Editor’s Note

On behalf of the Pipelines 2013 Steering Committee, we would like to invite you to the beautiful City of Fort Worth, Texas, where one thing doesn’t change—the friendly, helpful service that is the hallmark of true Texas hospitality! The Pipelines 2013 Conference will be held June 22–26 at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth’s renowned cultural and entertainment district.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Pipelines and Trenchless Construction and Renewals: A Global Perspective.” The conference will create a forum for utility and pipeline owners, design and consulting engineers, and pipeline experts from around the globe to gain valuable knowledge related to constructing, renewing, operating, managing, and maintaining lifeline assets. We are confident this year’s conference will set a new record for participation.

Conference attendees will have a chance to attend the preconference workshops and technical sessions and visit more than 50 exhibitors from industry leaders. The conference begins Saturday, June 22, with the Pipeline Research Needs Symposium (traditionally held every six years) and continues on Sunday, June 23, with three full-day preconference workshops covering Large-Diameter Water Transmission Pipelines, Seismic Design of Pipelines, and Design of Horizontal Directional Drilling Projects. On Sunday afternoon, June 23, there will also be an exceptional opportunity to participate in a sporting clay tournament, and on Sunday evening, there will be a networking reception with friends and colleagues.

The conference program officially gets under way Monday morning, June 24, when attendees will have an opportunity to register for the conference and attend a plenary breakfast session with a keynote address from Frank Crumb, P.E., City of Fort Worth Water Department Director. The technical tracks include Pipeline Infrastructure, Pipeline Planning and Design, Pipeline Safety, Risk Management, Condition Assessment, Trenchless Installation of Pipelines, and Pipeline Location and Installations. Those programs start Monday morning and continue through Tuesday, June 25. Also included in this year’s conference is a special track on oil, gas, and applications. Attendees will have an opportunity to attend the awards luncheon on Tuesday with special entertainment along with the 2013 ASCE Award of Excellence and the distinguished Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award.

Our technical presentations will end Wednesday morning, June 26, with a keynote presentation by Mr. David Marshall, P.E., Engineering Director of the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and conference honorary chair. That afternoon, attendees can choose to attend either the hydrogeneration plant and pipeline construction tour at the TRWD new pump station construction or a golf tournament.

We are very excited to bring you this very timely and all-important conference. We not only welcome you to attend, we also encourage you to bring along your guests and children. They will truly enjoy Fort Worth, the many attractions in nearby areas, and unique shopping opportunities.

See you in Fort Worth, Texas!

ASCE Pipeline Division Executive Committee (EXCOM)