Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) refresher training is an annual requirement to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. This training covers essential safety practices, hazard recognition, electrical safety, emergency procedures, and first aid.

This breakfast is for speakers, presenters, and moderators to start the day, ask questions, and set themselves up for success.

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

As cement producers and ready-mix users see greater pressure to decrease their carbon footprint, the use of innovative admixtures and cementitious additives is increasingly in focus at the plant level.  This workshop will feature speakers from the ACA presenting on updates in uses of blended cements in the market – including the evolving ASTM standards, as well as representatives from equipment producers currently installing activated and calcined clay systems worldwide, and providers of pozzolans and beneficiated flyashes.  

This year’s Exhibit Hall opens earlier to give attendees more time to connect with exhibitors and explore new technologies shaping the cement industry. Start the morning with coffee and donuts while visiting the new Poster Pavilion, showcasing emerging ideas and innovations. The extended hours create more space for meaningful conversations with exhibitors before transitioning seamlessly into the Exhibit Hall lunch.

New Professionals Alert: This inagural event will be an overview presentation for attendees who are new to cement, with less than 5 years in the industry. 

Join poster authors in the Poster Pavilion during designated times to discuss their research, ask questions, and explore technical insights one-on-one. Authors will be present for limited time, at their posters and available for informal discussion.

NEW TIME  This lunch  will begin and end earlier than usual to accommodate the Welcome Remarks and Opening Presenter that follows.  

NEW DAY/TIME - The conference opens with remarks from association and conference leadership, welcoming attendees, highlighting key themes, and setting the tone for the week ahead. Renowned illusionist Jason Latimer then kicks off the conference with a high-energy presentation that blends science, perception, and storytelling—challenging how we think, innovate, and “mix it up” as an industry.

The Chairs Welcome: ACA, Monica Manolas | CIC, Jennifer Flemming | LOC, Kevin Grotheer

Opening Presenter: Illusionist, Jason Latimer

Technical Paper Session #1 (Papers 1-4) – Moderator, Greg Kemper

Note: This is a 16 minute presentation per paper with a 2 minute introduction.  The Q&A is based on 4 minutes per paper/presentation total.

• 2:25 PM – 2:30 PM (5 min): Technical Paper Session Introduction (Greg Kemper)
• 2:30 PM – 2:48 PM (18 min): Paper #1 – GP-1: Caroline Woywadt, Michael Schiefer- Fluid- Dynamic Optimization of Vertical Roller Mills. 
• 2:48 PM – 3:06 PM (18 min): Paper #2 – MS-2: Frank Vitucci- Visualizing Vibration: Using Amplified Motion for Troubleshooting Cement Industry Equipment. 
• 3:06 PM – 3:24 PM (18 min): Paper #3 – A-3: Nicolas Verbeek, Guillaume Francaux, Dylan Leonel Castro- Predictive Analysis of Mechanical and Electrical Faults Through Line Current Measurments Analytics.
• 3:24 PM – 3:42 PM (18 min): Paper #4 – PG-1: William J. Kovacs Jr., P.E., Jose A. Sanchez, Franziska Freytag- Electrical Power System Studies: Why Needed and Why They Pay Off. 
• 3:42 PM – 3:58 PM (16 min): Q&A (4 minutes per speaker × 4 speakers)

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

While most plants in the cement industry are currently firing some form of alternative fuels, the drive to use more varied (and a greater quantity of) alternative fuels can be challenging to many cement producers.  This roundtable will address the good, the bad, and the ugly of sourcing and using a wide variety of fuels in the marketplace and explore solutions for some of the emerging usage challenges.

Matthew Nelson, Green America Recycling, a Quikrete Company | Brian Giese, Heidelberg Materials | John Dale, Sapphire Americas - a CRH company

This event is open to invited guests only.

Join poster authors in the Poster Pavilion during designated times to discuss their research, ask questions, and explore technical insights one-on-one. Authors will be present for limited time, at their posters and available for informal discussion.

This panel explores how the cement industry is preparing the next generation of talent amid rapid technological change. Panelists will discuss evolving skill needs, career pathways, and the role of digital tools and AI in attracting, training, and retaining a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Erica Flukinger, Digital Leader at Heidelberg Materials North America | Robert Lovingood, ICR Staffing | Dave Campain, Global Product Manager - Process Control Systems, Fuller Technologies | Moderated by Kathryn Clay, Washington Post Intelligence

Vince Hafeli, DBA, brings a candid, real-world perspective on mental health, leadership pressure, and the human cost of construction’s high-performance culture. Drawing on decades as a construction executive and his own lived experience, he challenges the industry to rethink how it supports its people—before burnout, addiction, and silence take their toll. This is a powerful, necessary conversation for anyone shaping the future of our workforce.
 

This session highlights how the ACA Education Foundation reinvests conference success back into the cement community through education, research, and talent development. This showcases how industry support helps advance innovation, strengthen careers, and build the future of cement.

ACA Education Foundation Chair, Allen Hamblen, CalPortland CEO | Dr. Sivakumar Ramanathan,  Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - the University of Miami

Moderated by John Kline, Kline Consulting

Technical Paper Session #2 (Papers 5-10) Moderator, Daniel Locke

Note it is a 16 minute presentation per paper with a 2 minute introduction.  The Q&A is based on 4 minutes per paper/presentation total.

