The ASTT welcomed the ISTT to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre for the trenchless event of the year, No-Dig Down Under 2013, which saw 1,364 visitors attend the show over the three days.
The event officially began with an Oktoberfest-themed Exhibition Opening, sponsored by HOBAS, where delegates enjoyed the chance to network at a “÷beer and bratwurst’ themed evening. Featuring more than 140 booths from 124 exhibitors, the exhibition hall was a constant stream of activity where delegates could view the latest in Trenchless Technology.
Conference Opening Ceremony
The conference began with an opening performance and “÷welcome to the country’ by Indigenous Representative Matthew Doyle, who demonstrated the versatility of the didgeridoo and how it can be played to mimic native Australian animals. His cultural display was followed by a welcome message from Gold Sponsor Pezzimenti Tunnelbore’s Jim Shooter. Mr Shooter gave an inspiring presentation on how the industry has changed since Pezzimenti Tunnelbore began in the Australasian market, and the passion it inspires to those in the industry, stating that trenchless “÷gets into your blood’.
The keynote presentation was delivered by newly-initiated ISTT Chairman Derek Choi. Mr Choi was initiated into the role at the ISTT’s annual board meeting, held on Sunday 1 September 2013 in Sydney. He has taken over the role from Dr Samuel Ariaratnam, who has served for the last three years. In passing the role over to Mr Choi at the ISTT Board Meeting, Mr Ariaratnam described his term as “÷an honour and a privilege’, saying a highlight of the role has been the opportunity to visit Affiliated Societies and experience their hospitality and cultures. He also thanked past-Chairman Dec Downey for his ongoing support and invaluable advice, and thanked immediate past-Vice Chairman Derek Choi, who he described as being like a brother, for being a sounding-board to bounce ideas off during his term as Chairman.
In his keynote presentation, Mr Choi looked at how far the ISTT has come since its inception in 1986, as an organisation with only three board members, to its current position having 28 Affiliated Societies, ten Executive Subcommittee members, a Vice Chairman, and a Chairman. Mr Choi talked about some of the ISTT’s recent initiatives extending Trenchless Technology in regions where the market is under-developed, which has included masterclasses in Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India.
As the new ISTT Chairman, Mr Choi outlined the ISTT’s focus under his Chairmanship, which he described as having three key priorities: continuing the expansion of the trenchless industry in developing markets; bringing trenchless education to younger generations when they are starting their careers; and engaging the industry in new ways, including embracing social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
The technical program
The conference’s technical sessions were comprised of 60 individual sessions held over three days, covering 18 different topics, with speakers representing 15 different countries. These were well attended and provided an opportunity for delegates to hear and learn from trenchless experts from all over the world.
On Monday night, delegates gathered for a boat cruise on the iconic Sydney Harbour, sponsored by Vermeer. Under the stunning backdrop of the world famous Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, delegates took the opportunity to mingle and network.
Tuesday featured a well-attended Trenchless Think Tank, where a panel of trenchless experts discussed and debated pertinent issues for the trenchless community. The Think Tank initiative was started at the ISTT’s 2012 Sao Paulo conference as a means for experts within particular regions of the globe to share knowledge on current issues. The session will act as a catalyst for experts within that region to take ideas and strategies back to their Society to overcome challenges. To read more about the session, turn to page 24.
Gala Dinner & Awards Evening
That evening, delegates gathered for the Gala Dinner, where they enjoyed a sumptuous three course meal and were treated to entertainment by world-renowned corporate entertainer and speed painter Brad Blaze.
During the Gala Dinner the ASTT and ISTT Award winners for 2013 were also announced.
Winners of the ASTT Awards were:
Project of the Year – New Installation
The Gladstone Harbour Crossing project, Coe Drilling. This project was profiled in the September 2013 edition of Trenchless Australasia. Visit trenchless-australasia.com to read more about this project.
Project of the Year – Rehabilitation
The Sydney CBD – Bennelong Stormwater Channel Rehabilitation, Kembla Watertech. To read more about the project, turn to page 32.
New Technology Intersect Technology and Gyroscopic Steering, Coe Drilling.
Person of the Year Aurelio Pezzimenti, Pezzimenti Tunnelbore.
Young Person of the Year Joe Alphonse, Kembla Watertech.
Winners of the ISTT Awards were:
Project of the Year – New Installation Large Diameter & 3D Curved Pipe Jacking Technology, Fujian Dongchen Geotechnical Foundation Engineering Company, China.
Project of the Year – Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of Lidcombe, Auburn and Granville (LAG) Sewer Mains, Interflow, Australia. To read more about the project, turn to page 38.
New Product Rectangular Pipe Jacking Machine, Alpha Civil Engineering, Japan.
Academic Research Systematic Image Quality Assessment for Sewer Inspection, National Quemoy University, Taiwan.
Looking ahead
The day after the Gala Dinner the ASTT Award winners presented on their winning projects at a keynote breakfast session. Following a final round of technical sessions, the conference drew to a close on Wednesday with a closing ceremony. Here the winners of the Best Booth Award and ISTT poster competition were announced, and delegates were treated to a “÷taste of Spain’ as the ASTT handed over to the Iberian Society for Trenchless Technology, who will host the 2014 No-Dig event in Madrid.
Generously supported by Event Partners HOBAS, Interflow, Kembla Watertech and Vermeer, the event was a huge success for all involved. No-Dig Down Under 2013 confirmed the strength of the trenchless industry, both in Australasia and internationally.
POST-EVENT SURVEY RESPONSES ON EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:
- Practical case studies and presentations
- Discussions about patented technology – the next big thing
- Quality of papers and networking with contractors on stands
- Great weather and venue
- Discovering new technologies and meeting new contacts
- International case studies
- Well delivered, informative papers
- Great opportunities to create new networks and reinvigorate old ones.