In early May, Chairman Dec Downey, Vice Chairman Sam Ariaratnam and I attended one such outstanding Affiliate event – NASTT’s annual No-Dig Show in Chicago. At the NASTT No-Dig, we ran into a number of fellow ISTT members who were participating in the conference. Andrezei Kuliczkowski, PFTT; Sam Ariaratnam, ISTT Vice-Chairman and NASTT; and Juan Gutierrez, CISTT presented technical papers that were well received by attendees. Paulo Dequech and Sergio Pallazzo, ABRATT, were there promoting their upcoming Latin America No-Dig to be held in July in Sao Paulo. Derek Choi, CHKSTT, was also there taking in the conference and exhibition.

In early June, Sam Ariaratnam and I head to Cartagena de Indias to participate in the Colombian Society’s first official conference as a member of ISTT – CISTT No-Dig. Also in June, Dec Downey attends the Singapore National Water Week to promote the ISTT 2010 International No-Dig to take place in Singapore in November.

Anticipation is building for the 28th Annual International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for 8-10 November at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 2010 International No-Dig promises to be a huge success. We have had to expand the exhibit space to accommodate the demand of exhibitors. The conference will feature over 50 technical papers presented by authors from more than 20 countries.

At the 2010 International No-Dig, ISTT will formally recognise distinguished contributions in the trenchless industry. ISTT No-Dig Awards have been presented annually to deserving individuals, companies and organisations since 1986. All Award winners receive formal recognition at the No-Dig Gala Dinner and are listed on the ISTT website. We are accepting applications for the Awards through 30 July.

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I encourage any ISTT member who in 2009 participated in innovative programs and projects in the areas of (1) academic research, (2) trenchless projects, (3) new trenchless tools, material or systems, or (4) a student paper on trenchless to apply for the award. Applications can be made on the ISTT website www.istt.com

The 2010 International No-Dig has it all – technical presentations by experts from throughout the world; an exhibit that features the latest in trenchless products and services; and a program that provides attendees an opportunity to network and that recognises recent achievements in the industry. If you have not already made plans to attend, I encourage you to do so. I invite you to go to www.nodigsingapore.com to find out more about the 2010 ISTT No-Dig.

I send everyone best wishes and hope to see you in Singapore.