13^th Annual International Utility Locate Rodeo

Now in its 13^th year, the International Utility Locate Rodeo (Locate Rodeo) is set to play High-Tech Hide and Seek on August 9, 2014. This year’s competition will take place at Emory University in Atlanta. The Locate Rodeo Expo will proceed the competition on Thursday and Friday August 7 and 8 at the host hotel, the Marriott Century Center, Atlanta.

Competitors select one of the four utility divisions to compete: Gas, Power, Telecom or Water. Within a division, the locate technician performs locates at three event sites. “While accuracy is essential in a competition, throw in a time factor, the heightened anxiety and nerve factor become an integral part of the overall state of the locate technician who chooses to compete,” shares Fiona Bowen, Locate Rodeo event coordinator.

A total rodeo purse of $8,750 has been awarded each year. Winnings can grow for first place competitors who use the equipment of the Rodeo Equipment Manufacturers Challenge (REMC) sponsors. This year’s REMC sponsors, at press time, are diamond level sponsors Radiodetection and Metrotech/Vivax. Using an REMC’s equipment could add an additional $1000 to a competitor’s first place winnings. An optional bonus event, “The Locate From Hell,” is open to any competitor. It provides an another opportunity to win money.

Krylon Industrial, sponsoring since 2004, is this year’s Official Marking Paint Sponsor for the Locate Rodeo. “We continue to support the International Utility Locate Rodeo because it truly recognizes not only the skill and dedication of all locators, but also the importance of the locating industry and the job that all locators do to keep all of us safe every day,” said Paulette Grimme, Brand Manager at Krylon Industrial.

Krylon is also offering Locate Rodeo Scholarships to competitors nationwide. “We know there are a lot of locators throughout the country who would love to participate in Locate Rodeo, but simply don’t have the opportunity. With the scholarships we are sponsoring, we’re hoping to give everyone at least the chance to participate and be recognized among the best in the country,” said Paulette Grimme, Brand Manager, Krylon Industrial.

Additional scholarship opportunities are available for locate techs in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. They are being offered by Sunshine 811, the Georgia Utility Coordinating Council and South Carolina 811. Information on all available scholarships may be viewed online at http://www.locaterodeo.com/scholarships.aspx

Expo, a tradeshow held in conjunction with the Locate Rodeo, will take place on Thursday, August 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Marriott Century Center, Atlanta. Vendors will also be showcasing new products on Thursday during the “New Technologies Forum” before the EXPO opens. Additional info about being a vendor during Expo may be accessed at http://www.locaterodeo.com/expo.aspx

Over 100 volunteers are involved each year. Volunteers help with set up, judging, managing the flow of the competitors to each site, shuttle service and much more.  Without volunteers and the support from their companies, the rodeo simply would not exist. To sign up to volunteer please go to http://www.locaterodeo.com/volunteers.aspx

Two classes are currently being offered during the Locate Rodeo & Expo at the host hotel:

1. Georgia 811 will be hosting a session about the changes to the Georgia Dig Law (GUFPA) that go into effect on July 1, 2014.
2. An International Utility Locating and Mapping Certification Seminar is being offered on Wednesday and Thursday Aug 6 and 7 by Staking University and the cost is $695.00. Lunch is provided both days. This seminar presents locating information in a manner similar to “utility mapping” certification programs administered by nationally-accredited training organizations in the United Kingdom. Australia and other countries are seeking to adopt similar standards based on the U.K. program.

More information and complete course descriptions about the classes being offered and registration maybe found at http://www.locaterodeo.com/classes-offered.aspx

For more information about the International Locate Utility Rodeo please visitwww.LocateRodeo.com or contact Fiona Bowen at fbowen@georgia811.com. Also, find Locate Rodeo on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.