November 2023 Vol. 78 No.11
Features
Underground Infrastructure Conference preview: Powerful education, networking await at UIC
Technologies and sustainability practices for underground infrastructure are always evolving. Staying ahead of the curve is a necessity. By attending the 2024 Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), Tuesday, March 19, to Thursday, March 21, in Oklahoma City, Okla., you can develop your skills and take advantage of strategic networking in just two-and-a-half days during this exciting event.
Designed in collaboration with industry experts, UIC’s meaningful program emphasizes the three defining infrastructure pillars – construction, rehabilitation and asset management. Program tracks will dig into relevant topics covering everything from Sewer and Water and HDD to Asset Management and Energy issues.
Did you know that employers must establish procedures and methods in accordance with OSHA for safe entry into confined spaces? To help keep workers safe in these tight locations, NASSCO will present a four-hour workshop on confined space awareness training.
Also, Will Huggins, Oklahoma City deputy director-utilities, will give an insightful keynote address during the Sewer and Water program. These are just a few of the informative sessions and tracks awaiting you at UIC.
Leading up to the main event, the Center for Underground Infrastructure Research & Education (CUIRE) will host training schools on Monday, March 18, offering unique engineering/inspector curriculums, including HDD, Pipe Schools, SAPL and Microtunneling/Pilot Tube Schools.
For an even greater interactive experience, the exhibit hall is an effective learning environment for professionals eager to stay ahead of industry trends. From state-of-the-art machinery to groundbreaking software solutions, exploring the exhibit hall isn’t just about marveling at the latest equipment or tools; it’s about making informed decisions for future investments. The connections made with exhibitors can pave the way for strategic partnerships, giving you access to resources that can revolutionize your approach to underground utility projects.
Speaking of exhibitors, if you want to showcase your equipment or technologies to this great industry, contact Karen@UndergroundInfrastructure.com. As an exhibitor, you’ll enjoy complimentary registration and free promotion in Underground Infrastructure magazine.
Attend UIC and surround yourself with other like-minded professionals and subject matter experts as you discuss cutting-edge trenchless and open-cut solutions for our aging infrastructure. Share insights and network during fun events like the Underground Infrastructure Awards, the MVP luncheon, the exhibit hall mixer and the bi-annual HDD Reunion and Hall of Fame celebration. Understand the latest equipment in the exhibit hall and how it can be used to maximize efficiency on job sites.
Seize the opportunity to enhance your skills, mitigate risks, and contribute to your organization’s success, by registering today at UI-Conference.com. Rates start at $50! Join your peers at the conference, and let’s unearth a future of possibilities together!
Build skills for a competitive edge
UIC’s educational sessions offer a unique opportunity to acquire and hone skills that are directly applicable to real-world scenarios. It’s not just theoretical; it’s a hands-on, practical guide to navigating the challenges and complexities of underground infrastructure. Sessions are led by industry experts and major associations including the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA), National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO), and the Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA). The program qualifies for PDHs that are reviewed and granted by the University of Texas at Arlington (CEUs are also available).
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to supercharge your career. Explore UIC’s critical infrastructure tracks, packed with essential content to expand your skills. See the session descriptions at UI-Conference.com and register today.
- Asset Management
- Asset Management/I&I
- Asset Management/I&I/Sewer Situations
- Damage Prevention & Safety
- Emerging Tech
- Energy Issues
- HDD Hall of Fame Panel**
- HDD Mini and Max Rig Contractors Roundtable**
- HDD Operations**
- Industry Issues & Trends*
- NASSCO Sewer & Water Safety Workshop
- Oklahoma Case Histories/City Panel*
- Projects*
- Sewer & Water
- Sewer Operations/Case Histories
- Sewer Operations/Close-Fit Liners
- Sewer/Water KEYNOTE
- Technology*
- WaterWorks
*Organized by the Underground Construction Technology Association
** Organized by the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association
Invest in your future
Registration is open! Attend the renowned Underground Infrastructure Conference and access your most valuable educational and networking opportunity of 2024.
For details, visit UI-Conference.com and take advantage of this amazing, one-of-a-kind event.
Full-conference rate $690
For a limited time, use code UIMAG and pay only $495
Equipment and eechnologies in the Exhibit Hall
Here’s your chance for a tactile exhibit hall experience. Exhibits are open Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. This allows you to learn about the equipment and technologies you heard about during the informative sessions on a one-on-one basis. You’ll see familiar companies showcasing their latest equipment and technologies alongside new, innovative players. Here’s the list of companies that have signed up as of October 27. Check the website for the current list and make plans now to visit the exhibit hall!
