NASTT 2025 No-Dig Show Recap
NASTT’s Annual Gathering Continues to Elevate the Trenchless Industry
The NASTT No-Dig Show continues to prove that North America’s interest in trenchless technologies is ever-growing.
“The energy was absolutely electric! No-Dig 2025 was a powerful reminder of just how vibrant and connected the trenchless technology community really is,” says Matthew Izzard, executive director of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT). “It’s the one time each year when the entire industry gathers in one place, and you could truly feel that buzz — from the packed technical sessions to the lively networking events. This year, Denver did not disappoint.”
NASTT No-Dig Show By the Numbers
The NASTT 2025 No-Dig Show marked a return to Denver, which last hosted the show in 2015. NASTT welcomed 2,280 attendees, “an impressive jump from 1,800 in 2024,” says Izzard.
The show featured 195 exhibitors, 135 technical papers, 130 scholarship students and a record-breaking 261 Municipal & Public Works Scholarships. The Planning Chair for 2025 was Chris Knott, BTrenchless, and the Technical Program Chair was Maureen Carlin, Ph.D, Garver.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet the contractors, owners, engineers and manufacturers/suppliers that you could be working with or working for,” says Knott. “Not only can you learn a lot from the technical sessions, but the conversations you have during the show can help you solve project problems and expand your network of people to call in the future when you need creative solutions.”
For Trenchless Technology magazine’s part, the NASTT No-Dig Show once again served as a platform for the official recognition of the 2025 Person of the Year and the 2024 Trenchless Technology Project of the Year awards. The honorees were recognized at the Opening Breakfast – sponsored by Jacobs and Trenchless Technology – March 31.
The 2024 Trenchless Technology Project of the Year winning projects were presented April 1 as part of the No-Dig Show Technical Sessions. The magazine also hosted caricaturist Mike Rosenbaum, of Sketchy Faces Caricature Co., at their exhibit hall booth. The lines were long as he captured attendees’ likenesses as the trenchless super heroes that they are.
Planning for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, planning is already under way for No-Dig’s return to sunny California and Palm Springs.
“We’re already seeing incredible momentum: pre-sales have already surpassed what we saw for Denver,” says Izzard. “Our goal for 2026 is to keep building on the success of this year while introducing some exciting new elements. One of the highlights will be the launch of a dedicated Contractors Forum in collaboration with NUCA, providing a focused space for contractors to share insights, challenges, and solutions.”
Knott adds, “I hope that we can continue to build on the number of attendees at No-Dig. Each new person who attends brings a fresh perspective to the industry. I also hope to continue the collaboration between NASTT and NUCA to find ways to bring more contractors to No-Dig. We hope to continue the growth in Contractor attendance next year.”
Izzard notes that NASTT is looking to refresh and expand several of its social events to create more opportunities for connection and celebration.
“If you’re passionate about shaping the future of trenchless technology and want to get more involved, we’re always looking for new voices to join our Planning or Technical Program Committees,” says Izzard. “Reach out and be part of the team that makes No-Dig Show happen.”
Mike Kezdi is managing editor of Trenchless Technology.
