EXPO Pass holders can take a break from booth visits to attend any of the following presentations:

Tuesday, October 21 – 1:00 – 1:25

Air Quality Testing Best Practices for Food Safety

Nikki Smith, Air Quality Business Leader, Trace Analytics 

Dive into the best practices for compressed air quality testing with the experts from Trace Analytics. Nikki Smith will lead a discussion on how Trace Analytics can help you meet requirements for compressed air quality and ensure the safety of your food products. This presentation will guide you through ISO 8573 requirements, analysis methods, and sampling procedures designed to help you meet SQF, BRCGS, FDA, or internal requirements. Whether you use compressed air directly or indirectly in your process, regular testing can help protect your end-product and keep your consumers safe. Join us for more best practices in compressed air quality testing.

Nikki Smith is the Air Quality Business Leader at Trace Analytics, the leading laboratory for compressed air quality testing. Nikki was the Quality Director for six years, in which she focused on continuous improvement of laboratory processes and technology, before becoming the business leader in 2019. As the business leader, she oversees all aspects of the laboratory strategy and development.

Tuesday, October 21 – 1:30 – 1:55 PM

Optimizing Layout of Clean Dry Air Systems

Bob Littman, Vice President of Sales, GlobalVac & Air

Bob Littman is Co-Founder and Vice President of Sales at Air Energy Group, LLC and GlobalVac & Air (GVA). Air Energy Group and GVA are now platform companies within Flow Control Group and part of a greater network of analogous companies throughout North America. Bob has engendered unique technical and practical knowledge of compressed air, vacuum and nitrogen generation systems. He acts as a consultant to many A&E and Mechanical Engineering firms. He is part of the GlobalVac development team for the lab, medical and industrial vacuum systems along with the Mobile Engineered Systems product line. In his spare time Bob pursues his passions which include playing fiddle and mandolin with various Celtic and rock groups, road biking and interacting with his grandchildren.

Tuesday, October 21 – 2:00-2:25 PM

Compressed Air Quality for the Food & Beverage Industry

We begin with discussing where compressed air is used in the food and beverage industry. This is followed by a brief discussion of what type of contaminants we can find in compressed air and where they come from. Also, regulations and guidelines will be touched upon. More importantly, how can we all measure and monitor our contaminants, which are unavoidable, and to what standard are we comparing this to? Last but not least, what do we need to do to improve our compressed air quality? New technology will be discussed that can help us to avoid serious food contamination issues.

Randall Corthouts is a Regional Sales Manager for BEKO Technologies in the Western U.S. Territories. He has over 12 years of experience in the compressed air industry and eight years of experience in the blower industry for the pneumatic conveying of food products. Based in Washington State, he has seen many food processing plants in Eastern Washington and visited many agricultural facilities where he consulted and advised on compressed air treatment to safeguard food production. His knowledge and experience have been a resource for many manufactures, OEMs, end-users, processing plants and distributors alike.

Tuesday, October 21 – 2:30-2:55 PM

From Air to Output: Precision Real-Time Monitoring for Consistent Product Quality & Safety

Martin Zeller, Country Manager, CS INSTRUMENTS USA

Achieving ISO 8573-1 Class 1 or 0 compressed air quality may appear straightforward on paper, but practical challenges remain. With two decades of experience in real-time air and gas monitoring, this presentation combines insights of both legacy and modern techniques. Focusing on food and pharmaceutical applications, it will explore process safety and quality considerations, interpret measurement data, and demonstrate reliable methods for detecting oil vapor and aerosols. While oil remains the core focus, water vapor and particulates are considered as well, rounding out the full spectrum of contamination concerns. Attendees will gain an understanding of current monitoring capabilities and best practices for contamination control.

Martin Zeller has a vast international experience in building and industrial automation. In his 20+ professional years, he spent more than 15 years overseas in Central and Eastern Europe, Southern Africa, and the USA. In 2021, he founded CS INSTRUMENTS USA in South Carolina and follows his professional passion of improving industrial manufacturing processes with intelligent, quality measurement technology.

Tuesday, October 21 – 3:00 – 3:25 PM

PSA or Membrane? Choosing the Right Technology for Nitrogen Generation

Amanda Guerra, Product & Project Manager, GENERON

When discussing nitrogen production through air separation, two methods take center stage: PSA or Membrane? We will delve into the demarcating line that has long separated both technologies. Using a comparative approach, the benefits and drawbacks of each will be presented in a framework that would be beneficial to a potential user. To conclude, we will explore the possible converging futures of both PSA and membrane systems.

