April 2023 Vol. 78 No. 4
Features
Underground Infrastructure Conference moves to OKC in 2024
(UI) — The 2024 Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition (UCT) is moving to a later date and a new location. UCT will be held March 19–21 at the just-opened Oklahoma City Convention Center.
And, like other underground infrastructure business these days, UCT continues to parallel the marketplace. The historic event will celebrate its 29th show in 2024 by following its partner magazine, Underground Infrastructure, to modify its title to the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC).
This new name reflects a better, more precise focus on new installation, rehabilitation and asset management. As always, both trenchless and open-cut methods are included in the educational program and on the exhibit hall floor. Case studies, technology, issues and panel discussions will be the emphasis of UIC 2024 in OKC.
Crafting an inclusive program for these areas of concentration can be a daunting task. That’s why UIC will be teaming with several leading industry organizations to develop the best program focused squarely on the underground infrastructure in 2024.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA), NASSCO, Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA), Trenchless Technology Center (TTC), Buried Asset Management Institute-International (BAMI-I), Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) and many more will play an essential role in developing specific topics and panels, as well as reviewing all abstracts.
These educational partners will aid UIC in maintaining its proven reputation as the industry’s benchmark and unequalled informational program.
The established buzzwords of any company working in sewer, water, stormwater, fiber, power, gas distribution and pipeline construction, “underground infrastructure” has become the all-encompassing term for the markets UIC serves.
In fact, “infrastructure” has become an extremely hot political and public area of focus, concern and support through North America and, indeed, the world. The well-known infrastructure spending bill is pumping tens of billions of dollars into the underground markets and will be a point of discussion in many of the UIC educational presentations.
For those who haven’t visited downtown OKC recently, it has become a booming entertainment venue. For several years, OKC has been funding and developing a unique blend of entertainment and eating complexes such as Bricktown, Automobile Alley and Mid-Town, all accessible by a continuously running trolley. There is also Scissortail Park, a large complex directly across the street from the convention center and hotels.
Another can’t-miss attraction is the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture featuring over 200,000 square feet of exhibits.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame
Returning to UIC will be the bi-annual HDD Reunion and Hall of Fame Celebration. Held in partnership with HDDA, the reunion unites both old and young drilling contractors. The event is for all those who have and are participating in the industry, including contractors, owners, engineers and manufacturers, no matter the rig size – from jumbo to mini units.
In short, the purpose of the reunion is to celebrate the comradery that is HDD. UIC has always been the primary event that embraces the groundbreaking technology and continues to do so today.
The HDD Reunion allows established, older or retired drillers to converse with current operators. Attendees, young and old, swap stories, compare and contrast early equipment with modern tools, share experiences, and renew and sustain old friendships. Those new to the industry will gain information and knowledge extremely useful in their current jobs.
The HDD market remains a highly popular, effective and amazingly efficient method to install everything from steel pipe to fiber conduit. HDD continues to experience geometric growth, as virtually every market segment for underground utility and pipeline infrastructure construction heavily utilizes the technology.
In conjunction with the HDD Reunion, a new HDD Hall of Fame class will be inducted. After a thorough review of nominations, a special industry advisory committee hosted by HDDA will announce the 2024 class later this year.
Awards
After the rousing success of the unique and inspirational Underground Infrastructure Awards program (formerly called Underground Construction Awards), the 2024 UIAs will be held in Oklahoma City next March in conjunction with the Underground Infrastructure Conference.
UIAs will honor the accomplishments and special people of the underground infrastructure industry in a unique, personal and deserving fashion. To participate in this special event, we encourage industry members to submit noteworthy products or projects in construction and rehabilitation for markets such as fiber, energy, electric, sewer, water and stormwater.
The program will recognize accomplishments, projects and technology advances that have made a significant impact on the market. Submittal details will be available in the near future. This is a great opportunity to truly recognize and honor the best of the underground infrastructure industry. Sponsorships, tables and individual registrations will be available soon.
Return of the ’Zone
RehabZone (RZ) has been a regular part of the annual UIC since 2002, providing information about technologies and products for trenchless rehabilitation of the sewer and water underground infrastructure. In 2024, the RehabZone will again have a special section within the exhibit hall of the conference.
A self-paced, walk-through RehabZone exhibit provides a comprehensive look at modern rehabilitation methods in a no-sell environment. The RZ is a tactile, hands-on learning experience to evaluate and educate attendees first-hand about rehabilitation technologies.
Industry experts are available to provide details in an arbitrary manner. For proprietary questions, the RZ experts will refer attendees to the exhibit hall where personnel are available to address specific aspects of their products. There is also a full schedule of technology demonstrations to further illustrate the capabilities of rehab technologies.
The RehabZone is funded annually through the generous sponsorships of active trenchless rehabilitation companies. For more information about participating in the RehabZone, contact David Hill, SAK Construction, dhill@sakcon.com, or Jessica Williams, Avanti International, jessica.williams@avantigrout.com
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