The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), which is comprised of NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings, announced that the CORROSION 2021 Virtual Conference & Expo will take place April 19-30, 2021. This two-week event will provide a collaborative and convenient platform for corrosion and coatings industry professionals to network, learn, and develop new business.
Due to the State of Utah’s COVID-19 limitations on group gatherings, CORROSION 2021 can no longer take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The event was originally scheduled for April 18-22 via the traditional “in-person” conference format.
“We were prepared for this possibility and, after extensive consultation with exhibitors, members, and conference vendors, NACE staff has redesigned the annual CORROSION conference in a virtual format,” says Bob Chalker, CEO of AMPP. “Even though we cannot meet in person, the CORROSION 2021 Virtual Conference & Expo will keep you connected to the latest innovations, information, and products advancing the industry today.”
Corrosion Innovation Awards
The revamped event will still feature the 2021 Corrosion Innovation of the Year Awards program from Materials Performance (MP) Magazine, as well as the 2021 Contractor Awards Ceremony by CoatingsPro Magazine and events such as the Protective Coatings Workshop.
To ensure attendees get the most out of conference content, and to allow exhibitors and buyers to easily connect, the CORROSION 2021 Virtual Conference & Expo will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) matchmaking tools. The AI feature recommends sessions based on each registrant’s unique profile and program schedule. Registration information is available at the event website, which also includes an updated Frequently Asked Questions page.
Features of Digital Platform
CORROSION 2021's digital platform automatically adapts to each user’s time zone. According to AMPP, the virtual conference will be packed with technical information exchanges and sessions. Attendees can plan their schedules around conference offerings such as symposia presentations on the latest corrosion prevention techniques; a forum discussion about best practices for corrosion mitigation; or a committee meeting to hear about current and upcoming industry standards.
Group chats on specific topics will be available, allowing registrants to easily engage with other attendees and peers. Professional development hours (PDHs) can be earned from attending various technical meetings, forums, and symposia, with content also available in an “on demand” format for six months after the event until October 31, 2021.
Attendees will have access to a virtual exhibit hall to learn about the latest corrosion products and technologies, and they can set up one-on-one video meetings with vendors, as desired. Exhibit and sponsorship packages are additional options.
Key Dates to Watch For
“Thank you for your patience and ongoing support,” Chalker said in a message to members and attendees. “Our entire team is grateful to you, our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors, for your years of loyalty and support. “We look forward to hosting you at our virtual event in April 2021.”
The 2022 Annual Conference is scheduled to return to an in-person format in San Antonio, Texas, from March 6-10, 2022. The 2022 Call for Abstracts opens in March 2021, and information on registration and housing will be made available in October 2021.
Source: AMPP, www.nacecorrosion.org.