The last North American Tunneling (NAT) show was in 2018. Since then, an unduly large gap of four years (it should only have been two) has opened up and was due to the great disruptor – Covid. But thankfully, the pestilence is now on the wane and life slowly returns to normal, albeit having resulted in a huge cost in human life and global disruption.
READY TO GO
A total of 1,152 visitors attended the 2018 event and this year’s show looks like it will equal that figure: the organizer, SME, expects over 1,000 attendees from around the world. In addition, there will be 20 sessions with 98 technical papers covering the entire spectrum of tunneling activities, as well as a series of technical short courses. It is confirmed that more than 125 companies will exhibit. So, it looks like we can look forward to a busy and productive show.
Going to such conferences has become an established practice for many seasoned tunneling professionals. However, less experienced or younger delegates may be interested to read a few tips on how to get the maximum benefit out of the event. Below are a few simple guidelines that will help achieve this:
PRE-REGISTRATION
Pre-registration can save having to join a long line of delegates queuing on the opening day of the conference. Early-bird rates can also save time and money.
RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GO
A glance at the show program or the organizer’s website will reveal which papers are to be given. With nearly 100 on offer at NAT this year, there are bound to be at least a handful that will be of interest to every delegate. However, parallel streams may bring difficult choices if say, two preferred favorites are on at the same time. There is no better way to waste time at conference than to dither as to which paper to attend while the presentations are in full flow.
Currently, the big theme in tunneling – and probably for a long time to come – is sustainability. Numerous technical papers will focus on this crucial theme, as well as new products and services designed to make tunneling ‘greener’. But to travel possibly thousands of miles and miss out on the latest innovations would be unfortunate. Again, prior research is key.
Who will be exhibiting and what will be on display? Events such as NAT can be showcases for the latest technical innovations. But also for product launches that will allow early on-site dialogue with the manufacturer or supplier.
NETWORKING
Face-to-face events provide ample opportunities to network. Whether delegate or exhibitor, the opportunities will be there to develop new business and relationships, as well as to renew old friendships, make introductions to fellow consultants, engineers and potential customers – and even greet some of those competitors. The lockdowns proved that trade events can continue successfully online, but nothing beats face-to-face interaction.
TRADE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Look out for any new developments immediately prior to the event. This will include information in trade magazines, websites and on social media, whether from the event organizers or exhibitors.
BE PREPARED
Whether mentally or physically, trade shows can be exhausting for attendees. So:
- Be physically prepared and fully rested before each day.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
- After lunch, aim to go for a walk outside to get some fresh air, become energized and ready for the afternoon sessions.
- Consuming excessive alcohol in the evenings is not a good idea if you want to be at your best the next day.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Don’t forget those all-important business cards.
- A backpack is a good solution to lug around all those brochures and freebies you are likely to collect.
With a minimal amount of preplanning, together with a few sensible precautions taken during the show, NAT should prove to be a worthwhile, informative, enjoyable and potentially profitable event.
Further details regarding NAT2022 can be found at:
www.natconference.com/
