Themed “Strategies for Future Growth,” the 2011 Intercem Americas Conference features an extensive program looking at the issues that contribute to the current situation, both North and South, and attempt to provide some perspective. In addition, environmental issues and industry developments will also be examined at the event held at the OMNI Houston Galleria Hotel in Houston, November 29–December 1, 2011.
29th November – 1st December 2011
Program highlights include:
- Review of U.S. portland cement movements by Hendrik van Oss, U.S. Geological Survey;
- Status and prospects for North American cement industry by Ed Sullivan, Senior Economist at PCA;
- Analysis of the global cement industry by Paul Roger, Sector Head, Exane BNP Paribas; and
- Regional reviews of Brazil, and other major Latin American markets.
Two special panel discussions also will be held. The first on NESHAP’s proposal and the likely impact for the U.S. cement industry. The panel will consist of members from both sides of the argument and will debate the current status of the proposals and the impact they might have on the industry going forward. Panelists will include Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and a leading advocate for comprehensive strategies to confront climate change and strengthen the green economy. During her tenure, EPA has taken steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to protect public health by reducing air pollution. Also participating will be Dan Harrington, President and CEO of Lehigh Hanson, Inc., and former chair of the Portland Cement Association (PCA). He is also head of the PCA Government Affairs Committee.
The second panel, “Using Today’s Buyer/Seller Relationships to Prepare for Tomorrow’s Opportunities,” will be chaired by Dave Bergenstock, Market Manager for Cement and Distribution Systems at FLSmidth USA. Bergenstock says, The panel session will review two major capital projects undertaken by Ash Grove Cement in Foreman, Ark., and Continental Cement in St. Louis. Panelists will discuss how these projects can be examples for future development as the industry begins its inevitable recovery.
An extended period for interactive participation by the delegates through comments and questions will be included. Any delegates or companies looking toward major capital expansion or improvements in the near future will benefit greatly from these presentations and discussions, according to the Intercem Americas organizers.
In addition to the conference speakers and panels, an optional visit is available to attendees on November 1 to the Houston Cement Terminal, a facility designed to import and distribute 1.5 million metric tons of cement per year. It features six, 186-foot-tall concrete silos and the largest-capacity cement ship unloader operating in the country since it began operating in 2006.
More information on Intercem Americas 2011 can be found at www.intercem.com.
