April 2023 Vol. 78 No. 4
Features
RehabZone continues to educate infrastructure industry
For 22 years, the RehabZone has been an integral element in the annual Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exposition (UCT), and it was again, in February, at the 2023 event.
The RehabZone, or “Zone” as some like to all it, started out as a novel experiment and has become a “must-see” part of UCT for thousands of attendees. UCT is an industry trade show, and such events are for exhibiting and selling products and services. So why would any trade show set aside a valuable portion of exhibit space and designate it a “no sell” zone?
But that’s exactly what a group of company owners, managers, marketing and sales representatives proposed for UCT, in 2001. The RehabZone would educate attendees about the varied methods available to rehabilitate sewer, water and storm water infrastructure. The information available and presented would be generic, and the volunteers who set up and staff the stations throughout the Zone – many direct competitors – agreed everything would be non-commercial, rather only informative and educational.
As far as anyone knows, there had never been such an area in any trade event, certainly not one in this industry. But in February 2023 in Orlando, Fla., the RehabZone was still going strong at yet another UCT, updating those who passed through about everything regarding rehabilitation of buried infrastructure.
“I believe that RehabZone was well attended this year,” said David J. Hill, cutter/TV manager for SAK Pipeline Infrastructure Solutions and 2023 RehabZone industry chair person. “There were a lot of new faces coming through, as well as some we see every year.”
Tour with a view
Attendees walked along a specific route with stations for software inspection temperature curing, safety, artificial intelligence, spot repairs, CIPP, root control, grout, manhole rehab and UV Lining.
At the end of the route, visitors picked up the 2023 RehabZone T-shirt. Over the years, the uniquely designed artwork featured on the shirts has made them collector items. Many regular RehabZoners report they still have shirts from the first year of the event.
The pathway through the RehabZone began with an area of historical photos from 50-plus years of CIPP rehabilitation. The Cutter Challenge stations were moved to the far back wall this year which gave more space and created an open feel to the entire floor.
“We also had an Artificial Intelligence software group with a display this year,” Hill reported, “a first for that emerging technology and we hope to see more representation from it in the future. Fiber temperature sensing technology was also on-hand this year, and other technologies that are gaining a foothold in the rehab industry.
“We did hear a lot of positive feedback from the attendees. While all exhibits got foot traffic, there was a lot of traffic and discussions about the pictures on display.”
Hill stressed that the no-sell policy allows competitors to work together to engage and educate people who go to the various stations. There is no pressure to make a sale or get contact information, and attendees don’t have to listen to sales presentations about products.
“It’s a great concept that serves the RehabZone well,” said Hill.
He also praised the volunteers who plan and run the RehabZone.
“I will say this plainly – without the efforts of the volunteers, especially on the committee, the RehabZone would not happen,” Hill said. “From Co-Chair Jessica Williams (Avanti), to Troy Cubero (Saertex), Brian Gibson (R-Textiles), Jason Larson (ProKasro USA), Chris McAleenan (Industrial Technology Group/PipeTech), Clayton Muenchmeyer (Michels), Nick Patrick (Vortex), and Matt Wierzchowski (PPG), all were so instrumental in making everything run smoothly.
“And we can’t forget Robert Carpenter who guided us, and Gerry Muenchmeyer who gave us great ideas for new technologies to incorporate with existing displays. The committee would be remiss if we did not all give Karen Francis, convention director, a big round of applause for everything she did for us. She was the glue.”
The RehabZone is presented by Underground Infrastructure magazine and NASSCO, in cooperation with the Utility Engineering & Surveying Institute of ASCE, and the Water Environment Federation’s Collection System Committee. It is funded by sponsoring organizations and participating companies. Hill said donations always are welcome for this unique and generic rehabilitation industry event. UI
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
David Hill, (314) 910-3294, dhill@sakcon.com
Jessica Williams, (281) 956-3111, jessica.williams@avantigrout.com
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