EXHIBITORS as of Oct 27
ACE PIPE CLEANING INC. Booth 544
AEGION-INSITUFORM TECHNOLOGIES LLC-
UNDERGROUND SOLUTIONS INC. Booth 711
AKKERMAN INC. Booth 812
AP SENSING AMERICAS. Booth 726
AVANTI INTERNATIONAL. Booth 933
BROWNLINE USA INC. Booth 613
BUCKHORN PUMPS INC. Booth 515
CCI PIPING SYSTEMS/ Booth 706A
COMPOSITE ACCESS PRODUCTS (CAP). Booth 706B
CPM PIPELINES. Booth 800
DSI UNDERGROUND. Booth 516
E&M SUPPLY GROUP/ Booth 606
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY SYSTEMS INC. (GSSI). Booth 804
HARDROCK INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES. Booth 612
HDD TECHNOLOGY, LLC DBA ADTECH MOTORS. Booth 503
HERRENKNECHT TUNNELLING SYSTEMS. Booth 502
HTS PIPE CONSULTANTS. Booth 627
INDUMAR PRODUCTS INC. Booth 715
INNOVATIONS AMPLIFIED. Booth 803
INROCK. Booth 709
INTERPLASTIC. Booth 626
LADTECH INC. Booth 706C
LOGAN CLAY PRODUCTS LLC. Booth 707
MADEWELL PRODUCTS CORP. Booth 733
MCCAIN WATERWORKS MARKETING. Booth 808
MCELROY MANUFACTURING INC. Booth 601
NUFLOW TECHNOLOGIES. Booth 732
OMEGA LINER COMPANY INC. Booth 932
PRISUM TECHNOLOGIES. Booth 714
PURPLE WAVE AUCTION. Booth 326
SEWPER COAT AN IMERYS BRAND. Booth 616
SPECIFIED UTILITY ASSOCIATES INC. Booth 412
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES. Booth 532
SUBSURFACE INSTRUMENTS INC. Booth 401
SUNBELT RENTALS. Booth 816
TECHNOGENIA LASERCARB OKLAHOMA. Booth 513
THE STRONG COMPANY INC. Booth 607
THOMPSON PIPE GROUP. Booth 605
TRUMBULL MFG. Booth 1014
TULSA RIG IRON. Booth 603
UNDERGROUND MAGNETICS. Booth 712
UNI-BELL PVC PIPE ASSOCIATION. Booth 508
UNITED RENTALS. Booth 600
WARREN ENVIRONMENTAL. Booth 512
WESTLAKE PIPE & FITINGS. Booth 501
Networking makes opportunities multiply
Education and innovation are essential, but the real magic happens when like-minded professionals come together to network and collaborate. Networking opportunities are strategically woven into the fabric of the event, ensuring that every moment is a chance to connect with industry experts, peers, and potential collaborators.
From networking during education sessions to casual conversations while exploring the exhibit hall, and the camaraderie fostered during lunch, the exhibit hall reception, and the special events, every interaction is a potential door to new opportunities.
On Tuesday, March 19, the Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA) will host the highly anticipated annual MVP luncheon. Co-sponsored by Underground Infrastructure magazine, this event is the perfect opportunity for the sewer and water industry to come together and honor the invaluable contributions the 2024 MVP has made to keep the infrastructure thriving.
Additional eagerly anticipated events include the Underground Infrastructure Awards, taking place Tuesday evening. The awards will celebrate the very best in infrastructure-related projects and outstanding individuals who made a significant contribution to the industry.
The HDD Hall of Fame ceremonies and HDD Reunion have become extremely well-attended celebrations of a special industry that has forever left its mark on utility and pipeline construction. Join us on Wednesday, March 20, during the morning educational session for a special session with the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. In the evening, the HDD Reunion will not only formerly present the class, but the reunion always brings people together – plus a few other surprises.
Building a robust professional network is not just about career advancement; it’s about creating a support system that can provide insights, guidance, and collaborative solutions when faced with challenges. Be sure to add these special events to your UIC registration!
Book your hotel early
Experience luxurious amenities with exceptional service at UIC’s headquarters property, the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. Conveniently located next to the Oklahoma City Convention Center, this property boasts the famous Bob’s Steak and Chop House, the OKC Tap House featuring local brews, Park Grounds which is considered the neighborhood espresso bar, ice cream shop and deli and the Mokara Spa. Rates are $209 per person plus tax. Visit UI-Conference.com and book early as rooms sell out fast.
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame promises to relive old memories, build new ones
For our HDD industry colleagues, we have something truly special in store on Wednesday, March 20. The HDD Reunion and Hall of Fame induction ceremony, hosted by the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA) and Underground Infrastructure, promises a day of interactive education including hearing from the Hall of Fame class and their representatives, and an evening of networking and celebration. Witness the induction of industry stalwarts into the prestigious Hall of Fame, followed by a lively and engaging reception. This unique event is bound to create memories that will last a lifetime.
2024 HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
- J. Marcus Laney (deceased)
- Former partner and president, Laney Inc.
- Ed Malzahn (deceased)
- Former Chairman, Charles Machine Works Inc. (Ditch Witch)
- Steve Akerman
- Founder, C & S Directional Boring
- Mary Andringa
- Chair Emeritus, Vermeer Corporation
- Curtis Howard Allen (deceased)
- Regional Sales Manager, Baroid (Halliburton)
- Jim Agnew
- Vice President of Operations, INROCK Directional Drilling.
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