SAM Highlights Utility Data Integration at TEAM Conference

Event summary

  • SAM is attending the 2026 TEAM Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, from March 10-12.
  • The company will present a session, 'What Lies Beneath: SUE and GIS Innovation and Integration,' on March 11.
  • The session will be led by Chris Rutledge (Engineering Inspection Department Manager) and Kirk Larson (VP of GIS Consulting).
  • SAM offers Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and GIS consulting services focused on utility risk management.

The big picture

The increasing complexity of infrastructure projects and heightened scrutiny of utility risk are driving demand for specialized services like those offered by SAM. The company’s focus on integrating Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) positions it to capitalize on this trend, but also highlights the challenges of integrating disparate data sources and workflows within the construction lifecycle. This session at TEAM suggests SAM is actively trying to demonstrate the value of this integration.

What we're watching

Project Complexity
Increased infrastructure project complexity will likely drive continued demand for SAM’s SUE and GIS services, but also exposes the company to potential cost overruns and schedule delays if integration proves challenging.
Technology Adoption
The success of SAM’s integrated SUE/GIS approach hinges on the willingness of clients to adopt new workflows and data management practices, which may be hindered by legacy systems and resistance to change.
Competitive Landscape
The growing emphasis on utility risk management and data integration will likely attract new entrants and intensify competition within the SUE and GIS consulting space, potentially impacting SAM’s pricing and market share.