Australia and New Zealand to host Auckland conferenceThe 14th Australasian Tunnelling Conference will be held in Auckland, New Zealand on 8-10th March, 2011. The theme "Development in Underground Space" embraces recent innovations in tunnelling across the sub-continent, which have dramatically increased productivity and lowered costs. Greater emphasis on computer modelling using sophisticated software has led to better predictions of ground conditions in developing tunnels and improved fire and ventilation safety in transportation tunnels.Sponsored by construction giants John Holland and McConnell Dowell, with Parsons Brinckerhoff, Thiess Tunnelling and Golder Associates in support, the conference will attract a wide range of speakers and attendees, most of whom will have travelled a long way for the opportunity. For instance, the three keynote speakers are Giovanni Barla from Italy, Alan Morris from Hong Kong and Arnold Dix from Australia. Evan Giles, conference chair, and his organizing committee believe this will the showcase event of the industry for 2011. For more details, and to register online, click here. 03/11.