Call for Proposals for the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo Now Open

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2020) – Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the only stakeholder-driven trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, announced that the Call for Proposals for the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo is open now through Sept. 15. CGA is seeking session proposals from industry professionals and subject matter experts to help facilitate thoughtful discussions and develop concrete actions that the industry can implement to reduce damages to underground utilities.

The 2021 CGA Conference & Expo, set to take place March 2-5, 2021 in Orlando, Fla., is the damage prevention industry’s premier event, bringing together the foremost experts and decision-makers for a week of focused collaboration and innovation designed to Break New Ground on the industry’s most persistent challenges. Educational and action-oriented programming will engage stakeholders in thoughtful roundtable discussions, focused presentations, interactive breakout sessions and networking events. Presenting at the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo provides damage prevention professionals an opportunity to have their voice be a pivotal part of the future of damage prevention.

CGA invites industry experts to propose the following types of sessions that will be featured as educational programming at the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo:

• Outcome Focused Presentations (typically 45 minutes):

These sessions are opportunities to share topics of interest, lessons learned and case studies focused on the impact to damage prevention. Presenters are typically individuals and often provide ways to actively engage the audience either in-person or virtually. (Maximum four presenters.)

• Moderated Debate/Roundtable Discussions (typically 60 minutes):

This format is intended to showcase a variety of perspectives and insights about a specific topic. The moderator is responsible for facilitating the discussion while encouraging audience questions and contributions and framing in a manner that will help attendees apply lessons learned. (Maximum four presenters.)

• Power Panels (typically 60 minutes):

Discussions about a specific topic amongst a selected group of panelists who share differing perspectives on a clearly defined topic. These groups of experts will build on their co-presenter’s narrative offering thought-provoking insight and encouraging audience interaction. (Maximum four presenters.)

• The CGA Engage Stage (30-60 minute discussions and demonstrations):

Where complex industry challenges intersect with innovative industry solutions! This format will showcase the most forward-thinking damage prevention partners addressing challenges brought forth by the CGA membership via the CGA Engage platform. Bringing the exhibit floor to life, exhibitors will have the opportunity to provide case-studies, cutting-edge technology solutions and proven data via this moderated forum.

CGA members are eager to engage on a number of topics at the upcoming conference, including:

• The impact of state enforcement, exemptions, and other safe digging laws
• Facilitated discussions on the future of damage prevention
• Excavator and locator outreach and engagement strategies
• Novel public awareness case studies
• Successful efforts to educate policymakers
• Best practices in crisis communications

“As CGA celebrates its 20-year anniversary and looks to the next decade in damage prevention, the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo is dedicated to addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges head-on,” says Sarah Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of CGA. “Cross-industry expertise and insight will be crucial to confronting these challenges together as an industry in order to meet our goal of zero damages to underground utilities. CGA welcomes innovative, outcome-driven proposals from leading experts to facilitate thoughtful discussions and problem-solving at the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo.”

The 2021 CGA Conference & Expo Call for Proposals is open through Sept. 15, 2020. Those interested in participating in the damage prevention discussion may submit outcome-oriented, results-forward session proposals using this application.

For more information about the CGA Conference & Expo Call for Proposals, visit the conference FAQ page or contact Khrysanne Kerr at kerr@commongroundalliance.com.

About CGA

CGA is a member-driven association of more than 1,700 individuals, organizations, and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at https://www.commongroundalliance.com.

About the CGA Conference & Expo

The CGA Conference & Expo is the damage prevention industry’s official annual gathering of executives, managers and board-level attendees committed to reducing damages to underground utilities to zero. Designed to bring true decision-makers and leaders in the industry together for a week of outside-of-the-box problem-solving, the CGA Conference & Expo marries intensive, high-level educational and collaborative content with a carefully curated expo floor and exclusive networking opportunities for an experience that cannot be found elsewhere. The 2021 CGA Conference & Expo will be held March 2-5 in Orlando, and the 2022 event will be held April 12-14 in Anaheim, Calif. Visit www.cgaconference.com for more information.