Tuesday, June 17, 09:00 – 11:00

Opening Session #1: A New Era of Unprecedented Plant Investments in Sustainable Compressed Air & Cooling Water Systems

Speaker #1: Industrial Investment Trends in Compressed Air & Cooling Water Systems

Roderick Smith, Publisher, Best Practices EXPO & Conference

Our reporters interviewed leaders from global manufacturers like Berry, Ford, Saint-Gobain and Klöckner Pentaplast to better understand why they are investing heavily in their compressed air and cooling systems. This presentation shares what was learned about how these corporations are improving production throughput and product quality – while significantly lowering plant energy and water consumption.  Newly affordable and convenient measurement and data collection technologies, applicable to compressed air and cooling systems, are behind the quietly explosive growth of these High-ROI projects significantly impacting up to 50% of the energy costs in a factory.

Roderick “Rod” Muñoz Smith is the Founder and Publisher of Compressed Air, Blower & Vacuum, and Chiller & Cooling – Best Practices® magazines, the producers of the annual Best Practices EXPO & Conference. Based in Barcelona, Dusseldorf, Pittsburgh and Mobile, Mr. Smith worked as an executive in the compressed air industry (Quincy Compressor and SPX Hankison), from 1992 to 2006, before launching this media company in 2006.

Speaker #2: Compressed Air Systems: Integral Management and Artificial Intelligence

Mario Baena Simón, Energy & Control Engineer, Ingersoll Rand 

Compressed air generation can account for more than 40% of a plant’s energy consumption. Optimizing and adjusting this consumption to maximize the use of the compressor room is a significant challenge for manufacturers and users. Traditional actions related with the installation of a variable speed compressor, such as reducing pressure drop, adjusting working pressure, monitoring leaks, or installing basic control systems, are making way for much more complex control systems. These advanced systems analyze real-time compressed air demand and adjust compressed air production accordingly, achieving optimal efficiency for every cubic meter of compressed air generated.

Mario Baena Simón, Industrial Engineer, is head of the Energy and Control Department within the Ingersoll Rand group in the Iberia region. Mario has more than ten years of experience in the compressed air sector, with a professional career closely linked to energy efficiency, data analysis, and optimization of compressor rooms to always achieve the best energy solution adapted to each user.

Speaker #3: Practical Ideas for Reducing Air Compressor Room Energy Consumption

Mariluz Acevedo Rocha, Key Account Manager, KAESER Compresores

There are varios actions businesses can take to accomplish the goal of reducing air compressor room energy consumption – including many at zero cost. In this presentation we will describe these actions with some practical examples. These improvement ideas are applicable to all industry types and sizes.

Mechanical engineer and MBA with 26 years of experience with compressed air systems. Has deployed projects relating to outsourcing compressed air, and large-scale sustainability compressed air system assessments. Works for KAESER COMPRESORES ESPAÑA  as a project engineer and key account manager.

Speaker #4: Compressed Air Management Strategy at Nestlé Waters

Carlos Capilla Camacho, Energy & Environmental Lead, Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages

Environmental sustainability is a key commitment for Nestlé, and air compressed systems are one of the main contributors to energy consumption in the Nestlé Waters business category. Therefore, improving the efficiency of air compressors is essential in our strategy to reduce the environmental footprint of Nestlé Waters factories.

Carlos Capilla Camacho is the Energy & Environmental Lead for Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages, providing support for sustainability projects across 43 factories in 22 countries worldwide. Based in Barcelona, Spain, he has been with Nestlé since 2004, progressing through various technical and manufacturing roles. Over the last five years, Carlos has focused on sustainability strategies and environmental project management within the Nestlé Waters business category, focused on compressed air systems as a technical expert in this area.

Tuesday, June 17, 11:30 – 13:30

Session #2: Facility Engineering & Operations: Energy Efficient Compressed Air & Vacuum Generation Responsive to Varying Production Demands

Speaker #1: Overview of Air Compressor Control Technologies and Benefits

Niccolò Casini, Director of Product Management – Europe, ELGi Compressors

In today’s evolving industrial landscape, selecting the right air compressor technology is critical for maximizing efficiency, reducing energy costs, and ensuring reliable performance. This session will explore the four key control technologies available in the market—Fixed Speed, Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), Stabilisor, and Dual Speed Technology—each designed to cater to different operational demands. We’ll examine how these systems work, their advantages, and the ideal applications for each. Whether it’s the steady reliability of fixed-speed compressors, the energy savings of VFD models, the adaptability of Stabilisor technology, or the flexibility of dual speed, understanding these options will help compressed air users make informed decisions that optimize their operations.

