Features
Events galore: Where to hit this off-season

When the temperature drops and the ground gets cold, contractors don’t go into hibernation – that’s when they go to conferences.

Networking, trade shows and re-education are a crucial part of the winter contractor experience.

Conferences

This week is the cornerstone of drainage and land improvement conferences, with the LICA National Winter Convention in Virginia Beach, held from Feb. 13 to 17. Featuring the LICA annual members’ meeting, education and networking opportunities, the event is a can’t-miss for member contractors.

Those who work in the equipment biz Association of Equipment Management Professionals Connect Conference in Phoenix from March 13-16.

Education

Online and hybrid events are still an option, with platforms like Zoom and Teams creating a more borderless approach to content-sharing (and helping cut down on wintertime travel). Online and hybrid events include Drainage Contractor‘s North American Drainage Conference on March 5, which will present the latest research and anecdotes from contractors and industry leaders in a convenient online format for a half-day, virtual show.

One of the biggest Midwestern education events in drainage is, as always, the Overholt Drainage School. Held March 11-13 in Columbus, OH, topics will include basic drainage concepts, topographic mapping, drain design and more.

Fairs and trade shows

This February, Northeastern contractors and landowners in the northeast can check out the New York Farm Show in Syracuse from Feb. 22-24. Those north of the border may want to check out the London Farm Show in London, ON from March 6-8.

Finally, the last big farm show before the season kicks into high gear again takes place in Oklahoma, with the Oklahoma City Farm Show taking place from April 4-6.