The European Water Jetting Institute (EWJI) is gearing up for its much-anticipated Annual Convention, set to take place on the 9th and 10th of November 2023 in the city of Antwerp, Belgium. Held in collaboration with national water jetting associations, it will serve as a platform for professionals from all over Europe to engage in discussions and deliberations on the evolving trends in water jetting.
In a unique partnership, the convention is organized in conjunction with Stichting Industriële Reiniging (SIR). This collaboration underscores the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange in the water jetting industry.
The convention’s agenda promises a diverse range of activities, including a General Assembly exclusively for EWJI members, followed by a workshop and forum open to all industry professionals. Topics for discussion encompass various aspects of water jetting, such as the mutual recognition and best practices among national associations, or strategies for attracting and retaining talent in the sector.
The convention will kick off on November 9th with the General Assembly at 14:30 for EWJI members. Later in the day, a workshop and open forum will provide a platform for professionals to delve into essential topics. Following the day’s discussions, attendees will gather for a dinner at The Elfde Gebod, a traditional Belgian restaurant.
On November 10th, the event will continue with an official opening by Mr. Hans Borgt, the President of EWJI. Conference sessions will feature experts addressing vital industry challenges, such as the use of water jetting in the chemical industry, savings in industrial cleaning, and the impact of the EU taxonomy and ESG criteria on the sector.
A round table discussion will explore these topics further with the participation of industry leaders from SHELL, WOMA, IBKA, and more. Networking opportunities will be abundant during the coffee breaks.
The second conference session on November 10th will delve into water recycling, safety requirements, and health and safety. Expert speakers will share insights into these critical aspects of water jetting. Another round table will tackle challenges related to workforce retention and attraction, post-COVID workforce changes, and the enhancement of work environments for safety and security.
Location
The convention’s main venue is THE VAN DER VALK BUSINESS CENTER, conveniently located in front of the Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen.
Program
November 9th, 2023 (Thursday)
14:30 – General Assembly
For EWJI members only
16:30 – Workshop and open forum
For all professionals
- Group Applications: New guide “Why use hydrodemolition?“
- Group Asset integrity: New “Guide about the use of automation in industrial cleaning“
- Groups Nationals Associations and Education: Towards mutual recognition and exchange of best practices
- Open debate: People, our key asset. How to develop our workforce and attract new talent?
20:00 – Dinner in The Efde Gebod, a traditional Belgian restaurant
November 10th, 2023 (Friday)
9:00 – Official opening
Mr. Hans Borgt, EWJI President
Conference session 1
- Issues and challenges of the chemical industry in the use of water jetting
Mr. Jean Godts, CEFIC - Savings in industrial cleaning
Mr. Jürgen Matthyns, HCI - Round table: Impact of EU taxonomy and ESG for our industry
- What is the EU taxonomy and how does it impact our industry?
- Why will ESG criteria and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) change the way in which we work?
- How can we develop common principles for sustainability that make sense in our activity?
- Can we do reporting to improve our operations or is it just more paperwork?
With the participation of:
Coffee break & networking
Conference session 2
- Water recycling and properties of used water
Mr. Patrik Andersson, AQUAJET - Hose assemblies and safety requirements
Presented by: - Round table: People, working condition and health and safety
- What are the key challenges to retain and attract workers to our industry?
- How did our workforce change during/after COVID?
- What is changing in our working conditions to adapt to the scenarios?
- How to improve the work environment to make it safer and more secure?
With the participation of:
Cocktail & networking
15:00 – End of the EWJI Annual Convention 2023