Several popular Expo events will continue as the show moves to Indy, according to Julie Gensler, Expo coordinator for COLE. The Expo will continue to offer fantastic networking opportunities, including roundtable discussions that were popular in 2011. An Industry Appreciation Night event is being planned for Tuesday, Feb. 28. The popular COLE Pub truck, which offers refreshments and a place for attendees to relax and unwind, will be moving into the exhibit hall for the first time.

And the Roe-D-Hoe competition, sponsored by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, will continue to attract top-notch machinery operators looking to win cash prizes for their skills, Gensler says.

New for 2012, the National Association of Wastewater Transporters is planning a series of events aimed at sparking friendly competition among pumpers, portable sanitation contractors and drain cleaners in attendance.

Tracks of Education Day seminars are being presented by:

National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

National Association of Sewer Service Companies

National Environmental Health Association

National Association of Wastewater Transporters

Portable Sanitation Association International

Southern Section Collection Systems Committee

Northwest Michigan Onsite Wastewater Task Force

Another Education Day track of seminars will be presented by returning motivational speaker and business coach Scott Hunter. Additional seminars will be scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, according to Gensler.

ACCOMODATIONS

Expo lodging is plentiful within walking distance of the ICC. Hotels connected to the exhibit hall include several Marriott properties, the Westin, Hyatt Regency, Omni Severin and Crowne Plaza. Many more hotels are located only a block or two away, near the Indiana State Capitol, White River State Park and Monument Circle. Gensler recommends booking early by going to www.pumpershow.com and clicking on the "hotels & travel" tab.

Based on other events set for Indy in early 2012, there’s no doubt the city is up to the hospitality challenge of the Expo. Just before Pumper & Cleaner, Indianapolis will host the 2012 Super Bowl. Just after the Expo, the NCAA Final Four tips off at the Lucas Oil Stadium.

"The NFL chose Indianapolis for a reason," says Kendall, referring to the hotel, restaurant and entertainment infrastructure that has exploded in recent years to make Indy a world-class destination. With everything so handy, Kendall says folks who drive to the Expo will be able to park their cars and walk everywhere. And those who fly to Indy can cab it to their hotel and forget about needing to rent a car to get around.

"Once you’re there, you can stay there," Kendall says. "Rental cars will not be necessary, which will save attendees a lot of money."

Those who want to venture out further will find that other attractions are a short cab ride away, including fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the eclectic Broad Ripple Village neighborhood or the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, billed as the world’s biggest children’s museum, to name a few.

THE MAIN EVENT

Setting aside the many options for entertainment, Kendall says there remains one over-arching reason for environmental services contractors to head to the Expo.

"We continue to offer the premier showcase for the best products the industry has to offer," he says. "The hands-on exhibits, networking and learning opportunities make this a can’t miss event for industry professionals."

Early registration for the Expo costs just $50 per person (until Jan. 20, 2012). At-the-door full registration is $70 ($50 for exhibits only). To learn more, go to www.pumpershow.com or call 866/933-2653.