This November, I’m excited to be attending my first Empowering Pumps and Industry Conference, #EPIC2024! This event, held at the Colorado School of Mines, is an amazing opportunity for professionals across a variety of industries to meet up, share insights, and help shape the future of our fields.

As a former underground mine geologist who transitioned into industrial marketing, I have a bit of a unique perspective on our industry’s challenges and opportunities. To me, EPIC stands out as a forward-thinking event that recognizes the crucial link between workplace dynamics and industry advancements. It acknowledges that our strength stems not just from cutting-edge technology, but from our people and the innovative minds driving progress.

I have to admit, I’m most excited about three aspects of the event in particular:

1. The mine tour – If you know me, you know that I can’t resist a mine tour! The Edgar Mine, Colorado School of Mines’ experimental facility, serves as an underground laboratory for budding engineers. Having graduated from a school with a similar setup, I know firsthand the value of hands-on experience in both education and student engagement. I’m so excited to visit the mine and see what our future engineers are up to!
2. The workforce panel – I’m honored to join David Sibelman and Lindie Aragon on this panel! It’s an invaluable opportunity to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining talent in our industries, while also learning from my fellow panelists and attendees.
3. So many networking opportunities – Our industries may be global, but they’re also tight-knit. I’m looking forward to connecting with professionals from across the United States and various sectors. The fact that students can attend EPIC for free is a game-changer, allowing current industry leaders to engage with the next generation of innovators.

EPIC also offers three great learning tracks, each catering to different aspects of our industry:

1. Technical – Ideal for engineers and operators keen to delve into the intricacies of pumps and related equipment.
2. Leadership – Perfect for both technical and non-technical professionals (including students!) looking to enhance their leadership skills and stay abreast of industry trends.
3. Innovation – For the forward-thinkers curious about emerging technologies, novel business strategies, and sustainability practices that will shape our industry’s future.

I’m eager to hear which track you’re most interested in – let me know in the comments or via LinkedIn!

If you’re involved in mining, water & energy, petrochemical, or other industrial sectors, I strongly encourage you to consider attending EPIC 2024. It’s a unique opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and collectively advance our industry.

I’ll be documenting my journey to #EPIC2024 on LinkedIn and Instagram. I’d love to connect with you and see how you’re preparing for the event! Use #EPIC2024 and tag EPIC – Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference on LinkedIn or @empoweringpumps on Instagram!

I’m looking forward to meeting many of you in person and having these crucial conversations. See you in November!