Valve Forum Opens with Industry Leadership Perspective

The upcoming Valve Forum: Conference & Exhibits will open with a timely and wide-ranging discussion on the state of the industrial valve industry, as leaders from across the value chain convene for the General Session on Monday, April 13 at The Westin in The Woodlands, Texas.

Serving as both the conclusion of the Valve Basics Seminar and the official kickoff to the Forum, the session will feature a leadership panel representing key industry segments, including an end user, manufacturer and distributor. Panelists include Scott Jackson, CEO of FloWorks and Rob Velan, Executive Vice President of International Operations at Velan, as well as an end user from an oil & gas company. The discussion will be moderated by Heather Rhoderick, President of the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA).

The panel will address a range of pressing issues currently shaping the North American valve market. Topics are expected to include the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, ongoing workforce transitions, evolving standards and compliance requirements, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and operations. Organizers note that the conversation is designed to provide practical insight into how industry leaders are responding to these challenges and what it means for businesses across the sector.

Following the General Session, attendees will gather for an opening reception in the exhibit area, marking the start of an additional day and a half of programming. The Forum will feature more than 25 peer-selected educational sessions, along with opportunities for networking and engagement with suppliers and service providers, as well as speakers and attendees.

With a focus on both strategic insight and industry connection, the Valve Forum aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive view of current trends and future directions in the valve industry.