About
The 17th annual Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators’ Training Conference (also known as the Roadeo) will be hosted by the Mississippi Department of Transportation in Biloxi, Mississippi, on September 17-19, 2019. Contestants from each participating state will compete in six categories in the operation of heavy equipment. The purpose of the event is to promote skill advancement for employees whose jobs require the operation of heavy equipment, to increase the safety awareness level of employees working in or around work zones, to increase employee morale and value, to strengthen presence of team spirit and teamwork, and to recognize the best equipment operators in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Aside from the competition, operators are required to attend safety training classes, including judging horizontal and vertical clearances while operating equipment and testing the knowledge of employees regarding pre-trip inspections.
ROADEO HISTORY
The following is a schedule of hosting states through 2020:
| 2003 Arkansas | 2012 West Virginia |
| 2004 Mississippi | 2013 Kentucky |
| 2005 South Carolina | 2014 Virginia |
| 2006 Georgia | 2015 South Carolina |
| 2007 North Carolina | 2016 Georgia |
| 2008 Tennessee | 2017 Tennessee |
| 2009 Arkansas | 2018 Arkansas |
| 2010 Mississippi | 2019 Mississippi |
| 2011 North Carolina | 2020 Louisiana |