The 2017 WJTA-IMCA Conference and Expo will be held October 25-27 in New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center. Organized by the WaterJet Technology Association-Industrial & Municipal Cleaning Association, the Conference/Expo is the major academic conference, tradeshow, and educational program for high pressure waterjet technology, industrial/municipal cleaning, and hydroexcavation.
“Our goal is to provide participants with the tools necessary to succeed in a competitive and challenging marketplace through educational programs, safety practices, equipment options, live demonstrations and opportunities to connect with high-level contacts,” says Peter Wright, WJTA-IMCA association manager.
The Conference/Expo gives participants the opportunity to explore major industry trends, including automation and robotics; safety in manual and robotic industrial cleaning; regulatory/business trends; and technical innovations in waterjet applications. The program features a full-day waterjet short course, educational sessions, live demonstrations, technical paper presentations, product and equipment displays, and networking opportunities.
Representatives from all related industry sectors – including waterjet cutting and manufacturing technologies; waterblast cleaning and field services; coating removal and surface preparation; concrete removal; industrial and municipal vacuuming; hydroexcavation; drilling, tunneling and mining; rock cutting; and demilitarization – are invited to attend.
Education is a top priority, because the more participants know, the better equipped they will be to run a safe, productive and profitable operation.
The pre-conference Basics and Beyond Short Course is specifically designed to provide an applied introduction to the technology and practical applications of waterjets and related equipment. Taught by committed instructors with broad-based professional experience, this course is intended for anyone with an interest in waterjet technology, ranging from first-time users and new employees to those seeking to increase their level of knowledge, including field techs, suppliers, support staff, engineers, marketing personnel, and potential new users.
Boot Camp sessions will focus on industry-specific information and training, including operating and troubleshooting verified ground, surface preparation issues, updates to vacuum truck standards and DOT regulations, waterblasting safety devices and use, and more.
During the High Pressure Water Cleaning Incidents – Lessons Learned panel discussion, representatives from high pressure waterblast companies and end users will discuss key learnings and opportunities for improvement based on real world incidents and injuries involving hands-on and hands-free high pressure water cleaning.
Phil Stein, consultant to the industrial vacuum industry, will present his interactive “nuts and bolts science lab” for first-time users and experienced vacuum truck operators. Phil will explain the power of vacuum via easy to understand demonstrations that are both informative and entertaining.
The Boot Camp also includes an update on the new entry-level hydroblast operator training and certification program. Based on WJTA-IMCA’s safety guidelines, this standardized training for hydroblasters developed in partnership with the Houston Area Safety Council (HASC), includes computer-based training and instructor-led, hands-on training and verification to help ensure that contractors can access a well-trained, safety-aware labor pool and asset owners can rely on qualified hydroblasters in their facilities.
The academic component of the Conference/Expo features leading engineers, researchers and business leaders sharing new developments, applications and theory, as well as practical case studies for the contractor and end user, during technical paper presentations.
WJTA-IMCA pioneered the concept of live equipment demonstrations, which have been an extremely popular part of the program for over 25 years. The live demos are beneficial on several levels. Participants will see cutting edge equipment operate, the mechanics behind the operation and observe safety practices necessary to avoid jobsite accidents.
A focused, global exposition of new industrial waterjet/waterblast tools and equipment, trucks, ancillaries and service providers will be displayed in the exhibit hall.
Networking events, including the Northern Safety & Industrial-sponsored Industry Appreciation Reception, will give participants opportunities to connect with industry leaders and make valuable new contacts.
Being in the heart of the booming Gulf Coast industrial and energy base and possessing world-class entertainment and dining options, New Orleans is the ideal location for WJTA-IMCA members and attendees.