Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
GLDPCE Logo

2026 Great Lakes
Damage Prevention
Conference & Expo

February 2–4, 2026 • Lansing Conference Center • Lansing, MI



About the Conference

Presented by MISS DIG 811 — A bold new step in Michigan's damage prevention efforts.

Introducing the Great Lakes Damage Prevention Conference & Expo

The inaugural Great Lakes Damage Prevention Conference & Expo is more than an event — it's a regional call to action. Evolving from our traditional Annual Meeting, this expanded gathering will bring together infrastructure leaders, excavators, public officials, and emergency responders to collaborate, share knowledge, and advance damage prevention across the Great Lakes region.

Expect two full days of sessions designed for key industry roles, interactive exhibits, hands-on vendor demonstrations, and ample networking opportunities. Continuing education credits (CECs) and certificates will be available for qualifying sessions.

Join us in Lansing, MI from February 2–4, 2026 at the Lansing Conference Center as we launch this exciting new chapter in protecting our infrastructure and communities.

Learn About Sponsorship Submit a Proposal
Conference networking and discussions

Conference Hotel

Convenient accommodations with special conference rates for attendees staying in Lansing.

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

Conference Group Details

Group Name: The Great Lakes Safety & Damage Prevention Conference

Group Code: (91R - Participants)

Cutoff Date: January 19, 2026

Contact Information

📞

Phone Reservations

1-833-904-2206

Important Reminder

When calling, mention you're part of The Great Lakes Safety & Damage Prevention Conference and provide group code (91R - Participants) to receive the discounted group rate.

Online Booking Steps

1

Click Available Rooms

Once you select the room type, complete the Hotel Booking Form

2

Adjust Dates if Needed

For date adjustment needs, please change the Check-in and Check-out date box at the top of the site

3

Complete Guest Details

The booking form will ask for the guest details and email address

4

Secure Payment

The secure payment option is the section of the booking form that holds your credit card details. Input your credit card information

5

Make Reservation

Once you have completed this step click the "Make Reservation" button and your reservation will be sent immediately to the Hotel

Book Hotel Room - Available Rooms

Booking Deadline

Important: Please ensure your reservations are made before the cutoff date of January 19, 2026 to receive the discounted group rate. After this date, standard hotel rates will apply and group room availability is not guaranteed.

Keynote Speaker

Keynote Address

Aaron Witt

Founder & CEO, BuildWitt

Chief Dirt Nerd

Aaron Witt is transforming how the world sees infrastructure work. As founder of BuildWitt, he's dedicated to attracting the next generation to the "Dirt World" – the critical infrastructure and natural resources industries that keep our society running.

Since 2018, Aaron has built a movement that reaches millions through innovative storytelling, helping companies attract, train, and retain young talent in an industry facing workforce challenges.

Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure Leaders

Discover how to attract and inspire the next generation to join damage prevention and infrastructure safety through proven strategies from the field.

Transforming industry perception through authentic storytelling
Creating cultures that attract and retain young professionals
Leadership strategies from global infrastructure operations

Featured Speaking Engagements:

CONEXPO NSSGA AGC Texas Aggregates
Aaron Witt - Keynote Speaker
BuildWitt Changing How the World Sees Infrastructure
Millions
Reached Globally
Dirt Talk
Podcast Host
Industry
Thought Leader

Featured Speakers

Industry leaders, innovators, and experts sharing breakthrough insights on damage prevention and infrastructure safety

Kelly Connolly
Site X-Ray – Minnesota's Underground Mapping

Kelly Connolly

COO, Gopher State One Call

Mapping Tech Operations

15+ years building consensus in infrastructure and safety-related initiatives.

Khrysanne Kerr
NSC Green Cross Award Winner

Khrysanne Kerr

VP Marketing & Outreach, Common Ground Alliance

National 811 Outreach

25+ years in damage prevention, leading the national 811 campaign and CGA's DIRT tool.

Jai Kalayil

Jai Kalayil

Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation

Chicago 811 Infrastructure

28+ years modernizing Chicago's complex urban utility networks.

Saul Lopez
Dangers of Sewer Cross-Bores

Saul Lopez

VP Business Development, Pipe View America

Cross-Bores Prevention

Expert in trenchless technology and mitigating cross-bore risks.

