Breakout Sessions

2025 Breakout Sessions Thursday, March 27

Our objective is to provide high-quality content tailored for professional excavators, damage prevention experts, and our members. At our one-day expo, participants can select from 10 informative sessions. We are excited about your involvement and eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you. Please explore the breakout sessions listed below.

Room C Safety Basics for Operating Heavy Excavation Equipment

Trista Shomo, Metro Tech

This session provides a foundational guide to safely operating heavy excavation equipment, focusing on hazard awareness and risk reduction. Attendees will learn essential safety protocols, including pre-operation inspections, safe maneuvering techniques, and maintaining situational awareness on job sites. Gain practical tips to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for operators and crew members alike.

Room A Membership 101

OKIE811 Member Services

This session provides members with a clear understanding of their responsibilities, the benefits they receive, and how working together can effectively contribute to safety and damage prevention of underground facilities, excavators and the public. This session covers everything you need to know about being an active and engaged member.

Room J Workplace Communication: Embracing Diversity and Overcoming Language Barriers

Rudy Grajales, Metro Tech

Effective communication in diverse workplaces is essential for safety and collaboration. This session will explore strategies to bridge language gaps, foster inclusivity, and enhance understanding among multicultural teams. Attendees will learn practical tools for building stronger connections, reducing misunderstandings, and creating a more cohesive and productive work environment.

Room D Mastering Online Locate Requests with OKIE811

OKIE811 Contact Center

Learn how to submit accurate and efficient locate requests through the OKIE811 website in this hands-on session. Attendees will receive a step-by-step walkthrough of the online system, including tips for providing clear information and avoiding common mistakes. Gain the skills needed to streamline the process and ensure successful communication with locators.

Room D Hazmat Awareness for Excavators

Clint Greenwood, Metro Tech

This session equips excavators with essential knowledge for identifying and handling hazardous materials encountered on the job. Learn about common hazmat risks, regulatory requirements, and safe response practices to protect workers and the environment. Attendees will gain practical tips for staying compliant and prepared in hazardous situations.

Room A Unlock November 2024: Key OKIE811 & Law Updates

OKIE811 Member Services

This session covers the new Oklahoma Law and OKIE811 changes effective November 1, 2024! Discover how these updates affect your responsibilities as a Member, including new ticket types, positive responses, ticket format changes, and notification fees. We’ll also cover the new mobile-friendly OKIE811 Portal. Plus, get expert tips on using the OKIE811 Portal to streamline your services, save time, and cut costs. Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and prepared. We can’t wait to see you there!

Room J Introduction to AI Basics: Unlocking Future Opportunities

Cody McPherson, Metro Tech

Discover the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on industries in this beginner-friendly session. Participants will explore key concepts, real-world applications, and how AI is shaping the future of work. As a bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to Google’s online AI training program, opening doors to deeper learning and career growth.

Room D Emergency Response to Facility Damage: Protecting Construction Workers

Clint Greenwood, Metro Tech

This session focuses on effective emergency response strategies when underground facility damage occurs, with an emphasis on protecting construction workers. Attendees will learn how to quickly assess the situation, implement safety protocols, and communicate with first responders and utilities to minimize harm. The session will also cover best practices for worker training and preparedness to ensure a swift and safe response in the event of an emergency.

Room C Membership Savings

OKIE811 Member Services

This session will cover how members can get the most value from their membership by focusing on the key areas of managing information on file and meeting membership responsibilities. By keeping essential details up-to-date and staying proactive with your account, members can not only streamline their experience but also unlock significant savings and efficiency in both time and cost.

Room A Advanced Ticket Submission for Large Projects and Complex Worksites

OKIE811 Contact Center

This session will dive into the nuances of submitting tickets for large projects, rural worksites, and other complex excavation scenarios. Attendees will learn advanced techniques for handling intricate ticket submissions, including coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing extensive project scopes, and addressing unique challenges at rural or difficult-to-reach locations. Gain valuable insights to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient ticket processing for more complex excavation efforts.

Big 3 Room 811 Roundtable

Expert Panel

The 811 Process in Oklahoma roundtable session will bring together key industry stakeholders—OKIE811, locators, contractors, excavators, oil & gas representatives, electric utilities, and municipal authorities—to discuss and collaborate on enhancing safety, efficiency, and communication in the excavation process. Panelists will address common challenges, best practices for locate accuracy, the latest state regulations, and the critical role of technology and training. The session will also explore strategies for reducing damage, improving coordination, and implementing effective emergency protocols. This discussion aims to foster a collaborative environment to ensure safer, more efficient excavation practices in Oklahoma.