2025 NCSS Annual Conference and Trade Show

February 6-8, 2025

This year, we celebrate six decades of progress and collaboration at the 60th Annual NCSS Conference, hosted in the beautiful city of Asheville, NC. Join us February 6-8, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Resort for an event themed "Foundations of the Future: 60 Years of Innovation and Excellence," where we’ll honor the rich legacy of land surveying while exploring the cutting-edge advancements shaping the industry’s future.

Asheville and the surrounding areas have faced significant challenges after Hurricane Helene, and we're honored to bring our conference to this vibrant city as a show of solidarity and support. Together, we'll celebrate the strength of the community and the essential role Western North Carolina plays in our profession.


LOCATION

Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts
1 Resort Drive
Asheville, NC 28806
Hotel Map Layout


schedule

Thursday, February 6th (7.5 PDHs)

Thursday's session will feature a series of rotating instructors, each bringing their unique expertise to explore the journey of surveying over the past six decades and what lies ahead. We'll begin with a historical overview by Gary Thompson, who will guide us through where surveying was in North Carolina 60 years ago, touching on the pivotal changes that shaped today's practices. Jamey Gray will follow with insights into current practices, focusing on the critical role of spatial data and its wide-ranging uses in today's projects. In the afternoon, Hope Morgan will offer a session on the introduction of aerial photography in the state, showcasing its early adoption and its vital applications in modern surveying. Finally, Mark White will look forward, focusing on AI's role in automating survey processes and what surveyors must do to prepare while addressing challenges and ethical concerns. This session promises an engaging journey from the past to the future.

7:30am  Check-In & Breakfast (Laurel & Biltmore Foyer)
7:50am – 8:00am Kick-Off (Pilot/Pisgah Ballroom)
8:15am – 10:15am  Session 1 (2 PDHs) - "How Surveying Has Changed Over the Last 60 Years" by Gary W. Thompson (Mitchell/Roan Ballroom)
10:30am - 12:00pm Session 2 (1.5 PDHs) - "Modern Surveying: The Power of Spatial Data in Today's Projects" by Jamey Gray (Mitchell/Roan Ballroom)
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch with Plat Awards (Pisgah/Pilot Ballroom)
1:15pm - 3:15pm Session 3 (2 PDHs) - "Aerial Photography in North Carolina: From Early Adoption to Modern Applications" by Hope Morgan (Mitchell/Roan Ballroom)
3:30pm – 5:30pm Session 4 (2 PDHs) - "The Future of Surveying: AI, Automation, and Ethical Challenges" by Mark White (Mitchell/Roan Ballroom)
5:30pm - 6:30pm Young Surveyor’s Network Reception (Blue Ridge Room) by invitation only
5:30pm - 8:30pm Exhibit Hall Opens with a Southern BBQ Buffet & Drinks (Expo Center) 

Friday, February 7th (4.5 PDHs)

Join us in the Expo Center on Friday for an opportunity to see a variety of vendors showcasing the latest technologies and services and connect with industry leaders. While there, you will have an opportunity to participate in Short Courses that will feature current technology you can implement into your practices today, everything from drones, BIM, SUE, & LiDAR. In the afternoon, you can obtain additional PDHs by participating in a Technology Panel where we will explore the latest advancements and future trends in land surveying technology. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts and ask questions about the tools and techniques that will drive the profession forward. 

7:30am Exhibit Hall Opens (Check-In & Breakfast)
8:30am-9:30am Short Courses - 1PDH (Expo Center)
     A. "UAS Integration for Surveying & Mapping" by Cole Martz
     B. "Leveraging BIM in Land Surveying" by Kris Nixon
10:30am-11:30am Short Courses - 1PDH (Expo Center)
     A. "LiDAR for Small Firms: Applications, ROI, and Emerging Tech" by Adam Canoy
     B. "Utility Locating and the 811 System, An Overview" by Kyle Kissman & Keith Hooker
12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch/General Membership Meeting - 1 PDH
2:45pm Grand Prize Drawing – in Expo Center
3:00pm - 4:30pm Education Panel - 1.5 PDH (Mitchell/Roan Ballroom)
     "Future Forward: Exploring Innovations in Land Surveying Technology" Panel Discussion
5:30pm - 6:30pm Past Presidents Reception (by invitation only)
6:30pm - 10:00pm Awards Banquet 

Saturday, February 8th

7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Board Meeting 


REGISTRATION 

Note: Registration types "with guest" only include evening meals, not lunch or education. (See registration types below for meals included.) We have limited space for guests to join us for lunch. If you want to purchase your guest lunch or need an additional Thursday night or Friday night meal, please call the office. (919)556-9848 Lunches are $45 each | Dinners are $75 each. 

APEX Conference Registration without Guest Includes... Click Here to Register
  • All Education Thur. - Fri.
  • All Meals Thur.-Sat.
  • Board Meeting Sat.
  • Earn up to 12 PDHs
  • 2 Tickets in Grand Prize Drawing*
APEX Conference Registration with Guest Includes... Click Here to Register
  • All Education Thur. - Fri.
  • All Meals Thur.-Sat.
  • Board Meeting Sat.
  • Earn up to 12 PDHs
  • 2 Tickets in Grand Prize Drawing*
  • 1 Guest Thursday & Friday Evening
  • Guest lunches must be purchased separately.
BENCHMARK Conference Registration without Guest Includes... Click Here to Register
  • All Education Thur. - Fri.
  • All Meals Thursday
  • Breakfast & Lunch Fri.
  • Earn up to 12 PDHs
  • 2 Tickets in Grand Prize Drawing*
  • Friday Evening Not Included
BENCHMARK Conference Registration with Guest Includes... Click Here to Register
  •  All Education Thur. - Fri. 
  • All Meals Thursday
  • Breakfast & Lunch Fri.
  • Earn up to 12 PDHs
  • 2 Tickets in Grand Prize Drawing*
  • Friday Evening Not Included
  • 1 Guest Thursday Evening
  • Guest lunches must be purchased separately.
CONTROL Registration without Guest Includes... Click Here to Register
  • All Education Thur.
  • Breakfast & Lunch Thursday
  • Earn up to 7.5 PDHs


