Page 10 - TN811 issue 2

This year’s Tennessee Damage Prevention Summit had more than 180 participants from all across the state. A full exhibit hall spilled out into the foyer filled with products and services for the underground utility industry. Attendees represented at the conference were water/wastewater, gas, power, cable, phone, locators, excavators and regulators (both state and federal).
The sessions were well attended and informative. Tennessee 811 held its annual membership meeting on the second day. The Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) spoke to attendees about how to file a better complaint, avoiding common errors causing them to be dismissed. Another popular session was from Dr. Larry Cole, Ph.D., who challenged the attendees to embrace change and learn how to manage it while working with others.
Networking was abundant throughout the three-day event. There was even a cornhole tournament that was enjoyed by all.
Damage prevention has always been about people. The Tennessee Summit is about bringing all stakeholders together to learn how better to prevent damage.
A special thanks to the speakers and attendees who made this event a success and are the reason an event like this is created in the first place.
If you’ve never attended this event, watch for more information coming soon on how you might be able to attend next year’s event for free from a grant provided by the Tennessee Underground Utility Enforcement Board.
This year’s sponsors included: Platinum - Progressive Partnering, Tennessee 811; Gold – USIC, LLC; Silver – Kinder Morgan, Rust-Oleum; Bronze – Benchmark, Compliance EnviroSystems, Equipment Controls Company, KorTerra, Paradigm, Piedmont Natural Gas, Utility Training Academy. To see a complete list of this year’s exhibitors, please visit www.tennessee. damagepreventionsummit.com. Thank you for your support.
We hope to see you at the 2024 Tennessee Damage Prevention Summit back at the Embassy Suites – March 27-29. Mark your calendar!
Hitting Record Numbers at the Tennessee Damage Prevention Summit
8 • Tennessee811 2023, Issue 2