DIGGING DEEPER | APRIL 2026
Connecting with Customers and Industry Leaders at No Dig 2026
No Dig 2026 in Palm Springs, California was a great opportunity for the Akkerman team to connect with customers, partners, and industry leaders while supporting the trenchless construction community.
Our sales team arrived a few days early to kick off the week with a team retreat focused on collaboration, relationship‑building, and shared experiences. The retreat brought the team together ahead of a busy show schedule and set the tone for meaningful engagement throughout the week. One highlight was participating in an escape room alongside our long‑term partner, Meghan Squires of Benjamin Media, reinforcing the importance of communication, trust, and problem‑solving values that extend directly into how we work with our customers.
Supporting Industry Education
During the week, Akkerman proudly supported the No Dig Golf Tournament, helping raise funds for the NASTT Educational Fund.
Our team members partnered with representatives from the City of Minneapolis, delivering not only impressive scores but also meaningful conversations and connections throughout the day.
One standout team, anchored by Chris Sivesind, posted an outstanding score of 58, placing them in a multi-team tie for first as they entered the clubhouse. After a scorecard tiebreaker, the team secured an impressive 3rd place overall finish.
A great day of competition, collaboration, and giving back—exactly what events like this are all about.
Meaningful Customer Connections
One of the most rewarding aspects of No Dig is the opportunity to spend time face-to-face with customers outside of the jobsite, but those moments come after long, full days on the show floor. From early mornings to late evenings, our team stays fully engaged, and while dinners with customers are enjoyable, they’re also an extension of the workday. These conversations go beyond casual interaction, they’re where we reconnect, discuss ongoing projects, explore future goals, and strengthen partnerships. It’s demanding, but it’s also where we gain valuable insight that helps us continue delivering dependable equipment and support.
Industry Leadership on Display
The No Dig Conference is far more than a traditional tradeshow filled with booths, literature, and giveaways—it’s a hub of innovation, insight, and shared expertise. Each day features presentations from project owners, engineers, contractors, and industry leaders who have dedicated months of hard work to develop and submit their papers.
A highlight of this year’s event was the leadership shown by Akkerman’s Vice President, Jason Holden, who moderated the inaugural Trenchless Contractor Forum. This 90-minute Q&A session brought together seasoned contractors from across the country, creating a space for open dialogue and knowledge exchange.
The discussion kicked off with the importance of early contractor involvement in trenchless projects and quickly evolved into a dynamic, engaging conversation fueled by strong audience participation.
Panelists included:
- Jon Nix – Nix Construction (UT)
- Luke Minger – Minger Construction (MN)
- Jason Young – Young Construction Company (NC)
- Brian Sherrell – All State Boring (CA)
Events like these reinforce the power of collaboration and thought leadership in driving the trenchless industry forward.
Looking Ahead
No Dig 2026 was a valuable reminder that our industry is built on strong partnerships—between manufacturers, contractors, media partners, and customers. We appreciate everyone who took the time to connect with us in Palm Springs and look forward to continuing those conversations throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of the Akkerman community. We remain committed to supporting your success and strengthening the relationships that move our industry forward.
REGISTER FOR THE MICROTUNNELING SHORT COURSE
Registration is now open for the upcoming Microtunneling Short Course, taking place May 5–7. This course is designed for industry professionals looking to deepen their understanding of microtunneling operations, equipment, and best practices.
Attendees will gain practical insight into system components, project planning considerations, and real-world applications—making it a valuable opportunity for both experienced professionals and those newer to trenchless methods. If you’re looking to strengthen your technical knowledge and stay current with industry advancements, this course is well worth attending.
WATCH THE KANSAS PROJECT
Take a closer look at a recent trenchless project in Iowa, highlighting how Akkerman solutions are applied in the field to deliver efficient, controlled underground installation.
This project showcases the importance of precision, planning, and reliable equipment in real-world conditions—demonstrating how trenchless methods continue to solve complex infrastructure challenges while minimizing surface disruption. Watch the full video to see the process in action and hear more about the project outcomes.
