The Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference (#EPIC2024) brought together industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the theme “Envision Energy, Envision Your Future.” With a dynamic lineup of speakers, educational sessions, and engaging networking opportunities, this year’s conference reinforced its role as a cornerstone event for the industry.
Hosted in Denver, Colorado, #EPIC2024 delivered two days of learning, engagement, and celebration. From hands-on experiences to high-level discussions, the event provided attendees with the tools and inspiration to shape the future of energy and industry.
A Historic Start: Tour of the Edgar Experimental Mine
The conference kicked off with a tour of the historic Edgar Experimental Mine. A relic of the 1870s, this site once produced high-grade silver, gold, lead, and copper. Today, it serves as a unique underground laboratory, training future engineers and developing solutions to sustain our world’s natural resources.
During the two-hour tour, attendees explored over a century of mining development, guided by Clinton Dattel, whose expertise and storytelling captivated everyone. The tour offered a glimpse into mining practices, equipment, and the economic role of mining in modern society. As one attendee put it, “I left the tour with a deeper appreciation for the legacy and future of mining.”
Innovation at the Core: The Innov8x Challenge
The spirit of innovation took center stage with the Innov8x Challenge, a showcase of student creativity and problem-solving. Teams of aspiring engineers presented solutions to industry challenges, displaying the next generation’s potential to tackle complex problems with fresh perspectives. Watching these young minds in action was truly inspiring—a reminder of how essential it is to invest in the future of the workforce.
The challenge was to develop a strategy or solution that allows for an effective way to reclaim and store either Helium or SF6 (or both) while venting and after testing. We got to hear solution pitches from three teams with the winners being The Reclamation Proclamation Team who were comprised of Isaac Kim, Abram Tafoya, Dean Jones, and Aidan Steffonich. They proposed a two-stage PSA system that captured residual gas and purifies helium, offering a customizable and quick-turnaround solution.
All of the teams earned a huge round of applause for their innovative solutions and we are so grateful to the McNeil Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation team for helping us execute this challenge during our event.
Manufacturing Happy Hour LIVE
Closing the first day with a unique twist, attendees gathered for a live recording of Chris Luecke’s Manufacturing Happy Hour. Featuring influential industry leaders, this session combined entertainment and insight, offering attendees a deeper look into the future of manufacturing. You can tune in to our special episode, here, where Chris sat down with Michelle Jordan, Gakuo Ndonga, and Meaghan Ziemba to discuss what it truly means to re-envision energy for the future.
Day Two: Envisioning the Future
Day two of EPIC 2024 continued to inspire and challenge attendees to think creatively about the future of the industry. The discussions were both forward-thinking and deeply grounded in practical strategies for leadership, innovation, and workforce development. We also had the pleasure of having Michelle Segrest, President of Navigate Content, Inc. as our emcee, facilitating great engagement and discussion throughout the day.
One standout session, “Redefining Mining: People, Culture, and the New Narrative,” explored how compelling stories can drive transformative change in the mining industry. By focusing on long-term visions like net-zero goals, energy independence, and reduced foreign dependencies, the session highlighted the power of narrative in reshaping perceptions. Technologies such as automation and AI were recognized as crucial tools, but the heart of the discussion was on people—attracting, retaining, and nurturing diverse talent. The session emphasized that impactful contributions aren’t limited to those with technical or engineering backgrounds, but instead rely on fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation.
In “Scaling Innovation Expectations to Fit Corporate Reality,” the focus shifted to balancing big ideas with corporate realities. This session dug into the challenges of aligning innovation goals with an organization’s risk tolerance and appetite for change. Attendees explored practical tools to help smooth the execution path for new initiatives, ensuring that bold moves can still fit within corporate frameworks. The session offered a thoughtful look at how to foster a culture of innovation without losing sight of operational constraints.
