Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group’s (OMAG) Sanitary Sewer Expo recently marked its fifth year by moving to Glenpool, Oklahoma, where it reached the maximum capacity of 210 attendees. The event has grown steadily each year, according to organizers. OMAG recognized the need to create a space for wastewater operators to network, share ideas and learn from one another.
“When we initially conceived the Sewer Expo, our goal was to introduce ideas we believed would greatly benefit our members,” says William Sheppard, OMAG’s risk management director. “At the time, we focused on helping them acquire and utilize CCTV inspection equipment and implement acoustic inspections for their collection systems. I'm truly amazed at how our agenda along with attendance has grown each year. We contribute our growth from the benefit our members have gained from attending the expo.”
This event is unique compared to similar events throughout the country. The Sanitary Sewer Expo is free to attend for any OMAG member. “As a public entity risk pool for over 500 municipalities in Oklahoma, this event is essential for staying ahead of the curve on best practices, innovative solutions and emerging trends that directly impact the safety and efficiency of sanitary sewer systems across Oklahoma,” says Suzie Paulson, OMAG’s executive director.
This year, OMAG expanded classroom time by offering split sessions, allowing operators more options to choose topics that matter most to them. The group also saw a significant increase in attendance, with over 64 different municipalities participating, ranging from large cities like Tulsa to small towns with just a few hundred residents — all united by a strong desire to learn.
The ongoing growth of the event highlights the need and enthusiasm for learning among operators and managers, with many returning attendees affirming that OMAG is doing many things right. The range of participants has broadened, including everyone from field operators to directors and municipal leaders, all eager to deepen their understanding of wastewater systems.
Thanks to the exceptional support from sponsors and presenters who generously contribute their time, resources and expertise, OMAG can keep costs low and continue offering the event free of charge to their members. Their assistance has been crucial in reaching OMAG’s current level of success, according to organizers.
As OMAG looks ahead to 2025, outgrowing its current event facility presents both exciting opportunities and challenges. Organizers say their first priority is to find a new venue that can accommodate the growing numbers of attendees while maintaining a commitment to providing relevant, up-to-date training.
Brian Conroy, regional sales manager for Duke’s Root Control, called it the “best expo yet,” and that’s a sentiment organizers say they heard many times throughout the event from both vendors and attendees.
