December 2022 Vol. 77 No. 12
Features
UCT Welcomes 2023 with High Expectations, Top Education, Profitable Networking
(UC) — With a new year rapidly approaching, final preparations for the annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) are well underway. UCT is scheduled for Feb. 7–9, in Orlando, Fla, at the Orange County Convention Center. The host hotel is the Rosen Plaza, which is adjacent to the convention center in easy walking distance (details on securing your room can be found under the housing tab at UCTonline.com).
Our attendees have consistently recommended Orlando as a preferred meeting site for UCT and in 2023, the stars aligned just right so we were able to make it happen! The excitement and support among UCT advocates has been extremely positive – we’re going to have a great event.
Regardless of location, UCT ’23 will deliver the underground infrastructure’s long-established and leading educational and exhibition event to all aspects of the industry. Only UCT provides a direct connection to all things underground – trenchless or open-cut – and continues to convey essential insight, information and business leads to all in attendance.
Now that the infamous COVID pandemic is squarely in the rear-view mirror, a full return-to-normal show is anticipated. Driving much of the underground infrastructure’s strong business is the massive funding from the Infrastructure Bill. With billions more slated to be released over the next four years to the sewer, water, stormwater, electric and fiber markets, UCT provides the perfect opportunity for people to learn more about spending plans and locations across the country in 2023.
Unmatched in excellence and scope, the UCT educational program always includes a carefully crafted mix of panels, presentations and roundtable discussions, all in an interactive format. Emerging technology sessions keep attendees up to date on the latest product developments, aiding in meeting the construction and rehabilitation challenges faced daily by contractors, owners and engineers.
New to the education program this year is a special edition of the NASSCO Exchange, a focused series of presentations geared to share and exchange concepts and advancements impacting the underground infrastructure industry.
Also new in 2023 is participation by the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association, an organization created to benefit small- to large-rig drilling firms. This group will introduce its mission and plans in one session (Tuesday morning), along with providing panelists in the annual Contractors Roundtable (Wednesday morning). To learn more and join the group, the HDDA will be exhibiting as well.
For those needing educational credits, UCT provides opportunities for up to nine Professional development hours or .09 Continuing Education Units.
Other activities at UCT include:
- The renowned RehabZone™ is again hosted by industry members, as part of the exhibit area. Funded and presented by leading industry companies, this exclusive event features the original, hands-on, interactive educational experience.
- The inaugural Underground Construction Awards (UCA) will be held on Feb. 8, in conjunction with UCT. These awards represent a special occasion to highlight accomplishments and people of the underground infrastructure industry in a unique, personal and deserving fashion.
- Also, in conjunction with UCT, the Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA) is hosting a TopGolf Infrastructure Extravaganza from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7. An evening of great sport, food and networking will be the perfect wrap-up for the first day of UCT.
- The Center for Underground Infrastructure Research & Education (CUIRE), at the University of Texas at Arlington, holds its 21st Annual Pipeline and Trenchless Technology Training and Certification Schools on Monday, Feb. 6, at the Orange County Convention Center. This year’s pre-show program includes Pipes, Advanced HDD, Microtunneling/Pilot Tube, and Spray Applied Pipe Lining
UCT is getting down to business so that you will be equipped to navigate the many opportunities and challenges of 2023. The following pages provide just a few highlights of all the activities and opportunities included in UCT 23.
Registration and the hotel block are open. Visit UCTonline.com for details. Program updates can be found under the education tab.
We look forward to you joining the excitement in Orlando!
UCT Highlights
A self-paced, walk-through exhibit, RehabZone™ offers attendees a unique, interactive experience showcasing innovative rehabilitation methods and emerging technologies in a no-sell environment.
New for 2023 are all-electric cutters. This advancement in cutting technology will provide attendees with a hands-on look at how electric cutters feel, compared to air powered cutters. Additional new elements include potable water technologies, UV-cure demonstrations, grouting demonstrations and a safety discussion on mental health in the construction industry.
