“The Big Show”
NUCA Faces Down Country’s
Economic Woes at Utility Construction EXPO ‘09
A calm desert wind kicks up the dry dust. The lone contractor’s gaze piercing the haze as he stares down the Man in Black. Riding from town to town, the mysterious man leaves a trail of job shortages and a crippled economy. Tall and lean, our heroic contractor is hungry for work and ready to collect the bounty on the Man in Black. The contractor’s Peacemaker isn’t a Colt — it’s the knowledge and experience gained from Utility Construction EXPO ‘09 “The Big Show.”
 From March 4 to 6, contractors from all over the country will gather in Phoenix to see the latest steel steeds from major manufacturers like John Deere, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Case, Ditch Witch, Volvo, Vermeer and many more, hear speakers like George Hedley’s “The Economy is Slower — Now What? 18 Shots You Must Take Now” presentation and talk with other NUCA members about their latest challenges, successes and what’s to come in ‘09.
 Having the right equipment, technologies, products and services can make any job easier, but it doesn’t guarantee that everything will run smoothly. For that, EXPO ’09 is offering educational sessions that will help contractors make informed business decisions — whether it involves purchasing equipment, training operators or saving on fuel.
In the interest of giving EXPO exhibitors additional forums where they can share their expertise and experience with utility contractors, NUCA is having them lead this year’s sessions.
 As always, there will be celebrity speakers to make attendees think about their lives and businesses in new ways. First on the agenda will be John Powers — television personality, Broadway producer, professor, author and motivational consultant. Friday’s keynote address will be given by none other than NFL superstar and stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots.
In addition to covering what contractors need to know, EXPO ’09 will cover whom they need to know with social events that provide opportunities for both networking and fun, including the opening scholarship golf tournament, Welcome Reception, Auction and Presidents’ Ball.
Travel Details
 Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
The cornerstone of Phoenix’s development and renewal, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel is conveniently located at the heart of this growing city. Adjacent to the Phoenix Convention Center and five miles from the Sky Harbor International Airport, this 31-story hotel redefines the city’s skyline. Boasting 1,000 guest rooms, modern meeting space, restaurants with exceptional city views, a large outdoor pool and an onsite fitness center, you’ll feel comfortable while surrounded by great dining, shopping and night life.
 Reservations
You must make your room reservations by calling the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown at 866-837-4213. Clearly identify yourself as attending NUCA’s Utility Construction EXPO to get the discounted group room rate of $214 for a single/double. Reservations received after Feb. 11 are subject to availability and the discounted group rate cannot be guaranteed.
Important
 Note: A deposit equal to two nights’ stay is required to hold each reservation. Cancellation policy: A nonrefundable two-night deposit is charged at the time of booking.
Transportation
AVIS Rent-A-Car is offering first-rate car rental discounts to all Utility Construction EXPO ‘09 attendees. For more information, contact AVIS at (800) 331-1600. You must use the EXPO ‘09 discount number (AWD J789526 ) to receive the discount.
Schedule of Events
| TUESDAY, MARCH 3 - PRE-EXPO ACTIVITIES |
| 7 - 11 am |
COMMITTEE MEETINGS |
| 12:30 shotgun start |
NUCA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT |
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Ocotillo Golf Club
Managed by Troon Golf, Ocotillo Golf Resort adheres to the highest standards of course conditions and customer service, creating an incredible experience at what has become known as one of Arizona’s finest daily-fee facilities. Designed by Ted Robinson, Ocotillo Golf Resort opened in 1986 and quickly gained recognition as a 4 Star facility and a “Must Place to Play” by Golf Digest Magazine. A traditional-style course, Ocotillo Golf Resort’s lush fairways, cascading waterfalls and colorful flora offer a unique contrast to the desert landscaped courses that permeate the Valley. The water features are both beautiful and dramatic and are an integral part of Robinson’s vision. The layout offers generous fairways and landing areas, creating birdie opportunities for golfers who think their way around the course. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the NUCA Foundation for Education and Research scholarship programs. Separate registration required. |
| 7 - 9 pm |
WELCOME RECEPTION
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Sponsored by Caterpillar |
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The Arizona Science Center
Welcome to Phoenix! The Arizona Science Center provides exploration, education and entertainment for all ages. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Heritage and Science Park, the Science Center is a unique landmark designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock. The combination of ramps, hallways, galleries, and terraces in this 140,000-squarefoot building creates an intriguing environment of investigation and discovery. The Science Center is a short walk from the Sheraton Phoenix. Please help us kick off Utility Construction EXPO ’09! Join your friends and colleagues for a wonderful evening of networking and exploration. |
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| WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 |
| 8 - 9:30 am |
OPENING KEYNOTE BREAKFAST, FEATURING JOHN POWERS
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Sponsored by Case
Construction Equipment |
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The winner of two Emmys for his work in television, John Powers created and hosted a PBS series on how to be an effective public speaker and has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television shows, including Oprah and Today. Powers’ business background includes creating and producing his own musical — Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? — and founding the Powers of Motivation Institute. He is the author of numerous books, including the bestselling novel The Junk-Drawer Corner-Store Front-Porch Blues. In the spring of 2007, the publishers of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series released Powers’ latest book, Odditude: Finding the Passion for Who You Are and What You Do. The Keynote Breakfast will also include the presentation of NUCA’s Associate of the Year award. |
