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.
2026 International Utility Locate Rodeo Preferred Hotel
December 7th & 8th, 2026
Oasis Hotel & Convention Center
Book your stay via our room block HERE...or by calling the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center at (417) 866-5253
Event Agenda
MONDAY 12-07-2026 – COMPETITOR WELCOME RECEPTION AND MANDATORY COMPETITOR MEETING.
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6:00 PM Attend the 2026 International Locate Rodeo welcome reception & mandatory ILR competitor meeting at the Springfield Oasis Hotel and Convention Center. Be there for the T-Shirt and Hat Swap. Meet, greet, and hang out with the MO CGA team, ILR competitors, and volunteers. We’ll have a
ton of fun!
TUESDAY 12-08-2026 – INTERNATIONAL LOCATE RODEO COMPETITION DAY & AWARDS BANQUET.
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7:00 AM Shuttles will take competitors and visitors to and from the competition site. We’ll begin loading at 7:00 AM so everyone can be on site at 8:00AM for the competition start. Buses load at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center FRONT LOBBY ENTRANCE. Doughnuts, snacks, drinks, and lunch are provided at the competition site. Special transportation needs? Contact Lori Coots at (816) 365-1837. Due to limited parking, please do not drive a personal vehicle to the site. Guests are welcome but they must register and ride shuttle buses to the competition site.
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8:00 AM 2026 International Locate Rodeo begins with a safety meeting, prayer for safety, opening comments, and important announcements.
All competitors must be on site, present, and ready at the start of the competition. While you’re at the ILR: Visit with and say thank you to our vendors, sponsors, and supporters! Without their help, the International Locate Rodeo would not have been possible! Bring proper locating personal protective equipment and footwear. Be ready in case we receive precipitation & cold temperatures during the competition. -
6:00 PM All 2026 ILR volunteers, competitors, and attendees attend the MCGA Summit Welcome Reception for the ILR Finals Announcement. We’ll be back at the Springfield Oasis Convention Center Maui & Coco rooms. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate the competition champions! Let’s have
some fun!
WEDNESDAY 12-09-2025 – STAY FOR THE OPTIONAL FREE MCGA SUMMIT!
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8:00 AM The 2026 MCGA Summit fires up with an awesome kickoff ceremony and docudrama incident reenactment. ILR competitors are welcome to attend any educational sessions completely free of charge. Find out more at www.mocommonground.org.
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7:00 PM Attend the AWESOME Casino Night at the Springfield Oasis Grand Ballroom at no charge. Throw down at the tables and have a great time at our
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.
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?
Lunch is 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 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 Rocky at
rocky.harris@cityutilities.net with your specific questions.