Association annual meetings are once-a-year events that allow members to come together, exchange ideas, learn from expert speakers, work on committee initiatives, and network with others in the industry. But this year, IHEA’s 2019 Annual Meeting held at the Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota, Florida, was a special one.
This year’s meeting that brought members together for three days was IHEA’s 90th Anniversary as an association; 90 years is a remarkable milestone! There aren’t many associations around today that can claim they are 90 years old. The meeting included a series of outstanding presentations that were very highly rated by those in attendance:
- Speaker Bob Sherlock addressed an important subject for the membership about learning the power of selling value over price. Members picked up a variety of important tips from Sherlock.
- Omar Nashashibi of the Franklin Group gave an interesting presentation on what’s happening in Washington today, giving us a sneak preview of what lies ahead as we move into an election year in 2020.
- Scott Bishop of Alabama Power helped members understand how and why they should work more closely with utility companies.
- IHEA staff member James Moore, along with Chris Della Mora of Hub International Risk Services, discussed cyber-security issues and why everyone is at risk. Members agreed that this discussion could have lasted longer.
- Finally, IHEA’s economist Chris Kuehl, a perennial favorite, gave his economic update, which is always interesting and entertaining.
“The energy level at this year’s meeting seemed to be at an all-time high,” said IHEA Executive Vice President Anne Goyer. “I think it was a combination of our 90th anniversary, great speakers, wonderful camaraderie, and social activities that brought a higher level of liveliness at this year’s meeting.”
Certainly, the highlight of the meeting was IHEA’s gala banquet. Memorabilia from IHEA’s past was on display and a special presentation that honored Surface Combustion for being an IHEA member for all 90 years made for remarkable and memorable moments. IHEA members old and new enjoyed the photos, stories, and memories shared.
B.J. Bernard, Surface Combustion’s president, said he was “honored to receive an award recognizing Surface’s long-time membership” and he noted that Surface has, and continues to be, committed to IHEA and serving the thermal-processing industry.
The event ended with a toast to IHEA’s 90th Anniversary and cheers to a bright future.
IHEA 2019 Calendar of Events
August 28–29 | The Powder Coating & Curing Processes Seminar
Alabama Power Technology Center | Calera, Alabama
The day and a half Introduction to Powder Coating & Curing Processes Seminar will include classroom instruction and hands-on lab demonstrations.
September 24–25 | IHEA 2019 Safety Standards & Codes Seminar
InterContinental Hotel Cleveland | Cleveland, Ohio
This seminar is intended to help the attendee become better acquainted with the newly updated NFPA 86 – Standard for Ovens & Furnaces.
September 24–25 |IHEA 2019 Combustion Seminar
InterContinental Hotel Cleveland | Cleveland, Ohio
The industry premier seminar for industrial process heating professionals, this two-day event offers attendees the chance to learn the latest in combustion technology and visit with industry suppliers. The IHEA Combustion Seminar is designed for persons responsible for the operation, design, selection and/or maintenance of fuel-fired industrial process furnaces and ovens.
For details on IHEA events, go to www.ihea.org/events