Niccolò Casini is the Director of Product Management at ELGi Europe, where he has been instrumental since January 2020 in aligning the company’s product portfolio with European market demands. With over 10 years of experience in Product Management and Engineering for air compressor & compressed air accessories manufacturers, he brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to developing innovative, customer-focused solutions. His experience spans product development, market analysis, and sales enablement, ensuring ELGi’s offerings meet the evolving needs of industrial applications.

Speaker #2: Cost Savings vs. Traditional Systems with Centralization and Screw Vacuum Pumps

Alberto Sáiz Gabaldón, General Manager, TEAM INDUSTRIAL

This session compares efficiency, energy savings, and maintenance costs between vane vacuum pumps and variable speed screw vacuum pumps. It also explores the roles of centralized vacuum systems and point-of-use setups, plus the role of intelligent controls in multiple VSD units, and the added value of telemetry and predictive analytics for sustainable performance.

With 18 years of experience in the compressed air industry, Alberto has held roles ranging from sales to General Manager, gaining a broad perspective on system generation, distribution, control, and maintenance. At TEAM INDUSTRIAL, he leads major projects in vacuum, nitrogen generation, and industrial cooling. His focus remains on delivering sustainable, efficient solutions and achieving the highest level of customer service excellence.

Speaker #3: Revolutionary and Advanced VSD Air Compressor Integration for Energy Efficiency and Operational Excellence

Carles Gamito, Sales Director, Airmatic

The advanced integration of variable speed drive (VSD) compressors improves energy efficiency and operational performance in compressed air systems. We will explore strategies for combining multiple VSD compressors and the modularity provided by integrated treatment systems. Through practical case studies, we will discuss how these solutions reduce costs, extend equipment lifespan, and increase competitiveness. This is an opportunity to discover how innovation in compressed air can transform production processes.

With over 20 years of experience in the compressed air sector, Carles has had the opportunity to work alongside companies from various industries, helping them transform their compressed air systems with strategic tools for competitiveness. As the Commercial Director of Airmatic Group, he leads a team focused on delivering innovative solutions that provide added value to customers.

Speaker #4: How IIoT Driven Remote Monitoring Optimizes Compressed Air Sustainability and Efficiency

Nicolas De Deken, President, EnergAir Solutions

Compressed air is essential, but often inefficient and expensive. In this session, we’ll explore how IIoT-led continuous remote monitoring can transform compressed air systems from invisible energy hogs into smart, sustainable, and accountable assets. You’ll learn how real-time insights can identify leaks, optimize performance, reduce carbon emissions, and significantly lower energy costs. Through real-world examples and live data, we’ll demonstrate how IIoT-led continuous remote monitoring helps organizations take control of their compressed air systems and overall usage—independently, intelligently, and instantly.

Nicolas De Deken is Sales Manager at CMC and President of EnergAir Solutions Inc., its North American subsidiary focused on IIoT-based monitoring and control for industrial compressed air and vacuum systems. Originally from Belgium, he joined CMC early in his career, developing expertise in compressor controls before founding EnergAir in 2011 to bring the company’s energy-saving technologies to the U.S. market. Passionate about energy efficiency and sustainability, Nicolas is dedicated to helping industries reduce waste, cut emissions, and optimize operations through smart automation and IoT-driven solutions.

Tuesday, June 17, 14:30 – 16:30

Session #3: Facility Maintenance & Quality: Reliable Compressed Air & Cooling Systems for Maximum Uptime and Throughput

Speaker #1: Air Compressor Redundancy Strategies for Reliable Supply

Enrique Fernández, EMEA Export Manager, Compresores Josval

Enrique Fernández is the EMEA Export Manager at Compresores Josval, a leading compressor manufacturer based in Zaragoza, Spain, where he has held the role since 2018. With a strong background in industrial and electronic engineering, he earned his degrees from the Universidad de Zaragoza. Enrique brings extensive experience in international sales and market.

Speaker #2: Sizing Equipment for Reliability: Certifying Cooling Tower Thermal Performance

Ian Butler, Business Partnership Manager, Eurovent Certification

Facility managers and specifying engineers responsible for a plant or building’s cooling equipment operation can be at the mercy of vendors greenwashing, by overstating the efficiency of their units. Over- or under-sized systems can cause efficiency losses, underperformance, processes being put at risk, or not meeting demand on a hot day. This presentation will share the importance of third-party thermal certification in the selection of cooling equipment.

