Workshops & Tours
Workshops
Take your conference experience beyond the convention center with hands-on workshops designed to inspire, educate and connect.
Locating Training Conducted by NULCA Accredited Trainers - Provided by McKim and Creed
$550
Monday, Apr. 12 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Apr. 13 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This two-day NULCA Electromagnetic Locating course is designed for utility locators of all skill levels—from new technicians looking to work on their fundamentals to experienced professionals seeking to sharpen their skills as well as contractors who want to better understand electromagnetic locating and the complications that may arise during routine field work. This course strengthens participants’ knowledge of locating equipment, proven locating practices, and the science behind electromagnetic utility locating. Topics include the history and fundamentals of utility locating, commonly used devices, the physical principles of electromagnetism, factors that affect signal strength and accuracy, direct connection and passive locating methods, and practical approaches to recognizing and resolving challenging locate conditions. Discussion will also emphasize the locator’s critical role in damage prevention, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), and work-zone safety.
Day 1: Classroom Instruction and Simulator-Based Learning Day 1 combines instructor-led classroom learning with hands-on activities using the UTTO Locate Training Simulator. Participants will apply key concepts in realistic, controlled scenarios while developing a clearer understanding of how electromagnetic locating works and how field conditions can influence signal behavior. The simulator provides a safe environment for practicing fundamental techniques, interpreting locator responses, and working through situations that reflect challenges encountered in the field.
Day 2: Comprehensive Field Locating Day 2 focuses on comprehensive, hands-on field locating with equipment. Participants will practice applying the methods discussed on Day 1, evaluate real-world conditions, and build confidence in selecting appropriate locating techniques. A portion of the day will return to the UTTO Locate Training Simulator for more complex locate scenarios, problem-solving exercises, and friendly competition that reinforces accuracy, sound decision-making, and best practices. Students are highly encouraged to bring their own utility-locating devices, as only a limited number of devices will be available to share. Lunch will be provided on both days of the class. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate from the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA), as well as access to the CGA Expo for the duration of the class.
Florida Excavation Safety Day – presented by Sunshine 811
Tuesday, Apr. 13 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Florida construction and utility professionals are invited to register for this complimentary experience held in conjunction with the CGA Conference & Expo featuring:
- Breakfast
- Damage Prevention LIVE! Get up close with the latest equipment and technology and see hands-on demonstrations you can put to work in the field.
- Florida Excavation Safety Forum from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
There is no cost to attend; however, advance registration is required. Participation is exclusively available to professional contractors, excavators, member operators, locators and safe digging partners working in Florida.
AI Boot Camp: Automation to Innovation
Thursday, Apr. 15 1:45 – 3:45 p.m.
A hands-on workshop for 811 center staff, utility operators and locators, call center employees, and the middle managers responsible for putting AI integration plans into practice at the organizations that attend CGA conferences. This is a working session, not a lecture: participants build automations on the tech stacks they already use and leave with something running. It goes well beyond introductory ChatGPT content into strategic, organization-level AI implementation.
Offsite Tours
Explore the Tampa Bay area while gaining a little local insight along the way with offsite tours.
Port Tampa Boat Tour
Complimentary, must be pre-registered
Monday, April 12, 2027 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The boat tour will showcase Port Tampa Bay's diverse marine terminals and cargo. Attendees will learn about logistics associated with marine cargo movement and the engineering required to develop the infrastructure to support the Florida's largest port's mission and economic impact to the Tampa Bay region.