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Oct 16, 2026

Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo

CO811 Event
Get ready for an amazing experience at the Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo—now bigger and better than ever! This all-inclusive conference is your chance to connect with hundreds of industry professionals, discover cutting-edge practices, and be part of an engaging, fun-filled event you won’t want to miss! This year features an all-new, high-energy educational line-up, including 4 BRAND NEW education session pathways designed specifically for:
Excavators | Utilities Owner Operators & Locators | Pipeline Operators | Professional Development
Friday, October 16, 2026 | Registration Fee: $35

Denver Tech Center Marriott - 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237

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Select your registration option and join us for a full day of learning, networking, and fun.

Registration

Education

Choose the learning experience that best fits your role and goals to gain practical, actionable knowledge.

Explore Education Tracks

Highlights & Special Events

The Summit & Expo is jam packed with special events and fun around every corner.

Highlights & Special Events

Agenda Overview

Explore the high-level schedule for the Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo.

Agenda Overview

Explore Education Tracks

NEW for 2026, the Damage Prevention Summit & Expo features four dedicated education tracks (with 20 total sessions!) —Excavators, Utility Members & Locators, Pipeline Operators, and Professional Development—allowing attendees to customize their Summit experience based on their role and interests.

Each track includes expert-led sessions presented by industry professionals from organizations including NUCA, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission, Staking U, Colorado 811 and more. Topics cover excavation safety and locating technologies, regulatory updates, leadership, communication, and data-driven decision-making.

Explore the education tracks below to help you decide on which track best aligns with your professional goals and learn directly from the experts helping shape the future of damage prevention in Colorado.

Excavator Education Track

Field excavators, crew members, supervisors, foremen, contractors, and construction professionals—this track is built for you. Choose three of four sessions on the day of the event and gain practical, job-site-ready knowledge to help you excavate safely, work more efficiently, and stay compliant with Colorado requirements.

Designed for professionals involved in excavation activities, this track explores safe digging practices, trench safety fundamentals, the locate process, Positive Response, and strategies for preventing underground utility damage. Through real-world examples, case studies, and expert insights, attendees will strengthen coordination with locators and facility owners, improve their understanding of Colorado-specific regulations, and learn how to reduce risks that can lead to costly damages, project delays, and injuries.

Leave with actionable knowledge and increased confidence to protect your crew, your projects, and the underground infrastructure you work around every day.

Education Sessions Included in this Track:

Presenter: Cindy Kyle (Pate Construction, NUCA) | Length: 60 minutes

A trench can collapse in seconds — faster than any worker can react. Trenching remains one of the deadliest activities in construction, yet the vast majority of cave-ins are preventable. In this fast-moving, field-focused session, Cindy Kyle shows how failures actually happen and how to spot danger before anyone steps into the hole. You'll see what OSHA expects from employers and crews, understand the pivotal role of the Competent Person, and learn to read the warning signs — soil conditions, spoil placement, water, vibration — that separate a routine dig from a fatal one.

What you’ll take away:

  • Recognize high-risk trench conditions and warning signs before entering or continuing work

  • Identify common excavation hazards and failure modes

  • Understand the role of the Competent Person and OSHA expectations

  • Know which protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding) are required and when

Presenter: Dillon Ohrt & BJ Hartley

The excavator and the pipeline operator want the same thing: everyone goes home safe. In this candid two-way conversation, we'll help bridge the gap between the crew and the control room. Hear directly from pipeline operators about what they most need excavators to understand — tolerance zones, hand-exposing, positive response, and the calls that make the difference — and how operators partner with the field to reinforce safe practice rather than police it. The goal is stronger relationships and fewer hits.

What you’ll take away: 

  • Understand what pipeline operators expect around locates and tolerance zones 

  • Know when and how to hand-expose near high-consequence lines 

  • See how positive response protects your crew and the public 

  • Build a working relationship with operators before an emergency 

Presenter: Jim Proszek & Anthony “Tony” Jorgenson    |    Length: 90 minutes 

The questions come fast after a damage — and "I didn't know" isn't an answer that holds up. In this unscripted, courtroom-style walkthrough, watch how an excavation is dissected after an incident: the documents that get pulled, the standards that get cited, and the decisions that suddenly matter under oath. Jim Proszek and Tony Jorgenson reveal how "reasonable care" is really evaluated — and how disciplined documentation and processes can protect your team long before a hit ever happens. 

