Events History

Each year APWA holds two major conferences: the Public Works Expo (PWX), formerly known as the International Public Works Congress & Exposition, and the North American Snow Conference. Each offers multiple sessions on a variety of the hottest topics in public works, as well as the opportunity to meet with numerous exhibitors to “kick the tires” and discuss cutting-edge technology. History of the conferences and lists of host cities are available below.

Public Works Expo History

From the first annual meeting of American Society of Municipal Improvements (the first direct predecessor of APWA) in Buffalo, New York, in 1894 to the equipment shows and technical programs at the annual meetings of the 1960s, through many years as the International Public Works Congress & Exposition, and on to the present day Public Works Expo, this APWA event has provided opportunities for face-to-face learning and networking covering the wide variety of public works-related topics. 

View site history >

North American Snow Conference History

The first Snow Conference in 1961 was initiated because of an extremely bad snow storm that nearly closed down New York City. It was an informal meeting with a few speakers from that regional area, including Baltimore and Washington, DC. General Fred Clarke from Washington, DC, got involved and recommended a research project to APWA on the study of urban snow removal problems. The second and third annual conferences were called the "Northeastern Conference on Urban Snow Removal." The title "Snow Conference” was inaugurated at the fourth annual conference in 1964. It became the "North American Snow Conference" the next year in 1965.

View site history >

Sustainability in Public Works Conference History

The Sustainability in Public Works conference ran from 2009-2013. It became a part of PWX in 2014. The conference explored the latest and most innovative tools, practices, and case studies in public works. It gave attendees access to the resources and experts they needed to take sustainability to the next level in their communites.

Past Dates and Sites
June 25-27, 2012  |  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 7-29, 2011  |  Portland, Oregon
June 8-10, 2010  |  Minneapolis, Minnesota
2009 |  Phoenix, Arizona

Want to know more?

More APWA historical information is available on the Association History page and the About page.