PowderMet2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 16-19, will be a hub of technology transfer for professionals from every part of the powder metallurgy and metal additive manufacturing industry. James P. Adams, executive director and CEO of Metal Powder Industries Federation and APMI International, recently discussed with Thermal Processing what attendees can expect from this popular conference.
What about the Pittsburgh venue made it ideal for the 2024 show?
It has been 30 years since we last held our conference in the “Steel City.” Pittsburgh is within driving distance to the majority of powder metallurgy (PM) and metal additive manufacturing (AM) component manufacturers, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and service providers, allowing even more professionals access to this premier event. The region is also a hub for carbide manufacturing. As the hundreds of bridges connect the city, PowderMet and AMPM will bridge together the industries as we come together under one roof to advance the industry.
How will this year’s show differ from what attendees experienced in Las Vegas last year?
For this year’s conference, we took the PowderMet and AMPM conferences, put everything into a big box, shook it up, and made some great changes to this year’s program.
The Design Experience general session has been opened to all conference delegates, providing more visibility to these award-winning parts. The objectives of the conferences are to explore materials advances, assist in the transfer of technology, and investigate new developments to continue growth. For the first time, daily tutorials focused on press and sinter, metal injection molding (MIM), and metal additive manufacturing will be offered to encourage cross training and introduction of these exciting technologies. A Carbide Forum is offered for delegates to explore and learn more about these niche materials.
We have implemented more ways to allow for networking and collaboration among delegates through all areas of the conference, including our usual opening night reception, the PM Evening Alehouse, and the Consolidation Celebration: “Take me out to the ballgame.” For more details on the program, schedule, and sessions, visit our website below.
If I were a first-time attendee, what should I expect from this year’s show?
As a first-time attendee, you should expect to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the common goal of continuing to advance the PM and AM industries through education, networking, and collaboration.
What subjects should I expect presenters to address?
The technical program was developed and organized by industry experts. Professionals in both PM and AM joined forces to collaborate and compile the individual sessions. With 200 presentations by industry experts from around the world, topics will cover all aspects of the technology. Additionally, conference proceedings will capture the technology transfer for future reference.
Programming is aligned to provide an excellent experience for first timers and seasoned attendees alike. Numerous networking opportunities are intentionally designed for interaction with other attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. For 2024, we have over 40 future engineers with us courtesy of student conference grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT).
What kind of networking opportunities will be available for attendees?
PowderMet provides networking at every corner. From the time you arrive, you will meet with old friends and make new acquaintances at the opening reception. Once the conference kicks off, there are a plethora of opportunities to network and make those meaningful connections. From the exhibit hall to the luncheons, to the Consolidation Celebration and everything in between, the contacts you make will become lifelong friends.
What about the conference will make it feel unique to the Pittsburgh location?
Pittsburgh is such an amazing city, and we are excited to bring our delegates back. We will be submerged in the culture of Pittsburgh throughout the conference. You will get a taste of Pittsburgh through our food and beverage events. We will get a true Pittsburgh experience during our Consolidation Celebration as we head to PNC Park for a major league baseball game, where the group will cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates as they take on the Cincinnati Reds.
What are you personally looking forward to at this year’s show?
As always, I look forward to meeting face-to-face with the industry and having the group together under one roof. The energy that you can get from meeting with your colleagues and peers in the same room is unmatched. I’m also very excited about some new elements that we will be introducing into the conference this year that will continue to build and harvest those networking opportunities and engagement among delegates.
MORE INFO PowderMet2024.org
