The Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) is hosting its Annual Conference in St. John’s Newfoundland from May 11-14, 2020. This year CNAM will be holding its 7th annual Student Research Symposium. The purpose of the symposium is to showcase asset management research projects in Canadian universities and provide a platform for communication, collaboration and networking among young researchers and practitioners in the field of asset management. The 2020 conference theme “ASSET MANAGEMENT: ROCK SOLID!” poster presentations are being solicited that fall within one of the following topics:

Strategies for the Future

• Strategy: governance, regulations and policy
• Impacts of climate change and the role of AM in climate resiliency
• Role of continuous improvement in asset management practice
• Finance: strategies, planning and rate setting
• Sustainability: green infrastructure and natural assets
• Effective Decision-Making
• Level of service
• Risk management
• Asset Lifecycle Delivery
• Operation and maintenance optimization
• Capital delivery enhancements and financing
• Asset renewal and innovative rehabilitation
• Information and Data
• Role of emerging technologies in AM
• IT systems implementation and integration
• Data strategies, standards and management
• Knowledge management
• Organization and People
• Governance and org. design
• Staff education and training AM
• Cultural change management and communications
• It is required to submit an extended abstract which must clearly state:
• Motivation for their Work
• Key Research Objectives
• Methodology
• Summary of Key Findings

Registration for the conference is provided for student poster participants and travel stipends will be provided for students with significant travel costs (amounts to be confirmed after acceptance of abstract). Registration includes an ability to attend daily sessions, workshops, the New Professionals Network wine and cheese reception and daily meals. Group tours and tickets to the Gala Dinner are available at an additional cost.

On Tuesday May 12th, during the conference networking breaks, student presenters will have the opportunity to present and discuss their work with conference participants. Posters are displayed in a manner and location that promotes interest and presents opportunities for students to network with leading practitioners and employers in the field of asset management. On Wednesday, May 13th student presenters will convene, and each presenter will be given ten (10) minutes to explain their work to the judging panel of past CNAM Chairs, followed by a five (5) minute question and answer period. Poster presentations will be evaluated, and prizes will be awarded to the best submissions.

Submission Requirements

Students will be required to submit an extended abstract (500 words or less) of their work to mbenson@rvanderson.com or online no later than February 14, 2020.
The abstract should clearly state the motivation for their work, key research objectives, approach, and a summary of key findings.

Accepted abstracts will be invited to prepare a poster (40″ x 27″ – Landscape Orientation) to present their work during the CNAM conference. We recommend the use of PowerPoint to create the required custom page setup for poster submissions.

Students are required to print their finished poster and bring the poster to the conference registration table no later than 8:30am on the morning of Wednesday May 13, 2020.

Key Dates

• Submission of abstracts no later than Friday February 14, 2020
• Author notification of abstract acceptance: February 28, 2020
• Submission of electronic version of poster: April 12, 2020
• Poster presentation: May 11-14, 2020 at CNAM Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
• Poster judging: May 13, 2020

About CNAM

The Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) was established by seven visionary municipalities (Hamilton, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby, Montreal and Halifax) to further the practice of asset management in Canada. CNAM was formalized as a not-for-profit association in 2009 to promote industry awareness, innovation and knowledge transfer of municipal and utility infrastructure asset management principles and practices among both operational and strategic practitioners. CNAM leads an inclusive and multi-disciplinary approach for infrastructure asset management, resulting in reliable public services that support the wellbeing of Canadians and sustainable communities. As a national leader for infrastructure asset management, CNAM is a recognized source of knowledge, promotes innovation and collaboration and provides a common voice to facilitate action. More information about the conference can be found at: https://cnam.ca/upcoming-events/2020-conference/

Questions? Reach out to one of the student research symposium coordinators below: