Highlights: 2019 Business Conference

Highlights: 2019 Business of Running a Utility Conference Beth Hardiman | Event Planning & Member Services Tennessee Association of Utility Districts

The 2019 Business of Running a Utility Conference was held August 7-9 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, boasting an attendance of over 750 guests and our largest Exhibit Hall to date.

Conference events kicked off Wednesday morning with our annual TUPAC Golf Tournament and Trap Shoot, followed by the TUPAC Silent Auction during the opening reception Wednesday evening.

TAUD's Women in Water initiative held a luncheon and educational session on Wednesday afternoon presented by the Director of TDEC’s State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) Program Leslie Gillespie-Marthaler, Ph.D. Following the keynote speaker, Leon Shields of Lenoir City Utilities Board taught a class on active shooters in the workplace. These sessions were also approved for four hours of TAP training.

Back again for a second year, heavy equipment was on display in the Exhibit Hall, providing a number of Expo vendors the opportunity to join us at the Business Conference as well. This year saw Bobcat of Knoxville/Nashville, Buchanan Pump, Cleary Construction, Jet-Vac Equipment, Stringfellow, and United Rental/Trench Safety displaying trucks and heavy equipment in Hall 3.

Attendees were greeted Thursday morning with breakfast and door prizes in the Exhibit Hall, followed by the opening Super Session in Mills Auditorium. Speakers featured this year included several dignitaries from the National Rural Water Association, as well as a special presentation by Greg Young with the Department of Environment and Conservation.

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Then & Now: Tylan, son of Tyson Lamb with Chuckey U.D., visits the Pittsburg Tank & Tower booth in 2011 & 2019

Also held during the Super Session is the statewide Best Tasting Water Contest. Each year a panel of judges sample water from 11 regional finalists, determining the utility that will represent Tennessee in February during NRWA's Great American Taste Test in Washington, D.C. Jamestown Gas & Water was named the Best Tasting Water in Tennessee for the second year in a row!

After the Super Session attendees returned to the Exhibit Hall for lunch while a secret panel of judges determined the winners of the exhibitor booth competition. Vendors were judged for Most Creative Booth, Best Promotional Item, and Best In Show, with the winners announced during Thursday afternoon's Associate Member meeting.

Cumberland Machine's booth was named Most Creative and Invoice Cloud was selected as having the Best Promotional Item, handing out webcam covers and cloud shaped stress balls to attendees.

Cleary Construction was voted Best in Show. Their display in Exhibit Hall 3 gave attendees the opportunity to operate a virtual equipment simulator and play mini golf for a chance to win prizes. Their associates were also incredibly friendly and personable.

Educational sessions began Thursday afternoon and provided six hours of continuing education for operators, engineers, utility municipal officials, TAP participants and commissioners. Sessions this year featured a strong presence from TAUD's Women in Water initiative, with five Women in Water members presenting throughout the conference. TAUD would like to thank all that presented, attended and exhibited this year.

The 2020 Business Conference will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center August 12-14. We hope you'll join us next year!

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