Join us for the Otis A. Jones Educational Institute in Raleigh at the McKimmon Conference & Training Center from October 8th – 10th.
(online registration is only available for Section D, Exam Reviews – see below)
You can register for each day separately – 1, 2, or 3 days. You do not have to attend the full Institute. (You may choose days from different sections, but cannot switch sections on the same day.)
ABOUT
Established as part of Past-President Otis Jones’ presidential goals, the first Institute was held January 5–9, 1987, at the McKimmon Center and had 43 surveyors in attendance. Since 1987, NCSS has continued to provide this educational program, typically offered every two years. The program is designed to provide an in-depth look at important aspects of the surveying profession while also creating a university atmosphere for networking, fellowship, and professional development.
GRADUATE
To graduate, Sections A, B, and C of the Institute must be completed (in any order) with a total of 27 hours each. Once all three sections have been completed, the student is awarded a certificate of graduation. Section D does not count towards graduation. Not sure which sections you have completed? Log in and check your history.
LOCATION:
McKimmon Conference & Training Center
1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606
REGISTRATION
Due to the complexity of the registration options and our payment processing system, all registrations require a paper registration form. The only exceptions are the exam reviews. As always, you may call the office to register. We are here to assist you. Use the registration form or any of the instructions below.
Kris Kline, PLS
We are excited to have Kristopher M. Kline join us this year as an instructor in Section A on Wednesday and Thursday. Kris graduated from Bridgewater College in 1984 and has been involved in surveying ever since. He became licensed in NC in 1991 and graduated from the Otis A. Jones Educational Institute in 1999. Kris served for 3 years as Chairman of the NCSS Education Committee. He has appeared as an expert witness in court on numerous occasions and has spent the last several years focusing on boundary disputes. He has been presenting continuing education courses in NC since 2001 on various legal aspects of land surveying, as well as teaching in other states. Kline writes a bi-monthly column for the publication Point of Beginning. He often spends his spare time researching material for upcoming articles and classes. In August 2013, Kline published his first book, Rooted in Stone: The Development of Adverse Possession in 20 Eastern States and the District of Columbia. In June 2015, his second book, Riparian Boundaries and Rights of Navigation, was completed.
INSTITUTE SECTIONS
Registration is open for all sections of the Institute. 1 hr each of Ethics & Standards of Practice offered during lunch on Thursday & Friday.
Section A – Boundary Retracement
Wednesday, October 8th
“Courtroom Preparation and Testimony” by Kris Kline, PLS
“Deeds Descriptions: Do’s, Don’ts, and Depends” by Kris Kline, PLS
Thursday, October 9th
“When the Rules Don’t Work” by Kris Kline, PLS
Friday, October 10th
“Navigating Professional Conflict” by Mike Benton, PLS
“State and County Boundaries” by Gary Thompson, PLS
“Historical Research” by Dr. Jerry W. Nave, PLS
“Focus on Parcel Combinations” by Rich Elkins
Use the registration form.
Section B – Business Practices & Survey Application
Wednesday, October 8th
“Why do you want to own a land surveying business?” by Dean Exline, PLS
“Developing a Business Plan” by John Story, PLS
“Legal Considerations” by Dean Exline, PLS
“Setting Up and Expanding Your Business” by Dean Exline, PLS
Thursday, October 9th
“Marketing and Business Development” by Dean Exline, PLS
“Insuring & Contracting to Protect Your Small Business” by Jeff Todd
“Managing Projects and Client Expectations” by Bill Beardslee, PLS
Friday, October 10th
“Exit Strategies and Long Term Planning” by Bill Beardslee, PLS
“How to Run a Successful Surveying Business” by Jim Craddock, PLS
“Things to Think About Before Selling Your Business” by Tim Bowes, PLS
Panel Discussion: “Experience Meets Today’s Business Challenges”
Use the registration form.
Section C – Emerging Issues
Wednesday, October 8th
“Using AI in Your Practice” by Doug Suttles, PLS
“Tiny House Subdivision Regulations” by Adam Canoy, PLS
“Handheld Scanner” by Adam Canoy, PLS
Thursday, October 9th
“Least Squares Adjustment” by Nathan Xiques, PLS
“Using GIS in Survey Tools & Tasks” by Hope Morgan, PLS
Friday, October 10th
“UAS LiDAR” by Ravi Soneja, CMT-LiDAR
“New Datum & NCGS Updates” by Gary Thompson
“Aerial, Mobile, and Static LiDAR Applications” by Paul Badr, CP, PLS, PPS, SP
Use the registration form.
Section D – Exam Reviews
By popular demand, we are offering two full days of the FS Exam Review (Part 1 & Part 2). We encourage you to register for both days, but you may register for each separately. Each day will cover different topics, so be sure to look at both descriptions before registering.
Wednesday, October 8th
FS Exam Review Part 1 by Nathan Xiques, PLS Click Here for Details & to Register Online
Thursday, October 9th
FS Exam Review Part 2 by Dr. Jerry Nave, PLS Click Here for Details & to Register Online
Friday, October 10th
PS Exam Review by Dr. Jerry W. Nave & Peggy Fersner Click Here for Details & to Register Online
All 3 Days of the Exam Reviews (Wed., Thurs. & Friday): Click Here for Details & to Register Online
Wednesday, October 8th – FS Exam Review Part 1 by Nathan Xiques, PLS
Thursday, October 9th – FS Exam Review Part 2 by Dr. Jerry Nave, PLS
Friday, October 10th – PS Exam Review by Dr. Jerry W. Nave & Peggy Fersner
Click Here to use the registration form.
LUNCH SPEAKER SCHEDULE
Wednesday: Land Records Management Updates by Rich Elkins, Director, Land Records Management, NC Secretary of State
Thursday: Ethics by David Evans, NCBEES
Friday: Standards of Practice by Mike Benton, PLS
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:30am – 8:00am Registration/Breakfast
8:00am – 12:00pm Seminars
12:00pm – 1:30pm Lunch & Learn (See topics above)
1:30pm – 5:15pm Seminars
HOW TO REGISTER
How do I register? Complete the registration form and send to the NCSS Office using one of the methods below. Due to the complexity of the options, we will be using a paper registration form for Sections A–C.
Email Form to Us
Fax to 919.556.9888.
Give us a call to register at 919.556.9848.
QUESTIONS
Can I participate if I only want to come for one day?
YES! You can register for each day separately – 1, 2, or 3 days. You do not have to attend the full Institute. You may choose days from different sections, but you cannot switch sections on the same day.
Can I participate if I am a graduate of the Institute?
Absolutely! You can register and receive PDHs just like you would for a regular seminar.
HOTEL BLOCK
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
3741 Thistledown Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
Reservations will need to be made no later than September 16, 2025.
Rate: $135.00 plus tax
Reservations may be made by calling the hotel at 919-854-0001 Ext. 1 (mention the group code NSS or North Carolina Society of Surveyors) or online NC Society of Surveyors. Online reservations may not be available on mobile devices.
Cancellation Policy: Reservations can be changed or canceled without penalty until 6:00pm on Monday, October 6, 2025 (one day before arrival).