Agenda
Safety, Standards, and Service
August 15, 2023, 11:30AM – 1:00 PM
Topic 1
Welcome and Introduction: Nelson Moreira, Vice President, Operations, Safety & Quality, Linde PLC
CGA Board Chair, Nelson Moreira will welcome attendees and provide an overview of what to expect over the 4-part summit.
Topic 2
You’re Only as Safe as Your Latest Hire: Andrew Reeves, Vice President Operations, Eleet Cryogenics, Inc.
Safety is often said to be a top priority, but in reality, the line between safe practices and dangerous maneuvers is narrow. In the Army, a mandatory Leader’s Safety Course at Fort Bragg emphasizes the importance of established safety protocols through real accident investigation photos and details. However, the instructor highlights that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can create a false sense of security if not practiced by everyone in the unit. This applies to both military and civilian organizations experiencing high turnover, where the effectiveness of SOPs depends on the knowledge of the newest members. Reflecting on his own safety training, Andrew delved into Eleet’s safety statistics and discovered important insights and trends. In his presentation, he will emphasize the significance of training the youngest employees to foster a strong safety culture.
Topic 3
50 Years of CGA Service: Lessons from Steve Gentry
Robin Jussila the Training Manager at Roberts Oxygen Company, Inc. and 2023 New Committee Member of the Year at CGA will have a live discussion with Steve Gentry, who was recently honored for 50 years of service with CGA. During the discussion they’ll discuss involvement, industry changes over the decades, advice for a successful career in the industry, how to get involved in technical work at CGA, and more!
Fuel Gases
August 17, 2023, 11:30AM – 1:00 PM
Topic 1
Dealing with the Unique Challenges of the Fuel Gases: Rob Early, Technical Manager, CGA
The handling of fuel gases requires strict attention to safety standards. As fuels, the gases present hazards from flammability. The unique properties of each fuel gas determine its overall safety concerns. This presentation covers the common hazards and best handling practices for the major fuel gases: hydrogen, natural gas, LP gas, and acetylene. This presentation also covers how to deal with the unique hazards of each gas: what’s different between LP gas and hydrogen, for example.
Topic 2
Panel Discussion: Energy Portfolio of the Future – How do we Proceed with Hydrogen, Natural gas, Acetylene?
Panelists:
- Rob Early, Technical Manager, CGA
- Tom Drube, Vice President Engineering, Chart Industries
- Chad Nickell, Director, Biogas Systems Engineering, Air Liquide
- Meredith Webber, CEO, Outrider Gas Transports LLC
Join our panel discussion on the fuel gas industry and its role in the future energy portfolio. Experts will cover topics such as advantages and challenges, safety concerns, environmental impacts, standards, infrastructure development, barriers, technological advancements, and industries benefiting from hydrogen and natural gas integration. Gain insights into the potential of fuel gases in shaping a sustainable energy future.
Moderated By: Melissa Heard, WELDCOA
Environmental
August 22, 2023, 11:30AM – 1:00 PM
Topic 1
How Low Can You Go? Addressing Climate and Environmental Impacts for a Better Future: Jim Reebel, Manager – Capital Projects Permitting, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc
In the last 15-20 years, global issues such as climate change and sustainability have become key topics spurning many initiatives, regulations and targets/goals (by governments and companies). In recent years, the conversation has focused onto specific areas including the energy transition and environmental, social & governance (ESG) considerations, such as environmental justice. This session will provide awareness and education on these and other issues including their impacts and how they are being addressed by government, regulatory agencies as well as industry and companies themselves. We will further explore the practical effects on industry including considerations which must be applied to design, engineering and operations decisions in order to be a compliant business. To wrap-up, I will provide an overview of current and potential future external efforts/roles we might consider for CGA as a voice of the industrial gas industry as well as opportunities to continue providing internal awareness/guidance on key issues to our members.
Topic 2
Panel Discussion: Future of Sustainability
Panelists:
- Jim Reebel, Manager – Capital Projects Permitting, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
- Luke Lana, Director, Commercial and Project Management, Tomco2 Systems; Host, Catching Carbon Prodcast
- Damian Vickerman, Senior Director of Environmental and Emergency Response, Airgas, an Air Liquide Company
Join our panel discussion on the environmental committee within the compressed gas industry, where experts will discuss pressing challenges, standardization efforts, stakeholder collaboration, regulatory frameworks, innovative technologies, policymaker engagement, and the role of young professionals in promoting sustainability. Gain insights into the industry’s environmental initiatives and future directions.
State of the Industry and Professional Panel
August 24, 2023, 11:30AM – 1:00 PM
Topic 1
110 Years of CGA – What We Are Focused on Today: Rich Gottwald, President and CEO, CGA
CGA President and CEO, Rich Gottwald will provide the summit attendees with an overview of CGA, what we are focused on, and how they can best get involved in advocacy, education, standards, and more!
Topic 2
Panel Discussion: Driving Collaboration, Innovation, and Advocacy: Empowering Young and Emerging Professionals in the Compressed Gas Industry
Panelists:
- Rich Gottwald, President and CEO, CGA
- Abydee Butler Moore, President and CEO, Butler Gas Products
- Chris Ebeling, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Messer America
This expert panel will explore the role of young and emerging professionals in shaping the industry’s future. It discusses collaborative efforts among industry associations, knowledge sharing among industry players, and the CGA’s contributions to industry growth. The panel also addresses anticipated technological advancements and the ways CGA members can support integration, as well as advocacy and resources available to young professionals for industry development.
*Please note: Presentations, panels, presenters, dates, and times subject to change.
