Why This Event Matters
Groundwater Week brings water well contractors, scientists, engineers, and suppliers to one place. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) runs the show. This year, it takes place December 8–10, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The event matters for several reasons. First, it gathers the whole groundwater industry under one roof. Second, it offers practical education that you can use the following week. Third, it lets you meet people who solve the same problems you face every day.
The 2025 show in New Orleans set records for attendance and exhibit space for any edition outside Las Vegas. Therefore, many people expect a busy and lively return to the desert city. If you work in drilling, hydrogeology, geothermal energy, pumps, or water treatment, this show deserves a spot on your calendar.
This guide covers the dates, venue, registration steps, program highlights, and planning tips. Additionally, it answers the questions that attendees ask most often.
Event Dates and Location
The show runs Tuesday through Thursday, December 8–10, 2026. It takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Plan to arrive a day early, because a new forum opens the week on December 7.
Key Event Details
| Detail | Information |
| Event dates | December 8–10, 2026 |
| Pre-event forum | December 7, 2026 |
| Venue | Las Vegas Convention Center |
| City | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Host | National Ground Water Association (NGWA) |
| Registration page | groundwaterweek.com/registration |
Why Las Vegas Works Well
Las Vegas is a familiar home for this event. The 2025 show moved to New Orleans, and now it returns to Nevada. The convention center offers large exhibit space and many meeting rooms. In addition, thousands of hotel rooms sit within a short ride of the venue. Therefore, most attendees can find a place to stay at a fair price.
The city also has strong air links. Harry Reid International Airport serves travelers from across the United States and many other countries. From there, taxis and rideshare cars reach the convention center quickly.
Travel and Local Tips
Good planning makes the trip easier. Keep these points in mind:
- Book flights and hotels early. Rooms near the venue fill fast during large shows.
- Pack layers. December days in Las Vegas are mild, but nights get cold.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The convention center is big, and you will walk a lot.
- Allow extra time on the first morning. Check-in lines can grow quickly.
- Check current transit options. The Las Vegas Monorail serves the convention center area, though service details can change.
However, always confirm hotel partners and shuttle details on the official event site. Those details can change as the show gets closer.
Registration
You register through the official event website. Early sign-up usually saves money and secures your spot, so do not wait until the last week. Moreover, an early start gives your finance team time to approve the cost.
Step-by-Step Registration
- Visit the official registration page at groundwaterweek.com/registration.
- Pick the pass that matches your goals.
- Enter your name, company, and contact details.
- Add any extras, such as workshops or the pre-event forum, if they cost extra.
- Pay online and save your confirmation email.
- Save your badge information before you travel.
Common Pass Types
Pass names and prices can differ from year to year. Therefore, use the table below as a general guide and confirm the final list on the official page.
| Pass type | Who it suits | What to check |
| Full conference | Contractors, scientists, and engineers | Workshop access and exhibit hall access |
| Exhibit hall only | Buyers and visitors with limited time | Which days the pass covers |
| Exhibitor | Companies with a booth | Booth size and staff badge limits |
| Student | Students and early-career staff | Proof of enrollment |
| NGWA member | Association members | Member discounts |
Registration Tips
- Compare member and non-member prices. A membership may pay for itself.
- Ask your employer about group rates for teams.
- Check whether the December 7 forum needs a separate ticket.
- Keep every receipt for your expense report.
- Read the cancellation policy before you pay.
Additionally, sign up with an email address you check often. Event updates and badge details usually arrive there.
Program Highlights
The program mixes learning, networking, and product discovery. Additionally, it adds a few special activities that set this year apart.
Keynote Speaker
Aaron Golub gives the keynote. He was the first legally blind Division I athlete to play college football at Tulane. He later became a team captain and signed as an NFL free agent. His story centers on resilience, focus, and teamwork. Therefore, expect a talk that speaks to business leaders and field crews alike.
Education Sessions
Workshops run across eight tracks. Topics include business management, drilling operations, and geothermal technologies. The sessions serve contractors, scientists, and engineers. Each group can build its own schedule. For example, a driller can focus on field methods, while a consultant can pick science-heavy talks. Moreover, many sessions share ideas that you can use on the job right away.
Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall shows products, technologies, and services from industry companies and organizations. You can compare tools side by side and talk with product experts. In addition, you can meet suppliers face to face, which beats a long email chain.
