GeoAmericas 2008 drew engineers worldwide together

April 15, 2008 - PRLog -- Nearly 1,000 participants from 26 countries came to network, learn and do business at the GeoAmericas 2008 conference—the first-ever Pan-American geosynthetics industry conference, uniting North, Central, and South America. GeoAmericas was organized through a partnership between the Industrial Fabrics Association International and the International Geosynthetics Society.

During 44 technical sessions, 238 papers were presented on a deep range of topics within categories: Geo-environmental, laboratory and field performance, pavements, walls and slopes, mining, and hydraulics and erosion control. Over 450 authors contributed to the sessions. The most popular sessions were the mining series, the GRI-21 and the keynote lectures. Attendees eagerly examined the products presented by 74 exhibitors in the sold-out exhibit hall.

The Geosynthetic Research Institute 21st conference (GRI-21) partnered with GeoAmericas, presenting 14 papers on geosynthetic materials used in agricultural and aquacultural applications. The GRI-21 conference was hosted by the well-known Dr. Robert Koerner, who also delivered the highly attended keynote address. Koerner is an Emeritus Professor at Drexel University and has spent over 25 years in the geosynthetics industry teaching, in research and development, counseling and advising for every segment of the industry. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, an Honorary Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He has authored and co-authored more than 600 papers on geosynthetics and geotechnical topics in journals and for national and international conferences, and the fifth edition (2005) of the textbook "Designing with Geosynthetics."

“GeoAmericas 2008 was the best-organized and -run geosynthetics conference that I have attended in a long time—and I have been to many since 1977,” said Peter Davies, International Marketing Manager, Kaytech Engineered Fabrics, South Africa.

Other participants said, “One of the best conferences I have attended in the last ten years.” “The turnout was great, and as a Geomembrane installer I was able to meet with many of my suppliers in one trip. It was a busy trade show which proves that geosynthetics is a thriving business.” “A large effort went into organizing a very good conference. Keeping the conference running on schedule I am sure was a challenge due to cultural differences, but well-achieved and important to the overall success of the conference.”

Proceedings from the GeoAmericas and GRI-21 conferences are available from the IFAI Bookstore, www.ifaibookstore.com. Members of the Industrial Fabrics Association International and the International Geosynthetics Society receive a discounted price.

Geosynthetics 2009 is scheduled for February 25-27 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This will be the largest geosynthetics industry event in North America, and will focus on hydraulic and agricultural engineering, exploring issues that affect water resources, mining, construction, and regulatory communities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Attendees can visit the many exhibitors in the exhibit hall, and attend many technical sessions. The conference is organized by IFAI in conjunction with the North American Geosynthetics Society. More information is available at http://www.geoshow.info.

Visit http://www.geoshow.info for updated conference and exhibiting information or call Beth Wistrcill, IFAI, +1 651 225 6956, Fax: +1 651 631 9334 or e-mail: bbwistrcill@ifai.com.

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Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a business trade association promoting the products and innovations of the specialty fabrics industry, and is comprised of 2,000 companies in over 50 countries.

Website: www.ifai.com