​Ian Butler serves as the Business Partnership Manager at Eurovent Certification. Ian is an accredited auditor and serves as programme manager for cooling towers and drift eliminators. He earned his HNC in mechanical engineering and Masters Degree from the Anglia Polytechnic University of Chelmsford & Cambridge.

Speaker #3:Pipe Sizing Calculations to Reduce System Pressure Drop

Josh Wamser, Lead Auditor, The Analysts 

This session focuses on reducing system pressure drop through proper distribution design. It breaks down key sizing methods—friction factors, equivalent length, and K-factors—while addressing transient demand, air quality, and tool utilization. We will also discuss a core design philosophy: if process events are visible from a flow measurement in a compressor room, the system design is flawed. This session offers practical insights to help facilities remain optimized over the lifetime of their facility no matter how the demand profile changes.

Josh Wamser holds ownership roles in three companies in the compressed air industry. He’s an OSHA-30 certified NASCLA General Contractor, Construction/Project Manager, Commercial Plumber, and Mechanical Contractor. A proud husband and father, Josh is also a Veteran of both the Navy (MMN) and the Marines (infantry).

Speaker #4: Unlocking the Future of Compressed Air: Data-Driven Solutions for 2025

Simon Gleissner, Managing Director, SUTO iTEC

In this presentation, we’ll explore the critical role of accurate data measurement in optimizing compressed air systems. We’ll discuss how to effectively measure and monitor key parameters, such as pressure, flow, and air quality, and why collecting this data is only the first step. The real value lies in the analysis of this data: without proper evaluation and actionable insights, the monitoring process becomes ineffective. Attendees will learn the key data points to measure, best practices for data collection, and how to leverage insights to drive system efficiency improvements and reduce operational costs. This session is a must for anyone looking to move beyond basic monitoring and truly optimize their compressed air system.

Simon has a decade of experience in measurement technology for compressed air and gases. He is the Product Manager for in-house software developments, as well as Product Manager for Air Quality and Purity Measurement tools. Besides that, Simon is responsible for the German operations of SUTO iTEC, acting as Managing Director since 2019.

Wednesday, June 18, 8:00 – 10:00

Session #4: Production Quality, Hygiene & Safety: Risk Assessments, Integration & Compliance with Safety/Quality Systems

Speaker #1: Compressed Air Quality for the Food & Beverage Industry

Sara Deckers, Focus Industry Manager, BEKO Technologies

We will be sharing our knowledge on Compressed Air quality for the Food & Beverage industry. In particular pinpointing the risks, discussing the regulations, and translating these regulations into hard figures to enable transparency and traceability for the user, using the ISO 8573.1:2010 table.

Sara has over 15 years of experience in compressed air at BEKO TECHNOLOIGES and specializes in advice for the F&B Industry. Sara’s marketing background provides her with an ability to make the F&B guidelines understandable and actionable and enable the user to adapt his compressed air system to meet the guidelines, ensuring process reliability and food safety. Sara speaks regularly at global events, and presents solutions to bring compressed air out of the dirty room in the corner of the factory to a tangible, clean and interesting place to be.

Speaker #2: Continuous Monitoring of Residual Oil Content in Compressed Air

Danny Gillis, Performance Expert–Compressed Air & Gases, CS INSTRUMENTS

When you take a closer look at compressor or filter specifications following ISO 8573-1 you should think Class 1 or even 0 seems simply achievable, but is it really simple to achieve in practice? Online residual oil meters have been around for 20 years. Over the years we have seen various measuring methods and even within the specific methods there have been improvements. The presentation will be based on the experience mixing new and old available measurement solutions. This presentation will explore process safety within food and pharma applications, provide insight on the current possibilities, interpret measured values, and explain how to reliably measure oil vapor and aerosols and.
I began my career in 1993 in the R&D department of the world’s largest compressor manufacturing plant. During the 1990s, I conducted numerous residual oil measurements on oil-lubricated screw compressors as part of my involvement in designing compressor oil circuits. I have worked as a consultant for various brands, specializing in oil-lubricated and oil-free compressor installations and purification. Currently, I serve as a performance engineer, specializing in measurement technology for compressed air, with a focus on quality, quantity, and losses.

