By Sher Kirk, Operations Director, Utility Safety Partners
1984 was a historic year, and not in the unsettling way George Orwell predicted. Bruce McCandless floated freely in space when he made the first untethered spacewalk. Apple released its first Macintosh personal computer, revolutionizing the tech industry. Alex Trebek debuted as Jeopardy!’s host and quickly won the hearts of millions of viewers. And let’s not forget – the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup!
This memorable year also marked an important milestone for damage prevention in Alberta – the first locate request submitted through Alberta One-Call Location Corporation. Since that historic day, over 10 million locates have been requested throughout the province and countless injuries have been prevented. I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate, so that’s what we’re going to do! From Feb. 26-28, 2024, USP hosts its 40th Anniversary Celebration and Safety Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.
Join us for two days of educational sessions, a tradeshow with industry professionals, plenary and panel discussions, and networking events. Learn about current innovation and initiatives in damage prevention and recognize the individuals who continue to make a difference in utility safety. The most exciting part? An 80s themed party where we go back to a time of neon, leg warmers, jean jackets, big hair, and mullets. No need to wake me up before you go-go – I’ll be there!
Educational sessions, plenaries and panel discussions will honour our history and embrace our future as we look back on the ideas and successes that evolved damage prevention over the last 40 years and explore upcoming innovation and the direction of utility safety in Alberta. Do you have a topic, case study or technology to share? Submit an abstract and become a presenter.
Register before Oct. 7, 2023, and receive an early bird discount. All early bird registrants will be entered into a draw for two tickets anywhere WestJet flies in continental North America.
Event details are posted on USP’s website. We look forward to seeing you!