Graduating from Stanford University in 2018 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Amanda began her career designing rotating equipment packages across industries such as Oil & Gas, Industrial Manufacturing, and Chemical Processing. At Generon, she has led cross-functional teams in both Project Management and R&D. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, Amanda has played a key role in advancing product development initiatives. Amanda’s work continues to bridge engineering expertise with strategic product leadership and project management.

Tuesday, October 21 – 3:30 – 3:55 PM

The Check Engine Light for Compressed Air Quality

Jan Hoetzel, Managing Director, SUTO iTEC

“Does your compressed air system have a ‘check engine light’ for air quality? As industries demand higher reliability and efficiency, real-time monitoring of compressed air contaminants—like moisture, oil, and particulates—is more critical than ever. While ISO 8573 is designed for lab testing, it cannot be performed online, and delays and limited testing frequency create challenges for maintaining consistent air quality. This session explores how advanced sensors and intelligent diagnostics complement lab testing by providing continuous monitoring, enabling a proactive approach to contamination control, reducing risks, and ensuring compliance with quality standards.”

Jan Hoetzel is Managing Director for SUTO iTEC Inc., headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Originally from Germany, Jan holds engineering and business degrees from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. Jan serves on the board of the Compressed Air Challenge and has led award-winning projects that deliver major utility-backed savings for industrial clients. He is guided by the philosophy: “You cannot manage what you do not measure.”

Tuesday, October 21 – 4:00 – 4:25 PM

Revolutionizing Compressed Air for the Food & Beverage Industry

Jay Mottley, Director of Sales, Tamturbo

Jay Mottley is the Director of Sales for Tamturbo, Inc., a paradigm shifting air compressor technology for food & beverage, pharma and clean manufacturing. Jay has a 35-year history in the compressed air industry including owning Ingersoll-Rand and Atlas Copco distributorships, Regional Sales Manager for Gardner-Denver, AIF Oil-Free Sales Manager for Atlas Copco and National Sales Manager for High Pressure gases for Atlas Copco. Under his leadership, Tamturbo has significantly increased market share and brand awareness. Committed to Sustainable Manufacturing, Jay continues to provide insight into energy efficiency, carbon neutrality and reliability. Tamturbo’s commitment to Touch-free, Oil-Free, Carbon-Free and Care-Free air compressor operation is revealed in our cutting-edge new technology.

Tuesday, October 21 – 4:30 – 4:55 PM

Are You Guilty? Keeping Condensate in Compliance with Oil-Water Separators

Chad Timmer, Vice President of Sales, Clean Resources

This session delves deeper into oil-water separators used in compressed air systems, examining the realities of your condensate. We will begin by establishing a foundational understanding of the purpose and function of oil-water separators, along with legal and environmental requirements that may often be overlooked. The majority of the session will focus on real-world case studies that demonstrate how much condensate systems can generate and the potential for oil carryover. We will conclude by reviewing actual EPA enforcement actions from across the U.S. to highlight why proper condensate handling is not just a best practice but essential for compliance.

Chad Timmer has been part of the compressed air industry since 2011, starting with a Quincy distributor in Michigan. He brings a hands-on understanding of industrial systems, gained during his early experiences in his father’s tool and die shop. Driven by a passion for helping businesses enhance reliability and efficiency, Chad joined Clean Resources in 2015. There, he combines modern knowledge of compressed air with decades of filtration expertise to offer practical and compliant solutions to the industry.

Wednesday, October 22 – 1:00-1:25 PM

Propane Refrigerant Compressed Air Dryers, a Solution for the Future

Thierry Deschenes, Head of International Sales at CTA

As climate change intensifies, sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming top priorities in industrial processes. This presentation explores why propane-based compressed air dryers are increasingly preferred, highlighting their environmental benefits, lower GWP, and operational efficiency. Learn how adopting propane dryers can support decarbonization goals and future-proof your operations.

Thierry Deschenes is an air conditioning engineer with over 30 years of experience in sales management within the HVAC and construction industries. He specializes in process cooling solutions and OEM expertise, thriving in international and multicultural business environments. His career includes senior sales and leadership roles across Europe and beyond, and since 2025, he has served as Head of International Sales at CTA.

Wednesday, October 22 – 1:30-1:55 PM

Mikropor Patented Carbolescer Technology

Jeff Crutchfield, Area Manager, Mikropor

The unique, patented Mikropor Carbolescer ensures oil-free air in food & beverage production, protecting product integrity and safety. From bottling to packaging, it delivers dry air compliance for the highest quality standards.

