Breakfast provided. [Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Please visit the registration desks in the BJCC East Exhibit Hall 1 to pick up your badge.

This certified training offers eight (8) hours of essential annual safety refresher training to ensure compliance with MSHA's requirements for surface miners.

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by Andy Porterfield, Refractory Representative, Inferno

This module will provide an overview of the importance of accurate analysis, the challenges of conducting failure analysis and some factors that contribute to non-specific failures. In addition, specific types of kiln brick failures and the conditions that lead to these failures will also be examined with ways to prevent them. Andy Porterfield of Krosaki Brick will lead the session. He has served in all aspects of the refactory industry for nearly 40 years including research, product development, failure analysis, testing, quality control, and technical sales, with the majority of this time spent in the field as a manager for various refractory installation contractors. 

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by John Stephansky, Sales Manager, Reno Refractories, Inc

This presentation delves into the progression of anchoring systems used in contemporary cement and lime plants. It includes an overview of historical failure issues and their resolutions, focusing on the technical benefits of different alloy choices, anchor types, spacing, thermal profiles, proper welding techniques, and the critical importance of analyzing anchoring selections.

[Open to All]

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by Vern Martin P. Eng, Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Flowcare

A half-day workshop focusing on fan system optimization, reliable operation and achieving ideal capacity requirements. Attendees will be provided with practical information that extends from project concept to long term operation of fan systems.  Vern Martin P.Eng. is a senior mechanical engineer and partner in FLOWCARE Engineering Inc.; a company specializing in fan technical consulting services. He has primarily been involved in energy optimization studies and the troubleshooting of fans with performance, noise, vibration, control or failure problems.

[Open to PCA Corporate and Associate Members Only]

[Open to PCA Corporate and Associate Members Only]

Breakfast provided. [Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Moderator: Clint Irvin, CMSP, CHST, Director of Safety, ZAP Engineering & Construction Services, Inc.

[Open to All]

As the cement industry continues to face new and evolving pressures, the IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference is expanding its lens. This year’s Tuesday General Session reflects that broader focus—shifting beyond technical content to also address strategic and operational challenges impacting the industry today.

The Managing Supply Chain and Logistics in a VUCA World session will explore strategies for navigating Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—factors that are reshaping global supply chains and business operations across the cement sector. Our featured speaker is David Simchi-Levi, a globally recognized thought leader in supply chain management and analytics. He is the William Barton Rogers Professor in Energy, and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Systems at MIT. He also serves as the head of the MIT Data Science Lab.

This will be followed by a moderated panel discussion featuring senior leaders from across the supply chain landscape. Panelists will share insights on real-world challenges, innovations, and approaches to building more resilient and agile logistics networks.

Panel Participants:

• Marc Hapionek, President and CEO, Conceptum
• Carlos Hoyos, Director of Supply Chain, CRH
• Raman Kadevari, Director of Strategic Sourcing, CalPortland
• Frank Osterhagen, Director of Global Supply, Refratechnik
• Moderator: Robert McCaffrey, Editor of Global Cement Magazine

From raw material sourcing to international shipping and demand forecasting, this session will provide timely perspectives on how the cement industry can respond to global pressures with smarter supply chain strategies.

Presenter: Fouad Said, Fives Combustion

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[Open to PCA E & E Committee Only]

Presenter: Scott Delamarter, KEITH

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Presenter: Dr. Caroline Woywadt, Gebr Pfeiffer

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Presenter: Syed Suhail Akhtar, Holcim Industrial Development & Decarbonization

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[Open to All]

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by Brian Greenlees, Director of Operations and Kyle Kogelmann, Field Service Manager, A-C Equipment Services

Have you noticed any bent or broken filler bar components on your kiln? Are you experiencing frequent refractory failures near riding rings (kiln tires)? Are your filler bars (pads) or tire retainers wearing too quickly? Are you constantly repairing welds or shutting down unexpectedly due to filler bar issues? If so, a review of your existing filler bar/tire retainer system and tire creep could be warranted to help reduce repair costs and down time. Designing for the proper amount of creep and other important kiln maintenance topics will be discussed. 

