In April 2005 the North Dakota Association of County Engineers hosted the national convention in Bismarck.  The convention started Saturday with a few pre convention activities. The fist activity was a golf tournament held at the Apple Creek Country Club course. Most years the golf tournaments are not very well attended but this year, the committee that promoted the tournament was determined to have an exceptional turnout.  Believe it or not the weather in Bismarck cooperated, the activity was well attended, and the weather was exceptionally nice with a sunny day with a high of almost 70 degrees. The second event was a tour of the Falkirk Mine in Underwood.  The mine delivers approximately 7 million tons of coal per year. This is accomplished by the use of two Marion® 8750 draglines for overburden removal and reclaims about 400 acres of land annually.  The day concluded with the group getting to see just how big these units are.

Sunday evening was the first day of the actual convention.  The evening started with appetizers in the Exhibitors area, which was full.  There were 90 exhibitors, with some of the exhibitors occupying two booths.  The NDACE was very proud of our local exhibitors that showed up in full force, to help make our conference a huge success. The night ended in the NACE Hospitality room, which was packed, standing room only, or should I say singing room only.  That’s right, we tried something different in the NACE hospitality room, and that was karaoke.  I am not saying that every Engineer and Road Superintendent can sing, but I think they all tried at one time or the other, during the conference.

Monday morning started with a group opening, which consisted of 347 delegates and 91 Guest from 40 different states and providences. After the General Session the group split up with the delegates choosing from one of three concurrent technical sessions, and the Guests heading out to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, and visiting both the Custer House and the On-a-Slant Village.  The day ended back in the Exhibitors Area on last time, and the once again the NACE Hospitality room was packed.  It must have been the musical entertainment on hand, that drew the crowd.

Tuesday started just like Monday, with a General Session, but about mid day everyone headed up to Fort Mandan, for a visit to the interpreter center, and then over to the pitch fork fondue.  But people enjoyed more than just a good steak, by the end of the event, people were educated on the correct way to throw a hatched and how the load and shot a mussel loader gun.  These are skills not normaly used in your day to day routine, but could come in hand in ROW acquisition, or at least in requesting a raise from your boss.  Once again the night ended back at the NACE hospitality room, has someone started a tip jar yet?

Wednesday was the final full day, which started with a General Session and then  technical sessions for the Delegates, while the guess headed of for an early lunch at Merewether’s, and then a tour of the State Capitol and the ND Heritage Center.  The day ended with the Annual Banquet, with entertainment by the Plainsmen and Ryan Taylor the cowboy poet.  And believe it or not, after the banquet, the group was off to the NACE hospitality room, for more entertainment.

Thursday was our departing day, where everyone said good by, and the NDACE was thrilled that the conference had went well, and every had enjoyed themselves, and the hospitality of North Dakota.  Thanks again for everyone that came and enjoyed, thanks to all that work so hard to make it possible.  For more embarrassing photo from our convention please visit our Photo Gallary