Jeff has been an Area Manager at Mikropor practically since the brand was introduced to North America. Prior to that he acquired extensive industry experience from his days at Joy Manufacturing, Sullair and Boge. In addition to Area Manager, he has held the role of team leader and has managed multiple projects including pricing administration and product launches.

Wednesday, October 22 – 2:00 – 2:25 PM

The Importance of Air Quality Standards and Certifications with Compressed Air Piping

Carlo Gatti, Product Manager, Prevost

Attendees will learn how to prevent contamination and equipment damage, use solutions like dryers and filters to maintain high air purity, and ensure proper air quality for pneumatic conveyors and tools. This presentation will also cover ISO 8573-1 and ASME requirements for industries relying on compressed air.

Carlo Gatti has worked in the compressed air market for 24 years. His professional activities have focused on the design, production and management of technical products for fluids under pressure to generate, control and transmit power in industry.

Wednesday, October 22 – 2:30 – 2:55 PM

Clean Air, Clean Food: Maintenance Practices That Protect Your Product

Russell Warner, Vice President of Sales, FS-Curtis

Join Russell Warner for an in-depth look at how proper maintenance of oil-free air compressors and systems safeguard food production hygiene and safety. This session will cover essential maintenance practices, common risks of contamination, and how proactive service strategies can help meet regulatory standards in food and beverage production. Learn how clean air equals clean food—from compressor room to point of use.

Russell Warner is Vice President of Sales at FS-Curtis and a well-rounded executive leader known for his ability to translate strategic vision into actionable results. With deep expertise across industrial, service, construction, and rental markets, he has built a strong reputation for delivering under pressure and mentoring high-performing teams. Russell began his career in direct jobsite equipment sales and steadily advanced through roles in territory, product, marketing, and sales management. He holds an MBA from Marquette University and has led both domestic and international projects with consistent success.

Wednesday, October 22 – 3:00 – 3:25 PM

Air Quality and Food Safety

Jon Jensen, National Product Sales Manager – Energy, SMC

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of compressed air quality standards for food and packaging applications. It covers key hazards such as moisture and microorganisms, explains relevant regulations (FDA, SQF, 3-A, ISO 8573-1, BCAS), and outlines best practices for contamination control, filtration, and HACCP integration.

Jon Jensen is the National Product Sales Manager – Energy for SMC Corporation of America. He provides consulting services on energy conservation in pneumatic systems. He is also a Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TUV NORD) and manages machinery safety products for SMC Corporation of America. He is a past president of the International Fluid Power Society, an Accredited Instructor, and holds Pneumatic Specialist and Electronic Controls Specialist Certifications. Prior to managing the Energy Conservation Team, Jon served for nearly 10 years as SMC’s North American Training Manager.

Wednesday, October 22 – 3:30 – 3:55 PM

Rental Compressors for Various Industrial Applications & Food Plants

Chuck Westhofen, Business Development Manager, Sauer Compressors USA

This presentation examines the role of rental compressors in supporting a wide range of industrial applications, to help food and beverage manufacturers plan for emergency backup, seasonal demand and project-based operations. It highlights the flexibility, cost-efficiency, and rapid deployment advantages of rental solutions, while also addressing key considerations such as maintenance, availability, and application-specific requirements.

Chuck Westhofen is the Business Development Manager for Sauer Compressors USA, focused on developing and expanding high-pressure compressor solutions across the East region. With several years of expertise in sales and strategic development, Chuck brings technical expertise and a customer-first approach to support the growing demands of rental partners.

Wednesday, October 22 – 4:00 – 4:25 PM

 Selection Criteria for Heatless, Heated Purge & Blower Purge Desiccant Dryers for a -40°F Dew Point

Altec AIR will present its wide range of regenerative desiccant compressed air dryer technologies, including heatless, heated purge, and blower purge models, designed to achieve a -40°F dew point. This session will guide food and beverage manufacturing personnel through key selection criteria, helping them match dryer technology to their specific application needs. Attendees will gain practical insights into when ultra-dry dew points are critical for product quality and process reliability.

Jim DiMaiolo is the Sales & Market Manager at Altec AIR, bringing extensive experience as a licensed Professional Engineer. Jim combines technical expertise with strategic business insight to drive innovation and growth in the compressed air industry.

Wednesday, October 22 – 4:30 – 4:55 PM

Nitrogen Generators for Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Thorstein Holt, Director – Business Development, Holtec Gas Systems