Groundwater Week 2023

Groundwater Week 2023 took place December 5–7, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and drew its largest attendance in the history of NGWA.

The annual event saw 6642 groundwater professionals take part, making it the biggest show in the Association history. Attendees came from 40 countries and all 50 states. The second largest show took place in 2006 with 6612 attendees.

“We're proud to have celebrated our 75th anniversary with the largest ever show attendance and thank everyone for making this historical milestone possible,” said NGWA CEO Terry S. Morse, CAE, CIC. “The groundwater industry is essential and, as such, extremely busy. We appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy schedules to be at Groundwater Week 2023.”

NGWA celebrated 75 years of serving groundwater professionals with a booth on the exhibit hall floor. NGWA past presidents and former staff members who helped the Association reach the milestone were in attendance to celebrate the occasion. A closing party, “Popcorn and Pilsners,” wrapped up Groundwater Week 2023 in the exhibit hall.

Attendees took in nearly 40 water well contractor workshops and visited 303 exhibitors on a crowded exhibit hall floor. Dozens of educational sessions in the Science & Engineering Forum took place concurrently. There was a total of 81,600 square feet of exhibit space, the most in NGWA history.

The groundwater industry's top concern—workforce development—was covered in a variety of workshops, including a roundtable discussion on passing knowledge to the next generation. Two certified industry veterans and one younger professional shared what has worked for them over the years in recruiting, hiring, and maintaining their employees.

For the second consecutive year, two events took place to aid young and early-career groundwater professionals. A tour of the exhibit hall led by seasoned groundwater veterans took place explaining how the tools and machinery seen on the floor are used daily in the industry. There was also a coffee and continental breakfast where young people had a chance to meet and network with each other.

Chip Nelson of GEFCO/BAUER Equipment America Inc. in Conroe, Texas, was elected to the secretary position on the Manufacturers Section Board and will also serve as a director on the NGWA Board of Directors.

Jeffrey Davis, PE, CGWP, was elected to the vice chair position on the Scientists and Engineers Section Board and will also serve as a director on the NGWA Board of Directors.

David Traut, MGWC, CVCLD, of Traut Companies in St. Joseph, Minnesota, became the NGWA president.

For the first time, NGWA elected someone from the Manufacturers Section as president-elect— Eric Macias of LORENTZ U.S. Corp. in Slaton, Texas.