Another compelling session, “Technology’s Impact on Decision-Making in Our Industry’s Future,” tackled the ethical considerations of AI and digital transformation. As the industry moves deeper into the era of artificial intelligence, the session underscored the importance of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in guiding decision-making processes. Attendees left with a clear understanding of the critical role leadership will play in navigating the opportunities and challenges posed by advanced technologies.
Day two of the conference showcased a diverse range of topics, addressing both challenges and forward-thinking innovations across the industry. The session on “Bridging the Skills Gap” tackled the pressing need to develop talent when the ideal candidate isn’t available, offering strategies to strengthen teams through workforce programs and training initiatives. Technical discussions provided actionable insights, such as best practices for “Centrifugal Pump Selection” and groundbreaking advancements in “Pump Sealing Technology for the Mining Industry”, including innovations that improve efficiency and sustainability.
Attendees also explored solutions for addressing critical challenges in pumping applications, focusing on improving wastewater management and boosting system resilience. These sessions combined leadership insights with technical expertise, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to drive progress in their organizations.
Celebrating Excellence: Empowering Industry Awards
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the Empowering Industry Awards, where we celebrated individuals making a difference within the industry. From innovative projects to leadership excellence, the winners represented the best of what our industry has to offer. You can read more about the winners here.
These awards are impactful in many different ways; they recognize all of the hard work that person has put into their roles, they help these leaders continue to advance in their careers, and they serve as a reminder of how essential it is to acknowledge and encourage achievements that inspire the next generation. These awards are incredibly important to our team to be able to further highlight and empower those who are doing amazing work in our industry!
Networking and Meaningful Connections
The power of EPIC lies in its ability to connect people, and this year was no exception. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, formed lasting connections, and expanded their networks.
Attendee responses underscored this sentiment:
- “EPIC provided a connection hub for all aspects of the industry, from suppliers to vendors to new recruits and of course industry experts.”
- “Expanding my network with meaningful relationships and gaining a clearer understanding of the impact things I do and say have on others.”
Networking wasn’t just about exchanging business cards—it was about fostering a community that supports and uplifts one another.
The #EPIC2024 Takeaways
When reflecting on their experience at EPIC, attendees shared powerful insights that emphasized the conference’s focus on leadership, innovation, and growth. Many left inspired by the event’s ability to connect people on a personal and professional level while providing a vision for the future. One attendee noted, “It connected people at the people level without being overly technical, while still offering just enough expertise to inspire action.” While another attendee described the event as a space for innovation and forward-thinking leadership, stating, “EPIC showed me the importance of staying ahead in an evolving industry while maintaining a focus on developing the people who will shape its future.”
“At EPIC, our mission is to create a dynamic space where both emerging and established industry leaders can connect, collaborate, and drive the future forward,” says Charli K. Matthews, Founder and CEO. “Our theme, ‘Envision Energy, Envision Your Future,’ also subtly highlights the importance of our personal energy and the energy we contribute to the world. It’s essential to invest in our own development to support our growth and, in turn, fuel the progress of our industry.”
Ultimately, EPIC was about more than just industry trends or technical insights—it was about envisioning what’s possible when innovation and leadership align. This blend of knowledge sharing, community building, and self-development is what makes this conference truly transformative for everyone involved. We hope you’ll join us next year as we continue to empower and connect industry professionals. Together, we can envision—and create—a brighter future.
Looking Ahead: EPIC 2025
As we close the chapter on #EPIC2024, we’re thrilled to announce that #EPIC2025 will be held on November 5-6th at the San Jacinto College’s CPET facility in Pasadena, TX. Known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” Pasadena offers the perfect backdrop for an event focused on driving the petrochemical, energy, and technology fields forward.
The LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology (CPET) is dedicated to connecting students with industry leaders and providing hands-on training for the next generation of skilled workers. We’re excited to continue our mission of empowering industry professionals and building a brighter future for the workforce.
Check out our promo video to get a sneak peek of what’s in store!
