VMA Valve Forum Held in San Antonio

On April 17, the VMA Valve Forum kicked off in San Antonio, Texas. With more than 120 people in total attendance, up more than 20%, the event opened with a networking reception in a ballroom with nearly 20 exhibitors participating.

The conference began on Tuesday with a general session covering manufacturing industry trends. After that attendees could choose from a variety of offerings in four different tracks: Technical, Valve Fundamentals, Manufacturing and Management & Marketing. Within the tracks sessions included topics including: a case study on a 168-inch diameter butterfly valve installation; nondestructive valve evaluation; additive manufacturing; using social media in your marketing mix; potential implications surrounding PFAS chemicals and becoming a data-driven organization. 

Also this year a variety of roundtables were held where attendees had a chance to discuss topics in each of the tracks. Two students and a professor from Texas A&M’s Industrial Distribution program shared information about their coursework, what they are looking for in their careers from employers and more. Industry attendees also asked questions of the students and asked for their feedback on a number of topics. 

Attendees had plenty of time for networking and reconnecting with each other, and had the chance to take a tour of the San Antonio River Tunnel Facility. 

Sponsors included: EFCO USA, ETI Systems and Setpoint Integrated Solutions.