Robert Carpenter inducted into HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026
(UI) — Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Underground Infrastructure, was inducted into the HDD Hall of Fame on Jan. 28 during the HDD Reunion held in conjunction with the Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC) 2026 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio.
The honor was approved through a unanimous vote by the HDD Association (HDDA) Board, recognizing Carpenter’s lifetime dedication to advancing the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry through editorial leadership, industry education, and community building.
“Today the HDD Association inducted Robert Carpenter into the HDD Hall of Fame,” said Robert Myers IV, President of the HDD Association. “Robert has been a foundational figure in the development of our industry and an inspiration to many. His contributions have helped shape where our industry is today, and this recognition is well deserved. We congratulate Robert on this distinguished honor.”
Carpenter brings more than 40 years of newspaper and magazine experience, including over 25 years dedicated to underground infrastructure, where he has helped elevate HDD from a niche construction method into a mainstream, mission-critical utility solution. As Editor-in-Chief, he has guided the direction, quality, and depth of editorial coverage across the publication.
He is also the founder of the Underground Infrastructure Conference, as well as industry staples including RehabZone and the HDD Round Table, platforms that have helped connect contractors, engineers, utilities, and technology providers across North America.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Carpenter’s induction marks a rare recognition of editorial leadership within the HDD sector, underscoring the role industry journalism plays in innovation, safety, and long-term growth.
The HDD Hall of Fame is presented annually during the HDD Reunion, a signature event held in conjunction with the Underground Infrastructure Conference. The honor recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the horizontal directional drilling industry, with honorees selected through a formal industry review process led by the HDD Association and industry partners.
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