The conference is called Plastics Pipes XIII, but the subject matter goes much deeper than that. The challenges of our collective underground infrastructure know no borders, and every two years the plastic pipe industry leaders work with their global counterparts to exchange ideas and identify opportunities for solutions.
More than 500 international delegates from more than 40 countries will explore strategies on topics such as sustainable development, infrastructure rehabilitation technology, recycling and drinking water quality at Plastics Pipes XIII. The Plastics Pipe Conference Association (PPCA) will host the conference Oct. 2 to 5, 2006 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
“This conference offers a forum to openly exchange technical, scientific and market-related information,” said Stephen Boros of the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) and chairman of the conference. “The plastics piping industry continues to advance over traditional materials. And new technologies and innovations prove that the market is alive and well—and getting stronger.”
Other issues among the more than 90 presentations scheduled in concurrent sessions include horizontal directional drilling technology, the environment, installation solutions and related best practices, the use of HDPE pipe in bridge construction and new joining techniques.
Experts from every channel in the plastic pipe distribution chain, including engineers, designers, manufacturers, contractors and end users, will participate. This year, the event is being combined with the American Gas Association’s International Plastic Fuel Gas Pipe Symposium Series.
“The sheer volume of energy and information that results from this conference is outstanding,” said organizing committee member Perry Sheth of Keyspan Energy. “It’s enough ideas and momentum to keep the plastic pipe industry moving forward and finding long-term economic and environmental solutions worldwide.”
The most recent conference, Plastics Pipe XII, was held in Italy in 2004 and attracted 550 delegates who presented more than 70 technical papers that included state-of-the-art technology and many examples of innovative ways plastic pipes are being used around the world.
This year’s keynote speaker (Oct. 3) will be Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of the Ocean Futures Society and son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. He will speak on the need to protect precious natural resources, such as clean water, and the important role plastic piping can play.
For registration information, call 202.624.1743 or e-mail [email protected].
Source: PPI