What you’ll take away: 

  • Identify the key documents and evidence that matter most after a damage event 

  • Understand how “reasonable care” is assessed and why “not knowing” isn’t a defense 

  • Strengthen everyday documentation habits to reduce exposure in investigations 

  • Know what to expect if you are ever deposed 

Presenter: Sanatam Khalsa (Colorado 811) | Length: 90 minutes

You know the basics — now go deeper. This advanced session moves past "call before you dig" into the nuances that trip up even seasoned pros: complex tickets, positive response, tolerance zones, remarks and updates, and the Colorado-specific rules that shape a truly safe dig. Led by Colorado 811, this session is built for people who want to master the process, not just follow it. 

What you’ll take away:

  • Sharpen your command of the Colorado 811 process 

  • Handle complex and large tickets correctly 

  • Apply positive response and tolerance-zone rules with confidence 

  • Avoid the advanced mistakes that still cause damages 


Excavator Advanced Course (Spanish) 

Presentador: Luis Ortiz (Colorado 811) | Duración: 90 minutos

Una sesión avanzada, íntegramente en español, para los profesionales de la excavación que quieren dominar — no solo cumplir — la prevención de daños en Colorado. Cubriremos la excavación segura, la interpretación de marcas y localizaciones, la respuesta positiva y las zonas de tolerancia, con ejemplos reales del día a día en el campo. 

Lo que aprenderás: 

  • Dominar el proceso de excavación segura en Colorado 

  • Interpretar marcas, localizaciones y respuesta positiva con confianza 

  • Aplicar correctamente las zonas de tolerancia 

  • Reducir daños con mejores hábitos en el campo 

Utility Members & Locators Education Track

Who Should Attend

This track is designed for professionals who own or are responsible for locating and protecting underground facilities, including:

  • Utility locators (in-house and contract)

  • Facility owners and operators

  • Damage prevention professionals

  • Anyone responsible for locating, marking, or responding to tickets

Learning Objectives

Participants will strengthen their skills and understanding of high-quality, compliant locating practices. Key objectives include:

  • Improving consistency and quality in locating work

  • Strengthening adherence to Colorado standards and expectations

  • Enhancing safety for locators working in dynamic and high-risk environments

  • Advancing awareness of emerging tools and technologies

What You’ll Learn

This track focuses on practical applications and industry expectations to help locators perform with accuracy and confidence, including:

  • Locator safety, with a focus on roadway and high-risk environments

  • Colorado standards, best practices, and regulatory expectations

  • Positive Response processes, documentation, and accountability

  • New and emerging technologies, including digital and advanced locating tools

  • Best practices for accuracy, documentation, and communication in the field

Why Attend

Attendees will leave with the tools and insights needed to deliver high-quality, reliable locate work, including:

  • Clear alignment with Safety Commission expectations and industry standards

  • Improved quality and defensibility of locate documentation and practices

  • Increased safety awareness in real-world job conditions

  • Exposure to new tools and innovations shaping the future of locating

Specific session information coming soon!

Pipeline Operators Education Track

Who Should Attend

This track is designed for professionals responsible for pipeline safety, compliance, and risk management, including:

  • Pipeline operators and integrity teams

  • Utility owners and operators

  • Compliance, legal, and regulatory professionals

  • Anyone responsible for pipeline safety and risk management

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to enhance pipeline safety and reduce risk across their organizations. Key objectives include:

  • Strengthening pipeline safety and damage prevention practices

  • Enhancing collaboration between operators, excavators, and locators

  • Ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and expectations

  • Reducing risk through improved communication, oversight, and education

What You’ll Learn

This track focuses on regulatory awareness, industry challenges, and practical strategies for improving pipeline safety, including:

  • State and federal regulatory requirements specific to pipeline operations

  • Common challenges and root causes of pipeline damages

  • Effective communication and coordination with excavators and locators

  • Risk management strategies and incident prevention approaches

  • Industry trends, lessons learned, and emerging focus areas

Why Attend

Attendees will leave with the insights and strategies needed to improve compliance, safety, and operational performance, including:

  • Greater clarity on regulatory requirements and compliance expectations

  • A clearer understanding of the role of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and how state agencies support pipeline safety

  • Improved ability to anticipate and prevent high-risk incidents

  • Stronger relationships with stakeholders across the damage prevention ecosystem

  • Practical, actionable strategies to reduce risk and enhance operational performance

Specific session information coming soon!

