Tuesday, September 16, 2025

• 12:00 PM: Disc Golf Outing

• 12:00 PM: Golf Outing

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Welcome Reception Sponsored by WSP

• 7:00 PM: Board of Directors Meeting

• 8:00 PM: Hospitality Suite Sponsored by Builterra

 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

• 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast

• 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM: Welcome Remarks

• 8:15 AM - 9:05 AM: Introduction to Subsurface Utility Engineering​​

  • Speakers: Joseph Porter & Andrew Sylvest, Lamb-Star Engineering​

• 9:05 AM - 9:50 AM: Before the Hose Hits the Dirt: Building a Culture of SUE Safety​

  • Speaker: Michael Kriegel, Colliers Engineering and Design​

  • Description: Vacuum excavation is one of the safest methods of exposing buried utilities — but only when backed by the right people, programs, and culture. This presentation explores how engineering firms can take ownership of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) safety by building robust internal systems before fieldwork begins. Attendees will learn how to develop in-house training, standard operating procedures, and team-wide awareness that reinforces safe digging as a non-negotiable standard — not just a compliance checkbox. We’ll dive into strategies for onboarding new staff, upskilling experienced crews, and fostering a culture where every team member feels responsible for safety.

    • Key takeaways include:

      • Core elements of an internal SUE safety program

      • Vacuum excavation best practices and risk mitigation

      • Training tools that stick — from onboarding to ongoing certification

      • How to create buy-in across departments, from leadership to the field

      • Steps to turn safety from a policy into a shared mindset

             Because safe digging doesn’t start with the equipment — it starts with the people behind it.

• 9:50 AM - 10:20 AM: Time with Vendors

• 10:20 AM - 11:05 AM: Local Client Panel Discussion

  • Speakers: Reed Adams, VDOT; Loretta Jeffrey-Idun, PEPCO

• 11:05 AM - 11:50 PM: Army Corp of Engineers Update

  • Speaker: Nicholas Zembillas, SUE LLC​

• 11:50 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch

• 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM: Mock Project/Scoping Language Review

  • Speakers: Mark Amirault, Foundation Risk Partners; Rhett Sloan, The Lexis Group​

• 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM: Time with Vendors

• 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM: 811 Panel Discussion

  • Speakers: Brandon Dujmic, PA 811; Scott Crawford, VA 811​

• 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Utilities and Augmented Reality

  • Speaker: Kenneth Fronheiser, Keystone Precision Solutions​

  • Description: This course offers an overview of using Trimble SiteVision to support Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) activities.  This session introduces how SiteVision’s augmented reality capabilities can be used to visualize underground utilities in real time with geospatial accuracy. Participants will gain an understanding of how to import and use utility data from CAD and GIS to see how SiteVision can enhance field planning, improve safety, and facilitate clearer communication with stakeholders. The presentation will highlight the overall value of integrating SiteVision into SUE workflows, helping users identify potential utility conflicts early and reduce costly errors in the field.

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner

• 8:30 PM: Hospitality Suite Sponsored by Builterra

 

Thursday, September 18, 2025

• 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast

• 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM: ASCE 38-27 - New Update/UESI Update & Certifications

  • Speaker: Lawrence Arcand, 4Sight​

• 8:45 AM - 9:30 AM: Legislative Update

  • Speakers: John "JB" Byrd, Miller Wenhold Capitol Strategies; John Palatiello, Executive Director, SUE Association​

• 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM: Mapping the Future: Defining Career Paths in SUE

  • Speaker: Korina Padilla, HCL​

  • Description: As Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) continues to grow as a critical component of infrastructure projects, the need for a well-defined career path within the industry has never been greater. "Mapping the Future: Defining Career Paths in Subsurface Utility Engineering" explores the evolving roles within SUE, highlighting the intersection of surveying, civil engineering, and utility coordination. This session will examine current industry trends, identify key job titles and responsibilities, and propose a structured framework for career progression. Attendees will gain insights into professional development opportunities, strategies for industry recognition, and how standardizing career tracks can strengthen the future of SUE. Whether you are a technician, engineer, or industry leader, this presentation will provide valuable guidance on navigating and advancing within the field of Subsurface Utility Engineering.

• 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Annual Meeting of the Association/Board of Directors Panel Discussion