55th IEEE-IAS/PCA conference

As chairman of the IEEE-IAS Cement Industry Committee, and along with Mark Mueller, chairman of the Orlando Conference Committee, we are looking forward to meeting all who plan to join us in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, for the 55th Annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Industry Technical Conference. This event is co-sponsored by the Portland Cement Association’s (PCA) Education Foundation and cement producer member companies that comprise the PCA. This year's meeting is being held at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, at the heart of Walt Disney World, over 14-18 April 2013. By Ted K Richardson, IEEE-IAS/PCA chairman, USA.

 

The various industry sector groups which put together the technical content for this year’s conference have focussed on the major environmental, safety, technology and employee issues facing the industry. We are pleased to produce these presentations for the benefit of our US-based cement producing companies, as well as our worldwide industry colleagues, vendors and suppliers. Last year the conference attracted representatives from 32 countries. Our conference also boasts a quality Spouse Activities Programme for attending partners who wish to explore the area during the technical sessions.

 

The conference brings together over 150 suppliers and vendors focussed on the cement industry in one location. Vendors with expertise ranging from full production lines to individual monitoring devices are all available during the extended exhibit hours. The Exhibit Hall will be open on Sunday to Tuesday with evening receptions and lunch provided on Monday and Tuesday. In addition, some suppliers and vendors will provide Hospitality Suites after exhibit hours.  

We believe that the IEEE-IAS/PCA conference is the industry’s premier event and are certain that attendees will experience a comprehensive viewpoint, providing educational opportunities and knowledge transfer concerning nearly every aspect of the industry. A more detailed listing of activities and topics can be viewed on the conference website. Registrations can be made at www.ieeepcaconference.org while on-site registration will also be available. A day-by-day summary of the conference is provided below.

Tutorials

Six tutorials have been assembled for the Monday including MSHA recertification. Attendees choosing to participate in one of these programmes can do so at no additional charge.

Two-day technical conference

The primary core of the technical conference held over Tuesday and Wednesday (and also included in the registration fee) will be a mix of concurrent and non-concurrent sessions, featuring:
• forecasts and perspectives on the North American and the global cement markets from two leading economists
• a wide-ranging session covering many areas of the industry, comprising  28 technical papers and two panel discussions. The six IEEE-IAS working groups will be presenting panel discussions on waste heat recovery and roller press technology for clinker grinding. Presentations related to the submitted technical papers will include workplace safety, power generation and distribution issues, a variety of environmental regulation and abatement- related issues, timely drives and related product presentations and a number of presentations concerning recycling of raw materials and alternative fuels.
• the PCA is sponsoring a half-day session which will include an address by the chairman of the PCA, a review of the research work done by MIT on concrete sustainability and a workshop related to attracting, hiring, training, and retaining employees while facing continued pressures to control costs. Panelists will focus on workforce development under the themes of:
– defining potential career paths with industry-recognised credentials
– a job skills assessment system for selection, recruitment, training and retention of employees. This will include organisational guidelines and benchmarks for employee selection and development.
– qualify the level of knowledge necessary for maintenance and reliability and their integration and application in the workplace. This will include the role of international affiliations, as well as domestic public and private partnerships to support a body of knowledge needed for those who use such a programme.

 

For those registered and attending the Monday tutorials, lunch will be provided. The Tuesday and Wednesday sessions include break refreshments and lunch. In addition, conference registration includes a reception, an awards banquet and an after party on Wednesday evening.

 

Professional development courses

In lieu of the traditional plant tour, we are seizing upon the opportunities which are unique to our conference’s location by offering three professional development courses presented by Disney Institute focussing on quality service, leadership excellence and the business behind the magic.

These courses, to be held on Thursday, make the best practices of the Walt Disney Company applicable across all industry sectors, including our own. Depending upon which sessions you attend, essential sustenance will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando. The conference, the hospitality and the weather promise to be outstanding.

Of course, ICR will be present at the 55th IEEE-IAS/PCA conference, and we look forward to welcoming you to our booth in the exhibition hall (Stand 301). For more information on the Orlando conference, please go to ICR 55th IEEE-IAS/PCA Conference preview.

Article first published in International Cement Review, April 2013.