Edgar Buehler, Chairman of IEEE-IES today welcomed delegates to the opening of the 47th IEEE Cement Industry technical conference in Kansas City USA. With some 896 delegates attending the meeting, Mr.Buehler described the event as ’the largest cement conference in the western hemisphere’ and atrributed its success to all those involved in it’s organisation and delegates support. Andy Winston organising Commitee Chairman then introduced Mr.Roy Owens, VP Monarch Cement Company, who presented the welcome address. He thanked IEEE for show-casing his cement company’s cement plant as an example of working towards industry improvements, environmental and energy efficiencies. The morning session then got underway with the first of some 30 technical papers over the next two days, which are supported by an exhibition of some 100 booths and 28 hospitality suites. The Conference continues with a banquet and three plant tour visits at the end of the week.