By JOHN VISKUP
Victory Energy Operations
Tulsa OK
Where would we be without steam? So many aspects of our daily lives are impacted by steam. Industries around the globe depend on steam to run their operations. It’s an integral element in making life move forward.
However, it is most often taken for granted. This awareness and recognition challenge is one that the boiler industry has faced for years. With most major trade shows in our industry focused on the power and electric power segments, boiler companies are most often relegated to providing ancillary products and services to other power-related branded entities. More of an afterthought, rather than forethought. But all that changes with BOILER 2021, a show sponsored by the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA).
BOILER 2021 is a totally new and uniquely tailored show for boiler people, presented by boiler people. It is scheduled to be held in Dallas, October 12 -14, 2021, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. BOILER 2021 will be a boiler supply industry focused, two-day trade show and educational forum. It will be aimed specifically at the end-user community, most notably, influencers having responsibility for boiler room operations. It will be grounded in the real-world realities of the boiler world and based on what’s truly important to the boiler product segment – pointed and extremely relevant. A working show rather than just a walking show.
The comment that ABMA members hear most often from their customers is that there is not enough boiler-related content at major trade shows. It’s a growing trend that started years ago and continues unabated. Companies are looking to boiler suppliers for more support and service across their operations. This includes the tremendous task of educating the next generation of boiler room professionals as more long-time pros continue to retire.
These insights were the impetus behind the idea to start BOILER 2021. Being a year and a half out, ABMA and its member companies are gearing up now to respond to these expanding end-user needs. It’s all part of an aggressive shift by ABMA to align the organization around the real-time requirements of all industrial and utility sectors. End users asked for this and we responded.
BOILER 2021 promises to be a far different show experience. Several end-user plant visits are already planned. Installation and maintenance challenges will be discussed and dissected at length. Everything is going to be real-world focused and targeted entirely around the end user. Attendees are going to be challenged and motivated, but a big part of the BOILER 2021 experience will also be engaging with industry colleagues and sharing best practices. All are sure to implement what they’ve learned into their respective operations upon returning to their own workplaces.
As Chair of the Board of the ABMA, I could not be more excited about what BOILER 2021 means for everyone that works in our great industry. We are elevating boiler and heat recovery products and solutions to the increased position of importance that they truly deserve. If you have any association with boilers, BOILER 2021 is sure to be a can’t-miss event for your business next year.
The author is President and CEO of Victory Energy, which he founded in 1999. He is currently chairman of the board of directors of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association, a two-year position to which he was elected in January 2019.