Worth Celebrating

30th Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International adds a new-product display, interactive floor plan, and Women in the Industry seminar to its proven mix of exhibits and education

The 2010 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International sticks to a proven formula: Exhibits, education, networking, fun.

But this 30th annual show also breaks ground with new features, including a Women in the Industry seminar, a special display area for new products, and an interactive floor plan.

“We’re staying with what has always worked, while adding new attractions that respond to ideas from our exhibitors and attendees,” says Julie Gensler, trade show coordinator for COLE Inc., the show sponsor.

Industry’s biggest

The Expo, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville for the third straight year, starts with Education Day on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Exhibits are open Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 25-27.

As the largest annual show in the industry, the Expo offers more than 500 exhibits of new and proven equipment and technology, plus a total of 70 seminars. Ample space for networking is provided in the COLE Pub food court and cocktail area outside the exhibit hall. Here’s a look at a few of the new features at the 30th Annual Expo:

Women in the Industry seminar. Women play a huge role in service companies — some as sole owners, others as partners with their spouses, still others as support systems, taking care of the home front. All play vital roles. “Here’s a chance for women from all sides of the industry to come together, learn about issues they have in common, share ideas, and get acquainted,” Gensler says.

Guest speaker Ann Fry will talk about, “The Regeneration Process: How to Re-energize, Re-purpose, Re-invent and Handle Everything!” Fry is an author, professional speaker, executive coach and corporate culture consultant who helps people connect to their passions and dreams. This Thursday event (9 a.m. to noon) will be followed by a wine and cheese tasting.

New-product display. There is so much to see on the exhibit floor that it can be hard for attendees to find what is new. This year, a sampling of products never seen at the Expo before will be displayed in a dedicated area. This display will be during Education Day (Wednesday) before the exhibits officially open, as well as during regular exhibit hours. “Here’s a way to get a sneak preview of some of the newest and most innovative tools and technologies,” Gensler says.

Interactive floor plan. A virtual floor plan available at www.pumper show.com will help attendees quickly and easily find exhibits and products of interest. A simple graphic show layout shows where companies will exhibit. A click on an exhibit space brings up detailed information about the company, a list of product categories offered, and a panel highlighting the company’s featured Expo offering.

Visitors can also search the show by product category: Search results highlight all exhibits on the floor plan that include the chosen category. An agenda planner lets attendees select exhibitors and seminars of interest and create a complete show itinerary, which they can print out and bring to the show to help maximize their time in Louisville.

Quality education

The Education Day program again includes tracks of seminars given by leading industry associations. Those participating are:

• Southern Section Collection Systems Committee (SSCSC)

• National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)

• National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT)

• National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO)

• WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA)

• Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI)

• Leaders Resource Network (LRN)

• National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA)

Thursday and Friday seminars include tracks covering general business-building topics, sewer and drain cleaning, liquid waste management, portable sanitation, and municipal maintenance and repair. In addition, the SSCSC will offer seminars in Spanish to accommodate the growing number of Expo visitors from Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Top entertainment

As always, the Expo includes two popular social events. The annual Industry Appreciation Party on Thursday evening features tap beers for 25 cents.

The Saturday Evening Jam Revisited brings back two of the most popular acts in Expo History: Sawyer Brown (who performed in 2003 and 2004), and Phil Vassar (2005). The show begins at 5 p.m.

In honor of the Expo’s 30th Anniversary, early registration costs just $30 per person (until Jan. 22). At-the-door registration is $60 for the full program. To find out more, visit www.pumpershow.com or call 800/257-7222.



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