Semco Publishing Brings Back the International Cement Seminar & Exhibition in 2019.
By Mark S. Kuhar
For 37 years, the International Cement Seminar & Exhibition was one of the most anticipated annual events for the North American cement industry. After an extended hiatus, the show is back for its 38th year.
The 38th International Cement Seminar & Exhibition will be held Nov. 19-21 in Atlanta at the Cobb Galleria Center. The show is being produced by Semco Publishing, the owner of Cement Americas, Rock Products and Concrete Products magazines, all of which are promoting the show.
The theme of the event is Cement Technology and Transformation in 2019.
“With an industry that is facing growing opportunities along with new regulatory and social pressures, the time is right for the return of the International Cement Seminar,” said Michael Schoppenhorst, show director. “With a focus on production equipment and technologies, the 2019 event will engage attendees with sessions designed to help them do business more efficiently and safely using the latest equipment and best practices.”
Market Update
Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico through September totaled about 73.8 metric tons (Mt), up by 3.1 percent from the same period in 2017, although September shipments were down slightly.
- The leading producing states for portland and blended cement in September 2018 were Missouri, California, Texas, Florida and Michigan and these accounted for about 42 percent of the country total.
- The leading cement-consuming states (Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and Illinois) received 37 percent of the September shipments.
Masonry cement shipments were about 199,000 metric tons in September 2018, up by 2.4 percent from those in September 2017.
For the year through September, shipments totaled 1.85 Mt, up slightly from those for the same period in 2017. The leading masonry-cement-consuming states in September 2018 were Florida, Texas, Georgia, California and Tennessee; these states received about 56 percent of the September shipments.
Clinker production totaled about 6.8 Mt in September 2018, up by 2.0 percent from the output (excluding Puerto Rico) in September 2017. For the year through September 2018, production was about 56.9 Mt, slightly higher than that of the same period in 2017. The leading clinker-producing states in September 2017 were California, Missouri, Texas, Florida and Alabama.
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) Market Intelligence Group forecast for cement consumption shows an industry growth rate of 2.9 percent in 2018, 2.6 percent in 2019 and 1.6 percent in 2020.
“We are expecting relatively modest but sustained interest rate increases after 10 years of low and stable rates,” said PCA Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Ed Sullivan. “The Federal Reserve’s actions will gradually slow the construction sector’s growth due to, among other things, the higher mortgage rates for residential buildings and higher borrowing cost for nonresidential buildings.”
Sullivan added, “While the tax cuts passed at the end of 2017 have helped to boost the overall economy, the rising debt will frame the discussion of future federal public infrastructure spending.”
PCA’s overall projection for the U.S. economy suggests considerable strength that will take time to unravel. The seeds of a gradual softening will arise from rising interest rates, the emergence of fiscal difficulties at the state level at a time of relative prosperity, and the aging of the recovery. PCA forecasts the GDP growth rate to be 3.1 percent this year, 2.7 percent in 2019 and 2.2 percent in 2020. The unemployment rate now below 4 percent, is expected to trend down – intensifying labor shortages and leading to stronger wage gains.
“America’s economy is unquestionably strong and resilient,” said Sullivan. “The real GDP growth is healthy, wage growth is up, and both the unemployment rate and consumer household debt are at near record lows. While interest rates are rising, they have not reached a threshold that would cause a significant adjustment to the positive overall growth projections.”
Education
The International Cement Seminar & Exhibition will feature an educational program focused on:
- Cement Market Dynamics.
- Operations and Technology.
- Safety and the Environment.
- Quality Control and Maintenance.
- Concrete Plants of the Future.
- Quarry to Kiln.
There will also be an expo area, social events and more.
“We are creating an event that is as industry friendly as possible,” said Semco President Peter Johnson. “We are making the show affordable, accessible and logistically appealing for both exhibitors and attendees.”
A Basic Booth Package is only $2,800 (Call for pricing on larger spaces or bulk space). Exhibitors receive:
- 10- x 10-ft. booth space.
- 6-ft. draped table, two chairs and gray carpet.
- 200 Exhibits-only VIP Packages for your customers and prospects.
- Two conference passes for booth personnel include cocktail reception and all planned social events.
- Move in mobile equipment free, although some restrictions apply.
- Lunches and cocktail reception on show floor.
- Listing in show directory.
- Listed on the show website.
- Inclusion in Cement Americas pre-show coverage and show issue directory.
“This is truly going to be a bellwether event for the construction-materials industry,” said Don Marsh, editor of Concrete Products. “We look forward to seeing our many friends from the cement, ready mixed and aggregates industries in Atlanta.”
