Why This Industry Event Matters
Groundwater Week 2026 takes place December 8–10, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. The National Ground Water Association hosts the show. Contractors, scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and suppliers travel from many countries to attend.
This guide puts the key facts in one place. You will find dates, venue details, registration steps, the education program, exhibitor information, and practical travel tips. Additionally, the guide separates confirmed details from items that you should verify on the official website.
Whether you drill wells, design water systems, or study aquifers, the event offers real value. However, a large trade show rewards early planning. Therefore, read on and build your plan now.
Dates, Venue and Travel Planning
Key dates at a glance
The main show runs for three days. Moreover, a new forum opens the week one day early. The table below summarizes the confirmed dates.
| Date | What happens |
| Monday, December 7, 2026 | One-day forum on data centers, groundwater, and sustainable water management |
| Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | Show opens, and 60-minute educational workshops run |
| Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | Show continues with exhibits and networking |
| Thursday, December 10, 2026 | Final show day |
The organizer has not shared daily hours in the sources used for this guide. Therefore, check the official schedule before you book flights.
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center
Groundwater Week returns to Las Vegas after a 2025 show in New Orleans. That New Orleans show set records for attendance and exhibit space among shows outside Las Vegas. As a result, you can expect a large and lively floor this December.
The Las Vegas Convention Center sits close to the famous Strip. Hotels, restaurants, and rideshare options surround the area. Consequently, you will find it easy to arrange meals and meetings.
Travel and hotel tips
- Fly into Harry Reid International Airport, the main airport serving the city.
- Book your hotel early, because rates can climb during large conventions.
- Compare shuttle, taxi, and rideshare costs before you arrive.
- Pack layers. December days in Las Vegas often feel cool, and nights turn cold.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The convention center is huge, and you will walk a lot.
Registration: How to Sign Up
Where to register
Register on the official show website at groundwaterweek.com. The registration page lists current passes, rates, and deadlines. This guide does not quote prices, because rates can change. Therefore, confirm every cost directly with the organizer.
Step-by-step registration
- Open the registration page on the official website.
- Create an account or sign in.
- Choose the pass type that fits your goals.
- Add the workshops and special events you want to attend.
- Enter details for each team member who will travel.
- Pay the fee and save your confirmation email.
Who should register
The show serves the whole groundwater supply chain. The table below shows who benefits most and why.
| Attendee type | Main reason to attend |
| Drilling contractors | See new tools and learn field skills |
| Scientists | Hear about research and practical methods |
| Engineers | Review design ideas and water system practices |
| Manufacturers and suppliers | Meet buyers and build new leads |
| Geothermal professionals | Explore sessions and products for ground-source systems |
| Business owners | Learn management skills and compare services |
Ways to save money
- Register early. Organizers often reward early action with better rates.
- Ask about member pricing. Association members often receive lower fees.
- Send a team. Group planning spreads travel costs and widens your learning.
- Budget for hotel, flights, meals, and ground transport before you pay.
Schedule and Education Program
Eight education tracks
The education program runs across eight tracks. Topics include business management, drilling operations, and geothermal technologies. Additionally, the organizer invited ideas on water systems and well maintenance. The sessions target contractors, scientists, and engineers.
Each workshop lasts 60 minutes and includes a question-and-answer period. The organizer asked for noncommercial content that focuses on technology transfer or skill enhancement. Workshops take place on Tuesday, December 8. Consequently, plan to arrive by Monday evening if you want the full lineup.
Keynote speaker
Aaron Golub will deliver the keynote. He played football at Tulane University and later signed as an NFL free agent, even though he was legally blind. He will talk about overcoming adversity and challenging limits. His story should appeal to anyone who faces tough field conditions or tight deadlines.
Special events
Besides the main program, two extra events deserve a place on your calendar.
| Event | When | What to know |
| Data Centers, Groundwater, and Sustainable Water Management Forum | December 7, 2026 | New one-day, in-person forum on water supply, infrastructure planning, regulation, and cooling technologies |
| Education workshops | December 8, 2026 | 60-minute sessions with question-and-answer time |
| Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition | See official schedule | Guided tour for attendees in Las Vegas |
Build your personal schedule
A packed program can overwhelm even seasoned attendees. Therefore, build a simple plan.
- Pick three must-see sessions for each day.
- Leave open blocks for the exhibit hall.
- Mark meetings with suppliers or clients first.
- Recheck the official schedule a week before the show, because times can shift.
