(WESTERVILLE, OH — December 8, 2011) The National Ground Water Association's 2011 Expo and Annual Meeting that took place November 29-December 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada, posted strong numbers both in attendance and number of exhibitors. In fact, the number of exhibiting companies — 325 — set an all-time record.
NGWA Executive Director Kevin McCray, CAE, called the numbers outstanding. “The number of attendees and exhibitors this year exceeded our expectations.
“This shows me that in spite of, or perhaps because of, our challenging economy, our members truly value their membership in NGWA. It also speaks well to optimism about the future of the groundwater industry.
“It was with some risk that we came two consecutive years to Las Vegas, but it seems to have paid off," McCray continued. "Working with our industry partners helped the Association deliver a strong show for everyone’s best interests.
“We’re coming back to Vegas in ’12, and then to Nashville in ’13. I guarantee you there will be no let up from NGWA in terms of the effort made to have a well attended and well executed event.”
In the 63-year history of the NGWA Ground Water Expo, this was the 14th best attended event, with a total attendance of 4,267 from all sectors of the industry — water well drillers and contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, and scientists and engineers. All 50 United States were represented, along with D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico, in addition to 34 other nations.
The NGWA Expo offered 80-plus hours of educational programming covering topics ranging from water well design and construction to groundwater sustainability and availability. There were also guest lecturers, a field trip, and work group sessions designed to aid in developing industry best suggested practices.
During the course of the general membership meeting December 2, delegates voted to amend the Association’s bylaws to expand the number of voting directors on the national board from 16 to 19, and to allow directors from any of the four membership divisions to be elected by the board of directors to any board officer position.
“This action to amend the organization’s bylaws is a manifestation of the NGWA process — the NGWA Board and members working together to determine the future of NGWA,” said John Pitz, CPI, incoming NGWA president. “The outcome of the vote is that the NGWA membership will benefit by having the most qualified directors as officers of the board.”
Outside of the classroom, exhibit hall, and meetings, attendees also had the chance for some fun, including the rare opportunity of a behind-the-scenes “Elvis at the Hilton” guided tour of the theater Elvis Presley performed in, as well as his private dressing room, suite, and the penthouse Sky Villas he called home while performing at the Las Vegas Hilton.
The 2012 NGWA Expo is scheduled to take place December 4-7.
To learn more about the Expo, as well as the many other NGWA educational programs available, visit the events/education section of our Web site or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).
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NGWA, a nonprofit organization composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals — contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers — is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge. NGWA’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the responsible development, management, and use of water.
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