[Open to PCA Corporate and Associate Members Only]

[Open to E&E Committee Members Only]

Presenter: Brent McManis, PE, WEG Electric Co.

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Presenter: Dr. Marcel Zillgitt, GEA Group

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Presenter: Daniel Gmeinwieser, RENK Group

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Presenter: Shannon Timmons, The International CCS Knowledge Centre

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[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by Jeff Bump, Owner of C3S

A dynamic discussion of the various causes of kiln hot spots and how to avoid, recognize them when they occur, and mitigate them in order to sustain kiln operation (if possible) and prevent damage to equipment.  Topics include: tools and techniques for monitoring and/or alleviating hot spots; operating conditions that impact refractory life; coating formation and stability; fuel selection, composition, and dosing; burner management; and more.  Jeff Bump, Owner of C3S, will lead this dynamic module.

Presenter: Stan R. Simms, EATON

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Presenter: Paul Edwards, Compressed Air Consultants, Inc.

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Presenter: Joseph Spivey, Compliance Assurance Associates, Inc.

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[Open to All]

Presenter: Chinmay Morankar, WSP USA

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[Open to All]

Breakfast provided. [Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

[Open to All]

Join us for an engaging PCA General Session (open to all) featuring industry insights, sustainability initiatives, and a special creative highlight. Kicking off with a welcome and announcement from PCA President and CEO Mike Ireland, the general session will include a presentation by acclaimed comic creator Paul Chadwick, a preview of upcoming EPA ENERGY STAR training, and updates from MIT’s Concrete Sustainability Hub. Experts will also explore global and U.S. cement market trends, historical import patterns, and deliver an economic forecast. A live Q&A moderated by Rick Bohan will conclude the session, followed by lunch in the exhibit hall and a meet-and-greet with Paul Chadwick at the PCA booth.

Don't miss this dynamic morning of knowledge, creativity, and connection!

• Welcome and Special Announcement - Mike Ireland; CEO & President, PCA
• A Concrete Superhero - Paul Chadwick; creator of Concrete comic
• Upcoming EPA ENERGY STAR Training - Lindsey Geiger, Director, Environment and Sustainability, PCA
• MIT CSHub Overview -  Liz Moore, Research Scientist, CSHub
• Cement in Motion: Global Shifts, U.S. Imports, and Economic Forecast:
  • The US Cement Industry in The Wider Context -  Rob McCaffrey, Editor of Global Cement Magazine 
  • PCA’s Market Intelligence Team Overview -  Rick Bohan, SVP, Cement
  • Historical Look at Imports in the US - Kaitlin Beer, Senior Regional Analyst, PCA
  • Economic Forecast - Trevor Stork, Regional Economist, PCA
  • Q&A – Rick Bohan, SVP, Cement, PCA (Moderator)

This will be followed by lunch in the exhibit hall and a meet & greet with comic artist, Paul Chadwick at PCA’s Booth.  

[Open to All]

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by Scott Miller, Solids Handling Technology, Inc

An introduction to material flow reports and how to use them. This session will provide an overview of the typical tests used to characterize the properties of bulk solids for handling materials in storage silos, bins, and hoppers. Attendees will gain an understanding of the interpretation of the typical test reports provided from these types of tests and how to use them. Scott Miller, consultant at Solids Handling Technologies, Inc., will present this training session.

Presenter: Dr. Stefan Puntke, Refratechnik Cement GmbH

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Presenter: Donald R. Lhoest, Carmeuse

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[Open to PCA Corporate & Associate Members Only]

Presenter: Neil Wardrop, Leilac Limited

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Facilitator: Brian Giese, Heidelberg Materials

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

Presented by Jeff Bump, Owner of C3S

An interactive lecture covering the most common (and some not so common) factors influencing the production rate of a ball mill, and the various ways cement plant engineers and operators can try to optimize their performance.  Topics include: material characteristics; equipment condition; ball charge design; and more.  Jeff Bump, Owner of C3S, will guide this module which should appeal to any engineer charged with adapting their mill to the new realities of IL and blended cements introduced into the marketplace.

