International No-Dig Show a Record-Breaking Success

By Chris Brahler, 2009 NASTT Chairman

We have concluded our annual conference, and the results are in. I am pleased to report that International No-Dig in Toronto was a record-breaking success.  We broke all attendance records with 1,900 people representing 43 countries around the world.  We had the greatest number of peer-reviewed papers presented in any NASTT No-Dig in history. The exhibition hall was sold-out. Numerous companies launched their new products, and we raised the highest number of sponsorship dollars and support ever.

One of the most exciting things about No-Dig 2009 is that despite an economic downturn, the show’s successes point to a positive future for our industry.  ISTT Chairman Dec Downey agrees that challenging times may lay ahead, but our industry is going to take a lead in rebuilding our infrastructure from the bottom up. This is great news for our industry!

We are very pleased to have co-hosted the 27th international No-Dig with the ISTT.  This has been a wonderful opportunity for our two societies to come together to share a common goal of advancing trenchless technologies through research and the application of sound product and project practices. Thank you to Dr. Dec Downey, John Hemphill, Dr. Sam Ariaratnam and to the rest of the ISTT group for their participation.

Many dedicated volunteers have spent untold hours working behind the scenes to ensure the success of this year’s No-Dig.  Without their collective support and commitment to this greater cause, we would not have had such a memorable event.

Thank you to our 2009 Program Chair, Joe Loiacono, who has been a long-time supporter of NASTT and served on the Board of Directors for a number of years.  Whenever called to action, Joe is always eager and one of the first to roll up his sleeves and volunteer, whenever there is a need. On behalf of the entire NASTT organization: Thank you Joe for all the dedication and commitment you have demonstrated to us as Program Chair over the past year.

Thank you to our Program Committee members, session leaders, presenters and moderators who are supported by NASTT and Benjamin Media Inc. staff including Mike Willmets, Angela Ghosh, Michelle Magyar and Lindsie Bowman.

I also want to thank all the regional chapters, especially the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Atlantic Chapter, for spreading the word on a local level. And also a big thank you is owed to the 80-plus students who committed their time and energy behind-the-scenes to help make the conference a success. At NASTT, we look forward in the future to assisting our chapters and students hopefully with more scholarships.

This year’s No-Dig raised a record-setting amount of sponsorship support from among the industry’s top manufacturers and suppliers. Numerous other companies sponsored No-Dig events and giveaways. Thank you all for your support.

Our exhibitors help make the No-Dig experience affordable. These are the people who have invested significant amounts of money and energy to address some specific needs within our industry. Thank you to these fine companies that came from around the world for their participation and commitment to this growing industry.

Although the event was a recordbreaking success in many respects, it is the quality of the total experience that defines and sets No-Dig apart. From the peer-reviewed technical papers to the pre- and post-conference seminars offered, No-Dig is a first-class learning and educational opportunity.

And finally, I wish to personally thank all of the attendees who came to Toronto as it is their willingness to share their knowledge that makes any good conference a success. Please mark your calendars for next years No-Dig in Chicago, May 2-7, 2010. We hope to see you there!

Wrapping up No-Dig 2009

By any measure, the International No-Dig Show, March 27 – April 2, 2009, in Toronto was a success. The record-setting event brought together 1,900 attendees and 124
exhibiting companies from 43 countries around the world. The exhibition hall with more than 243 – 10x10 booths sold was the largest in No-Dig’s history and showcased products from around the world. There were 140 technical papers presented over five concurrent tracks. International speakers came as far afield as Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, Poland, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The International No-Dig Show was cosponsored by the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT). This is the fifth international No-Dig event to be held in North America. The first in Washington in 1988 put trenchless technology on the map on this side of the Atlantic. NASTT and ISTT worked together again in Washington in 1992, in New Orleans in 1996 and in Las Vegas in 2003. The event in Las Vegas built on past achievements and was a great success despite concerns about the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong.

“Today we meet in Toronto at a time when world leaders are meeting for the G20 summit in London. Challenging times lie ahead for our economies but in many parts of the world our industry is going take a lead in rebuilding our infrastructure from the bottom up. I’ll bet we have more fun than the guys in London,” said Dec Downey, ISTT Chairman in his opening address.

“It’s been a real pleasure to work with NASTT in the preparation of this event. A lot of hard work has gone into putting together a truly international technical conference for which we can all be proud. I would personally like to thank Joe Loiacono, the Program Chair of this year No-Dig, and the 40-plus members of the Program Committee and other countless volunteers who have put together a truly outstanding technical program and exhibition,” said Downey.

Joe Loiacono was presented with an appreciation award for his hard work and dedication for serving as Program Chair of the event. He also credited the Program Committee members, session leaders, NASTT and BMI staff, and the attendees “who come and make everything happen.”

“You are the ones, year after year, who provide our industry exhibitors and researchers with the problems and issues which they use to invent new products and technologies or improve the existing ones. You are the ones who make this industry grow by your networking and sharing of experiences at No-Dig. Thank you again!” said Loiacono.

NASTT Chairman Chris Brahler highlighted the conference’s successes in his closing address. “We embarked on a technical conference and expo that broke all NASTT records for number of papers presented, for number of exhibitors, and the number of attendees. As if that wasn’t enough, we had a terrific turnout at the Educational Fund Auction raising over $40,000,” said Brahler.

“Our Gala Dinner and reception was really first class in every respect, and there we recognized outstanding projects and innovative products. We honored the life achievements and contributions of many people including countless volunteers who are responsible for putting on this conference.”

“Yes, this has been extraordinary week filled with many memories shared with good friends and new approaches and practices learned. My hope is that everyone comes away from the 2009 No-Dig conference feeling inspired and energized!” said Brahler.

In 2010, NASTT will return to the birthplace where it all began – in Chicago – to hold the next No-Dig Show and to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Conference organizers have many special events planned including a historical timeline and exhibit to showcase the founding members. The conference theme of “Rebuilding North America’s Underground Infrastructure using Trenchless Technology” will prove to be timely and relevant given that throughout North America there is a renewed focus of infrastructure investment. NASTT is now accepting abstracts for its technical paper program. Abstracts are due June 1st. Please visit www. nodigshow.com for more information.

The ISTT will host its International No-Dig in Singapore, Nov. 10-13, 2010. Visit www.istt.com for more information.