31 Oct Groundwater Week 2026: Dates, Tickets, Events and Exhibitors

The water well and groundwater industry meets in Las Vegas this December. Contractors, scientists, engineers, and suppliers all plan to be there. If you work in this field, you need a clear plan before you go. This guide covers the dates, the venue, the ticket process, the education program, and the exhibit hall. It also shares practical tips for first-time visitors. Read on, and you will know exactly what to expect from Groundwater Week 2026.

What Is Groundwater Week?

Groundwater Week is the largest annual gathering for the groundwater industry. The National Ground Water Association, or NGWA, runs the show. It combines a trade show, a full education program, and many networking chances. People come to learn new skills, see new equipment, and meet others who share their goals.

The audience is wide. Water well drillers attend, and so do pump installers. Hydrogeologists, environmental consultants, and geothermal specialists join them. Manufacturers and distributors also show up in large numbers. As a result, the event feels like a full cross-section of the industry in one building.

Last year, the show took place in New Orleans. It set a record for attendance and exhibit space for any edition outside Las Vegas. Therefore, expectations are high for this year. Organizers have returned to Las Vegas, and they have added a new forum to the schedule.

Dates and Location: December 8–10, 2026

Mark your calendar for December 8–10, 2026. The show runs for three days. It takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The address is 3150 Paradise Road. The center sits close to the Strip, so many hotels and restaurants are within easy reach.

Here is a quick snapshot of the key facts.

Detail	Information
Event dates	December 8–10, 2026
City	Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue	Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road
Organizer	National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
Pre-show forum	December 7, 2026 (Data Centers, Groundwater, and Sustainable Water Management Forum)
Audience	Industry professionals; the event is not open to the public
Scale (typical)	200+ exhibitors, 75,000+ square feet of exhibit space, 5,000+ visitors

 

Please note that the scale figures can change from year to year. Also, schedule details may shift as the event gets closer. Therefore, always confirm the final times on the official website before you book travel.

Why Las Vegas Works So Well

Las Vegas is a proven host city for this event. The convention center offers large halls and plenty of meeting rooms. Flights arrive from all over the country. Moreover, the city has a huge range of hotels at many price points. That variety helps both small companies and large teams manage their travel budgets.

Who Should Attend

This show suits many roles. However, some groups gain more than others. Consider these examples.

• Water well contractors who want to compare drilling rigs, pumps, and tools.
• Business owners who need ideas on hiring, pricing, and growth.
• Hydrogeologists and scientists who want the latest research and field methods.
• Engineers who work on water supply, remediation, or geothermal projects.
• Sales and service staff who build relationships with buyers.
• Students and early-career professionals who want to meet future employers.

In short, anyone who touches groundwater work can find value here. Additionally, the mix of people makes it easy to start useful conversations.

Tickets and Registration

The event is a professional trade show. It is not open to the general public. Therefore, you need to register before you attend. You can sign up through the registration page on the official website.

Registration Options

Registration packages usually differ by access level. Some options cover the exhibit hall only. Others include education sessions and special events. NGWA members often receive lower rates than non-members. Prices and deadlines can change, so check the official page for current numbers. This article does not list prices, because they may change before the show.

Tips for a Smooth Sign-Up

• Register early. Early rates often beat on-site rates.
• Decide which sessions you want before you pick a package.
• Check whether your membership status lowers your cost.
• Ask about group rates if you send a team.
• Save your confirmation email and bring a photo ID.

Furthermore, think about your goals before you pay. A buyer who only wants to see equipment may need a simple pass. In contrast, a manager who wants training will need full education access.

Education Program: Learn From Industry Experts

The education program is a major reason people attend. The schedule spans eight tracks. Topics include business management, drilling operations, and geothermal technologies. Other tracks cover science, regulation, and water treatment. Each session gives practical lessons that you can use at work the next week.

What Sessions Offer

Speakers come from the field, from universities, and from private companies. They share real projects and real results. Many sessions include time for questions. As a result, you can solve a problem you face on the job.

Track Theme	Who Benefits Most
Business management	Owners, managers, and office leaders
Drilling operations	Drillers, crew leads, and equipment buyers
Geothermal technologies	Installers, designers, and engineers
Science and research	Hydrogeologists and consultants
Pumps and water systems	Service technicians and installers
Regulation and safety	Contractors and compliance staff

 

The table above groups sample themes by audience. The official schedule gives the exact titles and times, so review it closely. Then build a personal plan. Choose a few must-see sessions first. After that, add backups in case a room fills up.

Keynote Speaker: Aaron Golub

This year’s keynote speaker is Aaron Golub. He was the first legally blind Division I athlete to play college football at Tulane University. He later became a team captain. After college, he signed as an NFL free agent. His story centers on resilience, focus, and teamwork. Those themes fit well in an industry where crews face tough conditions every day.

Keynotes often set the tone for the whole show. Therefore, try to attend, even if your schedule is tight. You will also meet other attendees while you wait, which makes it a good networking moment.

Special Events and Networking

Beyond the sessions and the exhibit hall, the week includes special events. These give you a break from the busy floor. They also help you build lasting contacts.

Data Centers, Groundwater, and Sustainable Water Management Forum

A new one-day forum takes place on December 7, the day before the main show opens. It is an in-person event. The topic is timely. Data centers are growing fast, and they need large amounts of water. Meanwhile, local groundwater supplies face pressure from many other users. The forum explores how developers, scientists, and water professionals can work together. If your work touches large-scale water use, this forum deserves a close look. Keep in mind that it may need separate registration, so check the details.