Networking
Professionals from around the world attend. Hallway chats often lead to partnerships, job leads, and fixes for tough problems. NGWA CEO Terry S. Morse says the show remains the best chance for groundwater professionals to trade ideas. As a result, bring plenty of business cards and a clear list of people you want to meet.
New Forum on Data Centers and Groundwater
On December 7, a one-day, in-person forum looks at data center growth and groundwater resources. Its full name is the Data Centers, Groundwater, and Sustainable Water Management Forum. This topic is timely, because data centers need large amounts of water. Consequently, utilities, regulators, and consultants will find it useful.
Titanic Exhibition Tour
The program also includes a guided tour of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in Las Vegas. It offers a relaxed break from the sessions. However, check the official site for tour times and any extra fee.
Program at a Glance
| Program element | What you get | Best for |
| Keynote | A story of resilience and teamwork | All attendees |
| Education tracks | Eight tracks, including drilling, business, and geothermal | Contractors, scientists, engineers |
| Exhibit hall | Products, technologies, and services | Buyers and decision makers |
| Networking | Contact with peers from around the world | Everyone |
| Data center forum | One-day look at data centers and groundwater | Utilities, regulators, consultants |
| Titanic tour | Guided visit to a Las Vegas exhibition | Anyone who wants a break |
Attendee Resources
A little prep goes a long way. These tools help you get the most from your three days.
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Register and save your confirmation.
- Book your flight and hotel.
- Review the official session list and mark your top picks.
- Make a list of exhibitors you want to visit.
- Set up meetings before you arrive.
- Pack business cards, a charger, and comfortable shoes.
- Ask your manager which leads and topics matter most.
Suggested Planning Outline
This outline is a simple planning aid. It is not the official schedule, so confirm times on the event site.
| Day | Suggested focus |
| December 7 | Optional forum on data centers and groundwater |
| December 8 | Check in, review the schedule, attend your first sessions |
| December 9 | Education tracks, deep exhibit hall visits, networking |
| December 10 | Final sessions, follow-up meetings, travel home |
Budget Planning
Costs add up quickly, so list them early. Most attendees budget for registration, flights, hotel, meals, local transport, and any tours. Additionally, set aside a small amount for printing and shipping samples. Therefore, you avoid surprises when the trip ends.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
First visits can feel big. However, a few habits make them easier.
- Walk the exhibit hall once at the start to learn the layout.
- Pick three goals, such as one new supplier, one new skill, and one new contact.
- Take short notes after each session.
- Follow up with new contacts within a week.
Tips for Exhibitors
Exhibitors should ship materials early and train booth staff before the doors open. Moreover, schedule meetings with current customers in advance. This approach keeps your booth busy and your time well spent.
Where to Find Updates
The official event site is the best source for schedules, speaker news, and travel details. In addition, the NGWA website lists upcoming events and association news. Check both sources often, because plans can shift before the show opens.
Conclusion
Groundwater Week 2026 runs December 8–10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A new forum on data centers and groundwater opens the week on December 7. The program offers a keynote by Aaron Golub, eight education tracks, a full exhibit hall, and strong networking.
To make the most of the trip, register early, book travel soon, and mark your top sessions. Additionally, build a short list of people and exhibitors to meet. Finally, check the official site for updates as the date draws near.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Groundwater Week 2026?
The show runs December 8–10, 2026. A separate forum takes place on December 7.
2. Where does the event take place?
It takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3. Who hosts the event?
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) hosts it.
4. How do I register?
Go to the official registration page, choose a pass, enter your details, and pay online. Save your confirmation email.
5. Who should attend?
Water well contractors, hydrogeologists, engineers, scientists, suppliers, and students all benefit. Anyone who works with groundwater will find value.
6. What topics do the education sessions cover?
Sessions run across eight tracks. They include business management, drilling operations, and geothermal technologies.
7. 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.
8. What is the new forum on December 7?
It is the Data Centers, Groundwater, and Sustainable Water Management Forum. This one-day, in-person event covers data center development and groundwater resources.
9. Can I visit the Titanic exhibition?
Yes. The program lists a guided tour of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in Las Vegas. Check the official site for times and fees.
10. How can I save money on attendance?
Register early, compare member and non-member rates, and ask your employer about group deals. In addition, book flights and hotels well ahead of the show.
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