideal setting for both learning and networking.

Mark Your Calendar

Conference Dates: October 13–16, 2026

Location: Hotel Ballast, Wilmington, NC

Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=ILMWRUP&groupCode=WDA&arrivaldate=2026-10-14&departuredate=2026-10-16&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Book via phone: (1-800-HILTONS), please have mention group code: WDA.   

*Group Rates are available until room block is full or until the cutoff date: Saturday, 9/12/2026, whichever comes first.  After the cut-off date, please note the group rate will no longer be valid. 

 

2026 Sponsorship Information

Premiere Sponsor - $2000.00 (Exclusive Offsite Event + Gold)

  1. Features the event's sponsorship at the offsite event and includes special recognition, signage, option of a booth or table, and marketing items.
  2. Interactive logo on WEDA Eastern Chapter website, advertising in Conference agenda (Full Page ad, RGB PDF 300 dpi), Company Logo on Conference PowerPoint rotation
  3. Project Pictures or video on PowerPoint
  4. Recognition at the event
  5. Signage at the event
  6. Table for exhibition

Gold - $1000.00

  1. Interactive logo on WEDA Eastern Chapter website, advertising in Conference agenda (1/2 page ad half page: vertical size 3.6" wide x 9.8" high horizontal: 7.5" wide x 4.75 high) RGB PDF 300 dpi), Company Logo on Conference PowerPoint rotation
  2. Project Pictures or video on PowerPoint
  3. Recognition at the event
  4. Signage at the event
  5. Table for exhibition

Silver - $500.00

  1. Interactive logo on WEDA Eastern Chapter website, advertising in Conference agenda (1/4 Page ad ONLY option 3.6" wide x 4.75) RGB PDF 300 dpi, Company Logo on Conference PowerPoint rotation
  2. Recognition at the event
  3. Signage at the event
  4. Table for exhibition

Eastern Chapter Presentation Download Library