Get ready
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Workshops
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Golf Outing
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Welcome Reception
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Welcome & Opening
7:45 AM - 8:00 AM
General & Breakout Sessions
8:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Lunch Buffet & Awards
12:00 PM - 1:20 PM
Networking with Exhibitors
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
General & Breakout Sessions
2:20 PM - 4:20 PM
Summit Reception
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, January 29, 2026
General & Breakout Sessions
8:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Closing Session
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Locate Rodeo
12:00 PM
Registration
Wednesday – Thursday
$269 – Early Bird Rate
$309 – after 12/2/25
$359 – after 1/6/26
Includes name badge for entry to receptions/meals
and Exhibit Hall plus all Wednesday/Thursday sessions.
Attendees are invited to Tuesday evening’s reception when the Exhibit Hall opens from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Group Rates
Register three (3) attendees or more from same
company and save 5%.
company and save 10%.
Workshops will be an additional cost.
One Day Pass $235
This pass is for Wednesday, January 28, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM only. Includes entrance to all sessions, Exhibit Hall, and meals.
Got Questions? Contact Us 501-548-6363 thesummit@aligningchange.com
Who Attends the Summit?
The Summit brings together a diverse and dynamic group of industry leaders and professionals, including:
- Skilled excavators and expert utility locators
- Key personnel from gas, water, electric, and telecommunications companies
- Influential municipal and county officials
- Decision-makers from state and federal regulatory agencies
- Representatives from Louisiana 811
- Dedicated individuals committed to the safe installation and protection of underground utility lines
Join the conversation, expand your network, and be part of the movement shaping the future of underground utility safety and innovation.
Don’t Miss the Summit – Here’s Why You Should Be Here!
- Expand Your Network: Connect with key players across industries and gain new perspectives
- Champion Safety: Be a voice for safe excavation and the protection of underground infrastructure
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Discover cutting-edge trends and breakthrough technologies
- Level Up Your Skills: Learn from industry experts in dynamic training sessions and hands-on workshops
- Be In the Know: Get critical updates on Louisiana’s dig law — and how it impacts you
Join us for an event that informs, inspires, and empowers. See you at the Summit!
Why Exhibit?
Put your brand in the spotlight at the premier event for damage prevention in the state! This is your opportunity to connect face-to-face with a highly targeted audience of industry professional decision-makers who are actively seeking the latest tools, technologies, and solutions. Showcase your products and services, build lasting relationships, and generate quality leads in an environment designed for business growth. With multiple networking opportunities throughout the event, you’ll have many chances to engage attendees. Many of our exhibitors tell us this is THE event to be at to visit with current clients and get solid leads on new prospects. Don’t miss this unmatched platform to elevate your brand and drive your business forward!
Registration
Early Rate:
$625 Without Power
$720 With Power
After 12/29/2025:
$675 Without Power
$770 With Power
Includes:
- 8×10 pipe & drape booth plus carpet
- One exhibitor badge (includes entry to meals/sessions)
- One skirted table
- Two chairs
- Wastebasket
- Company sign
Additional Exhibitor Badges available for $200/person
Exhibit Hall Schedule
Tuesday, January 28
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Exhibitor Set up
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Hall opens with Summit Reception
Wednesday, January 29
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall open
Thursday, January 30
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Exhibit Hall open
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Exhibitor teardown
Inbound/Outbound Shipping
Coming Soon
List of Exhibitors
Floorplan Coming Soon
The Summit Happens Thanks to You — Our Awesome Sponsors!
Want to get your name out there and support a great cause? Jump in as a sponsor!
Here’s what you get:
-
Shoutout in the Summit Agenda
-
Your logo featured on the Summit website
-
Prime booth space, front and center
-
A spotlight as a key player in promoting damage prevention
It’s a win-win — support the Summit and get noticed!
Let’s make it happen together.
PLATINUM – $7500
Includes a double booth
Golf hole sponsorship
Four golf spots
Six name badges
Company logo on marketing materials
GOLD – $5000
Includes a single booth
Three golf spots
Four name badges
Company logo on marketing materials
SILVER – $2500
Includes a single booth
Two golf spots
Two name badges
Company logo on marketing materials
BRONZE – $1000
Includes a single booth
One name badge
Company logo on marketing materials
RECEPTION – $500
Sponsor an evening reception.
