The roots of heat-treating run deep within ASM (American Society for Materials) International, as its society was founded in Detroit in 1913 as The Steel Treaters Club. The heat-treating constituency of ASM created the Heat Treating Society (HTS) to provide focused leadership, communications, and service development to its network of worldwide membership of captive and commercial heat treaters, equipment manufacturers, researchers, governments, and technicians. To discuss Heat Treat 2023, the 32nd annual HTS Conference and Exhibition, GearTechnology took a moment to catch up with conference chair Andrew Banka, vice president of Airflow Sciences Corporation. Heat Treat 2023 is colocated with IMAT and Motion + Power Technology Expo in Detroit, October 17–19.

What will make Heat Treat 2023 special?

AB: While we went forward with Heat Treat 2021 amid the pandemic, we strongly believe that Heat Treat 2023 will mark a return to pre-covid normalcy. This year’s event promises an exceptional experience with a robust attendance expected. Beyond the excitement of reconnecting in person, Heat Treat 2023 will have approximately 150 exhibiting companies, offering attendees a comprehensive view of cutting-edge technologies and solutions in the heat treatment sector. Moreover, in partnership with IMAT, attendees can access an impressive array of over 450 technical sessions, ensuring that this event serves as an indispensable knowledge-sharing platform for anyone involved in the industry.

Please tell us a few things that may be new or unusual about the conference this year.

AB: We are very excited to feature an unprecedented lineup of distinguished keynote speakers, each bringing their unique insights to the forefront. Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of DARPA, will delve into “Materials Science and Thermal Processing at DARPA—On the Road to Discovery.” Dr. Bryan W. McEnerney, NASA Technical Fellow, will address “The Challenges of Insertion of Advanced Materials & Processes for Spaceflight.” Dr. Iver Anderson, a Senior Metallurgist, will explore “Heat Treatment Effects on Sintering of Highly Grain-refined Dy-free Nd-Fe-B Anisotropic Magnets.” Finally, Dr. Marvin Barnes, Branch Chief at NASA, will shed light on the extraordinary applications of ordinary materials. These keynotes promise to be enlightening highlights of the event, offering valuable insights into the world of materials science and thermal processing.

This year, Heat Treat will go beyond professional growth by enhancing the well-being of attendees. They can join in exciting wellness challenges to stay active and win prizes. We hope attendees will stop by the new Wellness Lounge on the exhibit show floor, offering a peaceful retreat with comfy chairs, soothing music, infused water, and healthy snacks. Plus, we encourage participation in a new walking challenge to track steps and earn rewards while elevating professional interactions at Heat Treat & IMAT. It’s a comprehensive approach to ensure everyone leaves the event refreshed and enriched.

Will there be any tours, classes, or other opportunities attendees will not want to miss out on?

AB: The VIP Industry tour is always a crowd favorite, serving as a firsthand introduction to the industry’s latest tools, products, and services. Think of it as a “speed-dating” event with exhibitors, offering a rapid overview of their offerings. Alongside the technical program, we will also feature exhibitor presentations in the Solutions Center right on the expo show floor. And, in response to popular demand, we’re reintroducing mini-education courses at the expo, featuring topics like General Heat Treating and Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist, ensuring a well-rounded and informative experience for all.

What is something attendees may not think to look for at an event like this?

AB: Attendees are often pleasantly surprised to discover that Heat Treat 2023 is not just your typical industry expo. Beyond the exhibits, it offers extensive technical and educational opportunities. With the incorporation of wellness and sustainability initiatives this year, the conference now provides a truly “well-rounded” experience for attendees.

Are there any attendance statistics to share that will encourage people who are on the fence about attending?

AB: We are expecting between 2,500–3,000 attendees, which includes the colocated ASM Annual Meeting, IMAT. Since the Heat Treat conference and MPT Expo are located in Detroit, we do expect a high number of Expo-only attendees.

asminternational.org/heat-treat