This continuing interest and support for Trenchless Technology in Australia and New Zealand as well as internationally, led to the formation of further agreement between ASTT and GSP for GSP to become the Society’s official Conference Organiser for the 7th National Conference and Exhibition to be held in Sydney from 2-5 March, 2008. Our faith in Chris Bland and his very professional team at GSP has not been unfounded. In liaison with the Conference Organising Committee led by John Monro, Vice President of ASTT, the 7th ASTT National Conference and Exhibition has all the hallmarks of being an outstanding event.

It is therefore with a great deal of pleasure that I invite those with an interest in any aspect of the Trenchless Technology industry – as well as those who feel they may benefit from knowing more about what the technology has to offer – to this year’s National Conference and Exhibition. The event will be held at the Waterview Convention Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. The Centre is set in parklands overlooking Lake Belvedere, and as it will house both the conference and exhibition areas it will make for both convenient and beautiful surroundings.

I acknowledge the wonderful support provided by the platinum sponsor for the event, Vermeer; gold sponsors in Interflow and Vinidex; our silver sponsor, Kembla; bronze sponsor Parsons Brinckerhoff and additional sponsorship by Digital Control Incorporated. Not only does the ongoing success of these events depend on such generous support, but it also demonstrates the confidence these companies have in the future of our industry.

The extensive program of papers and presentations is headed by internationally renowned experts in their field who will provide an insightful view of the Trenchless Technology industry from their unique and strategic viewpoint. I refer to James Thomson, founder of international company Jason Consultants, who, some may recall, brought his own inimitable style to the ASTT’s very early series of lectures and presentations introducing the principles of Trenchless Technology. Professor Ian Moore, the Canadian Research Chair in infrastructure engineering at Queens University will discuss sewer and culvert deterioration, and Andy Lukas – Executive Director of one of the world’s most respected HDD companies, the AJ Lucas Group – will speak on the future of HDD.

The Conference presentations will feature many learned papers and significant international and local case studies which will be of interest to those in the fields of asset management, risk management, underground economics, innovation in new installations and rehabilitation as they relate to the management of underground infrastructure. This conference program will be accompanied by an Exhibition featuring some 54 exhibitors showing some of the latest international methodologies, techniques and equipment in the field of Trenchless Technology. The exhibition space has been extended to cater for the increased level of participation in this eagerly awaited event.

For the first time the ASTT will recognise the best in the industry in Australasia when it presents the Australasian Trenchless Technology Awards at the Gala Dinner to be held during the Conference. The social program has been carefully prepared to cater for a wide variety of interests for accompanying persons. In fact, everyone attending the ASTT Conference and Exhibition in Sydney will leave with either new acquaintances, rekindled past relationships, a keen understanding of where the technology is heading and wonderful memories of a well-planned event which recognises the ever expanding role of Trenchless Technology in Australia and New Zealand.

I look forward to meeting you at the 7th National ASTT Conference and Exhibition in Sydney on March 2-5, 2008.

Menno Henneveld

Chairman, ASTT