Trenchless Technology Editor’s Message – Let’s Get Started, 2026!

Welcome to 2026, Trenchless Peeps — buckle up for the exciting ride that the Trenchless Technology team has in store for you in the year ahead!

With the New Year, our team is rejuvenated and eager to share with all of you all the trenchless news, products, projects and topical articles. Also, we look forward to a plethora of trenchless conferences and webinars — Let’s go!

On tap for the January/February issue is our annual How To Issue, a full and diverse slate of trenchless “How to articles,” that come directly from the industry experts. In fact, we got you covered on both the rehabilitation and new construction side. There is also a smattering of business-related articles. We so appreciate the input from the industry professionals who answer the call to provide this information to our readers. The How to Issue is one of our favorite issues to produce. Given the feedback and interest it generates — the issue continues to be our most visited digital issue — you do, as well!

Trenchless Technology Person of the Year Reveal

Kicking off 2026 is the announcement of our Trenchless Technology Person of the Year: Congratulations to Dr. Jason Lueke, P.Eng! What a well-deserved honor! Jason has been an integral part of the trenchless engineering and education community for nearly 25 years. He’s National Discipline Leader for Trenchless Technology at Associated Engineering, based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He is known far and wide across North America for his contributions to the trenchless industry by way of his trenchless projects and his tireless volunteer efforts to promote the industry.

I’ve known Jason for nearly my entire time at Trenchless Technology. I first got to know him as a student and later through his professional affiliations over the years. He’s an outstanding person with an exceptional trenchless mind and a genuine passion for this industry. His laidback demeanor and humor put people at ease. Also, they complement the depth of expertise and insight he brings to every conversation, project and relationship.

Jason will be featured on the cover of our March issue, with a profile inside for all to learn more about our Person of the Year. We have selected the Trenchless Technology Person of the Year since 1993 and all have a special journey that led them to this moment in their professional career. I’m looking forward to sharing Jason’s with you.

More 2026 News

You may have noticed a new voice and photo at the top, kicking off this issue of the magazine. Since its beginning, this space has belonged to our publishers — first Bernie Krzys and then Kelly VanNatten — but going forward, it will live on From the Editor’s Desk…which would be me! Here, I’ll share my thoughts on industry topics, trending news and the ever-evolving vibe of trenchless technology.

I’ve been part of Trenchless Technology magazine since 1998 (How is that possible?!) and after all these years, one thing hasn’t changed: I’m always up for a good, engaging and meaningful conversation.

One Last Thing

Our conferences division has been a pioneering force in the field of education. It is such a cornerstone for so many industry professionals to learn about the different aspects of the industry via classroom and live demos. Up first in 2026 is our much-respected HDD Academy (Feb. 19-20 in Scottdale, Arizona). This will be followed by our venerable Microtunneling Short Course (May 5-7 in Scottdale, Arizona).

Never miss a chance to upgrade your trenchless education!

Until next time,

Sharon M. Bueno

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