Professional Development Education Track

Who Should Attend

This track is designed for leaders and professionals who support excavation operations from the office and the field, including:

  • Supervisors, managers, and team leads

  • Operations and safety leaders

  • Office staff supporting field operations

  • Executives and emerging leaders in the damage prevention industry

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain the tools and insights needed to lead more effectively and strengthen organizational performance. Key objectives include:

  • Strengthening leadership and building a strong, safety-focused culture

  • Improving communication between field and office teams

  • Equipping leaders with tools to reduce damages through better processes, data, and people management

  • Addressing workforce challenges, including retention, engagement, and development

What You’ll Learn

This track focuses on practical strategies and real-world applications to improve leadership and operational outcomes, including:

  • Leadership strategies for building and sustaining a strong safety culture

  • Identifying and addressing communication breakdowns across teams

  • Using data and insights to improve performance and reduce damages

  • Workforce development strategies, including retention and skills building

  • Real-world challenges faced by organizations across the industry

Why Attend

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and strategies to strengthen their teams and organization, including:

  • Practical leadership tools that can be implemented immediately

  • Improved team performance and alignment across departments

  • Enhanced decision-making using data and operational insights

  • Strategies to address workforce challenges and improve retention

Specific session information coming soon!
Excavator Education Track

Field excavators, crew members, supervisors, foremen, contractors, and construction professionals—this track is built for you. Choose three of four sessions on the day of the event and gain practical, job-site-ready knowledge to help you excavate safely, work more efficiently, and stay compliant with Colorado requirements.

Designed for professionals involved in excavation activities, this track explores safe digging practices, trench safety fundamentals, the locate process, Positive Response, and strategies for preventing underground utility damage. Through real-world examples, case studies, and expert insights, attendees will strengthen coordination with locators and facility owners, improve their understanding of Colorado-specific regulations, and learn how to reduce risks that can lead to costly damages, project delays, and injuries.

Leave with actionable knowledge and increased confidence to protect your crew, your projects, and the underground infrastructure you work around every day.

Education Sessions Included in this Track:

Presenter: Cindy Kyle (Pate Construction, NUCA) | Length: 60 minutes

A trench can collapse in seconds — faster than any worker can react. Trenching remains one of the deadliest activities in construction, yet the vast majority of cave-ins are preventable. In this fast-moving, field-focused session, Cindy Kyle shows how failures actually happen and how to spot danger before anyone steps into the hole. You'll see what OSHA expects from employers and crews, understand the pivotal role of the Competent Person, and learn to read the warning signs — soil conditions, spoil placement, water, vibration — that separate a routine dig from a fatal one.

What you’ll take away:

  • Recognize high-risk trench conditions and warning signs before entering or continuing work

  • Identify common excavation hazards and failure modes

  • Understand the role of the Competent Person and OSHA expectations

  • Know which protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding) are required and when

Presenter: Dillon Ohrt & BJ Hartley

The excavator and the pipeline operator want the same thing: everyone goes home safe. In this candid two-way conversation, we'll help bridge the gap between the crew and the control room. Hear directly from pipeline operators about what they most need excavators to understand — tolerance zones, hand-exposing, positive response, and the calls that make the difference — and how operators partner with the field to reinforce safe practice rather than police it. The goal is stronger relationships and fewer hits.

