Underground Construction - March 2018 - 24

Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition

REVIEW

'Big Easy' a Big Hit With Attendees
of UCT 2018

Crisp spring weather and the
sound of brass bands greeted
guests to New Orleans as the city
buzzed in anticipation of Mardi
Gras throughout the Underground Construction Technology
International Conference and
Exhibition (UCT).
The conference drew a large
and enthusiastic audience in its
23rd year, and attendees gave
positive reviews to both the
event and its Crescent City host.
"The offering was extensive,
well-organized and well done. In
some cases, I wish I could have
been two places at once," said
Peter Merten of H.R. Green, St.
Louis. "The venue (New Orleans)
was a bonus!"
Scott Pestel of Holly Frontier Refining summarized the
comments of many attendees
simply, "Had a great time in the
Big Easy."
As the first major industry
event of the year, UCT has built
a devoted following by uniquely
encompassing all underground
construction and rehabilitation
disciplines - both trenchless
24

MARCH 2018 | UConOnline.com

and traditional methods. It is
the only annual industry event
that brings together contractors,
utility providers, consulting engineers, manufacturers and service
providers into a business and educational environment for both
trenchless and open-cut markets.

Unique educational
programming
In addition to the large exhibition, the unique educational
program which combines panel
and interactive sessions, continues to be an industry benchmark for creative learning and
information.
"The educational level is just
right. This is not an academic or
scholarly conference," said Cleve
Martin of Alan Plummer Associates, a repeat attendee who
believes UCT's focus on practical
education is especially beneficial.
Clarissa Shroeder of Auriga Polymers, was among the many UCT
participants who ranked it highest in educational value of all industry conferences they attend.
Over 1,800 professionals at-

tended more than 80 educational sessions covering every
aspect of building, rehabilitating
and maintaining underground
infrastructure during the threeday conference, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1.
Divided into 12 tracks ranging
from HDD operations and productivity to laterals rehabilitation, the sessions offered attendees a broad selection of tutorials,
interactive presentations, panel
discussions and in-depth case
histories.
"The tracks are very well-structured. I didn't waste any time
sitting through a seminar I
wasn't interested in," said Karen
Warren, Oakland County Water
Resources commissioner, Waterford, Mich.
In addition, eight special preshow programs made up a full
week of educational offerings,
including opportunities to earn
professional development hours
(PDHs) and continuing education units (CEUs) through the
University of Texas at Arlington's Center for Underground
Infrastructure Research and
Education.

RehabZone tests skills,
emphasizes safety
A perennial favorite at UCT since
its launch in 2002, the RehabZone is an interactive learning
experience within the Exhibit
Hall, focused on trenchless rehabilitation, including innovative technologies, installation
techniques, live demonstrations
and opportunities for hands-on
technology test-drives.
The RehabZone is co-sponsored by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies
(NASSCO) and Underground
Construction magazine in cooperation with the Utility Engineering & Surveying Institute
of the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE) and the Water Environment Federation's
Collection System Committee.
Educational stations included
the NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program and
Inspector Training Certification
Program; sectional CIPP, water
main, lateral and manhole lining;
joint and seal repairs, and others
staffed by industry profession-

http://www.UConOnline.com

Underground Construction - March 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Underground Construction - March 2018