Speaker #3: Key Elements to Ensure Efficient and Reliable Nitrogen Generation Supply

Alfred Roca, Sales Director, TEAM INDUSTRIAL

This presentation will provide an overview of existing nitrogen generation technologies, comparing self-generation systems with external supply options. It will explore how nitrogen purity influences the choice of solution and highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the specific application to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Alfred Roca is a chemical engineer with 19 years of experience in the energy and industrial sectors, focused on renewable energies, and optimizing efficiency of industrial systems including compressed air, cooling water and more.

Speaker #4: Designing and Optimizing Your Compressed Air Piping Network

Frédéric Dugast, General Manager, AIRpipe Europe

Taking into account your entire compressed air installation, from production to use, Frédéric will help you identify the key performance criteria for optimising the design and performance of your compressed air network.

Frédéric has been managing AIRpipe Europe since 2017, developing the distribution of AIRpipe products country by country by setting up a team of dedicated sales representatives. With 20 years of experience in compressed air piping, he combines technical expertise with a pragmatic approach to provide solutions to industrial customers. A graduate in Mechatronics Engineering, Frédéric gained his experience working for major companies such as Sony, Siemens and Parker Hannifin.

Wednesday, June 18, 11:00 – 13:00

Session #5: How Plants Can Increase Production While Reducing Compressed Air & Cooling Costs

Speaker #1: Eliminate 30%+ of Compressed Air Use with Demand Side Reductions

Menno Verbeek, Sales Director, The Analysts

Discover how a global manufacturer of chemical catalysts uncovered over 50% compressed air reduction potential through smart demand-side strategies. Learn how process mapping led to focused actions that boosted reliability, cut costs, and eliminated waste.  We’ll take a brief look at key applications within their facility and show how a collaborative approach revealed multiple opportunities for system improvement. By using More Minds, Better Results were created.

Menno Verbeek is a proud husband and father of two boys, and the Co-Founder of The Analysts, where he serves as an expert in compressed air monitoring systems and project management. With over a decade of experience in flow measurement, compressed air monitoring, and industrial energy management, Menno has built his career in the technical industry, developing a deep understanding of how to improve system reliability and implement successful measurement and monitoring projects.

Speaker #2: Innovative Cooling Systems: How to Save Significant Energy and Water

José María Martín, Commercial Director, RPS Ingenieria de Procesos

Water is a scarce resource worldwide, so it’s essential to always analyze the current situation to identify improvement opportunities. By focusing on energy and water savings, we can help companies optimize their processes, produce their products more efficiently, and reduce their carbon footprint. In this way, we contribute to protecting the environment and promoting more sustainable development for everyone.

I am a technical engineer with an EMBA, which has allowed me to combine solid technical training with management and leadership skills. Since 1996, I have been working in the compressed air sector, gaining extensive experience in this field. Then, in 2009, I ventured into industrial refrigeration, where I am currently dedicated to calculating, designing, and executing installations. For me, the most important thing is to meet our clients’ needs, but I also always seek continuous improvement, such as energy savings. In my current role as Commercial Director at RPS, a company that manufactures high-quality chillers for the industrial sector, I combine my technical knowledge with my commercial vision to offer efficient and cutting-edge solutions. I am passionate about innovating and working with a commitment to excellence.

Speaker #3: The 4 Bar Factory–a Road to Reducing Compressed Air Energy Consumption

Andrew Still, Industry Projects Manager–Energy, SMC

This will outline the fundamental understanding of what a 4 Bar factory is and open the thought process as to what fundamental changes we need to make to make this a reality. Covering the fundamentals of Pneumatic systems, why we choose them and what better choices we can make.

With over 30 years of experience in the factory automation industry, Andrew Still has witnessed significant changes and advancements in the field. Today, he supports companies and individuals around the world, helping them uphold and pursue innovative, economically optimized solutions to meet the complex demands of reducing our global carbon footprint—for the benefit of future generations.

Speaker #4: High Speed Turbo Air Compressors: a New Approach Towards Sustainable Compressed Air Generation

Peter Boldt, Head of Basic Engineering, BOGE Compressors

This presentation will give you an insight into how sustainability can be rethought in the design, manufacturing and operation of air compressors. Thanks to an innovative overall concept, the compressed air in modern turbo compressor technology can be produced completely oil-free with a reduced CO2 footprint throughout the life of the machine. This new compressor technology is a best practice example for complete elimination of oil in the machine, very low maintenance cost, reduced use of material due to incredibly high power density, low product carbon footprint, reduced noise emission and full circularity of core compression elements.

