North America's largest trenchless technology conference and exhibition returns 21–25 March 2027 to downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.
Dates
21–25 Mar 2027
City / country
Raleigh, United States
Venue
Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center
Event overview
The NASTT No-Dig Show is North America's largest trenchless technology conference and exhibition, bringing contractors, engineers, utility owners, manufacturers and municipal decision-makers together in Raleigh for five days of peer-reviewed technical sessions, hands-on equipment displays and structured networking.
The 2027 edition runs 21–25 March at the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, a downtown venue within walking distance of hotels and restaurants.
Buyers come to compare rehabilitation, new-installation and inspection technologies, attend Good Practices Courses and meet project teams delivering underground infrastructure renewal across the United States and Canada.
TL;DR
See working equipment and compare rehabilitation methods side by side, attend peer-reviewed sessions that address real project problems, and meet utility and contractor teams who specify and deliver trenchless work. The compact downtown venue keeps technical sessions, the exhibit hall and networking events within easy reach.
The show puts exhibiting companies in front of municipal and utility decision-makers, consulting engineers and contractors with active pipeline renewal programmes. A focused five-day format and a technical audience make it efficient for launching equipment, demonstrating capability and building project pipelines.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
3Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
Entrances & gates
Main entrance
Primary visitor entrance on South Salisbury Street.
Public decks within walking distance; accessible spaces on the first level of each garage. Rates are set by The Car Park.
The venue states it adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and publishes an accessibility guide; contact the venue for specific assistance.
Food options
Complex Brew, Downtown Raleigh restaurants
On-site diningParking: Closest public decks are on Lenoir Street between Salisbury and Fayetteville, Lenoir between Salisbury and McDowell, Davie between McDowell and Dawson, Cabarrus between McDowell and Dawson, and Salisbury between Cabarrus and Davie. Accessible spaces are on the first level of each garage; decks are operated by The Car Park, not the venue.
Gate: Use the main Salisbury Street entrance for registration and the exhibit hall. The R-LINE downtown circulator stops at the main entrance.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Registration is required. Bring photo identification and the confirmation email to the registration desk; badges must be worn visibly on the show floor.
Ticket notes
2027 registration rates were not published at the time of this listing. Expect separate full-conference, one-day and exhibit-hall options, with member and non-member pricing.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 200
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,200
Exhibitors: 220
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 2026 No-Dig Show in Palm Springs drew more than 2,000 attendees and more than 200 exhibiting companies across a five-day technical and exhibition programme.
New this edition
Raleigh debut
The No-Dig Show comes to Raleigh for the first time in 2027.
Downtown venue footprint
The Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center places the exhibit hall, technical rooms and hotels within a compact downtown district.
Impact
The show matters because it compresses the trenchless buying cycle: utility owners, specifying engineers and contractors see equipment demonstrations, compare rehabilitation methods and sit in the same technical sessions. For suppliers, five days in Raleigh deliver concentrated access to North American project decision-makers.
Audience quality
The audience is technical and specification-led rather than general public. Municipal and utility engineers, consulting firms and specialty contractors arrive with active rehabilitation and new-installation programmes, so conversations tend to be about methods, standards, site conditions and procurement rather than broad brand awareness.
Exhibitor outcomes
Best ROI comes from exhibitors with a demonstrable method or product and a clear application story. Live equipment, project case studies and staff who can discuss specifications outperform generic brochures. Book early for aisle visibility, schedule technical-session speaking slots where eligible, and staff the booth with engineers as well as salespeople.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
North American utilities face ageing water, sewer and gas networks, tighter budgets and increasing pressure to avoid disruptive open-cut work. The No-Dig Show is where owners, engineers and contractors compare trenchless methods and where suppliers can reach the people who write specifications and award projects.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Rehabilitation over replacement
Utilities are extending the life of existing sewers and water mains with CIPP, spray linings and structural liners before resorting to full replacement.
What it changes: Suppliers with verified structural and watertightness performance can win specification work; contractors need trained crews and quality assurance.
