The North American Society for Trenchless Technology’s mission is to spread the good news of trenchless technology — innovative construction techniques that minimize surface disruption when installing or rehabilitating underground infrastructure.
While the national organization sets the tone for industry standards, research and large-scale events, it’s the regional chapters that breathe life into the mission at a local level.
Grassroots engagement
NASTT’s regional chapters serve as the grassroots arms of the organization, bringing the trenchless message directly into communities across North America. These chapters are organized geographically, with 12 regions:
- British Columbia
- Great Lakes/St. Lawrence/Atlantic
- Mexico
- Mid Atlantic
- Midwest
- Northeast
- Northwest
- Pacific Northwest
- Rocky Mountain
- South Central
- Southeast
- West
Each chapter has professionals from a diverse mix of sectors, including municipalities and other government agencies, engineering firms, utility companies, academia and contractors.
These local hubs foster leadership development and grassroots participation. By engaging with a regional chapter, members not only contribute to the growth of trenchless technology in their area but also help shape how the industry evolves on a broader scale. Local involvement offers members the chance to get involved with municipal infrastructure improvements, identify regional priorities and support environmentally responsible solutions.
Regional events
One of the most impactful functions of NASTT’s regional chapters is hosting local and regional events. These events range from networking mixers and technical luncheons to larger-scale conferences and trade shows. A few notable examples include the Western Regional No-Dig Conference and the Rocky Mountain Trenchless Elevated Conference. These gatherings provide attendees with the opportunity to see the latest technology in action, hear from top-tier experts and connect directly with peers facing similar challenges.
What makes these regional events particularly valuable is their focus on practical, area-specific issues. Whether addressing soil conditions in the Midwest or urban congestion in the Northeast, the events ensure that trenchless solutions are tailored to the needs of the local infrastructure.
Networking and community building
At its core, the strength of NASTT’s regional chapters lies in the connections they foster. Local events and chapter meetings provide a less formal, more accessible venue for relationship building. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor, a municipal project manager or a new engineering graduate, chapter events offer meaningful opportunities to connect, share experiences and form long-lasting professional relationships.
Chapters often host networking socials, site visits and “lunch and learn” sessions that encourage open dialogue. These informal interactions frequently lead to business opportunities, collaborations and mentorships — essential ingredients for career development in a specialized industry like trenchless technology.
Sharing ideas
In addition to networking, regional chapters provide an ideal platform for members to share ideas, successes and lessons learned. Presenting case studies and real-world project experiences at chapter events helps promote best practices and encourages innovation. These knowledge exchanges are vital for the evolution of trenchless techniques and for ensuring project success across different environments.
NASTT’s regional chapters are more than just administrative divisions. They’re dynamic communities that connect professionals, empower innovation, and drive the trenchless industry forward. By providing localized education, training and networking, these chapters ensure that the benefits of trenchless technology reach every corner of North America. For anyone involved in underground infrastructure, joining a regional chapter is an invaluable step toward making meaningful, lasting contributions to the industry.
To learn more about your regional chapter or to get involved with NASTT at the regional level, reach out at info@nastt.org or visit nastt.org/about/regional-chapters.
