Recommendation – Education – Networking
Spring Talks
The Spring Talks event was integrated into the DCA’s program in 2025. When the Women Empowering HDD (We-HDD) group was founded just over two years ago at the initiative of the DCA board, the focus was on how to attract the many talented women in the HDD industry to the We-HDD group. This event aims to offer all members, but especially women in the HDD industry, the opportunity to meet, promote diversity, share knowledge, and strengthen valuable network connections. An engaging program of presentations provides the framework for the event.
The Spring Talks are held annually at the Novotel in Aachen and begin with a dinner the evening before, followed by a get together.
Further information about the WE-HDD group and the Spring Talks can be found in the members’ area.
The first DCA Spring Talks, held in Aachen at the end of May 2025, were organized by the We-HDD group to promote greater participation of women in DCA member companies at events. The presentations, mostly given by women, provided expertise on topics such as geotechnical investigation, the correct selection of drilling tools, annular space grouting in cable projects, and environmentally friendly construction site design. These were complemented by project presentations and a mini drilling fluid workshop. The majority of participants were women, but men were also welcome. Over 40 participants from DCA member companies attended, a very good turnout for the inaugural event.
Since then, much has been accomplished. The group meets monthly and coordinates its activities: among other things, a survey was conducted among the members, and the results were presented at the annual congress in Barcelona. Since 2024, a “Girls Only Network Event” has been part of the official program of the annual congress. The group meets on Wednesday afternoon as an official part of the congress program. Furthermore, there is close collaboration with the “Drill for Europe” landing page