Association annual meetings allow members to come together, exchange ideas, learn from expert speakers, work on committee initiatives, and network with others in the industry. This year, IHEA’s 95th Annual Meeting was in the historic town of Savannah, Georgia, and accomplished all those things and more. In addition to the excellent presentations and business discussions, members and guests enjoyed social activities and time to explore the beautiful squares and shops sprinkled throughout the city.
The meeting included a series of outstanding presentations that were very highly rated by those in attendance. Each year, the program includes timely and valuable content. This year’s titles included Unlocking an Innovative Mindset, How AI is Reshaping the Sales & Marketing Battlefield, Securing the Future: Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in Manufacturing, and the ever-popular, Economic Update: Where are We Headed?
In addition, IHEA’s sustainability efforts were addressed with an informative presentation on the DOE’s decarbonization initiatives. To conclude the meeting, IHEA presented a Decarbonization Fireside Chat that included Chad Spore from John Deere and Dr. Joachim Wünning of WS Thermal Process Technology, Inc. The session was led by IHEA Past President Brian Kelly of Honeywell Thermal Solutions, who conducted a Q&A with the audience and panelists. Discussions revolved around navigating the decarbonization movement.
“The great value in this is the diversity of the attendees and their willingness to share their experiences,” Kelly said. “With so much talk of sustainability and decarbonization in the heat-processing industry, IHEA’s focus on this during the meeting was critical.”
IHEA had a record number of first timers at the meeting, which made the Explorer Theme Dinner a fun adventure for newbies and veterans alike. Channeling the spirit of the meeting location at the DeSoto Savannah, the evening brought members, guests, speakers, and staff together to discover new connections and learn about the explorations of others.
The event ended with the President’s Reception and Gala. Attendees toasted to IHEA’s 95th year and a successful future.
There was excitement during the meeting surrounding IHEA’s sustainability initiatives including the monthly webinar series and the highly anticipated Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT to be held in the fall.
More info: summit.ihea.org
Registration Open for IHEA 2024 Fall Seminars
IHEA continues to educate the heat processing industry with its outstanding training seminars. This fall, IHEA will conduct its annual Combustion and Safety Standards and Codes Seminars September 17 and 18 at the Westin Poinsett in Greenville, South Carolina. The fall seminars also feature a joint Tabletop Exhibition & Reception on Tuesday afternoon, September 17. This allows attendees of both seminars the chance for additional one-on-one interaction with suppliers from across the industrial heating marketplace.
IHEA’s Combustion Seminar features 16 sessions designed to give attendees vast exposure to combustion technology. Some of the topics covered include chemistry and efficiency of combustion, flame safety requirements of combustion systems, process and ratio controls with exposure to micro-processor equipment, types of industrial burners available, supply and control of the fuel and air for systems, and preheated combustion air and furnace recuperators. The seminar also features a session on hydrogen combustion and decarbonization. This two-day course is led by subject matter experts in a non-commercial environment.
The Safety Standards and Codes Seminar provides a comprehensive overview of the NFPA 86 standard. The seminar will highlight the recent updates that appear in the 2023 edition of NPFA 86 Standards for Ovens & Furnaces. This class will be taught by several instructors who were heavily involved with the 2023 revision and will include discussion of the updates as well as an extensive explanation of several critical safety topics. Sessions will cover the required uses of the American National Standards governing the compliant design and operation of ovens and furnaces.
A Tuesday evening joint Tabletop Exhibition & Reception will be at the conclusion of the first day of seminar sessions. The tabletop exhibition showcases a variety of products and services for the heat-processing industry and includes a networking reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The event allows attendees to meet with speakers, exhibitors, and other attendees to further discuss the concepts learned during the seminars. Tabletop space and sponsorships are available now. Reserve your tabletop and sponsorship today, so your company can benefit with listings in promotional materials from now until the event.
More info: www.ihea.org/event/TT24
Registration fees for the seminars include admission to one seminar, seminar materials, breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the tabletop exhibition & reception. Upon completion of the seminars, attendees will be issued a certificate documenting 15 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). There is a group discount available for two or more registrants from the same company who register at the same time. The first registrant will pay the full registration fee, and each subsequent registrant will receive a $125 discount.
More info: www.ihea.org/Fall24
Discounted hotel reservations for both attendees and exhibitors are available at the Westin Poinsett Greenville. The group rate is $229/night plus tax and destination fee. The discounted group rate is good through August 26, 2024, or until the room block is full. Reserve your room early to receive the group rate at: tinyurl.com/IHEAhotel.
