Portland? Wouldn’t miss it!

MPIF Industry Development Board Chairman Scott Davis, Hoeganaes Corporation, shared his perspective on the upcoming PowderMet2022 & AMPM2022 conferences to be held June 12-15 in Portland, Oregon.

What is the big deal about Portland, Oregon?

This is a new city for MPIF. Portland, like Austin, Texas, share the similar “Keep Portland Weird” slogan, and the city lives up to its slogan. I recently vacationed in Oregon, and Portland is a fabulous city. The Portland light rail and streetcar transportation systems make the different areas of the city easily accessible. Every type of ethnic food is represented, and Portland has arguably the best microbreweries in the U.S. The city is rich with logging history, and where else can you find a city named after a coinflip? You really would have to work at not having a good time in Portland.

How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the Portland conferences?

From everything I am seeing, a reduction in hospitalizations, a reduction in positive cases, and the recent lifting of the CDC mask mandates, I believe the pandemic is behind us for now and we are in the endemic stage. Everyone that wanted to be vaccinated and boosted, is vaccinated, and boosted. I am a strong believer that for the industry to grow, we must meet in person. MPIF has a history of preparing for the worst, while providing its delegates with the best conferences, not only in the PM industry, but all industries.

You mentioned we must meet in person. Why in person?

I think the virtual meetings filled a void when we simply couldn’t meet. The technical sessions and exhibit hall are only half of the experience. Networking has to be done in person. You want to see the whole picture - body language, attentiveness, interest – all help build relationships. It is sort of like watching a sporting event on TV. It fills a void, but it is nothing like attending in person.  

Can you describe the exhibit experience and other networking opportunities?

I have been to many, many conferences and exhibitions – nothing compares to what MPIF offers.  MPIF conferences are the benchmark.  They are well designed to balance technical sessions and non-compete time to attend the exhibits.  From the opening events to the closing events, everything will be spectacular. 

Are there activities for students?

Maybe one of the most exciting aspects of the MPIF conferences is the infusion of students, thanks to the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT) Axel Madsen student conference grants. Over 45 students were awarded grants for 2022.  Each student will present a poster of their research.  As in the past, Tech Board members and other volunteers from the industry will act as mentors for the students. This is a great opportunity to showcase our technology. Hopefully, many will pursue a career in the PM industry, but if they don’t, maybe they will consider PM when they are working, growing the use of PM.

Do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share?

MPIF conferences never disappoint.  I can’t stress enough how the industry needs to meet annually. As a past PowderMet Chairman, I personally appreciate the speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and those that attend, for supporting the industry.  We are a resilient industry, and together, we will be stronger from what we have learned over the past 2 years.  Now is the time to gather and I look forward to seeing everyone in Portland!     

Visit PowderMet2022.org or AMPM2022.org for more details.