Digital condition assessment
CCTV, laser profiling, leak detection and AI-assisted defect coding are being combined into asset-management workflows that rank repair priorities.
What it changes: Data quality and integration with utility asset systems are becoming differentiators alongside inspection hardware.
Workforce and safety pressure
Crew shortages and stricter safety expectations are pushing contractors toward automated equipment, remote monitoring and compact, low-disruption job sites.
What it changes: Equipment that reduces confined-space entry and manual handling has a strong operational case, especially for municipal buyers.
The No-Dig Show is the flagship North American edition; NASTT's No-Dig North and regional training events serve buyers who need a smaller or later-year format.
NASTT 2026 No-Dig North
Calgary, Canada
Most recent No-Dig North before Raleigh; dates and venue from NASTT's upcoming-events page.
websiteTrenchless Elevated
Denver, United States
One-day NASTT event in Denver; dates from NASTT's upcoming-events calendar.
websiteNASTT 2027 No-Dig North
Niagara Falls, Canada
Canadian No-Dig North edition at Niagara Falls Convention Centre; dates announced by NASTT.
websiteCircuit dates from NASTT pages fetched for this listing; confirm before booking.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Closest major airport; taxis, rideshare and rental cars at the terminals.
About 17 miles
to venue
18 minutes
by car
Piedmont Triad International Airport
Alternative airport if RDU fares are high; rent a car or take a connecting flight.
About 90 miles
to venue
1 hour 30 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 150–220 / night
Walkable or short rideshare to the venue; book early because March inventory is tight.
USD 230–320 / night
Closest full-service cluster to the convention center; request a quiet room away from event spaces.
USD 380–550 / night
Quieter luxury base with a 20–30 minute drive; best if you have a car or expense account.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
The R-LINE stops at the convention center main entrance; GoRaleigh local fare is about USD 1.25.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft pick up at the airport; allow 20–30 minutes in traffic.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program and are attending for business meetings or a trade show | — | Weeks to months; apply early |
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel under ESTA for short business visits; check current eligibility and ESTA validity.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for eligible temporary imports; confirm the specific goods and customs procedure with your freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
Raleigh in March is mild and changeable: daytime highs typically 18–21°C (65–70°F), lows 5–8°C (41–46°F), with a realistic chance of rain. Pack layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes for walking between hotels and the venue.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Downtown Raleigh hotels and the convention center generally offer Wi-Fi; confirm whether your show pass includes exhibit-hall Wi-Fi. A US eSIM or local SIM is useful for rideshare and restaurant bookings.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Raleigh is a laid-back Southern city; business casual is normal at trade shows, with a jacket for evening receptions.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (18–20%) and for bartenders and rideshare drivers; taxis and rideshare are cashless.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Book 6–10 weeks out for the best fares; Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals are usually cheaper than Sunday.
Book flightsMost international business visitors need either a B-1 visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Check your nationality and passport validity well before travel.
Estimated cost: USD 185 (visa fee) or USD 21+ (ESTA), depending on nationality
Processing: ESTA usually minutes to 72 hours; visa interviews can take weeks
Fees and processing times are estimates; confirm on the official US government pages.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: RDU is about 18 minutes by car; taxis, rideshare and rental cars are available at the terminals.
Hotel → venue: Downtown hotels are walkable or a short rideshare; the R-LINE circulator stops at the main entrance.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve Raleigh; airport pickups use designated rideshare zones.
Public transit: GoRaleigh and GoTriangle buses connect downtown; the R-LINE loop is free and stops at the convention center.
Parking: Use the public decks on Lenoir, Davie, Cabarrus or Salisbury streets; accessible spaces are on the first level.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: Highs 18–21°C (65–70°F), lows 5–8°C (41–46°F)
Seasonality: Spring is changeable; rain is possible and evenings are cool.
Packing: Bring layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes; add a warm layer for evening receptions.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 23 March 2027
A mid-show weekday gives the technical programme and exhibit floor time to hit full stride while avoiding opening-day registration queues and the final-day wind-down.