Guided Tour of the Titanic Exhibition

The program also includes a group tour of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in Las Vegas. This relaxed outing lets you chat with peers away from the show floor. It also adds some fun to a work trip. Spaces for guided tours often fill quickly, so sign up early.

Everyday Networking

Networking happens everywhere. You can meet people in lines, at lunch, and between sessions. Bring plenty of business cards or use a digital contact tool. Moreover, follow up within a week. A short message with a clear reason to talk works best.

Exhibit Hall and Exhibitors

The exhibit hall is the heart of the show. More than 200 companies typically fill the floor. They show new products, tools, and services. You can touch equipment, ask questions, and compare brands in one trip. That saves weeks of phone calls and emails.

What You Will See

Exhibit Category	Examples You May Find
Drilling equipment	Rigs, drill bits, tooling, and rig accessories
Pumps and motors	Submersible pumps, controls, and pressure systems
Water treatment	Filtration, disinfection, and testing products
Geothermal systems	Loop materials, heat pump gear, and design tools
Monitoring and software	Sensors, data loggers, and mapping programs
Pipe and supplies	Casing, screens, fittings, and well materials
Services and training	Insurance, safety programs, and certification help

 

Exhibitors often launch new items at the show. Additionally, many offer special show pricing or demos. If you plan to buy equipment, bring a list of specs and your budget. That way, you can compare options fast.

Tips for Exhibitors

If you plan to exhibit, start early. Booth space is limited, and good spots go first. Contact NGWA for the exhibitor prospectus and the latest floor plan. Then plan your booth goals. Do you want sales leads, brand awareness, or product demos? Your goal shapes your booth design and your staffing.

• Train your booth team to greet visitors within seconds.
• Set up demos that show your product in action.
• Collect contact details and note each lead’s needs.
• Send follow-up messages within one week.
• Promote your booth number on social media before the show.

Why This Show Matters Right Now

Water is a hot topic in every region. Droughts, growing cities, and new industries all lean on groundwater. As a result, skilled well professionals are in demand. At the same time, new technology changes how crews drill, test, and monitor wells. Sensors, data tools, and efficient pumps save time and money.

Rules and best practices also keep evolving. Therefore, a few days of focused learning can protect your business and your clients. In addition, face-to-face talks with suppliers often solve problems faster than email can. That mix of knowledge and contacts explains why many companies send several staff members each year.

Planning Your Trip

Getting There and Getting Around

Harry Reid International Airport serves Las Vegas. Taxis, ride-share services, and shuttles connect the airport to the convention center. The ride is short. Once you arrive, you can walk, use ride-share, or take local transit to reach your hotel and the venue.

Where to Stay

Choose a hotel near the convention center to save time. Book early, because December is a busy travel month in the city. However, rates vary widely, so compare a few options. Some hotels also offer special rates for show attendees. Check the official event site for any partner details.

What to Pack

• Comfortable shoes, because you will walk many miles on the show floor.
• A light jacket, since desert evenings in December can feel cold.
• Business cards, a notebook, and a phone charger.
• A small bag for brochures and samples.
• Your registration confirmation and photo ID.

Smart Strategies to Get the Most From the Show

A large show can feel overwhelming. Therefore, a simple plan helps. First, review the schedule and mark your top sessions. Second, scan the exhibitor list and pick ten booths you must visit. Third, set aside time for meetings. Finally, leave room to explore, because surprises often turn into the best finds.

• Set three clear goals before you leave home.
• Arrive early on day one, when the aisles are quiet.
• Take notes after each session while ideas are fresh.
• Rest your feet and drink water throughout the day.
• Share what you learn with your team after the trip.

In addition, think about the return on your investment. Track the leads you gather and the savings you find. Over time, those numbers show whether the trip paid off.

Conclusion

This December, the groundwater industry gathers in Las Vegas from December 8–10, 2026. The event offers three days of learning, buying, and networking at the Las Vegas Convention Center. You can attend education sessions across eight tracks, hear keynote speaker Aaron Golub, and explore an exhibit hall with 200 or more companies. You can also join the new data center forum on December 7 and take the guided Titanic exhibition tour.

To prepare, register early, confirm times on the official website, and book travel soon. Then set clear goals and build a simple plan. With that approach, Groundwater Week 2026 can give you new skills, new contacts, and new ideas for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the show taking place?

The show runs from December 8–10, 2026. A separate forum on data centers and groundwater takes place the day before, on December 7.

2. Where does the event take place?

It takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada.

3. Who organizes the event?

The National Ground Water Association, or NGWA, organizes it.

4. Can the public attend?

No. The event serves industry professionals. You must register, and the event is not open to the general public.

5. How do I register?

Visit the official event website and open the registration page. Choose a package, enter your details, and pay online.

6. How much do tickets cost?

Prices depend on your package and membership status. Rates often rise closer to the show, so check the official site for current pricing.

7. How many exhibitors will be there?

The show typically hosts more than 200 exhibitors across more than 75,000 square feet. Final numbers can change each year.

8. What topics do the education sessions cover?

Sessions span eight tracks. They include business management, drilling operations, geothermal technologies, science, and more.

9. Who is the keynote speaker?

Aaron Golub is the keynote speaker. He was the first legally blind Division I athlete to play college football at Tulane University.

10. What is the new data center forum?

It is a one-day, in-person forum on December 7. It covers data center growth, groundwater resources, and sustainable water management.

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