Connections and Technology at WJTA 2022 in New Orleans

By LeAnn Hampton / Published October 2022

Industrial cleaning is a fiercely competitive industry, and strong relationships are a key to success. As a potentially high-hazard industry, it is also crucial to leverage the latest technology, standardized training, and best practices to bring workers home safe at the end of the day.

    Advancing safety and technology is the primary mission of the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA), and participation with the association is a way for leaders in the industry to collaborate. The WJTA Conference & Expo will be held Nov. 1–3, 2022, and is the major event on the calendars of the industry’s executives, technology leaders, and safety professionals due to the connections that will build lasting expertise and advance participants’ careers and businesses. 

    The new contacts and insights can be put into practice implementing new automation technologies, as well as PPE, engineering controls, and safe work practices for manual cleaning. 

     Asset owners can see what tools are available to remove operators from the line of fire and reduce the need for confined space entry. Industrial cleaning operations directly impact the process equipment responsible for producing product, and efficient, effective cleaning can also reduce downtime and improve the overall financial bottom line. 

     The equipment displays and live demonstrations at the WJTA Conference & Expo offer attendees a first-hand look at waterjetting tools, high-pressure pump technology, automation controls, and robotics, as well as advanced vacuum trucks and related equipment. Contractor and OEM experts can provide insight on applications and equipment selection.

     Business is best done face to face, and the opportunity to meet with a variety of vendors and potential partners is a major benefit of tradeshows. The Industry Appreciation Reception, sponsored by SPIR STAR, gives participants another opportunity to strengthen relationships while enjoying complimentary cocktails in the exhibit hall.

     In addition to cleaning, surface prep, and cold cutting, a growing application of waterjet technology is concrete demolition, and the Conference & Expo includes several leading OEMs and sessions dedicated to hydrodemolition.

     Education is a key element of the WJTA Conference & Expo, with several session tracks for asset owners, con-tractors, and research and development specialists. The program features new sessions that deliver actionable information on timely topics.

     Another highlight of the 2022 Conference & Expo is a new panel discussion on current challenges for contractors and asset owners. Richard Bass (Kuraray), James Bergeron (Marathon Petroleum), Jimmy Peck (MPW), and Bill Shaw (Evergreen North America) will discuss issues from workforce to supply chains
and much more in this discussion moderated by Kerry Siggins (StoneAge). 

     An exciting addition to the 2022 program is a new day-long pre-conference Vacuum Technology Short Course. The short course is modeled on the association’s popular Waterjet Technology Basics & Beyond, which was presented virtually in 2022. The new vacuum technology short course provides outstanding practical and theoretical knowledge and coincides with the newly launched WJTA training and certification program for vacuum operators.

     For more information or to register for the WJTA Conference & Expo, visit www.WJTAExpo.com or call (314) 241-1445.