Agenda

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Utility Locator Training Workshop | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Speaker: Bob Nighswonger, Utility Training Academy

See Description

Damage Investigation Workshop | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Speaker: Roger Cox, ACTS Now Inc

 See Description 

Acoustic & RTK 1 Day Certification Course - 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Speaker: Adam Zeciri, Locating Dynamics
 

Golf Outing - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Towhee Golf Club
3901 Kedron Road
Spring Hill, TN 37174

Tennessee 811 Reception - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Network with the Exhibitors
Thursday, March 26, 2026

Breakfast with Exhibitors | 7:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Exhibit Hall closes at 9:45 AM

The Bold Gold Standard | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Speaker: Dr. Kevin Elko, Keynote Speaker

Success always leaves a signature, and that signature is boldness. The bold don’t see the past as failure; they see it as preparation. They don’t wait to be chosen; they choose themselves. They ask, they act, and they take ownership because they know the future doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because someone is bold enough to create it. So the question isn’t whether opportunity exists. The question is whether you’re willing to ask, to step forward, and to own what comes next.

Tennessee 811 Update & Annual Meeting - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker: Bill Turner, Tennessee 811

This session is TN811's annual meeting and includes a general overview of programs for 2025. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this session.

Lunch Buffet - 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

 

Ending Confined Space Deaths - 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Speaker: Bruce Magee, United Rentals

The average number of deaths due to confined spaces averages about 100 each year. Regardless of the statistics, far too many people die each year in entirely preventable incidents. So, why are these tragedies still happening? Attend this session to learn more about why and how they can be prevented.

How AI is Changing the Face of Damage Prevention - 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Speaker: Ryan Casey, Skapa

This presentation explores how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping damage prevention through practical, field-tested applications that are delivering measurable results right now.  In partnership with Tennessee 811, we’ll examine a breakthrough use of AI for automated ticket quality control—where intelligent review systems identify three times more errors than traditional random sampling methods. A second case study highlights how an 811 center is leveraging AI for predictive marketing, using excavator segmentation and risk scoring to proactively target outreach and reduce potential damages. We’ll close by exploring multimodal AI applications that go beyond text—demonstrating how AI can “see” and analyze field imagery to improve billing accuracy, validate work, and enhance operational efficiency. Throughout the session, we’ll focus on practical implementation strategies, address real-world challenges such as data quality and system limitations, and provide clear, actionable steps for organizations ready to integrate AI into their damage prevention programs.

Exploring Locating Technologies: Methods, Advantages, and Limitations - 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM

 Speaker: Bob Nighswonger, Utility Training Academy

This session explores the range of technologies, applied methods and techniques used to find both metallic and non-metallic utilities.  We'll examine the strengths and limitations of each approach.

Difficult to Locate - 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM

Speaker: Ashley Fugate, Pipe View America

This will dive into the proactive program we are doing in LA with Atmos. Mapping, locating and setting post within their system prior to fiber companies or any digging takes place. This will highlight how they are taking active measures to ensure the locaters' time is being used wisely and accurately while also allowing contractors to keep and meet deadlines. We will take a look at the near miss that happened the first week on the project which will then explain why the proactive approach is something all stakeholders should really look into adding to their program.

Legislative Roundtable Discussion - 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Speaker: Bill Turner, TN811

Attend this unique session where you are the panelist and the expert. What is working well and needs to be left alone, what is just not working as well as it was intended to be?  This session will take into account current law, potential legislative changes and the need to better understand how to match the law with stakeholder practices in the field.

 

Tennessee 811's Safe Digging Training - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker: Marcus Bartholomew, TN811

This session is Tennessee 811's course that provides an overview of the Tennessee 811 notification system and incorporates application of the Tennessee Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act and best practices when working near underground utilities. While an excellent training resource for all stakeholders, it is certified by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Water and Wastewater Certification Board for 1 hour of continuing education credit toward any classification (Activity #26067). A report of continuing education activity roster will be provided to participants and submitted by Tennessee 811 for attendee credit.

Summit Reception - 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

 Exhibit Hall opens at 4:30 PM
Friday, March 27, 2026

Breakfast with exhibitors | 7:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Exhibit Hall closes at 9 AM

The Goal of Tennessee's Enforcement Program | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Facilitator: Craig Ingram, TN811

Attend this session to get a feel for Tennessee's enforcement program.  It is more than just a set of rules.  TPUC and the Enforcement Board work together in an effort to change behaviors that consistently lead to more damage.  There are many moving parts to the process: Building relationships with stakeholders, training and civil penalties.  The goal is to prevent damage and it is easier with your involvement before the damage occurs. 

Designing a Complete Damage Prevention System: A Data-Driven Approach - 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Speaker: Spencer Knott, Trident Solutions
 
Utility damages remain a persistent and costly challenge, with over two-thirds of incidents traceable to just three root causes: failure to notify 811, locator error, and excavator error (CGA DIRT Report). This session presents a data-driven approach to designing a comprehensive marking and locating system that directly addresses these failure points. Attendees will explore how tools like tracer wire systems, test stations, grounding rods, and high-visibility signage work together to form a Complete Damage Prevention System—improving locate accuracy, increasing public awareness, and providing a critical last line of defense. Backed by the latest industry damage data and case examples, this session equips facility owners, contractors, and safety managers with practical strategies to reduce third-party strikes and protect underground assets. The session will also showcase a new interactive 3D planning tool that visualizes optimal product deployment across different utility sectors.
 

GIS Uses for Asset Management and How That Ties in to Damage Prevention - 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Speaker: TBD, SAM

GIS plays a critical role in asset management by providing accurate and real-time visibility into the location, condition, and lifecycle of underground infrastructure. By combining mapping data, maintenance history, and even risk analysis, GIS enables better planning, coordination, and decision-making across all organizations, whether large or small. When integrated with damage prevention efforts, GIS improves locate accuracy, reduces excavation risk, and helps organizations proactively protect assets before incidents occur.

Turning Damage Investigation into Damage Prevention - 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

Speaker: Roger Cox, ACTS Now, Inc.
 
The purpose of this presentation is to shift investigations from reactive, blame-focused reviews to proactive learning tools that drive behavioral change, ownership, and prevention. What we should have learned in the industry by now is that if investigations don't change behavior, they don't prevent damage.

Contact us for any questions:
Email: thesummit@aligningchange.com  Phone: 501-548-6363