We've recently been asked - again - to organise a Global Boards Conference. Some of you may remember that this idea was floated in 2010: we keep on being asked to create such an event, but economic conditions have not been right in the last few years. We had not considered the possibility of 'resurrecting' the Global Boards Conference, until we were asked by potential participants to once again look at the conference. Such a conference would concentrate on 'future boards;' new board compositions, state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and new board applications. It wouldn't cover gypsum-boards or insulation-only products, since these are already covered by the Global Gypsum and Global Insulation conferences.
We are aware that there are other events that cover some of the topics that a Global Boards Conference might cover, so we went out to our large database and asked our many readers and contacts for their feedback.
Our respondents told us that they wanted to know more about a variety of topics, including new formulations and compositions of cement-based boards (including alternative mineral systems and the use of supplementary cementitious materials such as slag, fly ash, metakaolin, pozzolans - as well as the use of a variety of fibres and additives to improve board performance); the use of combinations of materials in board systems, including cement-based boards, gypsum-based boards and insulation materials to form higher-value board systems; trends in worldwide markets; the reduction of energy usage in board-making processes; the possibilities for making lighter-weight boards; process optimisation; and possibilities for market expansion through geographical diversification and through new applications. Networking and possibilities for business were critically important for respondents.
We had a very strong response, from cement-, gypsum-, slag- and insulation-related respondents from around the world (but mostly from Europe and North America). In total, 50% said that such a conference is needed, 36% said 'perhaps' such a conference is needed and 14% said such a conference is not needed (but these respondents often also said that they were not involved in the boards industry at all).
A similar proportion of respondents - 87% - suggested that they would either certainly or probably attend a Global Boards Conference. When asked where it might best take place, the majority of respondents suggested that a European location in the early part of 2014 would be welcome (apart from one wit who suggested that if it was going to take place in January then it should take place somewhere warm, like Tahiti). A number of respondents suggested that it should take place in London, since it is easy to travel to directly, via its six airports, from more than 370 desinations around the world.
As one respondent said, 'There is a huge void currently in the industry. It [the Global Boards Conference] would help spreading innovation, sharing general knowledge, and discussing business deals.'
Another said 'The Global Gypsum and Global Insulation conferences are perfect. I see Global Boards being another successful conference, that would provide the right technical information within a structured conference agenda, attracting key decision makers and quality industry suppliers.'
Our in-depth survey suggests that the industry is mainly supportive of the establishment of a professionally-organised Global Boards Conference, running bi-annually and concentrating on practical and business-related topics, taking place in an easy-to-reach city in Europe or North America, including networking and offering good value for money to all attendees.
Following on from the survey we are pleased to announce the first-ever Global Boards Conference, which will take place in London on 30-31 January 2014. Board producers will benefit from a specially-discounted registration fee, while speakers at this inaugural event will receive a complimentary place. An exhibition will take place (contact Paul Brown - paul.brown@propubs.com - if you are interested to take part in the exhibition). More details are here.
Furthermore, this is the Call for Papers for the first Global Boards Conference: we are interested to hear from prospective speakers on the general theme of 'future boards,' and specifically on innovations in board composition, manufacturing optimisation, global market trends, new applications and new markets. Prospective speakers should email me with a proposed presentation title as soon as possible, on rob@propubs.com.
Full details on the 1st Global Boards Conference are on the conference web site, www.Global-Boards.com. With your support, either as a speaker, delegate, sponsor or exhibitor, the event should be very interesting indeed. Our aim is to help you in your business: We're sure that Global Boards will accomplish this aim.
