The South African Society of Trenchless Technology (SASTT) is currently in the process of deciding whether or not it will host its regular No Dig conference in 2016 or 2017. A major deciding factor will be whether South Africa wins a bid to host the international version of No Dig in 2018.
By Frances Ringwood At this year’s 24
th annual general meeting of SASTT, SASTT president Sam Efrat announced South Africa’s bid for the 2018 international No Dig conference, held by the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT). “SASST will be represented at the international No Dig conference being hosted in Istanbul in Turkey this September, where we would like to submit our bid to host the annual ISTT No Dig event for 2018,” said Efrat. If SASTT were to be successful in its attempt, South Africa’s local economy would benefit from an influx of international visitors, business networking opportunities and also tourism awareness and spending.
Past experience
“A highlight of 2014 was our No Dig South Africa, held at CSIR International Convention Centre, on 29 to 30 July. There were 85 delegates registered, compared to 70 in 2011. 20 companies exhibited and the standard of the local and international presentations was excellent. At the event we had Dr Dec Downey and Dr Sam Ariaratnam, both past presidents of ISTT. Given the success of the event, SASST is considering holding another such event in 2016, although it may take place only in 2017 in order to accommodate key members’ existing commitments. SASTT members’ have also suggested that if No Dig were to be held in either 2016 or 2017, Cape Town would be an ideal venue, so that it could serve as a “dry run” for the potential international event – particularly given Cape Town’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. No Dig is an incredibly rich, informative event – it presents an educative opportunity for all involved in the dynamic and innovative discipline at Trenchless Technology (TT). Last year’s ISTT No Dig in Madrid saw 325 delegates from 29 countries as well as 1 000 visitors from more than 32 countries. In addition there were 80 companies exhibiting. Hosting the event in South Africa would be a tremendous win for the local TT industry.
