November 2011, Vol. 66 No. 11
Features
RehabZone Celebrates 10th Anniversary At UCT
Volunteers are busy finalizing plans for the 2012 RehabZone, the popular sales-free “show within a show” at the annual UCT Show (Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition). The events will be held Jan. 24-26 in San Antonio, TX.
Since 2002, the RehabZone has presented information about water and sewer rehabilitation technologies without reference to product brands, the only industry event with this type of generic approach.
RehabZone floor space has been increased by 10,000 square feet to accommodate the expanded activities for the 2012 event.
“‘Outreach’ is the one word that best describes our approach to the 2012 RehabZone,” said Ted DeBoda, executive director of NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies). NASSCO has been the primary association sponsor of the RehabZone since the first event in 2002.
“The RehabZone is an incredibly positive, beneficial, hands-on experience for those in the business of rehabilitation, whether new to the industry or veterans, and we are doing more this year to encourage participation at the 2012 event,” DeBoda said. “We are increasing our efforts to reach out and encourage more people to experience the RehabZone.”
When attendees arrive at UCT, they immediately will be made aware of the RehabZone by a preview of the new ’Zone website playing on two 50-inch monitors in the registration area. Organizers also are taking advantage of social media. The full video can be viewed on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ieNzDub8SI). The website itself, www.rehabzone.org, is scheduled to be operational by mid-November.
Changes
RehabZone Chairperson Dorcas Hermes said that while the goals remained constant, the RehabZone has evolved over the years, and the 2012 edition will feature exciting changes.
“For the first time,” she said, “there will be a ‘Skills Challenge’ area where participants can compete in hands-on challenges applying various rehab technologies. Plans of specific challenges are being finalized now, and we believe the challenge area will create great interest.”
The live demonstration — one of the ’Zone’s most popular attractions the past two years — will be repeated with companies presenting demonstrations illustrating various rehabilitation technologies. Demonstration schedules will be posted throughout the UCT exhibit area.
As at previous shows, upon entering the RehabZone the first station is the popular Pima County, Arizona Historic Sewer and Pipe Artifacts Exhibit which documents the history of pipes, tools and equipment.
Visitors then follow a route through technology stations that include the NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) and Inspector Training Certification Program (ITCP), closed circuit television (CCTV), bypass pumping, sectional CIPP lining, joint and seal repairs, water main lining, lateral lining, grouting, root control, manhole linings and coatings, and emerging technologies, plus Live Demo, Skills Challenge and Networking areas.
Sponsors
The RehabZone is sponsored by NASSCO in cooperation with the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Trenchless Installation of Pipelines and Pipeline Infrastructure Systems technical committee, the Water Environment Federation’s Collection System Committee and Underground Construction and Rehabilitation magazine. It is funded by sponsoring organizations and participating companies.
“It’s not too late to make plans to attend UCT and the RehabZone,” said Hermes, “and we urge all in the underground construction and rehabilitation industries not to miss this important opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and the products they use.”
Hermes is president of WBE Dorcas, Inc. Guy Leslie, southern area sales manager for Rapidview, is co-chairperson. It is the second year Hermes and Leslie have served in those capacities.
“The continuing success of the RehabZone,” said Hermes, “is the result of support and funding of our sponsors and the many hours of hard work by dedicated volunteers who plan the event, set-up and staff the individual stations, and all in the interest and benefit of our industry.”
Ongoing educational outreach efforts will continue after the 2012 RehabZone is over, Hermes added.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
NASSCO, (410) 486-3500, www.nassco.org
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