2025 Sessions to be Announced!

Developing Practical Sustainability Programs for Valve Manufacturers

Mitch Anderson, VP of Global Quality, Bray International

Developed for those who work or supervise the production and assembly process in their companies. Sessions may focus on topics such as supply chain and sourcing, workforce training and hiring, predictive maintenance, robotics, EHS and sustainability reporting, automation, etc.

Presentation topics will include:

• PFAS Policy and Reporting Update
• How Valve Manufacturing Companies are using AI
• How Geopolitics Might Change Supply Chains, Exports, Sales, and Tariffs
• 2025 U.S. Industry Standards Update (Joint Session)  

Developed for experienced technical and engineering personnel from manufacturing companies, channel partners/distributors and end users who develop, specify, use, sell and problem solve. Presentations may focus on industry standards, regulatory and compliance, testing and evaluation, applications, automation, cyber and digital trends and impacts, and case studies of successful projects.

Presentation topics will include:

• High Temperature Design Considerations
• Designing for Service & Repair
• Powdered Metal Technologies
• Advancements in Coating Technologies
• MagDrive Technologies
• Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
• Case Study on Plug Valve Failure
• 2025 U.S. Industry Standards Update (Joint Session)
• Case Study on Accessory Failures in Valve Systems
• Thermal Cycling of Metal Gaskets/Connections

Developed for those in management and marketing roles to provide insights from peers and colleagues on trends and best practices. Sessions may include topics like Google Analytics, building your brand, data driven decisions, using AI, human resources, and leadership, etc.

Presentation topics will include:

• Build America, Buy America - Opportunities, Considerations and What You Need to Know in 2025
• Navigating U.S. Exports—The Logistics of A to Z
• How to Keep Employees Engaged, Motivated, and Contributing to Your Success
• Sales Relationship Management
• Military Veterans and the Manufacturing Industry

With newly updated content in 2025, this track is perfect for those in the early stages of their careers, are new to the industry, work in the industry in nonmanufacturing roles, or just need a broad understanding of industrial valves. This track covers the major types of industrial valves and provides an overview of actuation. Sessions are based on VMA’s highly popular and regarded “Valve Basics” program, which presents information on valve types, their purpose and benefits, and applications, all in a non-proprietary way.

Introduction to Basic Valve & Actuator Types
This presentation includes a brief history of valves, covering at a high level the various types such as check valves, solenoids, quarter-turn valves, and relief valves. Additionally, it provides a summary of the diverse methods of actuation. Accompanying the presentation are demonstration displays that prepare the audience for subsequent in-depth discussions. 

Introduction to Check Valves 
Check valves are used to prevent reverse flow. But, are you familiar with the sizing required for your application?  Do you know where and when to utilize a check valve? This presentation will cover how to approach your application. 

Introduction to Solenoids
Solenoid valves are utilized for many different types of fluid control and fluid power applications. The question is, are you ready to learn all the different options available, plus understand when to use each one whether general purpose to critical safety requirements? Join us during this time slot to broaden your knowledge.

Introduction to Pneumatic Actuators
This presentation focuses on pneumatic actuator technology, exploring design, materials, and control systems. Attendees will learn how actuators optimize performance, increase energy efficiency, and perform reliably in various industrial applications.

Introduction to Quarter-turn Valves 
This presentation explores quarter-turn valve technology, including materials, manufacturing processes, and intelligent automation. Attendees will learn about the various types of quarter-turn valves and their applications across many industrial flow control systems. 

Introduction to Electric Actuators 
This presentation will detail rotary and quarter-turn electric actuators, exploring their basic designs, common configurations, and applications. It will provide a comprehensive understanding of electric actuators from the valve stem to the electrical connection. Additionally, the discussion will address mounting concerns and the utilization of various gearboxes in conjunction with electric actuation. 

Join fellow attendees for a roundtable discussion to discuss hot topics and what keeps you up at night. Bring your questions and crowd-source some solutions from other attendees! Roundtables are facilitated by each Track’s planning committee members.

   

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Join fellow attendees for several fun activities and games to win prizes and accolades.

• How Well do You Know Your Valves? Take part in this hands-on activity which tests your knowledge – and speed – in identifying and assembling valves and their parts.
  
  
• “I Spy” in the Table Top Area. . . . Complete the “I Spy” card by visiting with different table-top exhibitors and be entered in a drawing for an iPad.   

A Comprehensive Facility Tour

Leave time to attend a tour of a local facility before you head home! 

Additional ticket is required for the tour.

 

Networking Night Out

Enjoy a night out with colleagues and friends from the Valve Forum Conference. Join us for a networking reception, dinner and dessert at a casual Taco-Mexican fare near the hotel. 

Additional ticket is required for this event.