The dry processing and bulk solids handling world has been converging on Rosemont, IL as the 2014 International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (Powder Show) begins Tuesday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
    The Powder Show has been the premier event for the industry for nearly 40 years, providing access to a full range of equipment, technology, information, and expertise needed for every phase of process. Combining the world’s most comprehensive showcase of solutions for dry processing and bulk solids handling with the world’s foremost conference on powder technology, the Powder Show will help attendees improve product quality, eliminate costly mistakes, reduce waste and rejects, minimize downtime, and maximize productivity and profits.
    The Powder Show is a resource for attendees to learn what’s new, what’s improved, and what’s on the way. Attendees can experience live demonstrations, perform “hands-on” evaluations, and make side-by-side comparisons of similar products to acquire the information needed to make wise purchasing decisions.
    More than 350 exhibiting companies will display products and equipment from every aspect of the dry processing and bulk solids handling industry, including: accessories, components, and services; automation, instrumentation, and controls; conveyers; feeders; dryers and thermal solids processors; dust collectors and scrubbers; material handling, transportation, and storage; mixers and blenders; packaging and bagging; particle enlargers and formers; screening and separation; size reduction; weighing systems and scales.
    Attendees will discover solutions for manufacturing and processing a broad range of products, including: asphalt and hot mixes; carbon black; ceramics; clay; cosmetics; explosives and ammunition; food products; glass; industrial and agricultural chemicals; lime and cement; metals; minerals; pharmaceuticals; pigments and coatings; plastics and rubber; primary aluminum; process chemicals; pulp and paper; steel; stone; textiles.

What's New on the Show Floor
This year’s event includes several new features, including a Networking Coffee & Keynote on Wednesday, May 7, 8:30–10:00am. Howard Putnam, the former CEO of Southwest and Braniff Airlines, and group VP marketing for United Airlines. Putnam is a business and motivational speaker, author, consultant, commentator, and online mentor, who will speak about leadership, customer service, change, transformation, and ethics.
    Another new feature this year is the complimentary Peer-to-Peer Speed Networking Event, which will take place Wednesday, May 7 at 2pm. This is an opportunity for attendees to make new connections with like-minded professionals, gain industry knowledge, establish new alliances, learn about new processes, and build relationships with industry peers. This high-impact event enhances networking opportunities by matching attendees with relevant professionals according to their preferences.
    The Tech Theater will feature sessions on the show floor that will provide educational opportunity, free of cost, to processing professionals of all career levels. Theater attendees will be able to: ask an expert for solutions to everyday problems; hear about training programs offered at colleges; listen to the state of the industry; discover what technology is worth investing; choose from panel discussions about the latest technology and business trends; listen to technology and product briefs from suppliers that will showcase the newest solutions and innovation.
    Other additions to this year’s event include an ice cream cart, a beer booth, and a coffee booth.

Revamped, Enhanced Conference Program
The Powder & Bulk Solids Conference delivers the latest innovations and best practices in dry processing, bulk material handling, storage, particle technology, and related technologies in a content-rich, three-day program. The 2014 Conference has been revamped and enhanced to better serve conferees and help them obtain a year’s worth of educational content and networking in three days. Here’s a quick look at what’s new for 2014:

New Format
The classic three-day/four-track program now has shorter 1½-hour sessions to expand the education menu each day. There will be a plenary keynote plus 12 topic options every day, providing increased flexibility for education choices.

Proficiency Indicators
The core technical training that has always been featured now has easy indicators on each 1½-hour Technical Workshop to indicate whether it is Fundamental (F) or Advanced (A) education, so conferees can determine what level of training is right for them.
    
Enhanced International Presence
It’s the International Powder Show, so the international representation on the speaking faculty has been heightened to provide access to more experts from around the globe, including Australia, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Scotland, Spain, and the U.K.

Technology Highlights
Each day will start with a Keynote Technology Panel discussion on a leading-edge science that is brining innovation to the industry, plus conferees will have access to multiple What’s New in Tech sessions each day that will explore newer areas of technological discovery and their practical applications for your field.

Industry Case Studies
Food/agriculture, chemical, and pharmaceutical industry specialists now have access to discussions focused on these verticals. A dedicated group of professionals from each of these fields will discuss common challenges through interactive panel discussions.

Standards Compliance
Industry regulators from OSHA and the NFPA will be speaking about compliance from their perspectives as they go over updates and explain measures.

Tours of the Exhibition
Time has been built-in on the program to enable conferees to take a 1½-hour guided tour of the show floor.

Click here for more information and/or to register for the 2014 Powder Show.