The 54th Turbomachinery and 40th Pump Symposia (TPS) concluded on August 22, 2024, in Houston, Texas, marking another successful year for this premier industry event. With 4,768 attendees from 48 countries, 99 technical sessions, and 298 exhibiting companies, TPS 2024 reinforced its position as a cornerstone event of the rotating equipment industry.

Cutting-Edge Technical Program

This year’s symposia offered a diverse range of technical sessions, catering to rotating equipment engineers across various specialties. Highlights included the short course “Bearings for Oil-Free Rotating Machinery” and the case study “Design Considerations for Pressurized Sealing Systems.” The rigorous review process, overseen by an advisory committee of esteemed industry experts, ensured the highest quality and relevance of technical content.

A veteran attendee emphasized the value of the event’s technical program: “TPS is a keystone event for rotating equipment engineer career development. The knowledge and contacts gained here have been career-enhancing throughout my 25+ years of experience.”

Vibrant Exhibition Showcases Industry Leaders

The exhibition floor was lively as 298 companies, including industry giants like ABB, Bently Nevada, and Elliott Group, showcased their latest innovations and services. The floor represented a diverse range of exhibitors, including companies from turbomachinery, chemical, petrochemical, water, and pump-related sectors.

A first-time attendee shared, “The networking and interactions with various suppliers and organizations allowed me to branch out from my day-to-day behind-the-scenes role. I enjoyed every moment.”

Supporting Women in Industry

The Women of TPS, now in its fifth year, continued to foster inclusivity and support for women in STEM fields. Sponsored by Atlas Copco Gas and Process, the event featured inspiring talks by distinguished guest speakers. Dena Malloy, Aftermarket Department Manager for Atlas Copco Gas and Process, presented “Navigating Success and Overcoming Challenges in Male-Dominated Fields: Strategies and Personal Insights.” Michelle Jordan, Business Operations Manager for TECHMAR Equipment Foundations, discussed “The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace.”

Exploring AI’s Impact on Industry

This year’s Welcome Address opened with remarks by Dr. Eric Petersen, Director of the Turbomachinery Laboratory, and highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the industry. Dr. Douglas Allaire, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University and Turbomachinery Laboratory faculty member, delivered a keynote on “AI Value Today: Evolution, Transformation, and Risks,” exploring both the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence in industrial applications.

Looking Ahead: TPS 2025

As TPS 2024 concludes, the industry looks forward to next year’s symposia, scheduled for September 16-18, 2025. Prospective exhibitors can secure their space by contacting the Exhibitor Services team at maggie.gariepy@tamu.edu.

For those wanting to contribute to our technical program, the Call for Papers for TPS 2025 is now open, with abstract submissions due by October 23, 2024. Visit tps.tamu.edu/program/submissions/ for details.

Technical content from TPS 2024 will be made public in March 2025, joining the free archive of proceedings from previous symposia available at turbolab.tamu.edu/proceedings.

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Turbomachinery Laboratory makes a vital impact on turbomachinery and related industries through research, education and professional workforce development. Visit turbolab.tamu.edu for more information.