California Groundwater Association’s 60th annual convention and trade show took place Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 2008 in Sparks, Nev. at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. With a full slate of activities in a happening location, there was something for everyone. Nearly 100 exhibitors afforded plenty to see on the trade show floor, annual business meetings were conducted, and a wide range of classes was offered.

Two all-day workshops were presented opening day: One covered water well destruction; the other was a Red Cross first aid/CPR training course. Seminars covered submersible pumps failure analysis, understanding well problems and directions for treatment, geology and hydrology, motor controls and protection, as well as legislative issues, and the NGWA drilling and pump cost calculators. Half-hour-long “Tools of the Trade” sessions addressed such topics as electrical specialty tools, well logging, fishing tools and more. Michael Krautkramer’ McEllhiney lecture, “How Much Is Enough? Making Decisions in the Water Well Industry,” rounded out the educational offerings. 

It wasn’t all work and no play, however. Golf aficionados could participate in the tournament held at Red Hawk Country Club, and an opening reception allowed for time to catch up with friends and acquaintances. Those willing to chance their luck had ample opportunity, as there were slots, blackjack and Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. On Friday, the cocktail reception and banquet, complete with auctions and awards, made for an entertaining evening, and the next night, a Grand Finale party with a Halloween theme closed the festivities.

Look forward to another fun-filled, informative event Nov. 5-7 in Reno, Nev. 
ND