Apart from the natural and casual hospitality that Australia invariably offers, and an inherent desire to ‘have a go’ when trying new and different ways of doing things, what made this No Dig so successful? A quick summary of the statistics will tell us that the No Dig Down Under 2006 attracted over 1,000 visitors and participants, including 450 delegates from 33 different countries, 90 exhibitors and their staff, and an extensive and impressive range of speakers, presenters, officials and accompanying persons. I spoke with one very excited exhibitor who told me he had sold all the equipment he had on display well before the end of the event. Having spent some considerable time in the exhibition it was no surprise that many of the exhibitors, including those from the other side of the globe also confirmed this was a very successful exhibition.
The standard of presentations from the 80 speakers (held as three well-attended streams) during the conference and interactive workshops was exceptionally high. It reflected well on the International and Australasian Trenchless Industries showing how far the industry has come in the past two decades. As well as clearly demonstrating the impact and application of the latest No Dig equipment, methodologies and materials and ICT technologies, the papers also dealt with a number of strategic industry issues. Topics such as risk management (Arnold Dix), sustainable infrastructure (Ross Young), and sustainability and social issues (Josephine Parker) all auger well for what can only be a very bright future for Trenchless Technology. I particularly enjoyed the presentation by Grant Binns where, in his inimitable fashion, he put forward the contractors view on risk management. It was also very pleasing to have the Co-CEO of our major sponsor Vermeer, Mary Vermeer Andringa, share her views with No Dig participants.
The Interactive Workshops proved a very successful innovation, attracting wide interest and wide and robust participation. With specific workshops on asset management (facilitated by Josephine Parker), HDD (a very practical session conducted by Frank Canon) and a commercially focused Asia Pacific Forum (facilitated by Dec Downey), these Workshops proved a highlight of the Brisbane No Dig. They also added a further dimension to the event by ensuring anyone who attended would have extracted some additional value from their attendance.
Other firsts for this event included daily newsletters distributed to delegates, providing an update of what had occurred during the conference. This was organised by Great Southern Press who also provided an extensive photographic record of the event, all of which is still available on the Trenchless Australasia website.
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The social and accompanying persons programs were outstanding, ensuring everyone left with a lasting impression of Queensland and the warm hospitality of its people. The Gala Dinner and Awards evening was a stand-out, and continued the elevation of significance of the International No Dig Awards. The tours and events organised for the accompanying persons were all sell-outs and were enjoyed and appreciated by all those who participated. It reflected well on the conference organisers, and the level of effort and consideration they put into organising these events.
The success of this event is due in no small way to Andy Krumins and his Conference Organising Committee. Andy’s position is that of Manager Strategic Planning, Policy and Innovation at Brisbane Water and is recognised as a leader in Trenchless Technology developments in Australia. He also brought the wonderful support and backing of Brisbane Water to the event, helping ensure its success. A big thank you to Andy and his Committee from the ISTT, ASTT and all those who participated in the Brisbane No Dig, for the years of effort that went into the planning, development and delivery of this wonderful Event.
The round of Executive Sub-Committee and International Board Meetings conducted by the ISTT in conjunction with the Brisbane No Dig were also very fruitful and provided a number of pleasing and successful outcomes. We authorised the ISTT’s Strategic Plan to the year 2010; proposed an exciting schedule of International No Dig events; and concluded proposals for a series of regional events to be conducted during 2007 which will attract the support of ISTT. The development of the Society’s first Annual Business Plan is also underway.
Menno Henneveld
Chairman ISTT, ASTT
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