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| 9:30 am - 12 pm |
EXHIBIT HALL GRAND OPENING
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The Valley of the Sun plays host to the only underground utility construction show in America. The exhibit hall at Utility Construction EXPO ’09 The Big Show will feature an impressive display of heavy construction equipment, as well as the latest technologies, products and services being offered by the leading manufacturers and suppliers. And don’t miss out on the opportunity to win exciting giveaways each day that the exhibit hall is open. |
| 12:30 - 1:30 pm |
EDUCATION SESSIONS |
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Understanding Equipment Spec Sheets
Properly interpreting factory information can be of great help in avoiding the miss-sizing or misapplication of equipment and therefore can save contractors money. Learn to appreciate the details behind the “numbers” so you can compare Apples and Apples, not Apples and Oranges. |
Safety Standards and Best Practices Shaping the Utility Construction Industry
The sheer volume of today’s safety standards and regulations is mind-boggling and can quickly take a contractor’s mind off the most important thing — making jobsites safer for employees. Learn from legal experts about best practices for compliance without losing track of the reality of the jobsite. |
Machine Control and Telematics Solutions
Wireless communication to more effectively manage construction equipment operations is rapidly gaining market acceptance. Knowing more about where machines are located, how they are being used and the service required on them provides opportunities to increase utilization, more effectively manage equipment maintenance and automate billing. Hear equipment experts discuss this technology and share key insights to even greater operating efficiency. |
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| 1:45 - 2:45 pm |
EDUCATION SESSIONS |
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Meeting Future Emission Standards
This session reviews current emission regulations and the industry’s approach to meeting Tier 4 standards. Come to learn more about alternative fuel options (e.g., biodiesel) as well as the pros and cons of other emerging nontraditional energy sources. |
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Trenchless Technology
Trenchless pipelaying has become popular with utility contractors in recent years. Hear executives from major trenchless equipment manufacturing companies — TT Technologies, Utilicor Technologies and Barbco Inc. — talk about their art, new technologies and market expectations. |
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Red-Hot Legal Issues
Our economy is churning and legal issues that directly affect contractors are swinging broadly right along with it. New laws are being written and new regulations are coming down. Hear construction industry lawyers talk about relevant red-hot legal issues, including immigration law and contracting in a uncertain economy, and get your questions answered. |
| 2:45 - 5 pm |
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
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| 7:00 pm |
NUCA AUCTION “PAINT THE TOWN RED!” |
Co-Sponsored by Komatsu America and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. |
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Anyone who has attended a NUCA Auction knows that it’s not only an important source of funding for the association’s educational programs and lobbying efforts, but also tremendous fun. This year, please join us for some good food and good times as we Paint the Town Red! What’s up for bid in both silent and live auctions ranges from the ridiculous (Three Stooges tie) to the sublime (exotic vacations) with all sorts of can’t-miss, must-have items somewhere in between. If you are interested in donating items or cash in support of NUCA’s vital initiatives, call NUCA at (800) 662- 6822. |
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| THURSDAY, MARCH 5 |
| 7:30 - 9:30 am |
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Served outside the education session rooms. |
Sponsored by CNA Insurance. |
| 8 - 9 am |
EDUCATION SESSIONS |
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Saving on Fuel and Lubricants
Fuel costs are killing contractors, but there are remarkably effective, commonsense ways to combat the trend. Hear tips from the manufacturers who design the power trains in your equipment about economizing without sacrificing performance. |
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Turning Novice Operators into Skilled Operators
Hear from equipment manufacturers about exciting new initiatives and tools for world-class operator training, including portable virtual-simulation technologies to simulate real-world tasks. |
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Contractors Speak to Manufacturers
A panel of utility contractors will hold forth on a variety of topics related to equipment manufacturers, including: what they expect from manufacturers and dealers; why contractors tend to favor one brand or dealer over others; equipment and technologies that contractors want to see on the market; and what contractors wish equipment salesmen knew about their business. |
| 9:15 - 10:15 am |
EDUCATION SESSIONS |
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Evaluating Condition, Value and Life of Construction Equipment
Knowing “when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em” very much affects profitability. Manufacturers employ very specific parameters for determining machine life and evaluating wear. Contractors that understand proper techniques for evaluating their equipment are way ahead of the game. Equipment manufacturers will share their evaluation criteria in this informative session. |
Insurance and Bonding in a Changing Construction World
More than ever, contractors scrambling for business need to be mindful of the basics of properly insuring and bonding jobs in a litigious society and increasingly regulated construction world. Hear from a highly respected insurance industry expert and share your thoughts. |
Economic Outlook Forum
