December 2008 Vol. 63 No. 12
Business
RehabZone Builds On Past Success
The popular RehabZone will again be a focal point at the annual UCT show (Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition) for information about pipeline rehabilitation.
The 2009 UCT event with the ’Zone will be January 20 22 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX.
The RehabZone, sponsored by NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies), is a no selling area on the UCT exhibit floor. It includes special displays and presentations that provide generic information about water and sewer rehabilitation technologies without referencing product brands. It is a unique, one-of-a-kind industry event.
“The no selling format is very important and has been a key to the RehabZone’s continuing success,” said David Kozman, who is event chairman for the second consecutive year. “The ’Zone is an educational area that allows participants to learn more about the industry without being pressured to buy. We have technical experts that work the floor and are available to answer any questions, which further adds to the value of the Zone and its no sales’ approach.”
The RehabZone has been a part of UCT since 2002 and its layout and content have evolved over the years. Technologies represented will include assessment, engineering, pipeline rehabilitation, laterals, manholes, grouts, vacuum excavation, chemical treatments and root control, personnel training and safety.
Expanded display area
Kozman said the general layout will be similar to past events, but the footprint will be much bigger to allow for additional displays plus more room to navigate through the various stations. Graphic elements of displays received a major update for the 2008 show, and the appearance of displays in 2009 will continue to be updated and expanded. The Pima County, Arizona Historic Sewer and Pipe Artifacts Exhibit documenting the history of pipes, tools, and equipment of the past will again be a key element of the RehabZone.
“In the early years, planners felt they needed to make changes and add something new for each show,” observed Irv Gemora, event coordinating chairman and executive director of NASSCO. “Now the RehabZone is established as a major industry event within the UCT show, and it isn’t necessary to make changes simply to make changes. We do make adjustments and refinements every year, but we have a format that works.”
Indeed, many displays will have new materials in San Antonio, said Kozman.
“Our goal,” he added, “is to make the Zone more visible to UCT attendees and enhance its overall impact. Our hopes are that participants will learn more about the industry and available technologies, as well as have the desire to return in 2010.”
Gemora said it is important to recognize that the RehabZone is made possible by the financial support of its sponsors and the time and effort of many volunteers who plan each year’s exhibits and staff the stations during show hours.
“That organizations and personnel participating in the event put aside competitive issues is credit to their dedication to the industry,” Gemora added.
Cooperating with NASSCO in the RehabZone are the American Society of Civil Engineers Trenchless Installation of Pipelines and Pipeline Infrastructure Systems technical committees, the Water Environment Federation’s Collection System Committee and Underground Construction magazine.
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