The 21st annual NASTT No-Dig conference will return to Nashville as its host for the third time in the events history.

Program Chair George Ragula said “When we first met here a decade ago, some would say that it was a turning point, a sort of renaissance for the organisation and the industry itself. The 2001 event sparked a renowned interest in Trenchless Technology as a viable method to repair/replace underground systems while minimising surface disruption.”

Since 2001, No-Dig has nearly doubled in size, keeping pace with the rapid growth of the industry. Cutting-edge technologies are continually being developed and introduced to the marketplace. Each year brings new products, new services and new players. Projects are continuously pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with trenchless technologies.

The NASTT No-Dig conference creates a unique opportunity to see, hear and interact with leaders in the industry who drive the trenchless marketplace today.

A full program

This year the conference program is packed with six tracks and 155 technical papers on timely topics, and attendees will hear from some of the leaders in the industry on past and present projects.

The six tracks will focus on the following aspects of Trenchless Technology:

• Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and rehabilitation/cured-in-place pipe (CIPP)
• Auger boring, pilot tube microtunnelling, microtunnelling, large diameter tunnelling and tunnelling
• CIPP lining, lining materials, methods and installation and water rehabilitation
• Current trenchless research, lining
• materials, methods and installation,
• pipe bursting, pipe ramming and trenchless risk issues
• Asset management, condition assessment and pipeline inspection, and inflow and infiltration
• Condition assessment, current trenchless research and environmental issues and CIPP lining.

The No-Dig show is also pleased to offer both pre-and post-conference courses on a number of trenchless techniques including HDD, pipe bursting, laterals, new installation methods and CIPP lining. In addition, there will be a one-day Introduction to Technology course held on the Sunday preceding the conference, which will cover the latest advances in trenchless techniques.

Focused on helping maximise attendees investment in trenchless technologies, services and applications, the program has something for everyone. Delegates range from owners, utilities and municipalities to contractors and leading industry providers. The conference allows a learning experience for replace/repair, and installing pipelines with minimal excavation while reducing the impact to your surroundings.

Outside of the program

Events and networking start off with Monday’s opening kick-off breakfast, where the winner of the 2012 Trenchless Technology Person of the Year award, and the 2011 Outstanding Papers in Rehabilitation and New Installation awards are announced. The breakfast also allows delegates the opportunity to meet with old friends and colleagues and network. Monday evening marks the Annual Education Fund Auction, where delegates can donate and bid on items to help raise funds for the NASTT’s educational initiatives. This year is a country western theme, so make sure to bring your cowboy boots and hat for a great time.

Tuesday evening will be the Gala Awards Dinner Reception, where the best in the industry are recognised for their outstanding achievements. The Trent Ralston Award for Young Trenchless Achievement will be announced at the dinner. The award was created to honour the late Trent Ralston, whose contributions to the NASTT helped shape the trenchless industry. The annual award was established to recognise a young individual who has demonstrated excellence in the early stages of their career, and has made a valuable contribution to the industry.

In addition, the winners, runners-ups and honourable mentions of the 2011 Trenchless Technology Projects of the Year in Rehabilitation and New Installation, as well as the NASTT Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement will be announced.

I heart Trenchless

Don’t forget to stop by the Trenchless International booth to pick up your latest copy of the magazine and an ‘I <3 Trenchless’ sticker to show your support. Make sure to say hello to the Trenchless International team and smile for your photo.

We look forward to seeing you all there.