Valve Magazine - Spring 2012

INDUSTRY CAPSULES
EVENTS
OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
April 30–May 3, Houston

The 2012 Offshore Technology Conference brings together engineers, technicians, executives, operators, scientists and managers from more than 110 countries and all fields of the offshore exploration and production industry. This year’s event will again take place at Reliant Park.

Founded in 1969, the conference highlights state-of-the-art technology for offshore drilling. Almost 80,000 people attend the conference to choose from almost 300 technical presentations given on topics ranging from newer issues such as the global LNG picture, drilling at pressures of 15,000 psi and deepwater cementing to continued subjects such as flow assurance, process safety and the metaocean.

More than 2,500 companies feature their wares in the exhibit hall including a number of VMA members that manufacture valves, actuators and controls, as well as sup-

plies and services to manufacturers.

The conference is put on by a consortium of 12 industry associations and societies dedicated to furthering the science of exploration and drilling. For information, go to www.otcnet.org.

AFPM RELIABILITY & MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
May 22–25, San Antonio, Texas

What used to be known as the NPRA reliability conference is now the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Reliability & Maintenance Conference and Exhibition. The association changed its name in January from the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association.

The 3-day program, which is in the Henry B. Gonzalez
Convention Center, presents keynote speakers, technical and
management presentations, discussion groups and an exhibi-
tion in the field of improving the reliability of the refining
and petrochemical industry. It covers topics such as effective
maintenance, productivity, equipment reliability, safety and
mechanical integrity, training, environmental control,
predictive and preventive maintenance, standards, inspec-
tions and more.

ACE12 provides a show for water professionals to get
together to learn how to lead the effort around the world to
provide for the future of safe water. This year’s event, which
is in the Dallas Convention Center, features a technical program with more than 550
presentations in 100 separate sessions as well as several in-depth workshops.

Topics include sustainability, management in tough economic times, climate change, conservation, challenges with residuals, water resource management, infrastructure management, public affairs and much more.

In addition, the exposition showcases more than 500 companies that offer products and services designed for the world of water management. The 13,000 people who attend range from people in operations, to top-level management, researchers and manufacturers. One of the keynote speakers is Dr. Brian Fagan, who wrote a book that encompasses the history of water management from classical Greece to modern times. Famed Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is another of the keynote speakers.