Underground Construction - August 2019 - 14

HDD Reunion To Unite Past, Present and Future
When horizontal directional drilling began to spread like wildfire in
the late 1980s and 1990s, it was obvious that this disruptive technology was forever changing the face of utility and pipeline construction.
From the Wild West atmosphere in the early days to the sophisticated
digital technologies of today, HDD has become an established, essential technology for all underground utility and pipeline markets.
Though its history is relatively brief, HDD players quickly became
a fraternity of visionaries. Many remain in the market today
while others have since moved on or retired. Second- and even
third-generation family members are now serving the surging HDD
market. Big rigs are more active than ever while mid-sized rigs have
established a powerful and diversified niche. Small rigs continue to
become more refined and still represent the greatest market volume
with work, as in the 90s, driven by the explosive telecom market.
To honor this unique, tight-knit community, a special HDD
Reunion will be held at the annual Underground Construction
Technology International Conference & Exhibition. Established, older or retired drillers will be able to converse with current operators
to swap stories, compare and contrast early equipment with modern

HDD Reunion Schedule
Tuesday, Jan. 28-Thursday, Jan. 30
* HDD Educational Program @ UCT including the annual
HDD Contractors Roundtable
* HDD Exhibition
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 4:30-8 p.m.
* HDD Reunion Networking Reception
* Introduction of 2020 HDD Hall of Fame Class
For more information, go to uctonline.com, hddreunion2020
or send an email to hddreunion2020@gmail.com.

Industry Support
To make this special HDD Reunion possible, leading HDD companies
are stepping up to become the Founding Sponsors and support their
friends and customers.
To date, founding sponsors include:
* JT Miller
* Tulsa Rig Iron
* Derrick Corporation
* LaValley Industries
* Century Products
* American Augers
* INROCK Drilling Systems, Inc.
* TT Technologies
* Underground Construction Magazine \ UCT
To become an exhibitor and HDD Reunion Founding Sponsor,
contact Jenna Rutan, jenna.rutan@gulfenergyinfo.com, (713) 520-4413..

AUGUST 2019 | UConOnline.com

tools, share experiences and renew and sustain old friendships.
Those new to the industry will find the information and knowledge
they gain extremely useful in their current jobs. The event is for all
those who have participated in the industry throughout the years
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.

UCT/HDD partnership
It's fitting that the event will be held in partnership with the 25th
anniversary year celebration of UCT. As HDD caught fire and
exploded onto the utility and pipeline marketplace in the 90s, UCT
was the primary event that embraced HDD and continues to do so
today. Contractors and related personnel still flock to UCT to learn
from the industry's most extensive HDD educational program, "kick
the tires" on new equipment and network with their peers.
Plans also include creation of the first HDD Hall of Fame. A
special industry committee is currently considering the long list of
HDD activists for the first class to be inducted. The Hall of Fame will
be maintained annually in conjunction with UCT and Underground
Construction magazine.
Other reunion activities currently scheduled are a special
networking reception on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Fort Worth
Convention Center. Beginning shortly after the UCT exhibit hall
closes, the reception will run from 4:30-8 p.m. During the party, the
2020 Hall of Fame Class will be formally introduced.
Founding Sponsors are making this historic event possible with
their exclusive support of the HDD Reunion. Participants will be
able to find these stand-out companies on the exhibit hall floor and
at the reunion reception.

Value
While there will be a $25 charge to attend the reunion, attendees
get their money back and much more by contacting any of the
founding sponsors for a special registration code. That code will
provide free exhibit hall passes and discounts for the primary
HDD Educational program at UCT. Attendees will also be treated
to complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvre at the HDD Hall of
Fame Reception and a custom-designed HDD Reunion T-Shirt. In
all, registered attendees will receive values up to $500.
No one could have anticipated the eventual impact to follow
when in the 1960s Dick Melsheimer patented a small, directional
boring concept for electric line installations, followed by Martin
Cherrington's game-changing developments with large rig applications. Those efforts yielded the remarkable status of advancing
HDD into its current role as an essential, efficient and productive
technology.
The HDD Reunion will be a rare opportunity for the HDD to
unite and celebrate its success. *

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Underground Construction - August 2019

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