From March 4 to 6, 2025, Houston, Texas, became the center of the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) world as the industry gathered for the annual HDD Reunion, held alongside the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC) at the George R. Brown Convention Center. More than just a trade show or professional gathering, the HDD Reunion served as a powerful reminder of the community, progress, and people behind the machines that shape our infrastructure.
The event brought together a wide range of attendees: seasoned veterans with decades of field experience, rising engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants—all with a shared purpose of honoring the past, discussing the present, and preparing for the future of trenchless technology.
Honoring the Pillars of the Industry
The emotional and symbolic heart of the event was the official induction of the HDD Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers have significantly influenced the HDD field, either through technical innovation, leadership, mentorship, or operational excellence. It honors not only invention but also persistence—the decades of hard, often invisible, work that helped shape the modern trenchless industry.
This year, the Hall of Fame welcomed
- Grady Bell, founder of Bell Trenchless, known for pushing the limits of big-rig HDD in complex geologies.
- Vernon Harris, a respected leader at Ranger Directional Drilling, whose focus on field safety and training set a new benchmark.
- Peter Hambling, engineer at Digital Control Inc., instrumental in developing advanced locating systems for small rigs.
- John Mercer, another key innovator from Digital Control Inc., who led numerous R&D projects that shaped modern HDD tools.
- Bryan Tucker, co-founder of Online Directional, known for his scalable HDD systems and contributions to urban infrastructure projects.
In addition, four industry pioneers were posthumously recognized:
- Gene Carpenter
- Frank Forest
- Bob Rankin
- Monty Scruggs
Each of these individuals left a legacy that continues to influence current HDD operations, from drill bit design to safety protocols and beyond.
The induction ceremony took place on March 5 in front of an audience of peers, family members, and industry leaders. Short documentary segments and testimonials offered glimpses into each inductee’s career, highlighting how personal determination and technical skill have intertwined in the development of the HDD sector.
Not Just a Ceremony: A Living, Breathing Industry Hub
While the Hall of Fame was a centerpiece, the rest of the HDD Reunion was packed with valuable programming. Attendees had access to dozens of breakout sessions and panels that covered a broad range of topics—from best practices in mud recycling to the adoption of artificial intelligence in drilling operations.
Workshops and live equipment demos allowed contractors and field engineers to get hands-on experience with new rigs, locators, and fluid management systems. Manufacturers like Vermeer, Ditch Witch, and American Augers were present with their latest machines, while software firms and telemetry providers introduced real-time monitoring systems designed to increase bore accuracy and reduce downtime.
Topics such as environmental compliance, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), and HDD in congested urban environments were major points of discussion. Attendees also emphasized workforce development—especially attracting younger talent to the trades, modernizing training, and sharing career pathways in the trenchless industry.
Networking events were held each evening, including a welcome reception, an awards dinner, and informal “driller roundtables”; where operators and crew leaders shared candid insights on what works—and what doesn’t—in the field.
Expert Insight from UCG Underground
Among the companies attending wasucghdd.com, a well-known supplier of HDD equipment, parts, and support solutions. UCG specializes in helping contractors keep their operations efficient, safe, and productive by providing both new and used equipment, as well as advanced technical support.
A spokesperson from UCG shared their thoughts on the significance of the HDD Reunion and the Hall of Fame induction:
“Events like the HDD Reunion go far beyond recognition. They create continuity. We’re part of a field that’s constantly evolving—but we’re also standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. The Hall of Fame inductees represent the spirit of trial, error, and relentless progress. At UCG, we see their influence daily—from the gear we sell to the clients we serve.”;
“It’s also encouraging to see the new generation getting involved. We spoke with dozens of young professionals during the conference who are not just curious—they’re motivated. They want to innovate, to make the drilling process smarter, cleaner, faster. And it’s our job, as industry veterans, to support them in that.”;
Why This Event Matters
The HDD industry often works behind the scenes—literally underground—to support the world’s infrastructure. Fiber optic networks, water and sewer lines, gas pipelines, and power conduits are increasingly installed via trenchless methods. Yet the challenges of HDD—from difficult soils and tight spaces to unpredictable utility maps—demand constant innovation.
Events like HDD Reunion are vital because they allow the industry to slow down, assess progress, and reconnect as a community. As one attendee put it during a panel discussion: “You can’t build the future if you don’t understand the past.”;
In many ways, the HDD Reunion acts as a bridge—connecting those who built the foundation of trenchless drilling with those who will drive it forward into the next era.
Looking Ahead
The consensus among participants was clear: the HDD industry is poised for continued growth, driven by digital integration, sustainability demands, and urban infrastructure expansion. But with that growth comes responsibility.
“We have to stay sharp,”; said one panelist during a discussion on regulatory compliance. “Every bore matters. Every project is a chance to prove that HDD isn’t just cost-effective—it’s the best option for smart infrastructure.”;
The next HDD Reunion is already in planning, and industry groups are considering ways to expand its educational outreach—potentially including virtual seminars and year-round mentoring programs.
Conclusion
The 2025 HDD Reunion was more than a conference—it was a statement. A statement that history matters. That expertise matters. That progress is built not only on machines and data, but on people: drillers, engineers, inventors, and teachers.
By honoring its pioneers and investing in its future, the HDD community continues to prove that it is one of the most innovative and resilient sectors in the modern construction landscape.
