August 2009 Vol. 64 No. 8
Features
Get Ready For UCT 2010!
Registration for UCT 2010 is now open.
If you aren’t familiar with Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT), you’re in for an amazing education!
UCT is the underground construction and rehabilitation industry’s premier trade event, focusing exclusively on underground construction. UCT will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL, Jan. 19-21, 2010, and features pre- and post-show educational workshops.
If you are familiar with UCT, you know that each year, our team of experts deliver an unrivaled educational program, complete with keynote presentations and informative conference sessions. Attendees are able to earn valuable Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs). The credits are offered in conjunction with the University of Texas at Arlington.
There are miles of aisles in the exhibit hall plus the not-to-be-missed industry sponsored RehabZone®. The ’Zone is a no-sell area that provides general information about water and sewer rehabilitation technologies. The 2010 ’Zone will include “LIVE” displays with demonstrations provided by several sponsors who are experts in the trenchless industry.
We recognize the financial constraints affecting our industry today. That’s why UCT is not increasing the registration rates. In fact, the Super$aver rates allow more of your colleagues to benefit from the educational opportunities only available at UCT (details are available on the registration form at the end of this section). With 75 educational sessions, pre- and post-show workshops, an unparalleled exhibit hall and networking receptions, UCT offers something for everyone. Plus, it’s the one place where you can meet with dealers, see the equipment, catch up on the latest technologies and network with colleagues all under one roof, during one money-saving business trip!
You can read program updates at uctonline.com or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com\UCTonline.
And, don’t forget to get ready for UCT!
-Karen E. Francis
Convention Manager
AWESOME Location
The destination for 2010 is the waterfront Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL. It is conveniently located within walking distance to hotels, delicious dining, attractions, great nightclubs, nightlife and entertainment. The exhibit hall features 22 bays, has a ceiling height of 30 feet and the floor load capacity is 350 pounds/square feet. For attendees, the convention center features state-of-the-art waterfront meeting rooms with easy access to the exhibit hall. There’s a full service business center, a visitor information desk and for those who will be driving, 450 parking spaces in the convention center’s garage.
The headquarters hotel is the newly renovated Tampa Waterside Hotel & Marina, located across the street from the convention center. The 719 guest rooms and suites have flat screen TVs, new bathrooms and new furniture. The Tampa International Airport is just seven miles west of downtown; offering 273 daily nonstop scheduled departures to 68 domestic destinations and 42 weekly nonstop scheduled departures to five international markets.
AMAZING Education
UCT is known for its outstanding educational program – so much so, industry associations come to us to help round out their programs! Attendees are drawn to UCT because of the interactive presentations and panel discussions that focus on what matters in our industry. A technical symposium, tutorials, new technology presentations, panel discussions, case histories and specialty workshops are all incorporated into the week-long education program. Some of the specialty sessions are offered before and after UCT and feature industry certification. The primary UCT program, which runs Jan. 19-21, qualifies for CEUs/PDHs in conjunction with the University of Texas at Arlington. Here’s a look at what will be featured in Tampa:
UCT Educational Tracks (tentative)
Tutorials
Introduction To Sewer & Water Trenchless Rehabilitation Technologies
Introduction To Sewer & Water Trenchless New Construction Technologies
Sewer Rehabilitation, Construction & New
Technology
Stormwater Infrastructure
Pressure Pipe Applications
Pipe Bursting: View From The Field
WaterWorks Conference
Manhole QA/QC
Rigonomics: Horizontal Directional Drilling
Operations & Summits
Underground Utilities
Trenchless Technical Symposium
Damage Prevention & Safety Conference
SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Jan. 17 – 22)
Sewer Rehabilitation Strategy Workshop
ASCE Workshop: Manholes Manual of Practice
NASSCO PACP Trainer Re-Certification Class
NASSCO Pipeline Assessment & Certification Program
NASSCO CIPP Inspector Training
CUIRE Schools (3): TBD
NASTT Courses: TBD
AFFORDABLE Rates
Dollar for dollar, UCT increases the bottom line for both exhibitors and attendees. Offering a neutral, face-to-face, time-saving venue to conduct business, develop on-going relationships and learn about the latest technologies that can be implemented immediately after returning from UCT.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to realize a benefit for your financial investment. The education garnered from attending UCT sessions is invaluable. Here’s why: UCT sessions set the industry standard for quality education. The exceptional faculty of industry luminaries includes engineers and other respected industry leaders. Timely topics address the issues and opportunities you care about most, from current trends to best practices that increase productivity and decrease jobsite down time. UCT sessions qualify for CEUs and PHDs, allowing you remain current on your certifications.
