The 2026 PDCA Northeast Professional Development Course is officially in the books--and dozens of pile driving professionals in and around New Jersey have gained new perspectives on their craft and the evolving deep foundations industry.

Host organization, the PDCA Northeast Chapter, presented this popular mini-conference once again, and it delivered big value in a one-day format. Program sponsor George Harms Construction Company in Howell, NJ, once again donated its conference room to be the event venue. Members attended free of charge, while non-members paid a nominal registration fee, making it an accessible and well-attended event for professionals across the region.

The program featured a strong lineup of presenters from leading organizations including Dewberry, GRL Engineers, Inc., PKF-Mark III, Drexel University, and Langan. Attendees benefitted from industry-specific content through presentations that took a deep dive into real-world case studies, engineering models and designs, and the latest research on driven pile applications. Those who completed the course earned up to 6 hours PDCA.

Beyond the technical content, the course offered plenty of opportunities to connect. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, coffee, and beverages kept conversations flowing throughout the day.

Best of all, proceeds from the event will support future PDCA Northeast Chapter programming and scholarships, helping invest back into the industry's next generation.

If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for the next program, which generally takes place in February. Once another Professional Development Course is scheduled, you will receive notice through PDCA publications and your inbox. This is one professional development opportunity that continues to raise the bar.