Innovative Pumps & Valves Conference Set to Connect Industry Leaders in Texas
The upcoming
Pumps & Valves Innovation Conference (PVIC) is garnering considerable attention as it promises to be a significant gathering for industry professionals. Organized by
Empowering Pumps & Equipment and
Gulf Energy Information, this new event will take place over two days on
November 2-3, 2026, at the
LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology (CPET), located in Pasadena, Texas.
The conference is being launched as a response to the need for a technical event that caters not just to engineers, but to plant operators and suppliers dealing with flow systems across various industries. This includes oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, and water management. PVIC stands to succeed the previously established Empowering Pumps Industry Conference (EPIC), which, for over six years, has been an influential platform for professionals specializing in pumps and rotating equipment. However, PVIC will expand beyond this scope to include valves and flow control, a necessary broadened focus that reflects the interconnected nature of the industries involved.
For many years, professionals in these niches have attended separate, sector-specific events, missing out on potential collaborations and learning opportunities. PVIC aims to bridge this gap and create an inclusive environment where the flow control engineering community can unite, share insights, and foster innovation.
A Different Approach to Conference Programming
One of the most compelling aspects of PVIC is its commitment to delivering a content-rich experience without commercial interruptions. The conference will operate under a strict
no sales pitch policy, meaning attendees can expect an immersive educational experience devoid of any promotional distractions.
The program will be organized into three distinct tracks:
Engineering, Technology, and Leadership. Each track will feature expert keynote speakers, peer-led technical sessions, and engaging hands-on workshops tailored to enhance learning and skill-building in essential areas. Notably, sessions will take place in CPET’s specialized labs, allowing participants to gain practical experience with pumps, valves, and related process equipment.
Venue and Collaboration
The venue itself is essential to ensure a successful event. The CPET center, which is strategically positioned within one of the largest refining and petrochemical hubs globally, provides access to modern lab environments and advanced conference facilities—an arrangement that conventional hotels can’t offer. This enables a seamless blend of theoretical learning and practical application, promising attendees a comprehensive understanding of contemporary challenges and solutions within their fields.
The collaborative effort between Empowering Pumps & Equipment and Gulf Energy Information marks a significant step towards creating a flagship conference that draws on the strengths of both organizations.
Charli Matthews Carruth, the founder of Empowering Pumps & Equipment, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “I’m excited to partner with Gulf to build on the success of EPIC, expanding opportunities for learning, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections that drive our industry forward.”
John Royall, CEO of Gulf Energy Information, added: “Engineers in this sector have plenty of opportunities to stroll through a trade show floor. What they lack is a technically rigorous, vendor-neutral conference where they can spend two days learning from peers. Our choice of CPET reflects our commitment to high-quality, hands-on technical content.”
Conclusion
As the PVIC approaches, anticipation builds within the industry, promising an event that encourages not only professional development but also innovation within the vital sectors of oil, gas, and beyond. With a focus on creating a dialogue among engineers and operators, the conference is poised to become a cornerstone of learning and advancement in the pumps and valves arena. Save the dates for a transformative experience that aims to elevate knowledge, collaboration, and ingenuity in flow control solutions.
For more information, visit
Empowering Pumps or
Gulf Energy Information.