2009 International No-Dig Show: A Global Experience

Dear Trenchless Professionals,

You know that excited feeling you get when you hear people talking about a conference a year in advance? The momentum is building. People are getting excited. People want to get involved. That is what’s happening for the International No-Dig Show slated for 29 March – 3 April, 2009, in Toronto. This year’s No-Dig Show is truly special as NASTT is very proud to be co-sponsoring this worldwide event with the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT).

The International No-Dig Show program is driven and developed by a group of NASTT and ISTT members called the Program Committee. Their spirit of volunteerism and hard work will result in a high-quality information exchange for everyone who will attend in Toronto. By the time you read this letter, our planning committee has already met to review abstracts and lay-out the technical paper program.

Nearly 200 high-quality abstracts were submitted for consideration, surpassing the number of abstracts submitted in past years. This outpouring of interest indicates strong growth in the trenchless technology industry – not only here in North America – but also from around the world. International papers from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Taiwan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will be presented, showcasing innovative new ideas in the global trenchless marketplace. (All papers will be presented in English.)

No-Dig attendees may choose to attend from among 140 of the most interesting and compelling papers published and presented, all of which will be carefully peer-reviewed for relevance, usefulness and non-commercialism, and make a long-lasting contribution to the trenchless technology industry. Paper presentations are arranged in a 5-track schedule by subject matter. Full conference registrants will take home CD-ROM conference proceedings of published papers.

Conference organizers predict that overall participation in the International No-Dig Show will reach record numbers especially with the international delegates in attendance. The ISTT has invited its 23 affiliated societies to get involved by attending, presenting a paper, exhibiting or sponsoring the show. Nearly 2,000 people from around the world are expected to attend.

The exhibition area has increased in size from previous North American No-Digs, and already 50% of booth space is reserved. Several top industry manufacturers have stepped forward to sponsor the international No-Dig Show, and more are coming. Exhibiting and sponsoring is a great opportunity to get your company name in front of a global audience focused entirely on trenchless technology. It’s not too late to get involved – sponsorships and premium booth spaces are still available.

In addition to the quality technical paper presentations and large exhibition hall, the Program Committee works diligently to offer an educational, yet fun No-Dig program and plenty of opportunities for networking. The show offers specialized seminars, awards and recognition, and entertaining events that you won’t want to miss. All of this will take place under one roof at the stylish and comfortable Sheraton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto.

The host city of Toronto, with a growing population of 4.7 million people, offers warmth, energy and cultural diversity for the No-Dig crowd. Toronto is an intimate metropolis featuring some of the best the world has to offer in dining, shopping, creativity, entertainment and sports. Enjoy fabulous regional attractions and breathtaking vistas including nearby Niagara Falls and the wine region, outstanding theatres and galleries.

Things are definitely looking “up” for the International No-Dig Show, and this is only the beginning! Come see for yourself. Join us in Toronto, 29 March – 3 April, and experience this truly global event. For more information, visit us at www.nodigshow.com.

Warmest Regards,

Joe Loiacono
2009 International No-Dig Program Chairman