• 1:30 PM – 1:48 PM (18 min): Paper #5 – D-2: Elisabeth Freinhofer, Mario Ruckerbauer (Cemtec) - Variable Speed Drives on Mill Motors.
• 1:48 PM – 2:06 PM (18 min): Paper #6 – GP-2: Tahir Abbas, Michalis Akritopoulos, Syed Suhail Akhtar- Switching to Low-Carbon Fuels through Modeling.
• 2:06 PM – 2:24 PM (18 min): Paper #7 – MS-1: R. Todd Swinderman- Conveyor Fugitive Dust Control. 
• 2:24 PM – 2:36 PM (12 min): Q&A (3 speakers × 4 minutes)
• 2:36 PM – 2:46 PM (10 min): Break
• 2:46 PM – 3:04 PM (18 min): Paper #8 – GP-3: Sabri Trabelsi; Dirk Hoelscher, PhD; Semih Oflazoğlu- H-2-D-Fossilize: A Project Concept for a Total De-Fossilization of Clinker Production Process of a Cement Plant. 
• 3:04 PM – 3:22 PM (18 min): Paper #9 – A-1: M.Sc. Shervin Sabzevari- Devil's Advocate Perspective on AI Expert System in the Cement Industry. 
• 3:22 PM – 3:40 PM (18 min): Paper #10 – EES-1: Earl Parker, Bryon Girard- Preventive Maintenance Diagnostics of Fabric Filters for Better Emissions Compliance in Cement Manufacturing. 
• 3:40 PM – 3:52 PM (12 min): Q&A (3 speakers × 4 minutes)

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

This training module explores the fundamentals of cement chemistry and the quality control practices used in plant operations to ensure consistent, high-quality products. Designed for beginners and those looking to strengthen their plant knowledge, the session is well suited for process engineers, operators, quality professionals, cement users, and anyone interested in understanding how cement works.

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

As the Baby Boom generation ambles towards retirement, most cement producers are struggling with the retention of their experiences and their immense knowledge of “why things operate the way that they do” at legacy plants.  Newer plant personnel struggle with balancing “the way things have always been done” with “what’s the best way to do things.”  This panel will discuss the emerging role of AI in cement production, and role of newer information tools in capturing plant knowledge while adapting to the available workforce

Corinne Fields, Refratechnik Group, and Matt Devitt, Fives FCB USA Inc. 

This brief presentation will preview the upcoming Cemex cement plant tour, highlighting the facility, key operations attendees will see, and what to expect on site. It also provides important context and safety guidance to help participants make the most of this unique, behind-the-scenes experience—made possible by Cemex generous support.
 

This session explores the major global trends reshaping society and the cement industry—and the five critical lessons industry leaders must understand to remain competitive, resilient, and future-ready over the next decade.

Rob McCaffrey, Editorial Director, Global Cement

A candid discussion between UNACEM’s Global CEO and North America CEO on how global strategy translates to regional execution—covering market dynamics, trade, sustainability, technology, and leadership priorities shaping the cement industry.

Rafael Villalona,  UNACEM NA CEO | Pedro Lerner, UNACEM Global CEO| Moderated by Rob McCaffrey, Editorial Director, Global Cement

Technical Paper Session #3 (11-12 and EES Presentation), Moderator, Dave Helfrich

Note it is a 16 minute presentation per paper with a 2 minute introduction.  The Q&A is based on 4 minutes per paper/presentation total.

• 9:45 AM – 10:03 AM (18 min): Paper #11 – GP-5: Joseph Dos Santos, P.E. - The Cost.Value of High Angle Conveying.
• 10:03 AM – 10:21 AM (18 min): Paper #12 – D-3: Steve Drzymala- Large Motor Failure Analysis and Corrective Action. 
• 10:21 AM – 10:39 AM (18 min): EES Presentation – EES-4: EES Brandden Barry, Trinity Consultants-  Analysis and Review of United States Environmental Protection Agency Alternative Method 152A An Alternative to Traditonal Method 9 Training Certification 
• 10:39 AM – 10:51 AM (12 min): Q&A (3 presentations × 4 minutes)

The ACA team presents an overview of current economic trends shaping the cement industry, with a focus on national conditions and regional trends. This briefing will highlight key indicators, demand drivers, and considerations relevant to producers and industry stakeholders.
 

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

This hands-on workshop provides a practical, cement-specific overview of baghouse fundamentals, design considerations, filter media selection, and day-to-day operational best practices. Through expert instruction, real-world examples, and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to improve reliability, extend filter bag life, and prevent costly failures—turning baghouse performance into a strategic operational advantage.

Nate Litmer, BWF Envirotec |Zach Griffey, Coperion | Paulo Oliveira, Fives Group
 

Technical Paper Session #4 (Papers 13-15), Moderator, Brian Giese

Note it is a 16 minute presentation per paper with a 2 minute introduction.  The Q&A is based on 4 minutes per paper/presentation total.

• 2:00 PM – 2:18 PM (18 min): Paper #13 – A-2: David Campain, Trevor Cusworth- Transforming Cement Production: The Open Process Automation (R)evolution
• 2:18 PM – 2:36 PM (18 min): Paper #14 – PG-3: Li Yu, Marc Elliott- Metal-Enclosed Gas-Insulated Switchgear: Pathways to SF-Free Solutions
• 2:36 PM – 2:54 PM (18 min): Paper #15 – GP-4: Srinivas Garimella- Advancing Additively Manufactured Blowback Filtration for Cement-Plant Decarbonization and Emissions Abatement
• 2:54 PM – 3:06 PM (12 min): Q&A (3 presentations × 4 minutes)

This interactive roundtable creates a welcoming space for candid questions and open discussion about cement—from the fundamentals to the nuances that don’t always make it into formal presentations. 

Jeff Bump, C3S | John Kline, Kline Consulting | Peter Paone, ZAP Engineering & Construction Services

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]

[Open to All. There is a cost and requires Registration]