Coal Prep 2012 Boasts Largest Exhibit Hall in Show's History

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Researched by Loretta Clark for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--For the first time in the show's history, Coal Prep 2012 is sold out.

The annual international trade show and conference, which opens today, caters to coal industry professionals who come from all over the world to share the latest ideas, technologies, equipment and services on coal preparation and aggregate processing.

Show organizers have indicated that this will be the show's largest exhibit hall on record, with more than 300 exhibitors in the Rupp Arena and its expanded space at Lexington Center in Lexington, Kentucky. The show's exhibit hall opens May 1 at 10:30 a.m.

"The response to Coal Prep this year has been overwhelming," Coal Prep Sales Manager Sam Posa said in a March 5 press release. "We continue to grow the exhibition to capacity, to the point where we are literally spilling out the doorways with exhibitors."

Although exhibit space is sold out, the show's management has created additional opportunities for table top sponsorships and is working to assist companies unable to exhibit by putting their marketing message in front of Coal Prep attendees.

Last year, more than 1,600 coal industry professionals attended Coal Prep. Attendee registration is on track to be in the double-digit percentages ahead of last year at this time.

Coal Prep Show Manager Florence Torres told Industrial Info that this year's event had a fair amount of first-time attendees and exhibitors.

"The coal industry especially needs to nurture new, young professionals and welcome them into the fold," Torres said. "With a sold-out event it will be daunting for first-timers to navigate; they'll need to pace themselves."

The best advice for newbies? Torres suggested identifying the companies that can impact your business before hitting the exhibit hall. If possible, try to set up appointments to speak with these companies before arriving. This can be arranged by visiting the coal prep show's website http://coalprepshow.com or download the new mobile app for the show.

Torres recommends attending the Intro to Coal Preparation Workshop from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., today, if there are seats left.

"Engage, be proactive," Torres said. "Give and get lots of business cards, but engage in conversation with everyone you have a chance to do so. There are formalized opportunities--the Networking Luncheon and the Cocktail Reception on Tuesday. But also remember that networking opportunities exist on the elevator and in the coffee line, as much as the registration line. If someone is wearing a Coal Prep badge, say hello--we're a friendly group, promise."

The key to getting the most out of each interaction? Listening! Ask questions, then absorb.

"Develop your 30-second 'pitch' about your company now, so you're sure to hit the key items you want to convey," Torres said. "And when you get back from the show, be sure to follow up with each person you connected with in a meaningful way."

And most importantly, "Have fun."

Industrial Info will be onsite to cover the show, including the keynote address: "Electric Utility Fuel Procurement for the Future: What Role Will Coal Play?" - presented by Kimberly Chilcote, manager of coal procurement for American Electric Power Company (NYSE:AEP) (Columbus, Ohio).

This year's show will feature many new initiatives, including "The Prep Plant" bar and concessions, a Coal Prep Society of America (CPSA) welcome booth, a Society of Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) bookstore, the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Safety Pavilion and a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

The 2012 conference program includes three operator workshops. The technical program will feature paper presentations covering vital topics for plant operations.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, and eight offices outside of North America, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.