North America’s economy is changing more rapidly now than in any other decade due to rising energy prices, a falling dollar, the sub-prime mortgage melt-down and other factors. This forum will examine where it is all heading, what can be done and how we plan for 2009 and beyond. |
| 10 am - 1 pm |
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN |
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| 1 - 2 pm |
EDUCATION SESSIONS
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Future Construction Equipment Technologies
The future is now. Learn how some of the latest innovations in equipment technology are changing the way you do business now and into the future. |
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Equipment Financing Options
With revenues lower and margins getting squeezed all the time, how you finance new and used equipment can make a big difference in your profit and loss. Manufacturers work hard to provide solutions to support their customers. Come and hear the people who make your equipment tell you about financing options that help contractors avoid expensive pitfalls. |
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Condition-Based Maintenance
Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is an approach that utilizing a set of analytical tools that optimize not only the life of components and lubricants, but also your maintenance budget. Learn how correct interpretation of “messages” from your machines can make the difference between poor performance and exceptional uptime. |
| 2:15 - 3:15 pm |
EDUCATION SESSIONS |
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Equipment Manufacturers Speak to Contractors about Manufacturing, Supply and Distribution
Learn from the upstream end of the equipment Supply Chain. How does it work and where do you fit in? What goes into the manufacture, distribution and support of the equipment you buy? More importantly, how does it affect your business and how can you make it work for you? |
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Rigging & Materials Handling Safety
Contractors that buy expensive equipment and lay expensive pipe often trip up by not using proper slinging, handling and transport means or not investing in up-to-date equipment and training for handling pipe. Damaged pipe takes away profitability and makes for an unsafe workplace. Hear what some pipe distributors want you to know about how to handle their products. |
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Making Sense of Standardized Contract Documents: What’s Best For You?
Standards developing organizations (SDOs) that produce and standardize consensus documents for the utility construction industry are in a tug of war over standardizing documents that you use for your protection. Every contractor needs to understand the contracting templates available and how these are changing to meet new legal and regulatory requirements. |
| 3 - 5 pm |
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
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THURSDAY EVENING IS FREE! |
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By popular request, we have left this evening wide open for you to network with colleagues, take in a fine restaurant and explore the arts, culture, and many places of entertainment right at your fingertips in the Valley of
the Sun. |
| 8 - 9:30 am |
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST, FEATURING NFL SUPERSTAR, TEDY BRUSCHI
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Sponsored by John Deere/Hitachi |
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It has been said that Tedy Bruschi’s life story is a lesson in the rewards of hard work, perseverance and courage.
A star linebacker and defensive leader on the New England Patriots’ three-time
Super Bowl championship team, he suffered a stroke in February 2005 at the age of 31. After surgery, he began the hard work of rehabilitation and recovery, and eight months later walked back onto the football field and shared the NFL’s 2005 Comeback Player of the Year Award with Carolina’s Steve Smith. Now preparing to start his 11th season with the Patriots, Bruschi has also become a spokesman for the American Stroke Association. And, with Michael Holley, an American television and radio sports commentator and writer, he wrote the book Never Give Up, which relates the inspiring story of his stroke, recovery and remarkable return to football. |
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| FRIDAY, MARCH 6 |
| 9:30 am - 12 pm |
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN |
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| 12:30 - 1:30 pm |
EDUCATION SESSIONS
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Combating Equipment Theft
Construction site equipment theft is a nationwide problem that costs the U.S. economy more than $1 billion a year, and that does not include project interruption costs. This seminar provides critical information to equipment owners, worksite managers and insurers about: why construction site equipment theft is so widespread; the true cost of equipment theft to equipment owners; steps that can be taken to combat the problem; why, how and what thieves are stealing; cost-effective measures to ensure that you are not thieves’ next target; the importance of information sharing; and new security technologies for varying situations. |
The Business of Political Involvement
Contractors that avoid the political and regulatory process are flying blind. And it’s not all in Washington. Everything — taxation, employment regulations, government bids, employee benefits, contracting law, etc. — is the result of political action. Hear NUCA lobbyists explain the political landscape and why you should become politically engaged. |
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| 1:45 - 3:00 pm |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING |
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Open to all NUCA members. Featuring keynote speaker George Hedley’s presentation “The Economy is Slow...Now What?” |
| 6:30 pm |
PRESIDENTS’ BANQUET
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“A Starry Night”
A dark night sky hung with brilliant stars is the magical theme of this year’s Presidents’ Banquet. Don your elegant best (black tie optional) and join us for an evening filled to the brim with wonderful food, live music and dancing under a canopy of stars. The festivities also include the presentation of NUCA’s Ditchdigger of the Year award, the swearing in of new officers and a few words from the association’s outgoing and incoming presidents. |
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