Snow professionals from across the country gathered in Hartford, Conn., May 21–23 for the APWA “Show for Snow” conference and exhibition. (Photo by Rees Woodcock)

A celebration of the life of urban analyst Jane Jacobs took place in Hartford, Conn., in May as one of several enriching and educational events that characterized this year’s gathering of APWA snowfighting professionals. Hartford, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., proved a receptive location in which to honor the pioneer of urban studies.

The Show for Snow brought together snowfighters from every corner of the winter maintenance community for four days packed with the newest equipment and products, opportunities to learn and chances to catch up with winter maintenance professionals from across the country. Participants could also attend a special, extended education session to hear what strategies were employed and what lessons were learned during New England’s record snowfalls this past winter.

The group paused during its agenda to extend a warm welcome to new snow conference manager Lysa Byous, and on another day a panel of experienced snowfighters gathered a large audience to voice the reasons behind why members of the public don’t often recognize their public works employees or give them credit for the level of experience, education and pride they bring to every task. A keynote session on Tuesday morning, presented by comedic motivator Steve Rizzo, made a case for belief in self that resonated with the professional audience.

Amateur photographers were encouraged to send in their best winter maintenance photos from the 2015/16 season for the first Snow Conference Photo Contest. Winners were announced by APWA President Brian Usher at Tuesday’s general session and are now viewable through the APWA website.

If you weren’t able to make it this year, plan to catch the next gathering of knowledgeable winter weather warriors April 23–26 in Des Moines, Iowa. It will be the sugar rush a snow crew needs to stand up to another unpredictable winter.