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Eichcorp Insights

2026 Issue 3: Feeding on In-Person Energy

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At the Eichcorp booth at the 2026 Tools and Technology Expo in Greensboro, NC.

In the software industry, we do a lot of desk work, and many of our interactions with others are conversations carried out online, including chats, emails, and virtual meetings. In stark contrast, recently I attended two in-person events, and I left each feeling completely recharged… inspired even.

Preparation for the first event, a septic/wastewater industry conference was intense. Long hours of preparation and outreach, then travel, then setup, then the conference expo itself, tear-down, etc. And yet despite this, I left more energized than when I arrived. Why?

The second event was local, and I was in the audience (no preparation, no presentation). I’ve participated in events as an “attendee” before — networking events, “talks”, full conferences, etc. — so why did this event experience have such a positive impact on me? Was it because it benefitted C4K, a Charlottesville non-profit focused on 1:1 mentoring and technology education, or is there more to the story?

What forces were in play at both of these in-person events? What can we learn about selecting an event to attend, or at which to present? What about hosting our own events, however large or small?

Exhibiting at an Industry Conference

Organized and friendly

I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the 2026 Tools and Technology Expo in Greensboro, NC organized by Onsite Wastewater Professionals. On arrival for set-up I received a friendly welcome, Eichcorp’s booth location exactly matched the description, set-up was a breeze, and the facility was a gem. Organization and friendly customer service are the foundations of any good event.

Set-up was a breeze: the Eichcorp booth, ready for the expo.

A giving mentality

As an exhibitor, I received an invitation to a welcome dinner. You better believe I accepted. At a one day conference, having the opportunity to connect the evening before with exhibitors and select attendees… that’s an absolute game-changer. As I quipped to another exhibitor, hey at the very least it’ll be a free burrito! Of course, it was so much more, but generosity is another building block of a good event. Being included and getting to converse with not only exhibitors, but also key people in the North Carolina onsite wastewater community was invaluable. And food-wise folks, it wasn’t just burritos it was: a full meal and beverages, all taken care of by the organizers, all in the spirit of everyone getting the most of this annual 1 day conference.

Don’t judge a book

Still at dinner, I was also reminded of the importance of finding common ground. Our software platform Eichcorp OWA for Septic helps septic soil testers, system designers, and inspectors. So, what’s the point of sitting down for dinner with a group of septic installers? They’re not going to directly benefit from our offering, should I “hop tables” so to speak… ? Of course not!

The conversation was wide-ranging, some shop talk, some non-shop talk. It wasn’t always easy, heck I think the first question I fielded was “So, what are you selling??”. Hey, I’ve been asked worse!

That evening I learned a lot about what’s happening in the industry, how system installs typically proceed, who designs the systems, and importantly how installers receive designs.

Finding the fit for software technology

Well folks a funny thing happened towards the end of their meal. Two separate phones came out, each with a different mobile, GIS mapping application. There they were, septic designs created in Esri GIS, and shared via online/offline mobile apps. That’s right in the sweet spot of Eichcorp’s offering, and it turns out these folks are on the forefront of adopting technology in this space.…

… The generosity continued as my dining companions pointed me towards soil testers and designers that I should be talking to. These folks really paid it forward, and for that I’m so appreciative!

The “little guys” (SMBs) are thriving

My last observation from the event: Septic is a space where small businesses play an essential role. Sure there are larger scale businesses — and let’s also not forget the critical, public/government partners — but nonetheless a huge portion of the work is performed by small businesses. It sounds cliche, but without septic SMBs nothing would get done in this space.

Eichcorp is a small business, and authentic and impactful relationships with other small businesses is absolutely something that keeps me going. Special credit to the numerous SMB owners I talked to who are diversifying to offer multiple “lines of business”, let’s just call ’em “hustles”… home inspectors branching out to also provide septic inspections, or contractors who are building a growing reputation specializing in septic installation. Inspirational, and growth-minded businesses are the types of businesses Eichcorp wants to be working with.

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In-Person Business Networking and Recognition “Done Right”

A dynamic lineup and unique format

I invited my wife along for the 2026 DisruptHR Charlottesville event at Live Arts earlier this week, and it was an excellently structured and executed event that was incredibly welcoming, and inspiring. Featuring a diverse group of 12, 5-minute lightning presentations by local professionals, each speaker delivered a prepared — and I assume heavily rehearsed given the level of excellence, presentation — based on the prompt “human in the loop”.

One thing I loved about the format was the built-in networking… pre-talks, intermission, and post talks… This was far from your standard slate of business presentations.

The 2026 DisruptHR Charlottesville speakers take a bow at Live Arts.

An inspiring local community with great energy

The Disrupt atmosphere was remarkably supportive and energetic. I have never before been to an event where tambourines and slide whistles were distributed to the audience to help them support the speakers. During intermission, local band Petite Manseng kept the audience energized by performing a set of yacht rock… Hey, don’t hate! This genre is accessible for both the audience, and the band. ; )

Just a few takeaways

With 12 talks whizzing by, it was a lot to take in. Just a few takeaways:

• One presenter asked the questions: What exactly will we do with all the time that AI will give us back due to its productivity? Will we enhance our quality of life? Will we chase more business revenue/growth? A little of both?
• In one straightforward interpretation of the prompt, the presenter questioned whether having a human simply “rubber stamp” an AI’s output (be it software or some other digital product) at the end is sufficient. He suggested no, and recommended more human ownership of the process and tool from Step 1.
• Another speaker really engaged the audience by placing them practically in their story of a natural disaster. Drawing from emergency response strategies, they suggested that a) builders should plan for systems to fail, be those emergency response systems or AI systems. Secondly b) they recommended that a response plan move both control and communication closer to “ground level” as the intensity and urgency of an emergency unfolds.
• One presenter spoke of his fairly recent journey from a comfortable IT account manager position, to starting his own company with the ambitious goal of reversing deforestation in sub-saharan Africa. All of this will be funded through a trusted carbon credit marketplace. What got me was the role of loyalty; that he had brought some of "his people" along with him on his journey, including past colleagues and schoolmates.

For a great cause: C4K (Computers For Kids)

Beyond networking and learning, the Disrupt event had a tangible impact by benefiting C4K (Computers4Kids), a Charlottesville non-profit focused on 1:1 mentoring and technology education for local youth. Two things I most appreciate about C4K are first that their mission reaches kids who can benefit the most from STEAM-based mentorship. It’s kids with potential and motivation, they just need a place to go and people to support them. Secondly, their work provides a lasting impact. Develop and support a middle or high-schooler today, and you are opening up a world of possibilities for them tomorrow.

To learn more, or to help the cause with either your time or financial support (or both), visit: c4kclubhouse.org

Upcoming Events

See you there!

OCT-23 8:30AM: Charlottesville Professionals Breakfast Group (The Whistlestop Grill in Crozet, VA)

The CPBG meets monthly in and around Charlottesville for breakfast and professional networking, and our meet-ups are open to everyone.

More info: CPBG Fall 2026 Meet-Ups

NOV-01 thru NOV-03: VOWRA Annual Conference (Roanoke, VA)

Virginia Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association.

More info: vowra.org: Annual Conference.

Other Events

OCT-25 thru OCT-28: Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference (Westminster, CO)

Check out this conference field trip which will take you on a serious behind-the-scenes infrastructure tour at some pretty iconic spots, including Red Rocks.

More info: nowra.org: Mega-Conference

OCT-27 thru OCT-29: Esri IMGIS Conference (Palm Springs, CA)

Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference.

More info: esri.com: IMGIS

Where can I learn more?

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