Cemtech Florida - 2-5 December 2007 | Grand Floridian Resort complex
Download Programme
Following the resounding success of its first America’s meeting last year,
Cemtech Conferences and Exhibitions returned to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
and Spa between 2-5 December 2007 to review what has been an eventful 12 months
for US cement markets.
Revisiting America’s Sunshine State proved a popular choice as the meeting
succeeded in attracting over 150 delegates from 20 countries. And once again,
Florida provided an ideal meeting point as the state’s cement industry has been
the focus of much activity – reflecting an eventful year for US cement markets
in general. Therefore, this extremely timely Cemtech Conference gave delegates
the opportunity to take stock and evaluate the knock-on effects the cement
industry is likely to experience in light of recent economic events.
With so much ground to cover, the conference programme did not disappoint. Day
one of proceedings featured a range of reports by leading industry analysts who
focussed on current and future US market trends, projections on how new capacity
is likely to be absorbed and expected adjustments on trading activity.
Ensuring all interests were catered for, a number of papers discussed the
practical application of technology advances at various US cement plants.
Sustainable practices came under the spotlight as did optimisation strategies
and management initiatives.
To compliment proceedings further, an exhibition area running concurrently to
the conference featured some of the cement industry’s leading equipment
suppliers allowing delegates to network in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Of course, with the conference set in such lively surroundings, it wasn’t all
work and no play. Once again, Cemtech hospitality levels were at their highest
as delegates were treated to dinners and entertainment in the Disney complex.
These included an evening at Pleasure Island and a spectacular firework display
at Epcot. For the farewell dinner, participants dined at the elegant Grande Ritz
Carlton Hotel while listening to the sounds of Florida's top salsa band Akangana
with full supporting cast - brilliant!
And the Cemtech Golf Challenge, held on the final day of proceedings, proved a
massive hit. Some 24 delegates, competing for a prize fund of US$2000 had the
chance to play at Disney’s Osprey Ridge Course – considered one of the best in
Florida. Playing to the rules of a Cemtech/Texas Scramble, the tightly fought
contest was eventually won by a US-based foursome (after a play-off).
With highly positive feedback following the conclusion of the conference,
Cemtech Conferences looks forward to returning to the US around the same time
next year. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some of the photographic memories
of Cemtech Florida 2007, shown below.
Conference Videos
Subscribers to CemNet.com can watch the following full length videos from
Cemtech Florida 2007:
US cement markets: present trends and industry forecasts to 2012. Ed Sullivan,
Portland Cement Association, USA
Florida cement and construction sectors – what a difference a year makes! Bud
Coleman, Roebuck Consulting, USA
The corporate leaders still in consolidation mode – effects on regional/local
markets. Tom Armstrong, ICRG, UK
The import supply matrix in volatile regional US markets: 2007-2015. Douglas
Queen Associates, USA
Climate change and cement trading – implications for US producers. Joe Dorn,
King and Spalding LLP, USA
Mexico: cement markets and expected strategic developments. Gonzalo Fernandez,
Banco Santander, Mexico
Keeping pace? Greenfield sites and plant expansion in North America 2007-2015.
Rob Roy, USA
Reduced emission kiln technologies – can the industry deliver? Frank Zeman,
Columbia University, USA