The World Tank Expo takes place in Dubai from 13-14 April.
Q. Tank World Expo is now in its third year, how has the event developed?
Alex Williamson (AW): Every year we review, amend and aim to improve the event. This is the only event that we organise in the tank storage sector so the team work throughout the year on it. This year is set to be our biggest yet and we are on track to welcome 2,500+ visitors through the door.
The Expo will be significantly bigger again with around 100 exhibitors from across the industry, this is compared to 50 in 2014 and 30 in our launch year, 2013. And what’s interesting is that we are seeing a greater variety of companies getting involved with the event as well all through the supply chain as well as increases from African and Asian representation. Plus, we’ve launched our Terminal & Ports Zone which will have some of the biggest and newest facilities from across from around the world joining the Expo.
We will also have 100+ companies displaying the latest technologies, solutions and innovations for the industry. Key sellers who exhibit at the show include: engineering & construction companies, automation solution providers, tank manufacturers and safety companies, cleaning and maintenance experts, fire protection companies, training providers and much more.
Q. Tank World Expo is now just two months away, how are preparations going?
AW: Preparations are going very well and our all of our partners and supporters are looking forward to it! Following the huge growth that we experienced in 2014, it is a strong indication of both the vibrancy and evolution of our industry and the importance of this event to the global business of storage that Tank World Expo is expanding significantly again in 2015. It’s the only event that brings global expert speakers, visitors and exhibitors from across the entire tank storage value chain to one location for two packed days.
In just three years Tank World has become simply unmissable for the industry and we look forward to welcome 2,500+ visitors in April to the Dubai World Trade Centre, all looking to share best practice, get access to prospects, make new connections and renew old ones and develop their business potential. It’s going to be a great few days!
Q. Where will the event take place this year?
AW: It will again take place in the Sheikh Maktoum Hall in the Dubai World Trade Centre. Dubai is at the heart of the key area for global storage so it makes it the perfect venue. It also offers easy travel links for our large number of international attendees.
Q. What can visitors to this year’s event expect?
AW: Tank World Expo is densely compact into two days so there is a wealth of opportunity for visitors. We have 100+ companies displaying the latest technologies, solutions and innovations for the industry. Key sellers who exhibit at the show include: engineering & construction companies, automation solution providers, tank manufactures and safety companies, cleaning and maintenance experts, fire protection companies, training providers and much more.
We have free-to-attend seminars and training sessions on a variety of aspects such as terminal operations and efficiency, tank construction design & maintenance and terminal health and safety. The Energy Institute will be giving a session on providing ‘World Class Health, Safety & Environment Performance’ where CPD points will be available and Colfax will be showcasing a Product Innovation room. There is also a high level strategic congress that will be next to the exhibition area.
Q. The Congress has become a big part of the event, can you tell us a bit more about what will be discussed?
AW: Yes, it’s a very important aspect of the event. As I’ve said we work with an Advisory Board to develop the themes, content and speakers for Congress as well as the show as a whole. Our topics and speaker recruitment is as a result based on the needs and requirements of the industry and we change and update every year.
The key strategic issues that the industry are keen to hear about include attracting investment, expanding terminal capacity, the changing trade flows resulting from the shale revolution, growth of demand for LNG in Asia, exploit growth opportunity and deliver enhanced profitability. Tank World’s unique format allows for high level ideas sharing and benchmarking to overcome these challenges.
As a result the strategic Congress includes high-level presentations on ‘Delivering growth to increase terminal capacity’ delivered by H.E. Sharief Habib Al Awadhi, (Director General and CEO, Fujairah Free Zone) ‘Building independent terminals to meet demand’ from Dipo Salimonu (CEO, Moteriba Terminals), ‘Collaborating successfully to ensure growth’ by David Gledhill (CEO, Port of Salalah) and ‘Developing and efficient model for port operations’ Josep Andreu I Figueras (CEO, Port of Tarragona) plus many more.
Our Congress also has a focus on interaction. We offer time for the delegates to engage directly with our 80+ expert speakers both during session and in networking breaks. We know how passionate the industry can get over certain topics and areas and it’s always satisfying to see our delegates fully engaged in a session.
