Competitors

Register For This Event

Registration for competitors is offered completely free of charge. In order to secure your spot in the division that you wish to locate, please register early.

2024 International Utility Locate Rodeo Preferred Hotel

December 9th & 10th, 2024

University Plaza Hotel

Book your stay by calling the University Plaza Hotel at (417) 864-7333 and mention MCGA to get our exclusive rate of $102/night including free breakfast or click the link below.

 

Additional Hotel Options Offerings Near The International Locate Rodeo Location:

 

Courtyard by Marriott – 3527 West Kearney – 417-869-6700

 Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield North - 2455 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO - (417) 833-9599

Holiday Inn – 2720 North Glenstone Ave. – 417-865-8600

Comfort Inn – 2815 North Glenstone Ave. – 417-869-8246

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – 3050 Kentwood Ave. – 417-708-4699

Things to do while you’re in Springfield

Springfield Area Guide

The guide contains restaurants, attractions, and coupon information. Digital access and booklets are available for attendees.

SGF VIP Pass

Attendees have digital and print access to a Wonders of Wildlife coupon and over 25 restaurant and attraction coupons!  

Event Agenda

Monday, December 9th

(Hammons Tower 685 N John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield, MO 65802)

  • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Vendor setup at the event site (each vendor will have a small space in the Competitor tent
    to display company signage and network with Competitors, Guests, & Volunteers) – Fulbright Center
  • 5:30 PM ILR Welcome reception for Vendors, Competitors, Volunteers, & Guests, with cash bar. Optional
    Competitor hat/shirt swap & Networking
  • 6:30 PM Mandatory Competitor meeting
  • 7:00 PM ILR dinner

Tuesday, December 10th

(Fulbright Center)

  • 6:00 AM Vendor setup
  • 7:00 AM Bus leaves the University Plaza hotel with Competitors & Guest s – University Plaza 333 South John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield, MO, 65806
  • 7:30 AM Safety message, prayer, opening comments
  • 8:00 AM Competition begins, breakfast and lunch will be provided to all Contestants, Guests, Vendors, and Volunteers.  Once all Division competitions have completed, each Division Winner and Runner Up will compete in the LFH
  • 7:00 PM Summit Welcome Reception and ILR awards ceremony. Light horderves will be provided and we will
    have a cash bar. – University Plaza Convention Center 730 E. St Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806

Wednesday, December 11th

 (Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex, 3001 N Grant Ave, Springfield, MO 65803)

  • 8:00 AM Announce the ILR Winners during the Summit Kickoff and have those in attendance line up in front of
    the stage for recognition

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost to enter?

    Participation in the International Locate Rodeo is offered completely free of charge to competitors.

    Can I sign up to compete on the utility type of my choice?

    Yes. The competition will allow you to choose your preferred utility type.

    What if all of the 30 slots are already filled in the Division that I want to compete in?

    Your only choice would be to select another Division. It is suggested that you register as early as possible in order to compete in the desired Division.

    Will the competitive events include all types of utility facilities?

    Events will include the following utility types: water (metallic), natural gas (tracer wire and metallic), power, and telecommunications (including fiber, copper and CATV) will be involved.

    Will we have to sign a liability release?

    Yes. Waivers will be available on site and must be completed as part of the on site registration process in order to compete.

    How many competitors can come from a single company?

    There is no limitation on competitors by company.

    Will a paramedic be on the grounds?

    First Aid kits and EMTs will be on site.

    Can family come to watch the competition, attend the Awards Banquet?

    Yes! Watching at the competition site is encouraged, shows support for your locator! Spectators can attend completely free of charge. But due to the lack of parking space, spectators and family members will need to take shuttle buses to the competition site. Make sure family members and visitors register. Please let us know if your guest is planning to attend our evening events and Awards Banquet.

    Please feel free to reach out to info@locaterodeo.net if you have specific questions. Dress appropriately for the weather we will be experiencing that week.

    Will chairs be available for family members and spectators?

    Plenty of seating is available for use inside and outside. So don’t worry about traveling with lawn chairs! There’s really no need to bring anything to the competition site except for appropriate clothing. Almost everything is provided, including food, shelter, seating, etc. The event is on the first week of December, so check the forecast prior to traveling to Missouri and bring clothing appropriate for outdoor work for 8 hours. Appropriate footwear is a must, so consider bringing insulated mud boots.

    Will a concession stand be set up with soft drinks and food?

    Hurt’s Doughnuts, coffee, drinks, and a bar-b-que lunch are provided to competitors, competitor spectators, volunteers, and vendors at no cost.

    Do I need to check in for the Rodeo?

    All competitors and volunteers must check in at the ILR social event.

    More information will follow.

    A MANDATORY COMPETITOR MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE. MORE WILL FOLLOW ON THE MEETING LOCATION.

    All competitors must attend to sign waivers and receive their info packet that evening.

    Missing the mandatory check-in meeting may disqualify the competitor.

    Please plan travel plans accordingly. Traffic and weather events may cause serious delays at the airport and to the hotel. Please arrive to Springfield early, and plan travel accordingly. We will see you at the evening social event! Travel safely!

    What about parking at the Rodeo grounds?

    All Competitors will be shuttled to and from the Hotel. Due to limited options, spectators are
    encouraged to ride the shuttles with the competitors.

    Is locator training available as part of the International Locate Rodeo?

    Yes, in conjunction with the 2023 MOCGA
    Summit. More information to follow.

    Is Personal Protective Equipment required to compete in the ILR?

    YES. Bring PPE appropriate for safe locating. This includes hard
    hat, proper footwear, and high-visibility garments. Bring the same PPE
    your company requires. Dress appropriately for the weather we will be
    experiencing that week.

    If you did not find your answer here or elsewhere on our website, feel free to contact us at
    rocky.harris@cityutilities.net with your specific questions.