DEVELOPMENT Registration without Guest Includes... Click Here to Register

  • Breakfast & Lunch Friday
  • Short Courses Friday
  • Trade Show
  • Earn up to 4.5 PDHs
  • 1 Ticket in Grand Prize Drawing*
  • Friday Evening Not Included
*Tickets for the grand prize drawing are only included for Apex, Benchmark & Development Conference Registrants. You must be present during the drawing on Friday to win. 

Click Here if you Need a Paper Registration Form 

Cancellations after January 10th will incur a 40% cancellation fee to cover incurred expenses. 

DISCLAIMER: It is the sole responsibility of each member to ensure their personal dietary needs are met at each event. While NCSS is happy to provide your request to our host property, we have no way of ensuring host property compliance or regulating host property kitchen activities. It is imperative we know of your dietary allergies in advance as it is cost-prohibitive to make modifications during the event. 

NOTE: Your allergy plus your email address will be shared with the host venue. Should further clarification be needed, a member of their team will connect with you. Please call the office to communicate your dietary restrictions. 919.556.9848 


HOTEL ROOM RESERVATIONS 

Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts
1 Resort Drive
Asheville, NC 28806

Rate: $129 per room, per night (plus taxes & fees)
Online: Click Here to Make a Reservation Online (Select check-in/out dates before checking availability.)
Group Code: SNC
Phone: 1-844-330-0296 (24/7) and mention NC Society of Surveyors 2025 in order to receive the special group rate.
Deadline for Block Rate: Thursday, January 16, 2025 or until block is full.
Cancellations: Must be made 48 hours prior to scheduled day of arrival.


Grand Prize

      

This year's grand prize is a KIOTI Zero Turn Mower AND a Big Tex 35SA Trailer.   See registration types to determine the number of entries.

KIOTI residential zero turn mower with 60-inch deck and Kawasaki FT691V engine. Cut above the rest with our premium mowers, vertically integrated for unparalleled precision, comfort, and exceptional resultsClick Here for Additional Details.

35SA Single Axle Utility Trailer   A trailer that works hard at home and on the job, the 35SA Single Axle Utility Trailer delivers versatility, reliability, and convenience—no matter the task at hand. Transporting equipment, landscaping supplies, or even some side-by-side vehicles, it’s a trailer that’s built for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rugged and dependable trailer for years to come.  Click here for additional Details 


Presidents Charity Choice

President-Elect Dean Exline has chosen Paws4people as this year's Presidents Charity Choice. This organization empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives by providing customized training with highly qualified Assistance Dogs. Attendees at the conference will have the opportunity to donate and support this remarkable initiative. If you are unable to attend but would still like to contribute, donations can also be made online. Click Here


Enter your best plats from 2024 for a chance to gain recognition among your peers and you just might bring home $100 for the Best Overall Plat! All plats must be received in the NCSS Office on or before January 10, 2025. Click Here for Details



Thursday Evening
Join us on Thursday for an unforgettable evening in the exhibit hall! Explore a variety of vendors showcasing the latest technologies and services, and connect with industry leaders to discover innovative solutions. While there, prepare to be amazed as Doc Docherty, The Magician, shares his mind-blowing magic and jaw-dropping illusions. The evening would not be complete without a mouthwatering Carolina BBQ buffet and open bar. It's the perfect blend of networking, entertainment, and great food—don't miss it!



Friday Evening Banquet
Join us for an extraordinary evening at our 60th annual conference banquet on Friday night with the Whitewater Bluegrass Company! For over 40 years, Whitewater Bluegrass Co. has captivated audiences across the Southeast with their dynamic blend of bluegrass music, mountain swing, rockabilly, country ballads, and down-home humor. Known for celebrating mountain culture through music, song, and dance, they bring an unforgettable energy to every performance.

With a rich history of hosting and entertaining at prestigious events like Folkmoot USA, the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival, and MerleFest, as well as venues such as the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn, Whitewater Bluegrass Co. has become synonymous with top-tier musical entertainment. Named to Who's Who in American Bluegrass Music, their tight sound and lively performances promise to make this banquet a true celebration of our milestone 60th anniversary. Don't miss this incredible evening of music and mountain culture!


 

EXHIBITORS

OUR EXHIBIT HALL IS NOW FULL! CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO OUR WAITLIST!

Our vendors are critical in keeping us up to date with the latest and greatest tools of our profession. The knowledge and expertise of equipment and services help us make the right decisions as we are always looking for ways to accomplish more in less time. If you remove vendors from the equation, it becomes nearly impossible for our Society to put on our annual conference. We cannot thank our vendors enough for the ways they support NCSS! Click Here for Vendor Packet   


SPONSORS

We are grateful to the sponsors who help to make the conference possible. Please help us thank them by showing your support.

Patron Sponsors
 
Champion Sponsors
                     
       
Supporter Sponsors
             photos (L): Logos: CS4_Logo
 
Advocate Sponsors  

    photos (L): Logos: That CAD Girl