Missouri 811’s Excavator and Utility Training Workshops continue to provide valuable education and networking opportunities for damage prevention professionals across the state.
Through the first three workshops of 2026, a total of 405 attendees have participated in Missouri 811’s free training program, averaging approximately 135 attendees per event. The strong turnout reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to protecting underground infrastructure through education, communication, and collaboration.
For utility members, these workshops offer practical, real-world training that can help improve compliance, increase operational efficiency, reduce damages, and strengthen communication with excavators and locators. Whether you are responsible for utility locating, GIS mapping, operations, customer service, or regulatory compliance, the workshops provide valuable information you can immediately apply within your organization.
What You’ll Learn
The 2026 workshops feature a full day of training focused on utility operations, excavation safety, and Missouri One Call requirements. Attendees can choose from several educational sessions, including:
Why Utility Members Attend
Utility members consistently find value in the workshops because they provide:
6.5 DNR Continuing Education Credits (WT, WD, and WW)
Practical training that can be applied immediately
Updates on Missouri One Call law requirements
Guidance on utility mapping and locating best practices
Networking opportunities with industry peers
Discussion of real-world damage prevention challenges
The workshops are especially beneficial for locate technicians, GIS personnel, engineers, operations staff, supervisors, city clerks, and primary points of contact responsible for Missouri 811 compliance.
Why Excavators and Locators Attend
These workshops aren’t just for utility operators. Excavators, contractors, public works crews, and utility locators can also benefit from the practical, hands-on training offered throughout the day.
For excavators, sessions covering safe excavation practices, working within the tolerance zone, Missouri One Call law requirements, internet ticketing, and damage investigations provide valuable information that can help reduce risk, avoid costly damages, improve compliance, and enhance jobsite safety.
For utility locators, the workshops offer opportunities to strengthen locating fundamentals, improve field accuracy, better understand utility mapping practices, and stay current on Missouri One Call requirements. The training also promotes stronger communication between locators, excavators, and utility operators—an important component of successful damage prevention.
Attendees gain a better understanding of their responsibilities while learning proven practices that can be applied immediately in the field. The workshops also provide an opportunity to ask questions directly to Missouri 811 staff and network with utility operators, locators, excavators, and fellow industry professionals.
Remaining 2026 Workshop Schedule
August 5, 2026
Kirksville, Missouri
Moose Lodge
2405 E. Illinois Street
Register: Workshop – Kirksville
October 6, 2026
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Maryland Heights Community Center
2300 McKelvey Road
Register: Workshop – Maryland Heights
December 1, 2026
Sikeston, Missouri
Miner Convention Center
2610 E. Malone Avenue
Register: Workshop – Sikeston
Each workshop runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is offered at no cost to attendees.
As excavation activity continues throughout Missouri, education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing utility damages, improving compliance, and protecting critical underground infrastructure. Missouri 811 encourages utility members, excavators, and locators to take advantage of the remaining workshops and consider sending employees from multiple departments to maximize the value of the training.
Whether you’re a locator, GIS specialist, operations manager, engineer, customer service representative, compliance contact, contractor, public works employee, or excavation professional, these workshops provide valuable insights that can help you work more safely and efficiently while supporting Missouri’s shared commitment to damage prevention and public safety.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the remaining workshops this year.