March 2020 Vol. 75 No. 3
Features
New Elements Added to UCT 2020
With additional powerful features, a record number of abstract submittals, an increase in exhibitors and even a reunion thrown in, the Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) wrapped up its 25th year in style at the Fort Worth, Texas, Convention Center in January.
The industry’s leading conference focused on the construction and rehabilitation of underground piping and conduit infrastructure, UCT annually provides a forum for all perspectives of the underground utilities industry to interact in a productive and beneficial manner. Contractors, municipalities, utilities of all types, consulting engineers, government agencies and manufacturers participated in the expansive educational program combined with a multitude of special meetings by various association groups and private business.
As the first major conference of the year, UCT has become the de facto kick-off event for underground construction season. At UCT, attendees come away with information that sets the pace for the year.
“UCT is truly all about the business of underground,” said Robert Carpenter, editor-in-chief of Underground Construction magazine and organizer of the many educational and business activities of which UCT is renowned. “We work closely with key industry personnel and associations to design interactive presentations and panel discussions that provide critical information. All can be applied immediately to enhance projects and operations. People leave UCT empowered for the future.
“Also, as the first major event for the new year, many private companies and association working committees use UCT as the common meeting platform for preparing and planning for upcoming projects and challenges. A lot of important association committee work is accomplished annually, and several companies and associations even hold board of directors meetings at UCT.”
UCT Convention Director Karen Francis stressed that the quality and increased number of show attendees was recognized in exhibitor comments and reflected in booth reservations for the 2021 show which are already up more than 12 percent.
“In addition to the exhibits, we worked with the Underground Construction Technology Association to include two new features that were both highly successful,” Frances pointed out. “The Assessment Zone was added to complement the popular RehabZone. This was an interactive area where attendees saw demonstrations and applications of technologies available to assess the structural integrity of utility pipe, avoiding catastrophic failure.
“We also started a Young Professionals (YP) education track this year, organized by the North Texas UCTA chapter, along with a well-attended reception for YPs attending the show,” she added.
Another new feature introduced at UCT as a partnership between industry and Underground Construction magazine was the Horizontal Directional Drilling Reunion (HDDR) and the founding of the HDD Hall of Fame. Drillers, young and old, converged upon the show to reconnect with peers and celebrate the induction of famed HDD pioneers Martin Cherrington and Richard Melsheimer as the inaugural class of the HDD Hall of Fame.
A packed-house session during the educational program allowed the audience to hear the history of Cherrington and Melsheimer in their own words. That was followed later by the HDDR reception which attracted more than 375 members of the HDD industry.
A recurring event at UCT is the Most Valuable Professional luncheon, honoring an individual who has contributed greatly to the advancement of the underground infrastructure industry. This year’s awardee was Todd Reck, director of water utilities for the city of Irving, Texas. The MVP event, as it getting to be a habit, was sold out again.
The TopGolf Social, held in conjunction with UCT and sponsored by the North Texas Chapter of the UCTA, was sold-out as well. Golf, drinks and fajitas combined to raise money for the organization’s scholarship program.
Pre-show courses were again offered by the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education at the University of Texas-Arlington. Eight half-day classes included: Advanced HDD School (Part One); Geotechnical School (Part One); Pipe School (Part One); Advanced HDD School (Part Two); Geotechnical School (Part Two); Pipe School (Part Two); Pipe Lining and Renewal School; and Microtunneling and Pilot Tube School.
NASSCO instructors also taught two Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) courses in conjunction with UCT including both the initial certification class and the recertification course.
In 2021, UCT will be held at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 26–28. For more information, contact karen.francis@gulfenergyinfo.com. •
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