Spring time is a time of renewal and ISTT renews its commitment to advancing trenchless education and training throughout the world. Beginning in April, ISTT member societies will host trenchless education and training activities in their respective regions. The year ends with ISTT hosting the 28th Annual International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition in Singapore. We have a full and exciting agenda planned for 2010.

First out of the blocks is the Polish Trenchless Society (PFTT), which will host its IV Scientific and Training Conference – No-Dig Poland 2010 in Kielce on 27–29 April. No-Dig Poland will also feature an indoor/outdoor exhibition. The event appears to be headed for a big success, with participation from outside Poland as well as from the Polish Government offices of Infrastructure and Environment.

The month of May has two regional No-Digs. The North American Society (NASTT) will hold its 28th annual No-Dig Show on 2–7 May near Chicago. The Show will mark the 20th anniversary of NASTT. The NASTT No-Dig is the number one trenchless event in North America. I look forward to attending as both a member of NASTT and of ISTT. Across the pond, the Scandinavian Society (SSTT) will be hosting its annual No-Dig on 5–6 May in Bergen, Norway. The SSTT conference features 18 presentations on trenchless over the two days of the event including one by ISTT Executive Committee member Gerda Hald.

June is a busy month with trenchless conferences taking place in Russia, Colombia and Ukraine. The Russian Trenchless Society (RSTT) is participating in the ECWTECH underground conference and exhibition to be held in Moscow on 1–4 June. The conference mirrors the 2008 International No-Dig format. ISTT Chairman Dec Downey will participate in what promises to be a very exciting conference. The newly affiliated Colombia Trenchless Society (CISTT) will hold its first Underground Infrastructure and No-Dig Show on 3– 4 June in Cartagena. The CISTT plans to include an academic event as part of its conference as well as a demonstration of equipment and materials. Sam Ariaratnam, ISTT Vice Chairman and I plan to attend the conference. The Ukrainian Trenchless Society (UAMTT) will hold its annual conference on 11–12 June in Odessa. I had the pleasure of participating in this conference last year. The UAMTT conference offers presentations covering trenchless technologies and methods, and academic research.

At the mid-point of the year, the Brazilian Trenchless Society (ABRATT) will hold a No-Dig conference and exhibition in Sao Paulo on 21–22 July. I understand that the events exhibition area has been filled. The two-day conference will focus on municipal projects the first day and technical presentations on the second. Both Chairman Downey and Vice Chairman Ariaratnam plan to attend. On 14–15 September, the Czech Republic (CzSTT) will hold its 15th annual No-Dig Conference and Exhibition in Liberec. The CzSTT event is off to a strong start with several sponsors already on board.

The United Kingdom, Australia and Austria are hosting trenchless events in October. The United Kingdom (UKSTT) will hold the tenth in its highly successful biennial No-Dig Live event at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, 5–7 October – featuring a host of live demonstrations. The Australasian Society (ASTT) has scheduled “Trenchless Live 2010” in New South Wales on 17– 20 October. And the Austrian Society (AATT) has their annual trenchless conference set for 19–20 October in Saalfelden. These events offer an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest in trenchless developments.

The year appropriately concludes with the 28th International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition on 8–10 November at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Sponsorship commitments include Vermeer, who has signed up for the Gold level and Pure Technologies as Silver Sponsors. Exhibition space is filling up extremely fast and some 80 per cent of the available space is already booked by companies from Singapore, USA, China, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, UK and Italy. Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to contact Westrade Group to reserve space before it’s too late! The conference has also attracted a high level of interest with some 50 abstracts received from all over the world, with a month to go before the deadline. No-Dig Singapore is supported by a number of influential organisations, including Singapore’s national water agency, Public Utility Board (PUB). The Institution of Engineers’ Singapore (IES) has also recently confirmed its official participation. Mark your calendar for this event and start making arrangements to attend – more information on the show website

www.nodigsingapore.com

As you can see, ISTT and its member societies offer many opportunities to participate in regional events throughout the world. Most of these events are well established and highly regarded for their technical content. We also have conferences scheduled in new world venues, which expands the trenchless community’s education and training reach and opportunities to further the use of trenchless methods.

I hope you will be able to participate in at least one of these events. I know you will find it a rewarding experience.