Event Overview:

Dear Trenchless Professionals:

San Diego proved to be one of the best No-Dig conferences in recent memory. Attendance was a record number with more than 1,600 municipal personnel, engineers, consultants, contractors and academia attending. Technical paper submittals were a record and paper quality was stellar. “Riding the Wave of Trenchless Technology” proved to be the theme of the year, exemplifying the continued growth in trenchless technology. More than 122 exhibitors presented examples of new products and technologies from North America and around the world. Post-conference educational sessions were standing room only in many cases. The educational auction raised nearly $37,000 for the continued support of our student chapters. Now comes the challenge: Make it better for 2008.

No-Dig 2008 will be held in Grapevine, Texas, at the Gaylord Texan from April 27-May 2. This Dallas-area venue provides a central location for maximizing attendance potential. We have a larger exhibition hall than San Diego, but at this point, we have 33 percent of the available floor space sold. Companies are requesting larger booths. If your company has plans to exhibit at No- Dig 2008, I would encourage you to reserve space now. There will be more than 100 peer- reviewed technical papers on many aspects of trenchless technology presented by experts in the industry. Topics including case histories, theoretical models, municipal planning, design/build and assessment concepts will be presented. Gravity and pressure pipes will be discussed. We will also open the forum to sewer, storm water and potable water presentations. Mainline trenchless discussions, as well as lateral discussions will be held. The successful and well attended “Mock Trial” will once again enjoy a timeslot in No Dig 2008.

Our plans for No-Dig 2008 would be incomplete unless we included the Annual Educational Auction. In past years, we have continued to receive increased funds from this auction, which benefits our student chapters. The offerings in 2008 should once again provide something for everyone to bid on.

The golf in Texas is always exiting. The outing planned for 2008 should provide a unique challenge for both experienced and novice golfers. Prize packages for participants will be expanded.

Entertainment and dining at the Gala Awards Dinner have been the delight of the conference. The upcoming event in Texas will continue to uphold that tradition. The entire entertainment venue is currently being planned by the Program Committee. Spouse events will include a variety of events for family members attending the conference.

Pre- and post- conference short courses will continue to provide an excellent opportunity for training for municipalities, contractors, consultants and material suppliers. A complete list of educational opportunities at No-Dig 2008 will be posted on the www.nodigshow.com web site.

I encourage you to review the offerings for 2008 in Dallas and register early!

Warmest wishes,

Kaleel Rahaim
Interplastic Corporation
2008 No-Dig Show Program Chair