No-Dig North Heading to Niagara Falls, Oct. 28-30

No-Dig North is quickly becoming the go-to trenchless conference to attend for underground infrastructure professionals across Canada.

The 2024 iteration of No-Dig North is returning to the eastern side of Canada with a stop in Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls Convention Centre. The goal of this event is to advance the state of Canada’s underground infrastructure via trenchless technologies via a platform of networking and education.

What to Expect at No-Dig North

“We focus on showcasing innovations, promoting best practices, facilitating networking, addressing challenges and fostering sustainability. These goals align with the overarching aim of No-Dig North to drive progress in the underground infrastructure sector, improve practices, and support the professional development of those involved in this field,” says Matthew Izzard, executive director of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT). “Particular thanks should go to the 2024 No-Dig North planning chair Ashley Rammeloo, and the technical program chair Hiva Mahdavi, for producing such an excellent program.”

Presented by NASTT and its Canadian chapters, No-Dig North 2024 features a slate of pre-conference good practice courses on Oct. 28 and two days of vetted technical sessions, an ever-growing exhibit hall and networking opportunities Oct. 29-30.

“This show brings world class learning and engagement opportunities to the doorstep of Canadian municipalities,” says Ashley Rammeloo, MMSc., P.Eng., director of Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Environment & Infrastructure for London, Ontario. “Trenchless inspection, construction, and rehabilitation should be a critical set of tools in any infrastructure management plan, and we want to make sure Canadian municipalities are aware of the capabilities of today’s trenchless technologies.”

Rammeloo along with Hiva Mahdavi, PhD, P.Eng., regional conveyance leader for Canada East at Stantec, and a team of dedicated volunteers, are looking forward to the continued growth of this Canadian-focused trenchless conference and trade show is now in its fifth year.

No-Dig North 2024 organizers report a nearly sold-out exhibit hall and a well-vetted two days of technical presentations.

A Focal Meeting Point

“No-Dig North is the focal meeting point for those involved in the trenchless industry in Canada. High quality peer reviewed technical presentations, networking opportunities and exhibitor engagement are what set No-Dig North apart,” says Izzard. “I am always amazed at the positive energy No-Dig North builds in creating real opportunities for everyone. Presentations bring new innovations or research to the audience in a shared experience. So many industry experts will be available to discuss projects firsthand. We are delighted to collaborate with NASSCO, who are running a day-long presentation track on Oct. 29, adding further diversity to the program.”

To help spread the knowledge shared at No-Dig North, the technical papers will be available for free download to attendees and will become part of NASTT’s Knowledge Hub resource library – a new section on the revamped nastt.org website.

The No-Dig North conference begins at 8 a.m. Oct. 29, with an opening breakfast featuring a keynote presentation by Marcello Gruosso the COO of the Niagara Parks Commission that oversees the Niagara Falls and more. The commission maintains more than 3,274 acres of parkland along the entire length of the Niagara River. The NASTT Canadian chapters will also bestow their annual Canadian Project of the Year awards for new installation and rehabilitation at the breakfast.

“This year over 70 Municipal & Public Works Scholarships are available, providing firsthand contact with engineers, contractors and suppliers. This year will also be the first time No-Dig North has a Student Program as we invest in our future,” says Izzard. “No-Dig North is a rapidly growing conference, and as we head to Niagara Falls, we seek to continually improve the attendee experience. In Ontario we expect a huge draw of attendees from the surrounding area, promising to be one of the best conferences yet before we return to Vancouver in 2025.”

Networking Is Key

Aside from the typical coffee networking breaks during the day, No-Dig North’s organizers have provided two additional opportunities to connect. There is the 5:30-7:30 p.m. networking reception with exhibitors on Oct. 28.

New this year is the ticketed Tuesday evening offsite networking event at the Niagara Falls Power Station. There, attendees will be able to descend 180 ft in a glass-paneled elevator and explore the 2,200-ft long tunnel, leading to an observation deck right at the river’s edge. It’s important to note that this event requires a separate ticket and includes transportation, the tour and light canapés. A cash bar is available.

What Sets No-Dig North Apart?

“No-Dig North is one of the few events in Canada that focuses specifically on trenchless technologies,” says Rammeloo. “For the municipalities, it’s at this show that you will find the greatest concentration of consultants and contractors that have these specific tools to help you manage your systems, and where you can connect with your colleagues who may be facing similar challenges as you. For the contractors and consultants, this is where you’ll find a broader cross section of Canadian municipal staff as well as making great connections and partnerships with each other.”

She adds, “Everyone benefits from connecting with more people who can team up and find solutions for effectively managing our infrastructure.”