The IFME 2026 conference will cover 60 municipal engineering topics through presentations and panel discussions. The sessions will be chaired by top domestic and international experts in the field. Here are a few of them.
June 9 | Session 1: Leadership in Transition
Heikki Lonka (FI) is an architect and Doctor of Science (Technology) by training. He has held technical management positions in several Finnish cities and has a long career as a consultant in the field. Heikki is an active member of the Finnish Association of Municipal Engineering (FAME) and served as its chairperson from 2015 to 2017.
His doctoral thesis focused on cooperation and knowledge creation among professionals from different fields in municipal construction projects. He has applied this knowledge and these skills to project management, leadership, and moderating various events.
June 9 | Session 3: Funding the Future – The Role of Government in Creating Livable Cities
Scott D. Grayson (USA), CAE is an internationally recognized association executive and strategic leader with extensive experience in public works, infrastructure, nonprofit and municipal governance.
As Chief Executive Officer of the American Public Works Association and the Canadian Public Works Association, he has focused on advancing leadership development, strengthening public infrastructure policy, and supporting the professionals who build and maintain communities across North America.
Grayson is also the Secretary General for the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME). Prior to coming to APWA/CPWA he served for 26 years at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Additionally, he held elected office as a city council member for Golden Valley, Minnesota, USA.
Funding the Future: The Role of Government in Creating Livable Cities will explore how public sector leadership, infrastructure investment, and long-term planning shape resilient and livable communities.
Moderated by Scott D. Grayson, the panel will feature insights from Carol Haddock, former Public Works Director for Houston, TX and current President-Elect for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Kari Pudas, Helsinki, Finland's Technical Director for Buildings and Public Areas.
The panel will share perspectives from both North American and European cities on funding models, sustainability, and the evolving role of government in urban development. The discussion will highlight innovative approaches to infrastructure, public trust, and creating communities that are economically strong, environmentally sustainable, and people-centered.
June 9 | Session 4: Smart Cities & Digital Transformation
Kirsti Kierulf (NO) is Managing Director (CEO) at Kommunalteknikk, with a strong professional commitment to the municipal sector and the development of efficient, democratic public services. She has extensive experience working at the intersection of leadership, technology, and public administration, with a particular focus on digitalisation as a strategic enabler for better societal outcomes.
Kierulf has an academic background in economics and technology, complemented by advanced education in service design, innovation management, and executive growth and development. Her professional interests include leadership, ICT architecture, governance models, municipal development, and lean methodologies.
She is a strong advocate for responsible and inclusive digital transformation and emphasises the role of technology and technical services as key drivers for sustainable development and improved public services for current and future generations.
June 10 | Session 19: Sustainable Transport Solutions
Ruud den Haak (NL) is manager of the Public Works department of the City of Rotterdam. He is responsible for the management and maintenance of public space and leads the city’s climate adaptation programme and urban greening agenda. In this role he works on integrating climate resilience, infrastructure management and urban development to prepare Rotterdam for the challenges of climate change.
June 10 | Session 18: Aspects for Novel Practices in Urban Planning
Laura Hietakorpi (FI) is a Leading Architect in the City of Helsinki’s Strategic Urban Planning division. She works on strategic land-use projects and is currently leading the Pitäjänmäki master plan project. In her work, she addresses issues such as climate resilience, the circular economy, and the livability of street spaces as part of urban design. Hietakorpi also serves on the board of the Finnish Association of Municipal Engineering (FAME).