What you’ll take away: 

  • Understand what pipeline operators expect around locates and tolerance zones 

  • Know when and how to hand-expose near high-consequence lines 

  • See how positive response protects your crew and the public 

  • Build a working relationship with operators before an emergency 

Presenter: Jim Proszek & Anthony “Tony” Jorgenson    |    Length: 90 minutes 

The questions come fast after a damage — and "I didn't know" isn't an answer that holds up. In this unscripted, courtroom-style walkthrough, watch how an excavation is dissected after an incident: the documents that get pulled, the standards that get cited, and the decisions that suddenly matter under oath. Jim Proszek and Tony Jorgenson reveal how "reasonable care" is really evaluated — and how disciplined documentation and processes can protect your team long before a hit ever happens. 

What you’ll take away: 

  • Identify the key documents and evidence that matter most after a damage event 

  • Understand how “reasonable care” is assessed and why “not knowing” isn’t a defense 

  • Strengthen everyday documentation habits to reduce exposure in investigations 

  • Know what to expect if you are ever deposed 

Presenter: Sanatam Khalsa (Colorado 811) | Length: 90 minutes

You know the basics — now go deeper. This advanced session moves past "call before you dig" into the nuances that trip up even seasoned pros: complex tickets, positive response, tolerance zones, remarks and updates, and the Colorado-specific rules that shape a truly safe dig. Led by Colorado 811, this session is built for people who want to master the process, not just follow it. 

What you’ll take away:

  • Sharpen your command of the Colorado 811 process 

  • Handle complex and large tickets correctly 

  • Apply positive response and tolerance-zone rules with confidence 

  • Avoid the advanced mistakes that still cause damages 


Excavator Advanced Course (Spanish) 

Presentador: Luis Ortiz (Colorado 811) | Duración: 90 minutos

Una sesión avanzada, íntegramente en español, para los profesionales de la excavación que quieren dominar — no solo cumplir — la prevención de daños en Colorado. Cubriremos la excavación segura, la interpretación de marcas y localizaciones, la respuesta positiva y las zonas de tolerancia, con ejemplos reales del día a día en el campo. 

Lo que aprenderás: 

  • Dominar el proceso de excavación segura en Colorado 

  • Interpretar marcas, localizaciones y respuesta positiva con confianza 

  • Aplicar correctamente las zonas de tolerancia 

  • Reducir daños con mejores hábitos en el campo 

Utility Members & Locators Education Track

Who Should Attend

This track is designed for professionals who own or are responsible for locating and protecting underground facilities, including:

  • Utility locators (in-house and contract)

  • Facility owners and operators

  • Damage prevention professionals

  • Anyone responsible for locating, marking, or responding to tickets

Learning Objectives

Participants will strengthen their skills and understanding of high-quality, compliant locating practices. Key objectives include:

  • Improving consistency and quality in locating work

  • Strengthening adherence to Colorado standards and expectations

  • Enhancing safety for locators working in dynamic and high-risk environments

  • Advancing awareness of emerging tools and technologies

What You’ll Learn

This track focuses on practical applications and industry expectations to help locators perform with accuracy and confidence, including:

  • Locator safety, with a focus on roadway and high-risk environments

  • Colorado standards, best practices, and regulatory expectations

  • Positive Response processes, documentation, and accountability

  • New and emerging technologies, including digital and advanced locating tools

  • Best practices for accuracy, documentation, and communication in the field

Why Attend

Attendees will leave with the tools and insights needed to deliver high-quality, reliable locate work, including:

  • Clear alignment with Safety Commission expectations and industry standards

  • Improved quality and defensibility of locate documentation and practices

  • Increased safety awareness in real-world job conditions

  • Exposure to new tools and innovations shaping the future of locating

Specific session information coming soon!
Pipeline Operators Education Track

Who Should Attend

This track is designed for professionals responsible for pipeline safety, compliance, and risk management, including:

  • Pipeline operators and integrity teams

  • Utility owners and operators

  • Compliance, legal, and regulatory professionals

  • Anyone responsible for pipeline safety and risk management

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to enhance pipeline safety and reduce risk across their organizations. Key objectives include:

  • Strengthening pipeline safety and damage prevention practices

  • Enhancing collaboration between operators, excavators, and locators

  • Ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and expectations

  • Reducing risk through improved communication, oversight, and education

What You’ll Learn

This track focuses on regulatory awareness, industry challenges, and practical strategies for improving pipeline safety, including:

