08/13/2026
Austin Alexander, PE, recently represented the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE-ND) at NSPECon 2026 in Brooklyn, New York, attending in his role as NSPE-ND President-Elect.
The conference began with a full-day leadership summit focused on advocacy, current trends in engineering licensure, issues facing the profession, and developing stronger leadership skills. The following days offered sessions covering career development, industry issues and trends, and leadership, providing valuable perspectives to bring back to our team, clients, and communities.
One memorable message came from keynote speaker Dave Sanderson, the last passenger to leave US Airways Flight 1549 following the “Miracle on the Hudson.” His presentation centered on leading without authority and recognizing that leadership doesn’t always come with a title or an invitation. Sometimes, it simply means stepping forward, making sound decisions, and doing what is best for those around you.
The trip also included a tour of the NYC Transit Operations Control Center, where Austin got a behind-the-scenes look at the complex coordination involved in operating and monitoring New York City’s subway system. Another conference moment commemorated the 100th anniversary of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers with a plaque placed at the Brooklyn Bridge.
And, of course, there was time to connect with fellow North Dakota engineers. The NSPE-ND delegation—including Wes Dickhut, PE, Tracy Eslinger, PE, Jennifer Hanley, PE, and Austin Alexander, PE—shared dinner at historic Gage & Tollner in Brooklyn.
For Ackerman-Estvold, opportunities like NSPECon are about more than attending a conference. Staying engaged with the profession helps our engineers keep pace with changing standards, emerging issues, and new ideas while building relationships with engineering leaders from across the country. It’s one more way we put our forward-thinking approach into practice and continue growing places.
