Tank storage industry gears up for StocExpo 2019 with a new divisional director
StocExpo Europe will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year as the leading event for the bulk liquid storage sector. The three-day conference and exhibition will take place at Ahoy in Rotterdam in the heart of the ARA region, on 26-28 March, 2019. StocExpo Europe’s new divisional director has high ambitions to take it to the next level as the event prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary serving the bulk liquid storage sector. Mark Rimmer reveals what he’s most looking forward to about StocExpo 2019 & beyond.
Whether a tank contains oil, petrochemicals, portable liquids, hazardous waste or renewable fuel the operating principles remain the same. The tank storage facility must run safely, efficiently and with minimal impact on the environment. StocExpo provides a platform to ensure these fundamentals are met.
StocExpo Europe’s new divisional director has high ambitions to take it to the next level as the event prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary serving the bulk liquid storage sector. Mark Rimmer reveals what he’s most looking forward to about StocExpo 2019 & beyond.
Mark Rimmer has worked in energy exhibitions for more than 12 years and plans to use his experience to take the event to the next level. ‘This year StocExpo celebrates its 15th anniversary and in that time the show has grown and evolved into the flagship event it is today,’ he explains. ‘I can’t wait to see the show for myself on 26th March.
‘What I’ve learnt over the years is that with so many events for people to choose from, you have to build your event to sit at the heart of a community, it should truly serve its market and deliver return on investment, return on time for exhibitors and visitors alike.’
‘What’s great about StocExpo Europe is that it serves a specific niche. By only focusing on the bulk liquid storage sector, exhibitors know that every single visitor that walks through the door is relevant to them. Equally, visitors know that our exhibitors are specialised and skilled in delivering what they need.’
‘Having said that, it’s still vital to add new features to the show each year to ensure these visitors return year after year.’
This year, for the first time, terminals are also exhibiting. ‘It’s great to see Inter Terminals and Stolthaven Terminals on the show floor and I am looking forward to see the initiatives they’ll be showcasing on their stands.’
Also new for 2019 is the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), who will be hosting a series of workshops at the Innovation Theatre on the third day.
And there’s yet another first. Renowned motivational speaker Steven van Belleghem will be delivering the keynote presentation during the CPD-certified conference, presenting his views on how to survive in a world of artificial intelligence, robots and automation.
The international conference, organised by Tank Storage Magazine, covers a wide range of topics impacting the storage sector, from the Energy Transition to The Terminal of Tomorrow. Other key speakers include; Matthew Hudson, Terminal Manager from Shell; Stephen Harrison, Principal at Nexant Energy & Chemicals Advisory, plus Mike van Croonenburg, Director at Alpha Terminals.
‘We’ve got record numbers of delegates attending the conference this year,’ Mark says; with companies such as Saudi Aramco, LBC Terminals, Mina Petroleum, MOL, Navigator Terminals, SK Energy, Tepsa, Unipetrol. With the conference situated on the show floor it will make it so much easier for these delegates to visit the exhibition.’
And with plenty happening on the show floor, from free-to-attend sessions, networking parties on many stands as well as the late-night networking on the second day, there will be plenty of business opportunities for visitors and delegates alike.
Free-to-attend sessions will be taking place each day on the show floor. On day one, the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) will be hosting a series of seminars on topics such as cyber security and robotic inspection.
On day two, iTanks will be taking a closer look at the role hydrogen may play in the future and what impact this could have on tank storage, following its networking breakfast.
‘I’ve heard a lot of good things about the iTanks networking breakfast on day two. This will be a unique opportunity to hear pitches from entrepreneurs about their innovative products.’
Reveals other highlights on his list, Mark says: ‘I’m also looking forward to the Global Tank Storage Awards ceremony following day one,’ he says. ‘An evening of good food, drink, entertainment and good company with the industry.’
‘And the late-night networking on day two will be a great opportunity to get to know the key figures in the industry in a more relaxed atmosphere.’
‘The show’s Official Publication Tank Storage Magazine is also celebrating its 15-year anniversary at the show – yet another reason to celebrate!’
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