You’ll also be glad to know that we aren’t increasing the registration rate for 2010! Super$aver rates are as low as $50 for each attendee when you purchase one at the regular rate of $395. This rate includes admittance to the full 3-day UCT educational program, all handouts, the conference CD and the exhibit hall. Similar savings are in effect for the daily program and the exhibit hall only. For details, refer to the registration page at the end of this section. Registration opens Aug. 24 and there are four ways to register. Online at uctonline.com, phone, fax or mail. Take advantage of all that UCT has to offer, register today.
Things to See and Do in Tampa Bay
Get ready to warm up to Tampa Bay! Tampa’s semi-tropical climate invites you to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. No matter if you have only a few hours to find adventure or an entire day to play, there’s plenty of wild-to-mild experiences awaiting you in Tampa Bay. You can choose from theme parks, zoos, dozens of golf courses, charter a boat to go deep sea fishing, float along a quiet river, dine on fresh seafood and locally grown produce and so much more.
From the waterfront bistros serving fresh seafood to the Spanish dishes served by families who own and operate their own cafes, the quest for a memorable meal ends here. Every type of food and every sort of atmosphere is offered on the local menu. Enjoy the moonlight and listen to the waves on one of the area’s dinner and dance cruises or private charters. Channelside Bay Plaza, walking distance from the UCT partner hotels, features a unique mix of retail, dining and entertainment. Splitsville Luxury Lanes & Dinner Lounge has four chic bars, plasma TVs, a gourmet menu and 13 bowling lanes. There’s Wet Willie’s, a daiquiri bar and restaurant serving exotic and classic frozen daiquiri’s. There’s even an Imax theater!
After a day filled with education and networking, you’re sure to find something that will occupy your down time.
Getting to UCT
UCT is working with the Tampa Housing Bureau to handle your hotel room needs. We have not partnered with any travel providers or agencies. If you are contacted by a company implying that they are acting on behalf of UCT, report them to show management! Send an e-mail to: kfrancis@uctonline.com or phone 281-558-6930 x 222 and include their contact information. Help us keep costs down by utilizing the hotels where we have negotiated special rates for UCT attendees. Reservations may be made online at uctonline.com or by using the housing form at the end of this section.
Headquarters Hotel: Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina – diagonally across the street from the convention center. The rate is $179.
Overflow Hotel: Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa Convention Center – across the street from the convention center.
The Tampa International Airport is seven miles west of downtown Tampa (just minutes from our partner hotels) and offers 273 daily nonstop scheduled departures to 68 domestic destinations and 42 weekly nonstop scheduled departures to five international markets. The average taxi ride from the airport to downtown is $20 – $22, and there is a minimum $10 fare.
Exhibitor’s Corner
New Payment Policy
We’re in this financial crunch together, that’s why we’re implementing a new payment policy – you may now make installment payments on your booth! To secure your space, include a payment representing ¼ of the total amount due with the completed exhibit space application. For details
e-mail kfrancis@uctonline.com.
Target your customers and prospects
Do your customers and prospects know where to see your equipment and products in January 2010? Request free exhibit hall passes and send them to specific clients or potential clients. This is an excellent way to contact them without actually trying to make a sale. E-mail your request to: kfrancis@uctonline.com.
Don’t forget the press
Press coverage can help create a buzz around your products, helping to boost your sales. Send press releases to all of the magazines you advertise in, and include your booth number so they know where to see your new products.
Fast Facts
Show Hours:
Tuesday, Jan. 19 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 20 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 21 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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