WJTA 2019 Focuses on Safety Best Practices, Equipment, and New Technologies

Published October 2019

The 2019 WJTA Conference and Expo will be held November 11–13 in New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center. A daylong pre-conference short course will be held on Monday, November 11, and the conference sessions and expo activities will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 12–13. New to the program this year is a dedicated session track for asset owners and a panel discussion on collaboration between asset owners, contractors, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Organized by the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA), the conference/expo is the major academic conference, tradeshow, and educational program for high-pressure waterjet technology, industrial/municipal cleaning and vacuuming, and related services.

“Our goal is to provide participants with the networking and tools to succeed in an evolving and challenging marketplace through educational programs, safety practices, equipment options, live demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with high-level contacts,” says Peter Wright, WJTA association manager.

As the major gathering for waterjet technology and industrial cleaning, the conference/expo provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and cooperation between industry sectors. Representatives involved in waterjet cutting and manufacturing technologies; waterblast cleaning and field services; coating removal and surface preparation; concrete removal; industrial and municipal vacuuming; vacuum excavation; drilling, tunneling, and mining; rock cutting; and demilitarization are invited to participate.

The conference/expo also serves as a valuable platform for communication and cooperation between asset owners, contractors, suppliers, researchers, and other stakeholders for the advancement of our industry.

The 2019 program features a full-day waterjet technology short course, educational sessions, live demonstrations, technical research and white-paper presentations, product and equipment displays, and networking opportunities.

The pre-conference Basics and Beyond Short Course is designed to provide an applied introduction to the technology and practical applications of waterjets and related equipment. Taught by expert instructors, this course is intended for anyone with an interest in waterjet technology, ranging from first-time users and new employees to those seeking to increase their level of knowledge, including field techs, suppliers, support staff, engineers, marketing personnel, and potential new users.

Focused, half-hour educational sessions throughout the event offer another opportunity for participants to gain valuable knowledge that can improve their safety and bottom line.

The academic component of the conference/expo features leading engineers, researchers, and business leaders sharing new developments, applications, and theory, as well as practical case studies for the contractor and end user, during technical conference paper presentations.

WJTA’s live equipment demonstrations have been an extremely popular part of the program for more than 27 years. Participants will see cutting-edge equipment operating live and under pressure, showing the mechanics behind the operation and the safety practices that can help prevent jobsite incidents.

Finally, a global exposition of new industrial waterjet/waterblast tools and equipment, trucks, ancillaries, and service providers will be displayed in the exhibit hall. Leading manufacturers and contractors will display a range of heavy equipment as well as interactive, hands-on tooling setups.

For more information, visit www.wjtaimcaexpo.com for the latest conference/expo news and developments or call (314) 241-1445.

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Preliminary 2019 Schedule

Sunday, November 10, 2019

10:00 a.m.–noon Heavy Equipment Move-in (Trucks and Trailers)

noon–5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-in

Monday, November 11, 2019

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Registration/Badge Pickup (Lobby J)

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-in

8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Waterjet Technology Basics & Beyond Short Course (details and schedule located at https://www.wjtaimcaexpo.com/expo/Basics__Beyond.asp)

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Registration/Badge Pickup (Lobby J)

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Hall J) (Preliminary Exhibitor List located at https://www.wjtaimcaexpo.com/expo/Exhibitor_List.asp)

9:30 a.m.–noon Boot Camp Educational Sessions (Session Details and Schedule at https://www.wjtaimcaexpo.com/expo/Boot_Camp.asp)

10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. NEW Asset Owner Educational Track (Session Details and Schedule at https://www.wjtaimcaexpo.com/expo/Asset_Owner_Sessions.asp)

11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Technical Research Papers (Approved abstracts at https://www.wjtaimcaexpo.com/expo/Conference_Abstracts.asp)

1:00–2:00 p.m. NEW Panel Discussion—Asset Owners, Contractors, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Call for Strategic Collaboration and Innovative Thinking (Session details located at https://www.wjtaimcaexpo.com/expo/Panel_Discussion.asp)

2:00–4:00 p.m. Live Demonstrations (Parking Lot F)

4:00–4:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony (Hall J)

4:00–5:00 p.m. Industry Appreciation Reception Sponsored by SPIR STAR (Hall J)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Registration/Badge Pickup (Lobby J)

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Hall J)

10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Boot Camp Educational Sessions 

10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Technical Research Papers 

1:00–6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-out