ASCE Multi-Region Leadership Conference (MRLC) 2026 Recap
Central Region | January 30–31, 2026 | Chicago, IL
May 2026
Authors: Aaron Orozco, Carolina Patino, and Prince Kumar
The 2026 ASCE Multi-Region Leadership Conference (MRLC) – Central Region, held at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare, brought together leaders from Regions 3, 6, and 7 for two days of meaningful conversations, shared learning, and connection. It was a chance to step back from the daily routine and focus on the bigger picture, what it means to lead within ASCE and how we continue to move the civil engineering profession forward.
Representatives from the Houston Branch took part in a variety of workshops, breakout sessions, and networking events, all centered on strengthening leadership and exchanging ideas across regions. One message came through clearly: leadership isn’t just about technical knowledge. It’s about how we communicate, how we listen, and how we show up for others. Whether it was discussions on ethics, collaboration, or generational leadership, the emphasis remained on being intentional, adaptable, and people-focused.
Sessions also provided a clearer understanding of ASCE’s structure and the resources available to support Sections, Branches, and Institutes. These conversations helped connect the dots between local efforts and the Society’s broader mission. Practical topics like legal responsibilities, strategic planning, and balancing technical work with community engagement made the discussions especially relevant and applicable.
The breakout sessions were a highlight, offering honest conversations about challenges many groups are facing, particularly around member engagement, recruitment, and long-term sustainability. Hearing different perspectives sparked new ideas and provided real, actionable takeaways. There was also a strong focus on fundraising and event planning, with examples like award banquets and golf tournaments showing how other sections are successfully building both engagement and financial support.
The conference also recognized outstanding achievements across the region. The Austin Branch stood out, earning four of the six Younger Member awards. Hope Newton was named Outstanding Young Civil Engineer, Aleesha Toteja received Outstanding Younger Member in Community Activities, Katherine Lauer was recognized for Outstanding Younger Member in JEDI Activities, and the Austin Branch Younger Member Forum earned Outstanding Support of a Student Chapter.
The Houston Branch was proud to be recognized as well, receiving both the Outstanding Section & Branch Award and the Outstanding Website Award. These honors reflect the Section’s overall strength in leadership, member engagement, technical programming, and community outreach throughout 2025. They also highlight the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong and effective digital presence that keeps members informed, engaged, and connected.
Beyond the sessions and awards, one of the most valuable aspects of MRLC was the opportunity to connect with ASCE Society leaders, Region Governors, and peers from across the country. These conversations offered insight into what’s ahead for ASCE, from expanding K–12 outreach to strengthening member engagement and embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Houston Branch representatives were also actively involved in Younger Member Forum activities, including the business meeting and the Central Region Younger Member Council (CRYMC) bid presentations. Houston delivered a strong and well-received proposal to host CRYMC in 2028 but ultimately lost to St. Louis, with Detroit named as the alternate.
Additional highlights included K–12 outreach discussions, where new connections were made and ideas were exchanged to support local initiatives. And, as always, the social events played an important role, providing time to build relationships, strengthen networks, and connect with fellow ASCE members on a more personal level.
Overall, MRLC 2026 was an energizing and rewarding experience. It reinforced that strong leadership, meaningful collaboration, and a willingness to adapt are key to shaping the future of ASCE and the civil engineering profession. The ideas shared and connections made in Chicago will continue to support ASCE Houston’s growth and impact in the year ahead.
