MVP Luncheon, HDD Reunion/Hall of Fame Experience Sold-Out Events
The Underground Infrastructure Conference celebrated its 30th anniversary with a return to Houston, home to the original show in 1995. But unlike that first event, which was held in a hotel, UIC 25 was located at the George R. Brown Convention Center and netted more than 30-percent attendance growth from 2024. The annual event is sponsored by Underground Infrastructure magazine.
Not only was there a huge influx of attendees, but the exhibition also included the largest number of booths since 2022. The exhibit floor was anchored by NASSCO’s mobile confined space training simulator. Constructed by SAK Inc., the simulator provided attendees with an opportunity to learn OSHA-compliant confined space protocols through an engaging, hands-on course. It was also open for attendees to tour the amazing new learning tool at their own pace.
The UIC Educational Program was led by an inspiring Keynote Address by Randy Macchi, director of public works for the city of Houston, who shared insights to modernize and optimize infrastructure systems. Other program highlights included extensive presentations on major sewer/water/stormwater construction and rehabilitation projects, microtunneling and safety/damage prevention.
The horizontal directional drilling program tracks included panel discussions with contractors and owners. And, with the resurgence of industry, contractors and owners talked about opportunities, challenges and the future of pipeline construction. Truly, it was a program for all.
Special events
Further, the annual Most Valuable Professional award, sponsored by Underground Infrastructure magazine and the Underground Construction Technology Association, was sold out with 325 in attendance. Honored was long-time Houston-based contractor Mark Boyer. With his outstanding record in market leadership, continued innovation (Boyer holds many construction related patents) and support for the marketplace, the MVP celebration set a new attendance record.
Another packed-house event was the annual Horizontal Directional Drilling Reunion and Hall of Fame ceremony, sponsored by the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association and Underground Infrastructure magazine. Honored were Bryan Tucker, Online Directional; Grady Bell, Bell Trenchless; Vernon Harris, Ranger Directional Drilling; John Mercer, founder of Digital Control Inc.; and Peter Hambling, partner in DCI. Posthumous honors in this class were awarded to: Bob Rankin, AdTech; Frank Forest, Sharewell; Monty Scruggs, Isaacks Directional Drilling; and Gene Carpenter, Horizontal Rig & Equipment.
It was the largest gathering of the HDD marketplace since the inaugural HDD Reunion and Hall of Fame was held in 2020, in Fort Worth, which honored HDD Pioneers Dick Melsheimer and Martin Cherrington.
The Center for Underground Infrastructure Research & Education (CUIRE) also presented its annual Pipeline and Trenchless Technology Training and Certification Schools. As always, this comprehensive program was tailored for public officials, transportation agencies, engineers, utility personnel, and contractors involved in utility construction, renewal, and management.
UIC San Antonio
Next year, UIC moves to historic San Antonio. Many updates and changes are already in the planning stages, designed to bring the marketplace current and cutting-edge educational opportunities, along with the latest in technology. The show also moves back to its traditional time of Jan. 27-28, 2026. Expect the announcement of the exciting changes soon. UI