Peter Boldt has over 20 years of experience in compressed air business at BOGE Compressors and is responsible for basic development and new technologies. With his mechatronic engineering background, he has very broad knowledge in all engineering domains and has been the pioneer behind the development of the new high speed turbo compressor series. Although he is a passionate engineer, Peter is extremely customer-oriented and has gained a deep insight into the requirements of real customer applications over the last few decades.

Wednesday, June 18, 15:00 – 17:00

Closing Session #6: Advanced Compressed Air & Cooling Assessment Technologies & Techniques

Speaker #1: Exploring Wireless & Remote Audit Technology: Feasibility, Benefits and Challenges

Gorazd Bregar, CEO, CALMS Air

This presentation explores the potential of wireless and remote audit technology in industrial settings, focusing on its feasibility and benefits. It examines various wireless communication technologies such as LoRa, LR Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, W-Mod, and Mesh networks, highlighting their respective strengths, limitations, and suitability for compressed air system (CAS) audits. The session also addresses potential challenges, including connectivity constraints, data security, and the integration of wireless systems into traditional factory environments. The role of hiring remote experts to bridge skill gaps and enhance efficiency further underscores the transformative potential of wireless remote audit technologies.

Gorazd graduated in 1995 with a degree in Process Automation from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana. In 2001, he completed a postgraduate Master’s degree in Business Informatics at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Ljubljana, specializing in computer information systems. Gorazd is the founder of HPE d.o.o., a company focused on compressed air solutions and services, as well as a group of service companies operating in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. He founded CALMS, an independent platform for managing compressed air and other energy utilities worldwide.

Speaker #2: Unlocking 25%+ Energy Savings in the Chiller Plant Room with Zero CAPEX

Amlan Panda, CTO, energeia

This presentation explores how Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) can transform HVAC systems, particularly chiller plant rooms into high-efficiency, low- carbon footprint operations with zero upfront investment. Through a pharmaceutical sector case study, we demonstrate how targeted retrofits such as VFD chillers, low-approach cooling towers, and variable primary pumping, combined with advanced control strategies, deliver deep energy savings. The approach is grounded in rigorous baselining and continuous monitoring of plant performance in kW/TR, ensuring sustained efficiency. Most importantly, the savings generated are significant enough to fully fund the project, making it a self-sustaining model for energy transformation.

Amlan Panda leads Energeia, a company focused on unlocking energy efficiency across industrial and commercial plants. His work includes detailed audits, system retrofits, and the deployment of digital monitoring and control platforms to reduce electricity and thermal energy use. In parallel, he also works on fuel transition strategies helping organizations switch from high-emission fuels to cleaner alternatives like biogas or renewables. By combining technical solutions with flexible business models – including guaranteed savings, shared savings, and direct execution – he helps clients lower their energy costs, reduce emissions, and transition to more sustainable, low-carbon operations.

Speaker #3: Image-Based Diagnostics for Compressed Air Maintenance

 Josep Girbau Rubio, Technical Director, Gimatec Instrumentos – Synergys

Josep Girbau is the founder of Gimatec Instrumentos S.L., a company based in Sabadell, Barcelona, specializing in the sale and rental of technical equipment for predictive maintenance. With extensive experience in thermography, vibration analysis, acoustic imaging, and leak detection, he provides practical solutions to maintenance professionals across Spain. Girbau is known for promoting user-friendly diagnostic tools that help technicians enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

Speaker #4: Closing Session: Financial/Environmental Impacts of Compressed Air Assessments, Josh Wamser, Lead Auditor, The Analysts

Josh Wamser, Lead Auditor, The Analysts

Discussing compressed air system optimization while specifically distinguishing direct vs. indirect and intentional vs. emergent effects. We will highlight how initial efficiency gains are often offset over time by system hysteresis—behavioral and operational drift that degrades performance and erases improvements. Strategies for sustaining improvements in dynamic industrial environments are also discussed.

Josh Wamser holds ownership roles in three companies in the compressed air industry. He’s an OSHA-30 certified NASCLA General Contractor, Construction/Project Manager, Commercial Plumber, and Mechanical Contractor. A proud husband and father, Josh is also a Veteran of both the Navy (MMN) and the Marines (infantry).