October 21-23, 2025

Isleta Resort,
Albuquerque

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Agenda

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Tuesday October 21, 2025

Damage Investigation Workshop | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker: Roger Cox, ACTS Now

For more information click here

Utility Locator Skills Enhancement Workshop | 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Speaker: Paul Larkin

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Lunch & NMRCGA Golf Tournament | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Utility Mapping with GIS Training | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker: Dan Bigman, Bigman Geophysical, LLC

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NMRCGA Reception | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Located in the Exhibit area, with networking, food and drinks for all.

Wednesday October 22, 2025

Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Welcome to the New Mexico Damage Prevention Summit | 7:45 AM - 8:40 AM

Speaker: Jane Jernigan, NMRCGA

Welcome to this year’s Conference and thanks to sponsors & exhibitors

Winning the War for Talent | 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker: Chris Czarnik, Career Research Group

Companies across America will struggle with recruiting and retaining talent within the next 5 years. Chris Czarnik has been helping companies across the nation change the way they recruit talent with a unique process that is proven to retain them.  As one of the most accomplished career coaches in the country, Chris can teach you how to solve your talent issues once and for all. Let him teach you how to transform your workforce.

Damage Prevention… A Shared Responsibility | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Speaker: Laura Harrison, New Mexico 811

This session also serves as the New Mexico 811 annual meeting. Laura Harrison will review the previous year and the state of New Mexico 811.

Lessons Learned from North Carolina | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Speaker: Louis Panzer, North Carolina 811 

NC 811 worked with stakeholders to produce a new law that took effect on Oct. 1 of 2025. This presentation will cover the process, the changes and how the state was educated to the transition.

Heat Stress Ordinance Proposal by NMOSHB | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Panel Discussion
 
Join industry leaders for an in-depth discussion on the proposed Heat Stress Ordinance currently under consideration by the New Mexico Occupational Safety and Health Bureau (NMOSHB). This panel will provide a comprehensive overview of the proposal’s content, explore its potential impact on the construction industry, and address key concerns from stakeholders.
Lunch buffet w/Awards | 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
Networking with Exhibitors | 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

 

How to Navigate the Challenges and Impact of Fiber Builds | 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM

Speaker: Donna Robinson, NM811 – Moderator
Panel Discussion

TBD
Generations in the Workplace | 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
Speaker: Josh Crooker-Flint, AUI

There are different generations currently in the workplace, with various characteristics and skill sets. Attend this session to learn how to build a strong team that works together and motivates one another.
NM Dig Law Update | 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
Speaker: Jason Montoya, NMPSB

Update on the NM dig law and expectations going forward.
NMRCGA Reception with Door prizes | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Thursday October 23, 2025

Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall | 7:00 AM - 7:50 AM

 

NM811 2025 Update and Changes | 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker: NM811 Liaison Team

TBD

Damage Prevention is in the Details | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Speaker: Joel Miller

The big picture is contact 811, wait the appropriate time, respect the marks and dig safely. But significant strides in damage prevention are made when we pay attention to the details.  Things like “how to hand dig, verifying depth and understanding offsets” are just a few of the details this session will cover in this action-packed session.

 

PHMSA Presentation | 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Speaker: TBD

 

Lessons Learned Managing Multiple Natural Disasters | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Speaker: Jacob Kinney & Wes Hacker, Zia Natural Gas

 

This session takes everyone through a quick timeline of the most important events from the fires and floods. Then the discussion will revolve around what each of those occurrences meant for the management of the emergency. In conclusion, we will identify the necessary collaboration needed between emergency agencies as well as other utilities.

Rethinking Trench Safety: Misinterpretations, Inaccuracies, and False Knowledge Clarified | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Facilitator: Bruce Magee, United Rentals

Working underground is extremely hazardous.  Rules for such work are in place, and protective systems exist that should keep workers safe.  So why are 30-45 people dying every year in trenches and excavation?  It could be that many people think they know the rules, but really don’t.  It has also been found that many people have been taught the wrong thing.  Or they modify systems without proper approval from a registered professional engineer.  This session will clarify misinterpretations, inaccuracies and false knowledge surrounding trench safety.

Damage Prevention Roundtable | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

Moderator: Jane Jernigan, NMUCA
Stakeholder panel

Attend this session to learn there are at least two sides to every discussion. Often there is a third side that takes both sides to resolve. Let’s learn together what it takes to make it work.

Door Prizes and Cash Giveaway | 11:50 AM - 12:15 PM