Every year, the Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference (EPIC) brings together students, educators, and industry leaders for a one-of-a-kind experience focused on connection, innovation, and real-world learning. This year was no exception; in fact, EPIC 2025 delivered some of the most meaningful hands-on engagement we’ve ever seen. The only thing I wish? That more people had been there to witness it.
From day one, students at San Jacinto College’s Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology (CPET) dove right into learning with curiosity and confidence. We kicked things off with an exciting partnership moment as Teadit led student teams through a live Gasket Swap on the Glycol Unit. Using Teadit Gasket Training (TGT) equipment, they taught proper gasket installation, sealing technology best practices, and troubleshooting techniques.
Watching students light up while turning wrenches, applying what they’d learned, and asking smart technical questions reminded us why EPIC exists: to bridge education with industry in a way that sticks.
We’re incredibly proud to partner with Teadit for opportunities like these. Their commitment to hands-on workforce development, and their willingness to mentor emerging talent are exactly what helps shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
And that spirit of partnership didn’t stop there.
One of the most powerful moments of the entire conference came when Knighten Industries stepped up to give students and industry pros a full, real-time pump repair demonstration. When a repair opportunity presented itself, the Knighten team didn’t hesitate — they rolled up their sleeves and invited everyone in for a true masterclass.
Participants gathered around as the team disassembled the pump, explained the root cause of failure, and walked through each step of the repair process. For many students, it was the first time they’d ever witnessed a pump rebuild up close. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and seasoned professionals joined in, creating a rich mix of perspective, mentorship, and shared problem-solving.
Midday, we paused for Hydraulic Institute pump optimization training, the perfect complement to the hands-on demonstration. Attendees learned how system performance, efficiency, and reliability connect to the practical repair work happening right in front of them.
By the end of the day, everyone gathered around to see the final product: a clean, fully repaired pump with a new seal perfectly installed and zero leakage. The pride in the room was unmistakable. It wasn’t just a repair; it was community in action.
These are the moments that define EPIC.
Still, as meaningful as these experiences were, we know there’s room to grow. Our keynote sessions and breakout conversations were powerful — filled with insight, leadership, and forward-thinking discussion. We simply needed more people in those seats.
As we plan for next year, we’re exploring ways to make the event even more inviting:
- expanding outreach to nearby companies and trade organizations,
- offering more CEUs and training credits,
- adding interactive demo zones in the keynote hall, and
- providing more scheduling flexibility for students and working professionals.
EPIC has always been about impact, and with your help, we can make that impact even bigger.
A huge thank you to Teadit, Knighten Industries, our students, our partners, and our incredible community. You are the heart of everything we do.
Follow us for more behind-the-scenes moments: Instagram.com/empoweringpumps Instagram.com/charlikmatthews
