information. All can be applied immediately to enhance projects and operations. People leave UCT empowered for the future. "Also, as the first major event for the new year, many private companies and association working committees use UCT as the common meeting platform for preparing and planning for upcoming projects and challenges. A lot of important association committee work is accomplished annually, and several companies and associations even hold board of directors meetings at UCT." UCT Convention Director Karen Francis stressed that the quality and increased number of show attendees was recognized in exhibitor comments and reflected in booth reservations for the 2021 show which are already up more than 12 percent. "In addition to the exhibits, we worked with the Underground Construction Technology Association to include two new features that were both highly successful," Frances pointed out. "The Assessment Zone was added to complement the popular RehabZone. This was an interactive area where attendees saw demonstrations and applications of technologies available to assess the structural integrity of utility pipe, avoiding catastrophic failure. "We also started a Young Professionals (YP) education track this year, organized by the North Texas UCTA chapter, along with a well-attended reception for YPs attending the show," she added. UConOnline.com | MARCH 2020 15http://www.UConOnline.com