NUCA 2024 Convention Recap
NUCA’s 2024 Annual Convention & Exhibit drew the utility construction community to sunny Palm Springs, California, March 20-23. Members from across the United States came together for a full program of events, including expert speakers on the state of the industry, the presentation of NUCA’s annual awards and popular networking receptions for everyone to unwind and catch up.
The festivities kicked off with the 4th annual CEO Bobble Head Golf Tournament on Wednesday, March 20. On Thursday, chapters and committees held meetings followed by regional and national board of directors meetings. Thursday evening featured the Kickoff Program sponsored by Core & Main, where NUCA CEO Doug Carlson got the crowd fired up commemorating the association’s “60 Years Digging Amerca” anniversary in 2024. Chapter recognition awards were also handed out. The evening culminated in a keynote speaker Scott Shellstrom’s talk on Unleashing Your Inner Da Vinci followed by a Welcome Reception sponsored by United Rentals.
On Friday, the program led off with a series of presentations and discussions. Jim House of FMI Consulting presented a market overview discussing construction spending, primary drivers for new construction and key trends impacting the market. This was followed by a “Young Guns in Utility Construction” panel featuring young leaders within their companies who discussed biggest challenges for workforce, training and NUCA’s influence on young professionals. A discussion on workforce development challenges and solutions was also presented by Lauren Atwell of Petticoat Schmitt Civil Contractors. Friday afternoon continued with exhibit hall hours and a team building event sponsored by Caterpillar.
On Saturday morning, presentations were given covering industry hot topics. A damage prevention /811 study update was given by Mark Bridgers of Continuum Capital, followed a talk on Artificial Intelligence in the Utility Construction Industry by Eric Bindler of Bluefield Research. A utility leaders panel was also held, moderated by Tony Privitera of Merk One Electric. Saturday included a luncheon to officially swear in the board of directors. The luncheon featured an economic outlook presentation, also given by Mark Bridgers of Continuum Capital, sponsored by Tenna.
The 2024 NUCA Convention came to a close Saturday evening with NUCA’s 60th anniversary Gala Celebration. Here, the transition of leadership for the association was formally made, as outgoing chairman Tom Butler handed off the gavel and shovel to new chairman Tony Privitera of Mark One Electric.
The formal award for Ditchdigger of the Year was presented to Darren Cleary of Cleary Construction. Yvonne Bland of Core & Main was recognized as the Associate Member of the Year. Renee Nutter was honored with the We Dig America Award in recognition of her exemplary support of Dozer Days, the innovative program to introduce young workers to the utility construction industry.
Speakers
Featured speakers included Jim House of FMI, Eric Bindler of Bluefield Research, Scott Shellstrom (keynote speaker), and Mark Bridgers of Continuum Capital.
Chapter Awards
Representatives from NUCA chapters were on hand to receive merit awards.
Team Building
Friday’s agenda included a Team Building event sponsored by Caterpillar.
Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall is a popular place to catch up on the latest in equipment and technology
Gala
Technical Sessions & Annual Meeting
