ASA is the only industry association that has a special interest group, the Industrial Piping Division (IPD), dedicated to the needs of companies doing business in the PVF sector of the wholesale channel of distribution. ASA’s annual convention, NetworkASA 2009: POWER, reinforces the association’s commitment to the companies in this market segment. The meeting’s agenda offers educational programs and networking opportunities specifically designed to address the interests of distributors and manufacturers who serve the industrial and mechanical PVF markets.

The convention’s kick-off event on Wednesday, October 14, is the Wholesaler & Vendor Conference Appointments. This program allows PVF vendors and wholesalers to meet one-on-one to review progress made in 2009 and create growth plans for 2010.

Karen Harbert

On Thursday, October 15, the IPD Educational Forum and Breakfast will feature Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. She will speak to our nation’s complex energy challenges as the most urgent economic and national security concern facing our nation in this century. World influences create daunting challenges, yet also present an historic opportunity to change our nation’s course and drive our future.

In addition to Ms. Harbert’s presentation, the IPD Award of Excellence will be presented to Gary Cartright of Piping and Equipment Inc. during the business portion of the session. The IPD Award of Excellence honors an IPD member who has a record of significant accomplishment and recognition in the PVF industry. 

Thursday afternoon’s Capitol Hill Visits will give PVF companies the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their legislators about important issues they face in trying to run a profitable and responsible business. ASA will pre-schedule appointments for attendees to speak with their senators and representatives about topics important to their success. NetworkASA 2009 is the only industry meeting to provide this type of access to national decision-makers for members of the PHCP/PVF industry.

NetworkASA 2009: POWER debuts an event that will set the standard for industry participation for years to come. Thursday evening’s Industry Interchange combines the networking and dedicated manufacturer areas that made IPD Open House a success in a new, energy-charged atmosphere. This event is both a productive and fun way to bring participating vendors and distributors together with face time to forge partnerships. Recognizing the need of PVF companies to maintain their exclusive networking opportunities, IPD will have a dedicated “VIP” section within the Industry Interchange exclusively for its manufacturer and wholesaler members.

Steve Maxwell

In support of strengthening the entire wholesale channel of distribution, IPD will once again sponsor an educational seminar open to all NetworkASA 2009 registered attendees on a topical issue greatly impacting the entire industry. During Friday afternoon’s Future Strategy Sessions, IPD presents Water: The Next Oil with Steve Maxwell, author and editor of the American Water Works Journal and the Environmental Business Journal. This session will present an in-depth look at the pending worldwide water crisis and the ramifications it will have on our nation. Following the presentation, there will be a discussion on the opportunities that will exist and how the PHCP and PVF industry can provide solutions to this crisis. This is a must attend for all distributors and manufacturers interested in this important topic.

NetworkASA 2009: POWER will take place October 13-17, 2009 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C. Visit www.asa.net to register, review the complete agenda and make travel arrangements.