About RETC

Every two years, industry leaders and practitioners from around the world gather at the Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference (RETC), the authoritative program for the tunneling profession, to learn about the most recent advances and breakthroughs in this unique field.

This comprehensive conference helps practicing professionals keep up with the ever changing and growing tunneling industry. Stay on top of new trends and technologies as well as innovative concepts, new equipment, materials, management, financing, and design challenges. Welcome to RETC 2021.

About Us

SME welcomes you to RETC!

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) is a professional society (nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation) whose more than 13,000 membership represents all professionals serving the minerals industry in more than 100 countries. SME members include engineers, geologists, metallurgists, educators, students and researchers. SME advances the worldwide mining and underground construction community through information exchange and professional development. SME's staff is located in Englewood, Colorado.

The Nation's Leading Tunneling Conference
RETC Speaker

For over 20 years, RETC has proven to be the leading conference for tunneling innovation. Discover why RETC is like no other tunneling conference you've attended before.

Tunnels are getting larger, deeper and excavated in more challenging conditions. The expectation for the industry is to successfully complete these projects while meeting the other heavy construction challenges of sustaining quality, schedule, performance and safety.

This comprehensive conference helps practicing professionals keep up with the ever changing and growing tunneling industry. Stay on top of new trends and technologies as well as innovative concepts, new equipment, materials, management, financing, and design challenges.

Get the Full Conference Experience!
Educational Technical Sessions

RETC offers a variety of technical sessions focusing on top-of-mind industry issues, trends and innovations. Technical session speakers are leading innovators in their fields and offer a wealth of insight into latest developments and applications of tunneling knowledge and technology.

Expansive Exhibit Hall

Get Ready! Get a firsthand look at new products, comprehensive services and integrated solutions offered by our exhibitors.  Our show floor provides you with the opportunity to meet more industry vendors than any other industry conference.

SME Bookstore

SME offers a comprehensive range of industry publications covering a wide variety of current and trending industry topics. From recommended practices to design build, our bookstore is sure to have what you are looking for to expand your knowledge base and gain actionable insight. Don't have time to visit our store on-site? Visit our Bookstore online and see all of our available publications.

Networking Functions

At RETC, tunneling and underground construction professionals just like you mix and mingle with some of the leading educators, innovators and experts in the tunneling and underground construction industry today. Expand your professional network and make new, lasting impressions at a variety of engaging networking events.