August 2012, Vol. 67 No. 8
Features
WESTT No-Dig Goes to Ontario, CA
If you are involved with trenchless construction or are planning to be involved, the 8th Annual Western Regional No-Dig Conference & Exhibition to be held in Ontario, CA, on Oct. 29-30, is a must-attend event to obtain the latest technical information to ensure a successful project.
With the increase of installation and rehabilitation work in underground networks (water, sewage, gas, communication lines, etc.) in the last few decades, it’s time to plan your to trip to California’s Inland Empire and learn about the latest in trenchless technology from experts in the field.
The Western Society for Trenchless Technology (WESTT), along with media partner Underground Construction magazine, are sponsoring the regional conference, which is designed to provide all the benefits of a national conference in a smaller format. Registration for the first day of the conference includes an informative technical program and product exhibition area. On the second day of the conference, two 8-hour NASTT Good Practices Courses will be offered: Pipe Bursting and New Installation Methods. Attendees may participate in either or both days of the conference (see rates in sidebar). For more information on course content and instructors, go to www.NASTT.org/training.
Location, location, location
Situated in southwest San Bernardino County, Ontario is located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and is a growing city with more than 165,000 residents. The city is well on its way to being the Global Gateway in Southern California with 3.8 million square feet of office space under development, and Ontario is home to the 15th largest cargo airport in North America. The Ontario area is also the apex of three major freeways, making access to other popular Southern California attractions easy to reach, making it an ideal location for conference attendees to meet.
Commenting on who would benefit from attending this regional conference, WESTT Chairman Jason Lueke, Ph.D., P.E., said, “The conference is useful to public officials, engineers, utility company personnel, designers and contractors alike who are involved with designing underground infrastructure. Industry experts will present case studies that are peer reviewed covering a cross section of trenchless technologies that include condition assessment, inspection, rehabilitation and more.”
Lueke said attendees would find the comments from the keynote speaker, Keith Hanks, assistant division engineer for the Public Works Bureau of Engineering for the city of Los Angeles, of particular interest. “Keith will be addressing the topic, One Million Feet of Trenchless in Los Angeles, that will provide an overview of trenchless work that has been ongoing or is being planned in this area,” he added.
According to Lueke, conference organizers are expecting another good turnout for this year’s event. “We recognize that the tougher economy plays a significant role in attendance, so we’ve adjusted our regional conference rates to better accommodate them by reducing the daily rates and introducing a special government employee rate for both the conference and the short course,” he said.
He added that attendees will benefit from not only the nine peer reviewed presentations and 20 sponsored exhibits, but conference goers will be able to meet with industry experts in a fun, relaxed atmosphere during several networking opportunities.
“There are two scheduled session breaks and lunch in the exhibit area,” said Lueke. “An evening cocktail reception is also planned for the first day of the conference for attendees to mingle with their peers, friends, industry professionals and exhibitors alike.”
Reservations
Take advantage of this year’s lower registration rates (see sidebar). Registrants will receive a full day of presentations and networking with exhibitors, a choice of one NASTT Good Practices Course (Pipe Bursting or New Installation), Continuing Education Units (CEUs), the NASTT No-Dig 2012 CD Proceedings, in addition to sponsored breakfasts, luncheons and refreshments.
The venue at Ayres Boutique Suites Ontario offers a European-style retreat in the heart of Ontario. Travel is made easy with complimentary hotel shuttle service to LA/Ontario International Airport, Ontario Mills Mall and nearby businesses.
For hotel reservations, call (909) 937-9700. To receive discounted room rates, mention the “WESTT Conference” for an $89 single/double occupancy room. Book early to save as room rates are only guaranteed until Oct. 8.
For program questions, contact Jason Lueke (480) 965-7417. For general conference registration questions, contact Matthew Wallin (916) 294-0095. Or visit the conference web site at www.nastt.org/westt for conference details and to register online.
Established in 2004 as a non-profit organization, WESTT includes Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Hawaii. WESTT is a regional chapter of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), which is affiliated with the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT). The mission of each society is to advance the science and practice of trenchless technology for the public benefit through education, training, study and research.
Fees
Technical Program & Exhibition – Oct. 29
Standard Registration Rate† $250
Early Bird Discount (by 10/15) ‐$50
NASTT Member Discount ‐$75
Government Employee Rate‡ $75
NASTT Good Practices Courses – Oct. 30
(Choice of Pipe Bursting or New Installations)
Standard Course Rate† $425
Early Bird Discount (by 10/15) ‐$50
NASTT Member Discount ‐$75
Government Employee Rate‡ $225
† Both discounts may be used, if applicable
‡ Discounted government rate available until 10/15/2012
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