HDD Executive Forum Held in Houston

Benjamin Media, publisher of Trenchless Technology and North American Pipelines magazines, held its first HDD Executive Forum Nov. 19-20 in Houston at the Doubletree Hotel Houston Intercontinental Airport.

With more than 50 people in attendance, the event began Thursday evening with a panel discussion covering emerging applications in HDD. John Giese, president and CEO of JR Giese Operations, hosted a panel discussion on water, geothermal and existing applications for HDD.

Panel participants included: Stan Brown, Astec Industries; Jim Williams, JR Giese Operations; C. Douglas Jenkins, CH2M Hill; and Amy K. Schulze, City of Baton Rouge, La.

Speakers at the forum included: Brian Dorwart, P.E., Brieley Associates; John W. Fluharty II, JRGO; Dave C. Mathy, P.E., GeoEngineers; Todd Porter, Geospatial Corp.; Jon Heinen, Vermeer Corp.; and Alan P. Snider, GeoEngineers. Mark Bridgers with FMI Consultants, gave a presentation on the “2010 Economic Outlook” that was particularly well received by attendees.

Platinum sponsor HDD Rotary hosted dinner at Houston favorite Kenny G’s restaurant following the panel discussion for all attendees and speakers. The following day provided attendees with a full day of HDD information, from bid pricing strategies to green HDD products.

A number of organizations worked to make this first-ever event a success, especially GeoEngineers, which sponsored the event and provided guidance on a number of the panel discussions. Staheli Trenchless Consultants and Brierley Associates also assisted in classroom discussions and presentations.

For more information about the event, visit www.trenchlesstechnology.com. Powerpoint presentations are available and information for the next HDD Executive Forum will be posted.