  • State and federal regulatory requirements specific to pipeline operations

  • Common challenges and root causes of pipeline damages

  • Effective communication and coordination with excavators and locators

  • Risk management strategies and incident prevention approaches

  • Industry trends, lessons learned, and emerging focus areas

Why Attend

Attendees will leave with the insights and strategies needed to improve compliance, safety, and operational performance, including:

  • Greater clarity on regulatory requirements and compliance expectations

  • A clearer understanding of the role of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and how state agencies support pipeline safety

  • Improved ability to anticipate and prevent high-risk incidents

  • Stronger relationships with stakeholders across the damage prevention ecosystem

  • Practical, actionable strategies to reduce risk and enhance operational performance

Specific session information coming soon!
Professional Development Education Track

Who Should Attend

This track is designed for leaders and professionals who support excavation operations from the office and the field, including:

  • Supervisors, managers, and team leads

  • Operations and safety leaders

  • Office staff supporting field operations

  • Executives and emerging leaders in the damage prevention industry

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain the tools and insights needed to lead more effectively and strengthen organizational performance. Key objectives include:

  • Strengthening leadership and building a strong, safety-focused culture

  • Improving communication between field and office teams

  • Equipping leaders with tools to reduce damages through better processes, data, and people management

  • Addressing workforce challenges, including retention, engagement, and development

What You’ll Learn

This track focuses on practical strategies and real-world applications to improve leadership and operational outcomes, including:

  • Leadership strategies for building and sustaining a strong safety culture

  • Identifying and addressing communication breakdowns across teams

  • Using data and insights to improve performance and reduce damages

  • Workforce development strategies, including retention and skills building

  • Real-world challenges faced by organizations across the industry

Why Attend

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and strategies to strengthen their teams and organization, including:

  • Practical leadership tools that can be implemented immediately

  • Improved team performance and alignment across departments

  • Enhanced decision-making using data and operational insights

  • Strategies to address workforce challenges and improve retention

Specific session information coming soon!

Registration Options

Individual Registration

Individual Registration is for attendees registering themselves for the event. Your registration includes a full day of learning, networking, and fun, with access to all-new educational tracks, inspiring keynote presentations, the exhibit hall, valuable networking opportunities, a lively cocktail hour, delicious food, and exciting prize giveaways.

Register Now 

Group Registration

Need to register a group or sign up on behalf of someone else? Complete the Group Registration Request Form to get started.

Give your team access to a full day of learning, networking, and fun—including educational sessions, keynote speakers, exhibit hall access, networking opportunities, food, and prize giveaways.

Start Your Group Registration 

Highlights & Special Events

The Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo is jam packed with special events and fun around every corner.

  • Education Tracks

  • Keynote Speaker

  • Workshops

  • Networking

  • Cocktail Hour

  • Games

  • Giveaways

Agenda Overview

Plan your experience with ease. Explore the high-level schedule for the Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo. Check out the education track details here.

Member Only Activities

  • 6:00 AM Doors Open

  • 6:30 AM Breakfast

  • 7:00 AM Annual Meeting 

All Attendee Activities

  • 7:00 AM Doors Open 

  • 8:00 AM Education Track Sessions Begin 

  • 9:00 AM Exhibit Hall Opens 

  • 11:30 AM Lunch  

  • 12:30 PM Keynote Session

  • 3:00 PM Networking & Cocktail Hour

  • 5:00 PM End of Programming

Interested in being a sponsor or advertise with Colorado 811?

Click here to learn more sponsorship opportunities, including events newsletter and website opportunities.

Learn More

Summit Begins In...

92Days
:
19Hours
:
26Minutes

Make This a Can’t‑Miss Annual Event!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars and plan ahead—The Colorado 811 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo is an annual event that brings together professionals from across the damage prevention industry. Join your peers every fall to celebrate the end of a successful dig season and discuss improvements for the upcoming year.
Beginning in 2027, there will be a $50 registration fee.

✔ Fall 2027 - More information coming soon!

✔ Fall 2028 - More information coming soon!

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