May 11 2015
The 32nd annual Coal Prep Show, produced by Penton's Energy and Buildings Group, delivered better-than-expected results at the annual event last week in Lexington, Kentucky.
The event is the only annual trade show and conference in the U.S. dedicated to coal preparation and processing and attracts industry professionals from all over the world who come to share the latest and most effective techniques in the industry.
Coal Prep's new conference programming addressed alternative uses for coal, marketing at the producer/operator level and updates on the instability of export opportunities. Exhibitors offered new equipment designs to improve efficiency and hence profitability. The Department of Energy booth highlighted current studies outlining and projecting rare mineral extraction from coal and coal refuse which could represent a future use and profit line for U.S. coal.
The overall consensus was positive, despite impending EPA regulations expected to be announced in June of this year. Long-time exhibitor Jack Hopwood, Membership Chair of the Coal Preparation Society of America (CPSA) and Global Director of Material Handling for FLSmidth said, "…we still have all the key decision makers here. There was good conversation in amongst the booths; the technical sessions were well attended considering the total attendance and we had high-quality presentations." CPSA boosts the largest membership of all the coal preparation societies throughout the world with over 1,100 members. Membership benefits include a quarterly journal and access to pre-recorded Coal Prep operator workshops.
"Several weeks out from the event we were looking at close to a thirty percent downturn, which mirrors the overall state of the industry. However, when all was said and done, the qualified attendee verification was just shy of nine percent decline," stated Florence Torres, Show Director. "That speaks volumes about the quality of the event and the need to see and hear what coal producers and vendors are doing differently."
Coal Prep also announced its move to Louisville for the 2016 event, due to Lexington's plans to renovate the Convention Center and Rupp Arena complexes. Louisville became an obvious option. Given the positive reaction to the potential move and the benefits, the show still plans to try Louisville for 2016 despite Lexington not receiving funding for the proposed renovations. Among the benefits of the move include: proximity to the prospering IL Coal Basin, but yet not too far away from the Appalachian roots; easier air travel for international and domestic attendees; for those who drive it may prove closer for some, yet only an hour additional drive-time for others; the Kentucky Exposition Center exhibit space offers an even playing field/contiguous hall space and has no weight restrictions that Lexington is challenged with.
Bob Hollis, formerly of James River Coal, currently with The Daniels Company shared this about the move, "The move to Louisville, KY in 2016 is a great opportunity for our Mid-West companies to come and join those from other parts of the USA and the world. There will be a greatly expanded show floor that promises to have the latest and greatest on display from coal preparation equipment manufacturers and process engineering firms. It is not to be missed from anyone involved in this business"
He went on to say, "As someone who has been on the operational side of coal processing and am now on the engineering and manufacturing side of the business I know this for a fact: There is no other place like Coal Prep 2016 for these two sides to come together in a constructive manner to gain the knowledge needed to advance our business forward in the coming years."
Coal Prep 2016 is slated to take place April 25-27 in Louisville.