This month marks the end of my first year with Municipal Sewer & Water. I've learned a lot over the past year, and I've met and talked to a lot of great people. That's really what this magazine is all about: learning about the industry and making new connections for professional growth.

You'll see a couple stories in this month's issue related to the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo, which pertains directly to those objectives. The Expo presents countless opportunities for municipal sewer and water professionals. There are excellent networking and educational opportunities, and all the tools and technology you need to maintain and improve your collection and distribution systems are on display.

The learning opportunities are perhaps the easiest way to justify a trip to Indianapolis for the 2013 Expo. The show kicks off with Education Day on Feb. 25, a full day dedicated to sharing knowledge and growing within the industry. Educational seminars are also slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, and Roundtable discussions will be held Thursday morning. In fact, this year's Expo features one of the most expansive lineups of educational opportunities in the event's 33-year history. And on top of it all, Expo education courses count toward continuing education credits in many states. Check out the Expo website (www.pumpershow.com) for specific information on your state.

When class lets out, the massive display of tools, trucks and technology will take center stage. You can do all the research when you're looking to buy a new truck or jetting equipment, but until you get a chance to kick the tires on that truck or see the manufacturers' new lines of nozzles, it's difficult to really know what
equipment is best-suited to your needs. The Expo gives you that opportunity.

I attended the Expo for the first time in 2012 and I'm looking forward to returning. It's a great chance to meet more of the people who are pushing the industry forward. Building relationships with operators, contractors and manufacturers helps us make this magazine a better resource for our readers, just as building those relationships with your peers makes your utilities better.

If you haven't been to the Expo, jump on the website and check out everything it can offer. You'll walk away with a better perspective on your operations and the industry as a whole.

Take a look at this month's stories on the Roundtable discussions at the Expo and some of the other reasons to visit Indy, and consider making the trip. You're sure to come away with fresh perspectives and insights that will help your utility become more efficient and effective.

Enjoy this month's issue.

Comments on this column or about any article in this publication may be directed to editor Luke Laggis, 800/257-7222; editor@mswmag.com.