Georgia 811 Damage Prevention Summit -Dalton

August 11, 2026 · Dalton Convention Center (Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center)

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (ET)

Georgia 811 is pleased to offer a FREE day of damage prevention education and informational sessions at the Dalton Conference Center (Northwest Georgia Trade & Conference Center) in Dalton. This event is designed to bring together safe digging stakeholders for valuable training, industry updates and networking opportunities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions led by Georgia 811 representatives, ask questions and engage with industry vendors who will be onsite throughout the day. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is limited to the first 200 attendees, so early registration is encouraged.

If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing Fbowen@georgia811.com.

Agenda

Tuesday, August 11

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Breakfast & Networking

Check in, visit our exhibitors and grab some breakfast.

8:30 AM

Event Start

8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Welcome and Vendor Intros

Georgia 811 President and CEO Meghan Rafinski will open the summit with welcome remarks. Participating vendors will then provide brief introductions and overviews of their companies and products.

8:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Georgia 811 Update (timeframe includes breaks)

Updates from GA811 leadership, an overview of current state and regional data trends, highlights of newly developed member best practices, and a preview of upcoming enhancements to the ticket portal. Other updates include the recent refresh of eRequest.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Excavation Readiness

Participants will explore how readiness is defined, measured through locate response data and how improved readiness can reduce damages and improve communication between excavators and utility owners.

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Diamond Sponsor Spotlight: Atlanta Gas Light

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Best Practices for Locate Requests

This interactive session will focus on best practices for providing clear and accurate locate instructions. Explore how effective communication of dig site information can improve locate accuracy, reduce delays, and support safe excavation outcomes.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Excavator and Locator Panel

Experienced excavators and locators share perspectives on collaborations in the field, communication challenges and best practices to support efficient utility locating. Real world scenarios and lessons learned are discussed.

2:30 PM

Event End

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Eastcom Demo- Locate Performance Management Technology (Optional)

This optional hands-on demo introduces the LPM simulator, which uses VR technology and an RD8200 receiver training environment to help technicians practice locating buried utilities in a controlled, field-free setting.