As we
started the planning process for the Forum, I have spent some time reflecting
on what we want to achieve with the Forum. This year marks the 58th year of the
Clemson Brick Forum and my first year as Program Director.
As a
starting point, I have looked to the past for direction. From the beginning,
the goal of the Forum has always been to exchange information for the
betterment of the Brick and Heavy Clay Industry in North America. Under
Professor Denis Brosnan‘s leadership, I learned to listen and respond to
requests from the Industry and going further back, I learned from Professor Gil
Robinson that sometimes you need to tell people what you think they need to
hear. Incorporating what I have learned by reflecting on the past, I have set
about planning for the 58th Clemson Brick Forum.
In keeping
with the traditional goal of the Forum, the theme for the 58th Forum will be
“Old and New”. Typically, the program is selected with the intent of educating
both the people in the plants while still engaging the more senior people. For
the “New”, we are focusing on new products and opportunities for the Brick and
Heavy Clay Industry. We hope that attendees will go home with new ideas that
can be used to lead the industry into the future. For the “Old”, we will have
presentations about best practices, the latest on environmental regulations and
plant upgrades. These more traditional talks have always been a part of the
Forum and serve a need to share information within the industry. It is my
expectation that everyone will take something back from the Forum that they can
put to work to either improve on existing practices or maybe to start something
completely unique.
In the time
that I have been involved with the Forum, it has always been different from
other meetings that I have attended. Forum participants have always been very
open and willing to share with colleagues. I think this fraternal nature has
helped the Forum endure through difficult economic times and flourish in the
good times. While the business climate has changed over the years, it has
become a little more difficult to share ideas and experiences, I hope we never
lose this fraternal character.
In addition
to the presentations, the Forum is an opportunity to see the latest products
and technologies from the sponsors of the Forum, as well as a chance for
fellowship with friends in the industry.
In closing,
I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to anyone
interested in attending this year’s Forum and we look forward to seeing you
there.
Yours
John P.
Sanders, Ph.D. PE
Director
“The National Brick Research Center”
Source
Ziegelindustrie International
1 to 3
October 2012, Anderson, SC, USA Clemson
Brick Forum
This year, the Forum will be held from Monday to
Wednesday, but back in the “Anderson (SC) Sports and Entertainment Center
(Civic Center)” in Anderson. Focus of the event will be talks on new products
and innovations, environmental issues and standards as well as experience from
brickworks. Key speaker at the Forum this year will be Christophe Aubertot,
Direxa Engineering Corp., who will appeal for innovation and new thinking. The
programme is available at www.brickandtile.org.
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