Three members of OPD5 staff attended the Apex User Conference earlier this summer to catch up on the most recent updates and learn about the latest techniques in using the tools of their trade.
Two members of the OPD5 Engineering Department and one member of the Mapping Department traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the three-day conference. While there, the group had access to 150 instructor-led training classes to bring them up to speed on the latest developments in various subjects.
They received a variety of tips and tricks in the realm of utility staking, a process of marking the exact locations of new utility lines and structures on the ground before they are built. This detailed process helps to ensure that infrastructure is installed correctly and functions properly.
The group learned about recent upgrades to vital software programs that they use daily. They also got a preview of some future upgrades in store for these vital programs. The training gave them ideas on improvements that could be made in their work here at home, and offered techniques for using the software to its fullest extent.
The conference was a great opportunity for the OPD5 personnel to talk one-on-one with tech support experts from the software companies on issues they had encountered while using the programs in the course of their jobs. They could give input and ideas for future improvements to the programs.
In addition to the in-depth workshops, the OPD5 team also featured multiple professional development opportunities. A host of keynote speakers provided invaluable insights to inspire and assist in both the professional and personal lives of the attendees.
Finally, the nationwide conference provided great opportunities for networking. It afforded a chance for the local staffers to connect with peers and experts from all across the country. The conference fostered a collaborative and inspiring environment which the team brought back home from the event.
“We like to send our staff members to conferences like this because they always come back with cutting-edge information on the technology that we use in our job every day,” said OPD5 Engineering Services Manager Randall Ozaki. “That kind of knowledge equips them in the process of building well-designed systems for the district; and that is key to maintaining reliability for our local customers.”