2018 WJTA-IMCA Expo

Focus on Safety, Technology, and Trade

Published October 2018

The 2018 WJTA-IMCA Expo will be held Nov. 1–2 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Organized by the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA), a leading global trade association, the expo is a forum for industry communication and development, the goal of which is to improve safety, technology, and trade by connecting contractors, asset owners, researchers, academicians, and suppliers. Representatives from all related industry sectors, including industrial, environmental, and municipal waterblast cleaning and field services; industrial and municipal vacuuming; coating removal and surface preparation; concrete removal; and hydroexcavation will attend. 

WJTA has seen increasing involvement in the association and expos from asset owners, particularly from the petrochemical and refining industry sectors, who are looking for ways to maximize safety and production in waterblasting and industrial vacuum applications.

The expo draws a global audience to the Gulf Coast to network, see the latest equipment and industry trends, and gain valuable insights that benefit their businesses’ bottom lines. It has become a crucial event on the calendars of industry professionals to explore major industry trends, including automation and robotics; safety in manual and robotic industrial cleaning; regulatory and business trends; and technical innovations in waterjet applications.

The live demos, a popular and unique part of the expo, will reflect the transition to hands-free waterblasting techniques, as well as advances in pump technology, safer and more ergonomic manual and semi-automated waterjetting equipment, and vacuum trucks and hydroexcavators. Participants will have the opportunity to see these solutions from leading manufacturers in action. 

The indoor exhibits feature a range of specialized equipment and services from manufacturers and contractors. Equipment, technologies, and services on display will include industrial cleaning and environmental services, manual and robotic waterblasting, vacuum trucks and air movers, advances in pump and control technology, hydrodemolition, tank cleaning, pigging and decoking, personal protective equipment, safety options, and more.

The WJTA-IMCA Expo’s educational boot camp program offers a set of expert-led, 30-minute sessions on a variety of waterjetting and industrial vacuum topics. Boot camp sessions are timely and relevant, providing participants with insights to improve safety, outcomes, and the financial bottom line. The educational sessions are open to all expo registrants.

WJTA will present an update during the boot camp on the new entry-level waterblast operator training and certification program. Based on WJTA’s safety guidelines, this standardized training for waterblasters, developed in partnership with the Houston Area Safety Council (HASC), includes computer-based training and instructor-led, hands-on training and verification to help ensure contractors can access a well-trained, safety-aware labor pool, and asset owners can rely on qualified waterblasters in their facilities.

The Industry Appreciation Reception, to be held Thursday, Nov. 1, 4:00–5:00 p.m., is a key networking event that will give participants opportunities to connect with industry leaders and make valuable new contacts.

Located in the heart of the booming Gulf Coast industrial and energy base and featuring world-class entertainment and dining options, New Orleans is the ideal place to meet. The group hotel, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, is centrally located and features outstanding dining and bar options for convenient after-hours networking.

For more information, visit www.wjtaimcaexpo.com, email wjta-imca@wjta.org, or call (314) 241-1445. 

The WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA), formed in 1983, is a professional association providing service, education, and representation to members, including contractors, asset owners, manufacturers, researchers, and educators in the waterjetting, industrial cleaning, and industrial vacuum equipment industries. The WJTA is dedicated to promoting safety, facilitating communication, fostering trade, and promoting the waterjet industry. To address the needs of WJTA members with an active interest in high pressure cleaning and industrial vacuuming technology, WJTA formed a special interest group, the Industrial & Municipal Cleaning Association (IMCA), in 2009. The addition of the IMCA expanded the scope of the WJTA to include technologies used in conjunction with waterjets in industrial and municipal applications. A major aim of the association is to educate members, their employees, and all users of the technology regarding safety and best practices. WJTA developed safety manuals and videos to help ensure a safe and productive work environment for workers and site visitors. The WJTA Medical Alert Card offers guidance for physicians and emergency medical personnel treating waterjet injuries. The WJTA keeps members abreast of the latest developments in products, equipment, applications, industry news, and on-the-job safety in a variety of ways: the Jet News newsletter, eblasts and social media channels, a regularly updated website, and conferences and expos.

 

2018 WJTA-IMCA Expo Preliminary Schedule of Events (Rev. July 23, 2018)

Note: the information below is subject to change without notice. Please consult the WJTA-IMCA Expo website at www.WJTAIMCAExpo.com for up-to-date information or contact the WJTA office.

Tuesday, October 30        8:00 a.m.–noon Heavy Equipment Move-in
                                              NOON—5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-in

Wednesday, October 31   7:00 a.m.–5:00 P.M. Registration/Badge Pickup—Hall I2-J
                                              8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-in

Thursday, November 1     7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Registration/Badge Pickup—Hall I2-J
                                              8:00–10:30 a.m. Live Demos—Parking Lot F
                                              10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open—Hall I2-J
                                              11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Education Boot Camp Sessions—Room 286/287
                                              4:00–5:00 p.m. Industry Appreciation Reception— Hall I2-J

Friday, November 2          7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Registration/Badge Pickup—Hall I2-J
                                              8:00–10:30 a.m. Live Demos—Parking Lot F
                                              9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open—Hall B
                                              10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Educational Boot Camp Sessions—Room 286/287
                                              1:00–6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-out