Spring 2026 DCHWS

Please be advised of spoofing campaigns using the SAME Philadelphia Post name. Only events received through emails or links from our Post and DCHWS websites are sponsored by the SAME Philadelphia Post. Questions? Reach out to us. 

The applications of engineering and science associated with cleaning up hazardous waste sites continue to evolve rapidly. Our goal is to facilitate an interactive engagement between professionals from the government and the private sector related to relevant and topical issues affecting our field. We will make every effort to mirror all aspects of past symposiums in terms of format and spirit. As a SAME event, registration fees will be covered by private sector sponsorships and registration fees. The registration fee is being waived for government employees.

Important Dates

• November 5, 2025 - Registration Opens

• November 5, 2025 - Call for Abstract Submissions Open

• December 5, 2025 - Call for Abstracts Closes

• December 19, 2025 - Agenda Announced 

• March 2026 - Nominations for DCHWS Scholarship Due 

• February 13, 2026 - Registration closed

• March 4, 2026 - Conference Starts

• March 6, 2026 - Conference Ends

• May/June 2026 - PDH Credits will be communicated

Hotel Venue

Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
201 N 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-2000

HOTEL:

There are two (2) reservation links provided below for Government/Industry

1. GOVERNMENT/$156.00 (Must show ID at check-in)

Book your group rate for DCHWS Government Per Diem Rate

2. INDUSTRY/$210.00

Book your group rate for DCHWS Industry Rate: Click here!

Alternate Hotels

• Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City - Convention Center

• Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center 

• Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City 

Parking (Prices may change)

• On-Site Hotel Parking 

• Daily: $49

• Valet Daily: $65

• Off-Site Parking

• Gateway Garage (1540 Vine Street [www.philapark.org]) is accessible from Spring and 16th Streets. Daily rate is $27/day

• Other parking options: www.spothero.com/philadelphia/parking‎

STEM Scholarship

The Philadelphia Post of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is requesting your assistance in identifying students enrolled in Philadelphia area schools for our SAME Philadelphia Post Design and Construction Issues at Hazardous Waste Sites Symposium (DCHWS) Scholarship. SAME is recognized as the multi-disciplined integrator of military, public, private, and academic national infrastructure-related capabilities to produce viable solutions for America’s national security. DCHWS is open to private sector and government and is dedicated to exploring and discussing the applications of engineering and science associated with cleaning up hazardous waste sites. The technology is constantly changing, and our goal of the symposium is to facilitate an interactive engagement between professionals from government and the private sector related to relevant and topical issues affecting our field. This year the Post has more than $5,000.00 to be awarded to deserving students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate college STEM program that is positioned to help grow the next generation of professionals in the A/E/C industry.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: EPA Small Business Office Networking Event (separate ticketed event)

3:00 PM: Registration and Exhibitor Setup Starts

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Moderator/Panelist Briefing

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Moderator/Panelist Briefing

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Welcome Reception

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Welcome and Announcements 

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Break and Networking

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch - On Your Own

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Break and Networking

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Evening Reception and Networking

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Welcome/Announcements/Scholarship Presentation

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Break and Networking

10:30 AM: Exhibitor Teardown Starts

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Closing Remarks/Audience Comments/Adjourn

Kate Garufi, HDR, Master of Ceremonies