Oh, Canada!

Mark your calendars and get ready for the 2009 International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition, March 29 to April 3 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sponsored by the International Society of Trenchless Technology (ISTT) and the North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT), No-Dig is the largest conference and trade show in North America dedicated solely to promoting trenchless technology. With a packed exhibit hall, insightful educational seminars and plenty of opportunities to network with others, No-Dig 2009 is the must-attend event for any trenchless professional this year.

More than 1,000 municipal personnel, engineers, consultants, contractors and academia from across the globe are set to attend the event that promotes and showcases businesses, products and education in the trenchless industry. More than 100 exhibitors will be on hand in the 50,000-sq ft exhibit hall to discuss their products and new technologies. Attendees can leisurely explore the exhibits and discover the latest products on the market. With professionals exhibiting from around the world, attendees have the opportunity to pick their brains about the newest trenchless products, methods and projects through one-on-one interaction.

Along with the exhibit hall, the No-Dig technical paper program is also an important part of the event’s curriculum. The program, which was developed by NASTT members, highlights more than 100 papers focusing on a variety of trenchless topics including microtunneling, inspection and locating, condition assessment and pipe jacking, just to name a few. Attendees can choose among what peer-reviewed paper presentations they want to see. The papers are evaluated based on relevance, usefulness and non-commercialism. The No-Dig papers are presented in a 5-track schedule, grouped mostly by subject matter, so visitors can choose to attend five paper presentations at any given time.

Pre- and post- conference seminars are also available for attendees at an additional cost. On Sunday, March 29 an Intro to Trenchless Technology Short Course — New Construction Techniques & Rehabilitation Methods will take place. This course is designed to accommodate to both newcomers to the industry and those looking to brush up on trenchless technology methods.

On April 1 and 2, ISTT will be offering its course “The Rehabilitation of Pressure Pipelines Using Trenchless Renovation Technologies — Key Design & Selection Issues.” This course, which is taught by ISTT chairman Dec Downey, will focus on managing and renewing aging pressure pipeline networks.

Also on April 1 and 2, the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Good Practices Guidelines Course is scheduled. Attendees will receive an in-depth overview of HDD covering five different topics. Other courses include the NASTT Sewer Laterals Rehabilitation & Replacement Good Practices Course, NASTT Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) Good Practices Course, NASTT Pipe Bursting Good Practices, the NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) and the NASSCO Manhole Assessment and Certification Program (MACP).

Mixing Work and Play

Although the No-Dig Conference and Exhibition is a means of promoting trenchless business and education, there’s also plenty of fun and engaging networking opportunities for participants to enjoy. From a day trip to Niagara Falls to an annual auction, attendees and exhibitors have ample opportunities mix in a little pleasure with business.

On Sunday, March 30, No-Dig attendees can sneak away before the show starts and tour one of Canada’s biggest attractions — Niagara Falls. During this trip, participants will get to experience Niagara Falls through unique events including an up-close tour behind the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and a winery tour and tasting at one of the many award-winning wineries the area has to offer.  

The Conference and Exhibition commence with the No-Dig Kick-off Breakfast on Monday, March 30. During this event, the presentation of Trenchless Technology’s 2009 Person of the Year award will be made. The winner of this honor will be revealed in the March issue of Trenchless Technology. The 2008 Outstanding Papers in Rehabilitation and New Installation special awards will also be announced and distributed. Comedian Glen Foster, also known as “That Canadian Guy,” is scheduled to perform at the breakfast. Foster has been a popular fixture in the Canadian comedy scene for the past 25 years.

Later that day, the NASTT Eighth Annual Educational Fund Auction is scheduled. At this yearly event, participants can mingle with others and bid on items — all while supporting a good cause. Since 2001, the annual auctions have contributed more than $230,000 to the Educational Fund — supporting student chapters, target research, training modules and other student activities. Past items for bid have included trips, electronics, Major League Baseball tickets, women’s jewelry and trenchless products.

On Tuesday evening, March 30, NASTT will be hosting its No-Dig Gala Awards Dinner. During this popular event, trenchless industry personnel have the opportunity to network with others, while enjoying food and live entertainment. At the Gala Awards Dinner, the winners, runners up and honorable mentions of the Trenchless Technology 2008 Projects of the Year in Rehabilitation and New Installation will be recognized in a special awards ceremony.

To round out the annual No-Dig festivities, a Closing Luncheon & Entertainment is set for Wednesday, March 31. Here, participants can enjoy lunch, entertainment and say farewell to fellow industry professionals before heading home. Ira Blumenthal, a business development expert, is the guest speaker for the event. Blumenthal has been featured in numerous media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNN.

Don’t Miss Out!

For more information about the event or to register online, visit www.nodigshow.com or contact Benjamin Media Inc. at (330) 467-7588.

Pam Stask is an assistant editor of Trenchless Technology.

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