Septic service is like any industry today. Technologies change on a dime, and when you stop learning and adapting to new ways of doing things, you fall behind. You can bet that other pumpers in your territory are trying to keep pace with the latest equipment, on-the-job techniques and social media to gain and retain market share. So you have to as well.

There's no better time than right now to make sure you stay on the cutting edge of industry developments. One of the best ways to do that is attend the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo Feb. 25-28 in Indianapolis. And as long as you're coming to see the latest and greatest equipment on the exhibit floor, I'd like to put in a plug for the Expo's highly successful Education Day on Monday, Feb. 25.

Technical topics

Education Day is always evolving, growing in scope and changing to meet the current needs of the pumping community. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians organizes a seminar track touching on issues important to septic system professionals. This year, topics include pressure distribution, pump choices, and operations and maintenance.

Technical courses of interest to pumpers are also being organized by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, the Portable Sanitation Association International and the WaterJet Technology Association, among others. The full day of seminars is sure to offer something of interest to all pumping contractors.

In addition to the Education Day seminars, NAWT is organizing certification courses in a pre-Expo schedule, including Vacuum Truck Training Technician, Inspector Training and a new offering, Principles of Septic System Design. For more information on these courses, check out the "NAWT News" column in this issue.

On Tuesday, Feb. 26, three seminars will look in-depth at land application rules and requirements, including a case study discussion led by Bruce Fox, who will give an overview of his Allstate Septic Systems operation. Fox is president of the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association and past president of NAWT.

Building your business

An exciting development, there will be an expanded emphasis on the business side of pumping this year. Highlights of business-building seminars — both on Education Day and Feb. 26 and 27 — include an all-day program by business coach Scott Hunter, a popular speaker at past Expos, entitled "2013 – Your Best Year Ever.'' And Dan Friesen of Nexstar Network presents "The Business of Contracting," which teaches the principles of Frank Blau Jr., who was a popular Expo speaker in years past.

Other topics crucial to the future success of septic service companies include cloud computing, social media marketing and business management.

Take a peek inside

For more details on all the seminars planned for the Pumper & Cleaner Expo, turn inside to our roundup of education sessions. And while you're looking around, check out our Expo product preview in this issue. And then learn more about Expo host city Indianapolis in our feature story about the city's treasure trove of war memorials. Indy is a great place to visit, and you'll keep busy at the Indiana Convention Center during the day, then explore the beautiful downtown in the evenings.