On December 11–12, 2024, the Missouri Common Ground Alliance (MOCGA) hosted its annual Damage Prevention & Excavation Safety Summit at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO. This premier event, organized entirely by volunteers, is dedicated to providing free education for construction trades to help prevent jobsite incidents, injuries, and underground utility damages—all at no cost to attendees.
Thanks to the incredible support of over 100 exhibitors, sponsors, expert instructors, and donors, the Summit delivered more than $600,000 worth of safety training free of charge. The event's largest supporters, Missouri811 (www.missouri-811.org) and Springfield City Utilities (www.cityutilities.net), share a mission to reduce and eliminate underground utility damage incidents statewide.
2024 Summit Highlights:
- Attendance: 1,528 attendees, 300 exhibitor personnel, and 100 dedicated volunteers.
- Educational Opportunities: Over 20 safety sessions, live demonstrations, and certification courses, including a live electrical safety demonstration and a confined space incident reenactment.
- Expert Contributions: The nation’s top safety instructors volunteered their expertise, ensuring the sessions were impactful, practical, and memorable.
International Locate Rodeo (ILR)
Held on December 9–10 as part of the Summit, the 2024 International Locate Rodeo welcomed 83 expert utility locating competitors from across North America, including participants from California and Canada. With sunny skies and ideal temperatures, competitors showcased their precision and efficiency in utility locating. The ILR was made possible by 50 volunteers from various states and industries, marking the fourth successful event organized by MOCGA.
Save the Date for 2025!
- 2025 International Locate Rodeo: December 8–9
- Registration Opens: May 1, 2025
- 2025 MOCGA Summit: December 10–11
- Registration opens: October 1, 2025
Both events will once again be held at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO. Stay connected for updates:
- Visit www.mocommonground.org and www.locaterodeo.net.
- Follow MOCGA and the International Locate Rodeo on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For questions about the Summit or ILR, or to explore ways to participate or support, contact MOCGA:
573-289-5990
mocommonground@gmail.com
