By Kimberly Leung, P.E., T.E., Western District President

We are just a few weeks out from the ITE Joint International and Western District Annual Meeting in Portland! With so many events available at this joint meeting, I want to highlight some of our Western District activities to add to your agendas.

Saturday, August 12^th will include many of our Young Member events. The Kell Competition and MiteY Race will be held at Portland State University in the afternoon, followed by the Student Awards & Young Member Social in downtown Portland. We will be presenting all our student awards, including our Outstanding Student Awards, Student Chapter Awards, and many others. Capacity is limited for the Student Awards event, so please be sure to register to come and support our young members!

Monday, August 14^th afternoon will include a few more Young Member events, including the Young Professional’s Career Survival Guide and the ITE Collegiate Student Traffic Bowl. Both events will be hosted at the Oregon Convention Center. The Western District will be represented by Oregon State University at the Traffic Bowl. We wish the best of luck to the OSU Beavers!

Monday, August 14^th evening is the Western District Family Night at the Rose Quarter Commons – Main Amphitheater outside the Memorial Coliseum entrance, adjacent to the Mode Center, and is walking distance from the conference hotel. Dressing up at our Annual Meetings is a long-time District tradition, and I can’t wait to see the costumes everyone will come up with for our theme of “The Great Outdoors.” Wear your favorite athletic or outdoor gear, or get even more creative with your own ideas! Check out the District’s Annual Meeting website for the full lineup of food trucks, activities, and fun at Family Night. Please note that this event is not included in the conference registration and will require a separate ticket to attend.

Tuesday, August 15^th morning is the Western District Annual Business Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Multnomah Room. District awards, including the Section Activities Award, Section Momentum Award, Outstanding Technical Paper Award, and Mentor Award, will be presented at the start of the meeting. Please join us to also hear about the current State of the District, annual budgets, and election results. Following the Business Meeting will be the ITE Awards Lunch where the Western District’s Transportation Project of the Year, Young Professional Achievement Award, Individual Achievement Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.

I look forward to seeing everyone soon! Wishing everyone safe travels as you make your way to Portland.