NASSCO’s mission, to set industry standards for the assessment and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure, and to ensure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies, can only be accomplished if current and emerging technologies are made available and understood by contractors, system owners and others aligned to our industry. Reading about new technologies or watching videos on the latest and greatest advances in our field are wonderful ways to learn more, but the best way to really educate people about trenchless technologies is through hands-on displays and demonstrations.

With the busy conference season about to kick off, including the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show (formerly the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo), I want to encourage you to also visit the RehabZone, an interactive display at the 2015 Underground Construction Technology International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for Jan. 25-30 in Houston.

Billed as a “no sales zone,” the RehabZone is an educational arena like no other in the underground construction industry. It walks visitors through a comprehensive and well-conceived demonstration that brings together the best of today’s trenchless technologies for the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure with a hands-on look at what methods have been used in North America over the last 200-plus years.

The RehabZone, which is run by industry professionals who volunteer their time to educate the public, offers scheduled, guided tours to provide insight into municipal history for young engineers and introduce new techniques and equipment to experienced engineers, contractors and public works personnel. If you prefer, you may also experience the RehabZone on your own. There are volunteers positioned throughout the RehabZone who are there to answer questions and guide you as you learn.

During the tour, you can see live demonstrations and gain firsthand experience by test-driving new technologies. The tours are designed to be educational and provide attendees a better understanding of the pipeline rehabilitation industry. As an added bonus, participants in the one-hour tours will be eligible for PDH/CEU credit.

Tour participation is on a first-come basis so advanced registration is recommended. To secure your tour reservation, contact Heather Myers at heather@nassco.org and be sure to include the number of attendees, your preferred tour time and an on-site contact in the email.

With the RehabZone, everyone benefits. The most experienced professionals have the opportunity to learn what they don’t yet know, or learn even more about what they do know regarding America’s aging infrastructure. In the words of the RehabZone’s committee chairperson, Guy Leslie, “There is room for all of us to learn and grow in our positions. Knowledge makes us more valuable individuals and helps promote the world of trenchless technology.”

To learn more about the RehabZone, visit http://rehabzone.org.