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by Haley Cowans
For the first time, ASNT 2023: The Annual Conference has a theme—Evolution. On this episode of Chat NDT with ASNT, host Debbie Segor, CAE, speaks with ASNT Director of Events Barry Schieferstein about how conference attendees will experience the evolution of NDT—as well as the conference itself—at this year’s event.
The theme came about because there has been so much change in the NDT industry, and within ASNT itself, especially over the past five years (the last time the ASNT Annual Conference was in Houston). The word “evolution” reflects the rapidly changing NDT world with many advances in technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and our ever-changing workforce. These topics will be addressed during numerous sessions during the conference.
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Here are some ways that conference attendees will experience the theme of Evolution at ASNT 2023.
Keynote Speaker John Register
The opening keynote speaker, John Register, will usher in the Evolution theme. John is a two-time Paralympian, a Paralympic Games silver medalist, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a TEDx motivational speaker. One of the themes he touches on in his talks is embracing a “new normal mindset.”
“We’re all embracing a new normal. That’s part of the Evolution theme, that so much has changed within NDT and within the world in general, especially coming out of the pandemic,” said Barry. “John exemplifies that change and overcoming the obstacles that change presents.”
Different Styles of Learning Opportunities
If you’ve attended the Annual Conference over the past few years, you’ve noticed a gradual shift in the offerings. While the conference will always offer traditional technical sessions, it has also started incorporating more discussion-based presentations, round tables, and panels. This year, we’re also incorporating topics that are important to the NDT industry, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, workforce development, and DEIA.
The format of conference activities is also evolving. Some of the panel discussions are being held in smaller rooms with round tables instead of the traditional theater-style seating to encourage group discussions.
General Sessions
In addition to the opening and closing keynotes, the conference will hold general sessions. On Tuesday, there will be two general sessions. The first will be during the traditional morning time slot (9:00 a.m. CT) and will cover the future of employer-based certification. This panel discussion should be interesting and relevant to many attendees.
On Tuesday afternoon, the general session is titled “Inspection Technologies Evolution Fueled by the Industrial Revolution 4.0,” presented by Bader Busbait of Saudi Aramco.
ASNT Celebrates
ASNT Celebrates is another event that has evolved over the past few years. It began as ASNT’s traditional awards banquet and continues to be a place that honors the accomplishments of ASNT award winners. In previous years, the activities were limited only to those who purchased a ticket to attend. That will change this year.
Instead of a pre-banquet reception, this year’s banquet will start earlier (at 6:30 p.m. CT). It will still feature the traditional awards presentations, though many awards will be presented throughout the conference to provide more opportunities to honor the winners.
After the banquet concludes at 8:00 p.m. CT, the ASNT Celebrates party will begin. This event will be open to all ASNT 2023 attendees. The Texas-themed party will feature music by the Brian Black Band, beverages, and fun activities.
ASNT 2023 will showcase the evolution of the NDT industry with an event that is, itself, constantly evolving. Learn more by listening to the full episode below.
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Haley Cowans is the Content Strategist at ASNT, hcowans@asnt.org.
Debbie Segor, CAE, is the Marketing and Communications Manager at ASNT and host of Chat NDT with ASNT, dsegor@asnt.org.