LEHIGH VALLEY EXPO

2009 Lehigh Valley Materials Expo

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of ASM International held its first ever Materials Expo on October 4, 2007 at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Breinigsville, PA. ASM International is an information society that disseminates knowledge of materials to scientists, professionals and educators. The Lehigh Valley chapter represents one of 100 chapters around the world and is committed to strengthening the manufacturing capability of the region. The concept of the Expo was to bring regional companies and organizations into one venue to highlight their products and to stimulate networking on the regional level. The evening brought together over 140 attendees and 24 exhibitors. The exhibitors ranged from large companies such as Carpenter Technology Corporation and Brush Wellman to smaller vendors such as Effort Foundry and Applied Separations. The vendors were made up of heat treaters, melt shops, materials suppliers and consulting services. Additionally, non-profit exhibitors such as the Lehigh Valley Foundry Society and Lehigh University’s Integrated Product Development group added to the atmosphere. The attendees were made up of ASM community members as well as members from the American Iron and Steel Institute and the Lehigh Valley Engineering Council. The night was capped off with presentations by Jack Pfunder, Executive Director of the Manufacturer’s Resource Center and Charlie Wing, Director of R&D for Aesculap Implant Systems. Mr. Pfunder gave valuable insight regarding the future of strategic partnerships and why we must invest in research and development activities to ensure strength against competition. The Lehigh Valley chapter of ASM International is already planning its third Materials Expo tentatively planned for October 2011.

Expo attendees feast on a fine buffet dinner and network in advance of the night’s speaker.