The Awards

The Awards: MVP + UI Honors unites two respected programs, UCTA’s Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award and Underground Infrastructure’s UI Awards, into one occasion that captures the spirit of our industry, celebrating an individual and projects shaping the future of underground infrastructure.

Our work often happens out of sight, beneath streets, rivers, and cities — but its impact reaches everywhere. The Awards was created to recognize that impact, honoring the teams who keep essential systems safe, reliable, and built for the future.

By bringing together two long-standing honors into one shared stage, we’ve created something more meaningful: a collective moment to applaud the professionals who make progress possible, from pipeline specialists and engineers to contractors, designers, and utility owners.


Categories are:
  • Asset Management Project of the Year – This will honor projects that leverage cutting-edge technology to manage aging infrastructure systems. As utilities grapple with expanding networks of sewer, water, fiber, and gas systems, smart asset management has become essential for operational success.
  • Emerging Technology of the Year – Will spotlight breakthrough innovations unveiled between January 1, 2026-December 2026. These game-changing technologies drive productivity gains and economic improvements that reshape how we approach underground construction.
  • HDD Project of the Year – Acknowledge excellence in horizontal directional drilling, the disruptive technology that revolutionized utility and pipeline construction since the late 1980s. Today’s HDD projects tackle increasingly complex challenges with remarkable precision.
 
  • Sewer Project of the Year – Honor projects addressing wastewater management challenges as populations shift and grow. Whether through rehabilitation, new installation, or innovative combinations, these projects maintain public health and environmental protection.
  • Utility Project of the Year (Fiber, Electric, Gas Distribution) – This award will recognize outstanding communications, gas distribution or power installation projects addressing America’s insatiable demand for broadband and power.
  • Water Project of the Year – This award recognizes exceptional potable water system projects ensuring communities have access to clean, reliable water supplies. These vital projects adapt to changing demographics and increasing demand. 
Nominations for the 2027 Awards program are open now through Monday, September 14. Submit here.

See below for the range of sponsorship opportunities offering strong visibility before,  during and after the event. 

To get started, download and complete the agreement or for more information, contact: Josh@UndergroundInfrastructure.com or Peter.Royall@GulfEnergyInfo.com