4 spots available
GOLF SPONSORSHIP
Signage at the event - $100
Custom sponsorships are available, too!
Call us if you are interested!
DAMAGE INVESTIGATION TRAINING – $150
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Roger Cox
ACTS Now Inc.
OK, you’ve had a damage, now what? Whether you are the utility owner/operator, excavator or the locator of record; the one thing you’ll have in common now is a need for a quality damage investigation. Just determining the facts about the damage is not enough. The objective of this workshop is to teach the participant how to conduct a quality damage investigation. If the investigation doesn’t determine clearly why the damage occurred, it is likely to reoccur. Additionally if the investigation itself is not clear, concise and complete, you are more likely to be responsible for damages and/or fines even if you were not responsible for the damage.
Attend this workshop and learn what makes a photograph a good photograph, learn the value of telling the story of the damage with sketches and photos and presenting your findings with credibility. This workshop is for anyone who has ever been involved in a damaged utility line and tried to identify who was “at-fault” instead of gathering the facts.
Utility Locator Skills Enhancement Workshop – $250
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Instructor: Bob Nighswonger
Utility Training Academy
Dive into an intensive, hands-on workshop designed for utility locators of every skill level, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Our Utility Locator Skills Enhancement Workshop is tailored to empower participants with a comprehensive understanding and practical know-how for efficiently locating buried utilities such as pipes, cables, and wires. Regardless of your experience, you’ll find invaluable insights and techniques to refine your locating strategies.
This is a brand-neutral workshop. Participants should bring their line detection tools.
Course Overview
Part 1: Damage Prevention Orientation & Site Marking Communications
We kickstart this workshop with an essential orientation on the universal goal of preventing excavation damages and the role that every stakeholder plays in the process. This segment also unravels the language of excavation site markings and tolerance zones. The information provided will paint and flag markings into dialogue between utility operators and the excavator or excavation crew. You’ll leave this part equipped to place and interpret any dig site markings and grasp the critical messages they convey.
Part 2: Locating Technologies, Theory, and Equipment Operation
Immerse yourself in the world of locating technologies, understanding the fundamental signal wave theories that are fundamental for effective line locating and troubleshooting problem locates. This section offers a hands-on exploration of applying signals using an EM transmitter and harnessing a signal receiver for accurate detection and tracing of underground utilities. Learn to navigate the challenges of signal distortion and interference with expert techniques and actionable knowledge.
Part 3: Hands-On Outdoor Training
The culmination of your learning experience, this outdoor session puts theory into practice. With your line locating equipment in hand (please bring your own), this non-equipment specific training offers a unique opportunity to apply your new skills in a real-world setting. Receive personalized tips on maximizing the efficiency and accuracy of your equipment, directly from industry experts.
Join us for a day of skill-building, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on learning to elevate your utility locating abilities to the next level.
Summit Golf Outing Tuesday, January 27
Check in Time: 10:30 AM
Start Time: 11:00 AM
$110 – Registration
Topgolf Lafayette
301 Meadow Farm Rd
Lafayette, LA
Room rates start at $124 per night.
(800) 222-8733
Group Code: LDM
Locate Rodeo Information
Thursday, January 29
- Lunch: TBD
- Mandatory Rules meeting: TBD
- Competition Starts: TBD
Site of Rodeo: TBD
PRIZES
The Grand Champion of this year’s event will win $1000 CASH
There will also be cash prizes awarded to Division winners and 2nd Overall winner.
The Locate Rodeo is managed by the Louisiana Damage Prevention Summit Committee; that will coordinate a variety of volunteers and sponsors. The goal of the Locate Rodeo is to provide recognition to the locate technicians who protect our communities daily.
Locators will compete in one of four divisions: Water, Gas, Power, or Telecom. Plus all will compete in the LFH.
You may only enter one division. For more information call: (501) 548-6363 or email us, thesummit@aligningchange.com
Sponsorship for Locate Rodeo
There are two levels of sponsorship:
Platinum: $500
Gold: $250
Sponsors will be recognized at the Rodeo event and throughout the Damage Prevention Summit.