Industry pioneer James C. Thomson will present the keynote address on developing microtunnelling and pipe jacking markets and technology. Mr Thomson has worked professionally in the construction industry for more than 45 years and founded Jason Consultants, leading international consultants in all forms of Trenchless Technology and utility tunnelling, in 1979.

Mr Thomson is acknowledged as an authority on soft ground utility tunnelling, pipe jacking and microtunnelling, and jacked structures. His expertise in this specialised field dates back to 1958, when he pioneered the development and use of pipe jacking techniques. He is currently the lead author for a five book compendium on Microtunnelling and Pipe Jacking, of which the first volume will be available in late 2007.

We are also very pleased to welcome international keynote Dr Ian Moore who will be presenting the keynote paper on sewer and culvert deterioration and its implications for design of liners.

Trained at the University of Sydney in Australia, Dr Moore holds the Canada Research Chair in Infrastructure Engineering at Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario. His more than 160 technical publications examine both conventional and trenchless installation and replacement of buried metal, concrete and thermoplastic pipes, contributing to North American and other codes of practice.

Australian industry visionary Andy Lukas will also be presenting as a keynote speaker.

In addition to the full technical program which is currently being compiled, other papers looking at the trenchless industry from new and unique angles will be presented. Greg Rudd from lobbying firm Open Door Consulting will ask the question “Why isn’t trenchless a household word?” Greg will explain how the industry is underselling itself to government and the media, and what can be done to change this.

Along similar lines, one of Australia’s leading economists will look at the economic conditions which have and will lead to the increasing use of trenchless technology, including ground-breaking analysis of the true economics behind trenchless construction.

Technical Program

The remainder of the conference is shaping up well and other innovations in the technical program include a “Trenchless Boot Camp” to open the event. This will be the perfect jumping-on point for anyone new to Trenchless Technology, or an ideal re-fresher for old-hands who just want to brush up on their knowledge or get a general overview of the industry beyond their own patch. A bonus post-event program of certified training is currently being developed, keep your eye out for updates on this or contact us today to be kept informed.

The conference will include a strong focus on asset management, tailored to suit representatives of local councils and others responsible for underground assets. Issues to be examined include: inspection and condition assessment; data collection and evaluation; repair schedules; rehabilitation strategies and options; risk assessment and more.

Social Program

The Social Program is also shaping up as a major attraction with highlights including the great trenchless golf challenge, the exhibition opening cocktail party, a pirate themed harbour cruise and of course the gala dinner and awards night.

Exhibition and Sponsorship

The exhibition sold out in record time and more space is currently being sought for those on the waiting list. Well over forty individual companies will be exhibiting. Major sponsors have also come on board and we would like to welcome silver sponsor Kembla Watertech, bronze sponsor PB and basic sponsor DCI. These companies join the platinum sponsor Vermeer and gold sponsors Interflow and Vinidex. There are a small number of excellent sponsorship opportunities still available, so contact us today if you are interested.

Registration now open

Registration is now open for the event and early bird rates are available until October 23. Accommodation is now available through the conference at the Novotel and Ibis Hotels. Delegates are strongly encouraged to get in quickly to avoid disappointment.