Confirm registration, travel dates and hotel cancellation policy — Check that your registration category includes exhibit-hall access.
Build a shortlist of exhibitors and technical sessions — Use the exhibitor list and programme to plan two or three priority meetings per day.
Book flights and airport transfer — RDU is the closest airport; allow 30 minutes for baggage and rideshare.
Download badges, maps and the show app — Save confirmation emails offline and note the registration desk location.
Pack business cards, comfortable shoes and a light layer — Raleigh evenings in March are cool; carry a portable battery for lead capture.
Registration and badge collection
Main entrance, Atlantic Union Bank Convention CenterOpening technical session and market overview
Meeting roomsSupplier meetings on the exhibit floor
Exhibit HallProgramme exploration and product demonstrations
Exhibit Hall and technical roomsNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Museum
About 10 minutes on foot from downtown hotels
A high-quality natural-history museum with a landmark globe and good rainy-day options.
Pullen Park
Park and Family Attraction
About 10 minutes by rideshare from downtown
Historic carousel, train ride and green space for a slower afternoon.
Complex Brew
Coffee shop
In-house venue coffee shop; useful for short informal meetings between sessions.
Downtown Raleigh restaurant cluster
Restaurants and bars
Walkable dinner and drinks options around Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South.
Trenchless buying cycles involve technical validation, budget approval and procurement, so follow-up should be specific and paced rather than a single generic email.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 550–800 / m²
Raw space
USD 450–650 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimated US trenchless-show rates; confirm the 2027 prospectus before budgeting. Shell scheme includes walls and fascia in most venues.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
USD 5000–7200 / booth
Booth
exhibitor · raw 36 sqm
USD 16200–23400 / booth
Hotel
both · mid
USD 230–320 / night
Travel
both · US East Coast
USD 260–380 / round trip
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | USD 5000–7200 / booth | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| Booth | exhibitor | raw 36 sqm | USD 16200–23400 / booth | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 230–320 / night | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| Travel | both | US East Coast | USD 260–380 / round trip | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / day | estimate | 2026-11-01 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip the 2027 No-Dig Show.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main reason for considering the show?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need to compare methods or meet suppliers before a project decision.
Best for
Utility owners, specifying engineers and contractors with active projects
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
Book 6–8 weeks ahead
Risks
Programme clashes
Hotel prices rise late
exhibit
You have a demonstrable product and can staff the booth with technical people.
Best for
Equipment, materials and service suppliers targeting North American buyers
Min. budget
$6,500.00
Timeline
Reserve booth 6–9 months ahead
Risks
Freight and build costs
Staffing opportunity cost
skip
Travel cost or timing outweighs a realistic project or supplier need.
Best for
Buyers with no trenchless project in the next 18 months
Timeline
Revisit next edition
Risks
Missing relationship-building
Competitor visibility
Book with
North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT)
Owner and organiser of the No-Dig Show; publishes the technical programme, exhibitor information and industry guidance.
Event organiser's official website.
Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center
Downtown Raleigh convention venue hosting the 2027 exhibition and technical sessions.
Official venue website and visitor information.
Raleigh Chamber
Regional business chamber that can support referrals, local contacts and visitor information for Raleigh.
Public chamber website; not a show sponsor.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Primary arrival airport for the show, with taxi, rideshare and rental-car connections to downtown Raleigh.
Official airport website; not a show sponsor.
Recommended providers
Official B-1 business visitor and Visa Waiver Program information.
Filter for downtown Raleigh and free cancellation; March inventory is limited.
Compare round-trip fares to RDU; book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best prices.
Exhibition logistics provider; confirm the assigned 2027 show contractor in the exhibitor manual.
Compare travel medical and trip-cancellation cover; check exhibitor liability requirements separately.
Official destination guide for museums, parks and downtown dining.
Badge scanning and lead-capture workflow with CRM export; the show may also offer its own scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
7
References
3
Publishers
7
Date checked
NASTT
Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center
Trenchless Technology
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
