On August 25, 2011, thirty people will  graduate from the National Highway Institute’s Highway Traffic Noise Seminar  being hosted by Columbia College Chicago’s Audio Arts + Acoustics Department.
   
Will you be one of them?  

We are very  happy to announce that online registration is now open for the NHI Highway Traffic Noise session  (FHWA-NHI-142-051) to be held here in Chicago, August 23-25, 2011.
 
Topics covered in the seminar include the basic principles of acoustics, Federal noise regulations and policies, how to determine when a  noise analysis is required, typical strategies to mitigate noise in highway projects, and noise-compatible planning. The training also provides an overview of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (FHWA TNM), which was developed to predict noise levels and evaluate mitigation options.
 
There are just  28 seats available and, from experience, they sell out fast. The  cost of registration for non-FHWA attendees (who register separately through  their training coordinators) is just $539. This represents a “surcharge”  above the standard NHI registration fee, but will include three breakfasts and a networking lunch to help make your travel budget stretch further!
 
CLICK HERE to register. Credit cards and eChecks (bank account and routing numbers needed) are  acceptable. Most of the information you need in terms of schedule, cost, and travel arrangements are available on or from the registration web page  (although we’ll be updating hotel information in the near future).
 
One of the things that attendees valued in previous years’ seminars was the diversity of participants. Having people from a wide geographic area (Canada and Germany included!) as well as many professional disciplines helped inform discussion. If it helps make your case for budget to the powers that be, you can view a list of the last two years’ attendees here.
 
You can read their comments about the seminar’s facilities and  services at this link  and/or watch a short video from the 2009 seminar.
 
Given our central location, there are a number of hotels within  walking distance of the training site ranging in price from a Travelodge to  the Chicago Hilton. The hotels used by attendees last year tended to be  the Blackstone, the Congress Plaza and the Palmer House. You can find links to all of these along with phone numbers here.  (One of the 2009 attendees recommended that we also provide information about hotels on/near the Magnificent Mile for those who want to avail themselves of its mercantile and gastronomic delights, and you are certainly welcome to investigate that, but will need to plan for a moderately brisk walk south, a taxi ride, or some public transportation between such a  hotel and our training location.)
 
August may seem like a long way  away, but last year’s seminar was a sell-out (we even added an extra  seat) so please register as soon as you can.
 
We are very happy to also provide, at  no additional cost, a professional networking reception on Monday, August 22, sponsored by C&C Consultants. In addition to having an opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country, you will a) have the opportunity to tour the Acoustics labs in our facilities and b) not worry about where to find dinner on your first night in a strange place. We guarantee the food, beverages  (interpreted broadly!), and the conviviality to be unparalleled in your  “professional development” experience!  To take advantage of this unique  networking opportunity, if at all possible, schedule your arrival in Chicago for mid-afternoon, Monday, August 22. Thank you C&C  Consultants!

For more information, please contact:
Ron Elling, Seminar Coordinator
Audio Arts & Acoustics Dept.
Columbia College Chicago
33 E. Congress Pkwy., Suite 601
Chicago, IL 60605
relling@colum.edu
312.369.8803  (direct)
312.369.8820 (dept)
312.369.8427  (fax)