Karen Lynch
Getting to Zero: PHMSA Update

Karen Lynch

Director Public Engagement, PHMSA

Federal Pipeline Safety

20+ years advancing pipeline safety through federal policy and education.

Duane Rodgers

Duane Rodgers

CEO, PelicanCorp

Global Leader Digital Innovation

40+ years in technology, leading global One Call solutions across continents.

Adam Zeciri

Adam Zeciri

Founder, Sub-T & Locating Dynamics

GPR/EMI Training

25+ years training thousands of locators across US, Canada, and Australia.

Greg Brooks

Greg Brooks

Director of Safety and Compliance, Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA)

Safety Culture Best Practices

Dedicated to strengthening Michigan’s safety culture through education, training, and damage prevention leadership across the construction industry.

Matthew Peterson

Matthew Peterson

Assistant Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation

Chicago 811 Infrastructure

Driving innovation and efficiency in Chicago’s 811 system through collaboration and data-driven infrastructure management.

Panel Discussion

Michigan Damage Prevention Board

Interactive Panel Session

Best Practices Live Demo

Real-world scenarios demonstrating Michigan's damage prevention laws in action.

Michigan Public Service Commission

State Regulatory Agency

Regulatory Policy

Sharing regulatory updates and collaborative infrastructure safety efforts.

Team Session

MISS DIG 811 Liaisons

Regional Outreach Team

Education Training

Regional experts on Michigan's Call Before You Dig laws and safe excavation.

+
More Speakers

Additional Speakers Coming Soon

Industry Leaders & Experts

Stay Tuned

We're finalizing additional industry leaders and subject matter experts. Check back regularly for updates as we continue to build an exceptional lineup for the 2026 conference.

Event Schedule

Emergency Responders Locators/Surveyors Infrastructure Owners Excavators
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference with light bites & networking.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration / Check-in
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast · Day 1
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Annual Member Meeting
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Concurrent Morning Sessions · Day 1
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch · Day 1
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Concurrent Afternoon Sessions · Day 1
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Viewing
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dinner · Day 1
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast · Day 2
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Concurrent Morning Sessions · Day 2
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch · Day 2
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Demonstrations in Exhibit Area
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Concurrent Afternoon Sessions · Day 2
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Awards Ceremony

Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with us to support this regional tradition while elevating your brand visibility among key stakeholders across the damage prevention industry.

Our Conference Sponsors

Industry leaders powering the future of damage prevention across the Great Lakes region.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Supporting damage prevention innovation across the Great Lakes region.

Comprehensive Sponsorship Packages and Benefits

Join Our Sponsor Family

Connect with industry leaders and showcase your solutions to key decision-makers.

Become a Sponsor Exhibit at the Expo

Brand Kit

Download official conference logos and branding materials to help promote the event in your communications and marketing efforts.

Official Brand Guidelines

Color Palette

#becd2b
#88def8
#000000
#bfc1c4

Typography

Roboto Bold - Titles

Roboto Regular - Body text and captions

Download Complete Brand Kit (PDF)
Conference Logo

2026 Great Lakes Damage Prevention Conference & Expo

Email Signature

Ready-to-use PNG image for email communications. Perfect for announcing your participation.

Download Email Signature

Logo - Transparent

High-resolution PNG with transparent background for presentations, websites, and digital materials.

Download Transparent Logo

Logo - White Background

High-resolution PNG on white background, ideal for print materials and professional documents.

Download White BG Logo

✅ How to Use Our Logo

✓ Presentations & Handouts

Use in slides and materials promoting your session

✓ Booth Displays

Include in marketing materials as an exhibitor

✓ Social Media

Share when announcing your participation

❌ Please Don't

  • Alter the logo in any way (colors, proportions, fonts, orientation, or effects)
  • Use the logo in ways that imply endorsement of unrelated products

Questions? Contact Eric Urbain, Director of Executive Affairs

eurbain@missdig811.org

Get in Touch

Have questions? We're here to help make your conference experience exceptional.

Contact Information

Phone
(800) 482-7171
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST

Email
apatterson@missdig811.org

Mailing
MISS DIG 811
417 Seymour Ave
Lansing, MI 48933

Venue
Lansing Conference Center
333 E Michigan Ave
Lansing, MI 48933

Quick Links

Register Apply to Speak

Send us a Message