We are thrilled to invite you to a highlight event of the IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference – the much-anticipated Awards Banquet! Get ready for an evening of celebration, recognition, and networking as we honor the outstanding achievements and contributions that helped make this conference a success.

During our awards banquet, we will spotlight the outstanding technical papers and presentations from a diverse group of skilled authors. This memorable evening not only recognizes their invaluable contributions but also anticipates the promising opportunities that the coming year will bring. Relish the reception, savor the cuisine, and enjoy the entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Business casual attire is recommended.

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

A two-stop tour rounds out the final day of the IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference with exclusive access to the National Cement Company of Alabama, Inc.’s Ragland plant and Reworld Birmingham, an alternative engineered fuel (AEF) processing facility. 

The tour on Thursday, May 8, will depart Birmingham in two groups -- Group A will tour the cement plant first, and Group B will tour the alternative fuels facility first. Approximate timelines are below. The tour is an additional $50 option available during the badge registration process. For more information, email conference@cement.org.

Tour Group A

8:00      Depart BJCC for National Cement Company of Alabama, Inc. (Ragland, AL)

9:00      Arrive at National Cement

10:30    Depart National Cement

11:30    Arrive at Reworld Birmingham

12:00    Depart Reworld Birmingham with box lunch

12:30    Arrive at BJCC

Tour Group B

8:30      Depart BJCC for Reworld Birmingham

9:00      Arrive at Reworld Birmingham

9:45      Depart Reworld Birmingham

10:45    Arrive at National Cement Company of Alabama, Inc. (Ragland, AL)

12:15    Depart National Cement with box lunch

1:15      Arrive at BJCC

About the National Cement Company Plant Tour

Located approximately one hour from Birmingham in Ragland, Alabama, National Cement Company of Alabama, Inc.’s cement manufacturing plant is committed to the PCA Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality. 

As of mid-2023, the Ragland plant produces 100% portland-limestone (Type IL) cement while lowering its clinker factor and using more than 50% alternative fuels. Combined with low electrical consumption, these measures position the Ragland plant as one of the U.S. cement producers with the lowest portland-limestone cement carbon footprint.

The Ragland plant has produced cement in Alabama since 1908. After numerous investments, including a major $350-million investment in 2019 to build a new kiln, the new pyro line was commissioned in 2022. Designed and built with the latest technology, the plant can operate using 100% alternative fuels. 

Currently, more than 70% of fossil fuels are replaced with locally sourced alternative fuels, most of which are biomass.

The latest EPD for Ragland’s Type IL cement stands at 707 kgCO2eq/t, a number set to decrease with the continued use of alternative fuels. The Ragland plant can produce more than 2 million tons of cement annually, with plans to increase production to exceed 2.3 million tons by early 2026. 

National Cement Company, Inc. operates two cement manufacturing plants in the U.S. -- one in Alabama and one in California -- as part of the Vicat Group.

About the Reworld Birmingham Tour

Reworld Birmingham is one of Reworld’s newest alternative engineered fuel (AEF) processing facilities in the U.S. As the largest independent producer of refuse-derived fuel for cement kilns, Reworld is dedicated to repurposing hard-to-recycle plastics and other industrial byproducts into cleaner, high-quality fuel. Tour-goers will see Reworld’s state-of-the-art processing equipment in action, in conjunction with the opportunity to see how their fuels are used at National Cement’s Ragland.

By turning materials that would otherwise head to landfills into a sustainable fuel that matches coal’s energy properties, Reworld’s process eliminates 0.5 tons of CO2 for every ton of coal replaced. Get an up-close look at how Reworld helps power three Alabama cement kilns (including National Cement in Ragland) while helping the environment and learn more about Reworld’s ambitious plan to open five new facilities each year as the organization continues to expand AEF solutions nationwide.