Inclement weather nearby did not deter 725 attendees from participating in the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors’ SurvCon 2014 at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. NJSPLS executive director Mark Husik, associate director Rona Goldberg, and conference chairman Steve Mazurek put together an outstanding program for the 35th annual conference. Twenty-four seminars with 25 instructors from around the country offered a varied bill of fare to all present.

Each afternoon lunch was served in the expansive exhibit hall where the attendees were able to mingle with the numerous vendors to sample equipment and services of many types, along with educational opportunities.

Wednesday afternoon New Jersey Institute of Technology, the only university offering a four-year surveying program in New Jersey, held a reception for potential students and alumni. Dr. Laramie Potts, director of the program at NJIT and Dr. John Miima from NJIT hosted the well-attended session.

On Wednesday evening a large turnout attended the SurvCon Welcome Gala. An abundant buffet and the music of DJ Mike were part of the camaraderie and “catching up” which everyone enjoyed. 

Thursday afternoon was the annual meeting, where the gavel was passed to president Peter Burgess and the new officers installed. The winners of the Carmody Map Contest were also announced. The selection of winners from the many submissions was a daunting task for contest chairman Nick Wunner and his committee.

President Burgess hosted the annual Past Presidents and Fellows Breakfast on Friday morning. Many topics were discussed for the long-range future of NJSPLS.

Keep the first week in February, 2015 clear on your calendars to attend this impressive conference.

—Bill Beardslee