The Northeast Shows Up for No-Dig 2024
Spring would not be complete if it weren’t for the trenchless industry’s annual pilgrimage to the NASTT No-Dig Show. This year, that meant heading east to Little Rhody for the April 14-18 extravaganza.
Capitalizing on Providence, Rhode Island’s proximity to the nation’s trenchless work in New England and Mid Atlantic states, the NASTT 2024 No-Dig Show technical sessions and exhibit hall were bustling with activity April 15-17.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting officially welcomed attendees to the NASTT 2024 No-Dig Show exhibit hall.
The 2024 conference and exhibition featured 200 exhibiting companies and the conference portion features peer-reviewed technical papers and panel discussions via six industry track sessions focused on both installation and rehabilitation. New for 2024 was a track focused on renewables.
“The positive energy from exhibitors, sponsors and attendees,” were NASTT executive director Matthew Izzard’s main takeaways from 2024. “The buzz of conversation on both the exhibition floor and technical sessions was excellent to see. Municipal & Public Works Scholarship and Student engagement was particularly strong this year with a lot of local interest,” he says.
The project team for the Robert W. Hite Plant and Interceptor Rehabilitation Project — Trenchless Technology’s 2023 Project of the Year for Rehabilitation — formally receive their award.
The NASTT No-Dig Show continues to be the largest trenchless technology-focused conference in the world. All told, this year’s iteration Show attracted 1,786 attendees from the United States, Canada and 12 other countries. This was the show’s highest attendance since 2019.
“The No-Dig Show offers topic tracks over three days with peer-reviewed, non-commercial presentations. Attendees gain insights into environmentally friendly trenchless solutions and cost-saving opportunities,” he says. “The program focuses on helping professionals maximize their investment in trenchless technologies, services, and applications. Whether you’re from a municipality, a contractor, a consulting engineer, a gas/electric utility, or involved in pipelines and energy, the No-Dig Show equips you with practical knowledge.”
NASTT chairman Matthew Wallin welcomes attendees to the show.
The NASTT No-Dig Show also served as an opportunity for Trenchless Technology to formally honor our 2023 Trenchless Technology Project of the Year winners, as well as Craig Vandaelle of Michels Corp., our 2024 Trenchless Technology Person of the Year. All were recognized at the Opening Breakfast on April 15.
Other awards presented at breakfast were, NASTT’s Volunteer Award to Vandaelle and the Ralston Young Trenchless Achievement Award to Tucker Toelke, Michels Corp.
Also on April 15, editor Sharon M. Bueno and managing editor Mike Kezdi, moderated a technical session for the 2023 Trenchless Technology Project of the Year winners – the Malcolm Tweddle & Edith Rogers (MTER) Sewer Improvement Initiative; and the Robert W. Hite Plant and Interceptor Rehabilitation Project.
2024 Trenchless Technology Person of the Year Craig Vandaelle (center) was honored at the No-Dig Show Opening Breakfast by Dan Sisko (left) and Kelly VanNatten (right).
Receiving the Abbott Innovative Product Awards for Rehabilitation was Brawo Systems for its smart light curing system, the BRAWO Magnavity SX.
NASTT renewed the Casino Royale event for 2024. The ticketed event allowed attendees to mingle while enjoying casino games with funny money and the chance to win great prizes. Most importantly it served as an opportunity to honor the new newest NASTT Hall of Fame class. Inducted in 2024 was Brian Dorwart, senior consultant at Brierley Associates.
Also recognized at the Casino Royale was Babs Marquis, Delve Underground, who received the NASTT 2024 Chair Award for Distinguished Service.
The team from Bothar formally received the 2023 Trenchless Technology Project of the Year for New Installation for the Malcolm Tweddle & Edith Rogers (MTER) Sewer Improvement Initiative.
“With over 2,000 attendees and 200 exhibiting companies, the No-Dig Show provides ample networking opportunities. Whether you’re a newcomer or a show veteran, connecting with colleagues, customers and industry experts is invaluable,” Izzard says. “Mark your calendar for this essential event — it’s where innovation meets infrastructure.”
Babs Marquis served as the 2024 No-Dig Show Planning Committee chairman.
Next year, the NASTT No-Dig Show heads to Denver, Colorado a favored destination for the show. Izzard, the staff at NASTT and the volunteer No-Dig Show Planning Committee are looking forward to what 2025 has to offer.
“It’s important for everyone involved that No-Dig Show continues to evolve and grow. By directly engaging with major investors and the feedback provided through surveys we are looking to provide the best experience possible to all participants,” Izzard says. “The format of the No-Dig Show will change each year as we both improve and introduce new ideas. Denver, in particular, has some unique locations for networking opportunities.”
He continues, “For many people, myself included, returning to Denver in 2025 is closure of a circle that started with the cancellation of the 2020 No-Dig Show. Working through those times and coming out stronger as an organization, we are simply looking to put on the best, and largest, No-Dig Show ever as we return to one of our most popular locations.”
More information about the NASTT No-Dig Show, including how you can get involved, visit nodigshow.com.
Mike Kezdi is managing editor of Trenchless Technology.
Matthew Izzard, NASTT’s executive director, with 2024 NASTT Hall of Fame inductee Brian Dorwart, senior consultant at Brierley Associates.