The exclusive RehabZone is included with your UCT registration. For organizations looking to take a group through the ’Zone, guided tours are available. For details, please contact David Hill, SAK Construction, dhill@sakcon.com.
Inaugural UCAs Honors Innovations
Underground Construction magazine is proud to present the inaugural Underground Construction Awards (UCAs). Taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 8, UCAs provide an important opportunity for the underground infrastructure community to recognize accomplishments, projects and technology advances that made a significant impact on the market.
Winners will be announced, and awards presented, during a special ceremony after the UCT networking reception.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jenna.Rutan@GulfEnergyInfo.com or Josh.Allen@UCONonline.com.
A limited number of individual tickets are available. For details, visit UC-Awards.com.
Industry Honors MVP
The Most Valuable Professional (MVP) of the underground infrastructure industry, Richard (Rick) Howard, P.E., will be honored as part of the Underground Construction Awards (UCA) event on Feb. 8.
As former Orlando Public Works Director, his focus centered on providing citizens a quality, sustainable environment; energy efficiency; and intelligent transportation technology. Examples of these efforts included experimenting with super critical water oxidation for the control of biosolids, artificial wetlands creation and reclaimed water distribution networks.
The MVP award is co-sponsored by the Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA) and Underground Construction magazine. Tickets are $250. To attend UCT and the awards, register for both at UCTonline.com. For the awards only, visit UC-Awards.com.
Municipal Partnership Program
To maximize municipal public works attendance at this critical education event, UCT has created the Municipal Partnership Program. The program grants complimentary admission to the main UCT sessions and exhibits for municipal-public works and government employees. To qualify, send a request from your work/business email (sorry, Gmail, Google, etc. are not accepted). Include your name, job title, organization (employer) name and web address to: kfrancis@uctonline.com. We will notify you after acceptance into the program.
We recognize the importance of municipal and public works participation in UCT and we want to ensure that you’ll be able to attend!
TopGolf Infrastructure Extravaganza
In conjunction with UCT 2023, the Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA) invites you to a social round of golf. This TopGolf Infrastructure Extravaganza will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7. An evening of great sport, food and networking will be the perfect wrap-up for the first day of UCT.
The event will kick off with a shotgun start at 6 p.m. with raffle and awards recognition immediately following the tournament. Several levels of sponsorships are available, with proceeds benefitting the UCTA scholarship program. Individual registration is available, as well, and includes unlimited networking, golf and food. There is a networking/food-only option for those who do not want to play.
Register early, space is limited to the first 100 participants and is rapidly filling up. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to register, visit the UCTA website: uctaonline.org.
Education
The most important market information around is available during UCT. The main program is Tuesday-Thursday. Industry sponsored training is on Monday. Whether you’re new to the industry or are looking to increase your skills, you’ll find seminars and panel discussions for every experience level. Take advantage of the best educational opportunities in the underground infrastructure industry. Program updates can be found at UCTonline.com.
CUIRE starts the week’s learning opportunities with pre-show schools on Monday, Feb. 6. While registration for these is separate, we encourage you to add CUIRE to your plans.
To learn more and register, contact CUIRE at (817) 272-9177, cuire@uta.edu, or visit uta.engineering/cuireschools.
Hotel Info
It’s time to get excited about attending UCT and visiting Orlando. We’ve negotiated exclusive rates at the Rosen Plaza Hotel to make your trip affordable. They are available 3-days before and after UCT, so that you can combine your learning experience with a mini family vacation.
Located at 9700 International Drive, the Rosen Plaza is in the heart of the entertainment district. It’s connected to the convention center via a covered skybridge and is minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Many attractions call International Drive (“I-Drive”) home. You’ll be close to world-class attractions, awesome theme parks, entertainment, dining and shopping – fun for the entire family!
Our hotel rate is $199 (+ tax). Make your reservation soon, as the hotel is expected to sell out quickly. Phone 1-800-627-8258 or 1-407-996-9700. Ask for the UCT group rate, or book online via the housing page at UCTonline.com.
Comments