Exhibitors and the Exhibit Hall
What the exhibit hall offers
The exhibit hall showcases technologies, products, and services from leading industry companies and organizations. It also works as a giant networking space. You can meet suppliers face to face, test equipment, and compare options in one trip.
The organizer has not published an exhibitor count or a full company list in the sources used here. However, the official website normally posts an exhibitor directory and a floor plan before the show. Therefore, check both as soon as they appear.
Product categories to look for
The categories below reflect what the groundwater industry typically displays. Use them as a starting checklist.
| Category | Examples to look for |
| Drilling equipment | Rigs, bits, and tooling |
| Pumps and water systems | Submersible pumps, controls, and storage tanks |
| Water treatment | Filtration and disinfection products |
| Geothermal | Loop materials and heat pump components |
| Testing and monitoring | Sensors, data loggers, and software |
| Business services | Insurance, training, and management tools |
Tips for visitors
- Download the exhibitor list and rank your top ten booths.
- Book meetings with key suppliers before you travel.
- Bring business cards, or use a digital contact tool.
- Ask each exhibitor for a clear quote and a delivery timeline.
- Take notes right after each chat, while details still feel fresh.
Tips for exhibitors
Brands that exhibit can gain a lot from three days of focused traffic. However, success needs preparation.
- Reserve your booth space early to win a better location.
- Announce your attendance on social media and by email.
- Train staff to explain products in simple terms.
- Offer live demos, because buyers love to see tools in action.
- Follow up with every lead within one week.
Complete Attendee Guide: Practical Tips
Planning timeline
Good preparation makes the show smoother. The table below breaks the work into simple stages.
| Timeframe | Action |
| Now through mid-November | Register, book flights, and reserve your hotel |
| Late November | Review the schedule and pick your sessions |
| First week of December | Set supplier meetings and print or save your badge |
| December 7–10 | Attend sessions, tour the hall, and network |
| After the show | Send thank-you notes and act on new leads |
What to pack
- Business cards and a charged phone
- A light jacket for cold Las Vegas evenings
- Comfortable shoes
- A notebook or tablet for session notes
- A refillable water bottle, since the desert air is dry
Networking advice
Networking drives much of the show’s value. First, set a goal, such as meeting five new suppliers. Next, ask open questions, like “What problem does your product solve?” Finally, connect on professional networks the same day. In addition, join social events, because relaxed settings often lead to the best conversations.
Make the most of your budget
Las Vegas can drain a travel budget quickly. However, a few habits help. Eat away from tourist spots at least once a day. Share rides with colleagues. Also, track expenses daily, so you avoid surprises at the end of the trip.
Stay safe and healthy
Long days on a concrete floor tire the body. Therefore, take short breaks and drink water often. Sleep well, too. You will learn more when you feel rested.
Conclusion
Groundwater Week brings the industry to Las Vegas from December 8 to 10, 2026, with a new forum on December 7. The show offers eight education tracks, a keynote from Aaron Golub, a large exhibit hall, and strong networking. Registration runs through the official website, so confirm prices and deadlines there.
In short, success comes from early planning. Register soon, book your hotel, pick your sessions, and list the exhibitors you want to meet. Additionally, pack for cool weather and long walking days. With a clear plan, you will leave Las Vegas with new skills, new contacts, and fresh ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the event take place?
The main show runs December 8–10, 2026. A separate forum on data centers and groundwater runs on December 7.
2. Where will it happen?
The show takes over the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3. Who hosts the show?
The National Ground Water Association hosts it. The group is a not-for-profit professional society and trade association based in Westerville, Ohio.
4. How do I register?
Visit the official website at groundwaterweek.com and open the registration page. Choose a pass, add events, and pay online.
5. How much does registration cost?
Rates vary by pass type and timing. Check the official registration page for current prices and deadlines.
6. Who should attend?
Contractors, scientists, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, and business owners in the groundwater field all gain value.
7. What topics do the education sessions cover?
Eight tracks cover subjects such as business management, drilling operations, and geothermal technologies. Workshops last 60 minutes and include questions and answers.
8. Who gives the keynote?
Aaron Golub, a former Tulane University football player and NFL free agent, gives the keynote. He speaks about overcoming adversity.
9. What is the new data center forum?
It is a one-day, in-person event on December 7, 2026. It covers water supply, infrastructure planning, regulation, and cooling technologies linked to data centers.
10. Can I see the exhibitor list before the show?
Check the official website for the exhibitor directory and floor plan. The organizer usually updates them as the show date nears.
