Schedule-at-a-Glance

Full schedule and session details coming soon! See below for session topics and speakers. Please Note: Program is subject to change. 

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Registration Open + Networking Breakfast

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Morning Sessions

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm

Networking Lunch

12:45 pm – 1:30 pm

Roundtable Discussions

Participate in interactive roundtable discussions with fellow attendees to explore pressing industry topics, exchange ideas, and crowd-source solutions to common challenges. Attendees will rotate through two 20-minute discussion sessions, choosing from three timely topics:

  • Workforce Development & Career Progression
  • AI and Your Business
  • Supply Chain

Bring your questions and join the conversation.

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Afternoon Sessions

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Networking Reception

7:30 am – 8:00 am

Registration open + Networking Breakfast

8:00 am – 11:15 am

Morning Sessions & Closing Remarks

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Tour of Precision Spray & Coatings + Box Lunch (Optional, ticketed event)

 

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Registration + Networking Coffee & Light Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:30 am

Presented by: Heather Rhoderick, President, Valve Manufacturers Association; Caitlin Hughes, Executive Director, Valve Repair Council

 

Heather Rhoderick is President of the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA), where she leads the organization’s strategy and operations, including its affiliate, the Valve Repair Council. In 2021, she launched VMA’s government relations program which advances industry priorities on key manufacturing and regulatory issues. The association also delivers education, industry insights, market analysis, events, and publishes valvemagazine.com.

 

9:30 am – 10:20 am

This presentation explores best practices for control valve sizing and selection, combining industry standards with real-world application expertise. It highlights the importance of using established methodologies such as IEC and ISA standards to evaluate flow capacity, noise, cavitation, and overall valve performance, while also incorporating operational history and total cost of ownership considerations.
 
Attendees will gain insight into identifying service conditions—from general to severe—and matching valve designs, trim characteristics, and configurations to specific process demands. The session also covers key topics such as cavitation and noise mitigation, trim characterization, rangeability, and proper flow orientation to ensure stable, efficient control.
 
Through practical examples and application-driven guidance, this presentation demonstrates how selecting the right valve solution improves reliability, enhances performance, and reduces long-term operating costs in critical process environments.
 

Presented by: Jeremy Kelone, Director of Inside Sales – Control Valves, Setpoint Integrated Solutions

Jeremy Kelone is the Director of Inside Sales for Control Valves, specializing in control valve sizing and solution development. With over 25 years of industry experience, and based in Port Arthur, Texas, he brings deep expertise in application engineering and works closely with his teams and customers to solve complex process challenges.  Known for his hands-on approach and strong technical depth, Jeremy ensures the right valve, fit, and performance for each application. By bridging technical insight with practical execution, he helps customers optimize reliability, efficiency, and overall system performance in critical operations.

10:20 am – 11:10 am

Control valves are often one of the largest sources of variability, instability, and maintenance cost in industrial process control systems, yet many valve issues go undetected until they impact production, quality, or reliability. This session will demystify the practical application of control valve diagnostics using external diagnostic systems such as valve profilers, FlowScanner technologies, and smart digital valve positioners.
Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how valve diagnostics are performed, what parameters are being measured, and how to interpret the results to isolate common mechanical, pneumatic, and control-related issues. The session will cover real-world examples of stiction, hysteresis, deadband, air leakage, actuator problems, tuning-related issues, and valve assembly degradation.
 
In addition, the presentation will explain how these problems directly affect control loop performance, process stability, valve longevity, and maintenance costs. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how diagnostic technologies can be leveraged to move from reactive maintenance to predictive and performance-based maintenance strategies.

 

Presented by: Sandro Esposito, Independent Consultant

Sandro Esposito is an industrial automation and control valve diagnostics expert with more than 30 years of experience in final control technologies, valve diagnostics, and digital instrumentation. He played a key leadership role in the development and commercialization of Masoneilan SVI2AP and Masoneilan SVI2ESD digital valve positioners, as well as the ValVue and Valve Aware diagnostic platforms. Sandro began his career with Fisher Controls, where he performed extensive valve testing and diagnostics across multiple industries. Throughout his career, he has tested more than 5,000 control valves and has extensive experience with FlowScanner diagnostics and the integration of valve diagnostic software with distributed control systems and asset management platforms. He is also the holder of several U.S. patents related to industrial automation and diagnostics and has presented technical papers at numerous industry conferences.
 

11:10 am – 11:25 am

Networking Break

11:25 am – 12:15 pm

What separates good organizations from great ones is not a single talent initiative, but a series of well executed decisions that build momentum over time, especially across the full talent lifecycle of recruiting, development, and retention. This session explores how organizations can take a more intentional, strategic approach to workforce development to support both current execution and future business demands. Using a practical framework, the presentation highlights key considerations, evolving trends, and leadership focus areas that shape long term workforce readiness, helping leaders assess what’s working, where risks are emerging, and where focused attention today can drive future payoff.

 

Presented by: Kate Hamm, Learning & Development Manager, Midwest Valve Services

Kate Hamm is the Training and Development Manager at Midwest Valve Services, where she leads workforce development initiatives that strengthen technical capability, quality, and safety in valve repair operations. She holds an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame and is passionate about aligning training to real-world business and field needs. Kate partners with subject matter experts to define skill expectations, build structured training pathways, and reinforce consistent practices across teams. She leverages AI and digital tools to improve knowledge capture, streamline content development, and support learning on the job. Through her work, she is committed to developing skilled professionals who uphold the high standards of the valve repair industry.

12: 15 pm – 1:30 pm

Networking Lunch 12:15 – 12:45 PM

Roundtable Discussions 12:45-1:30 PM

Participate in interactive roundtable discussions with fellow attendees to explore pressing industry topics, exchange ideas, and crowd-source solutions to common challenges. Attendees will rotate through two 20-minute discussion sessions, choosing from three timely topics:

  • Workforce Development & Career Progression
  • AI and Your Business
  • Supply Chain

Bring your questions and join the conversation.

1:30 pm – 2:20 pm

During valve repair, upgrade, and retrofit projects, selecting the correct actuator is critical to ensuring long-term reliability and performance. Attendees will gain insight into how operating conditions, torque requirements, control integration, and environmental factors influence actuator selection. The session will also highlight common pitfalls encountered during retrofit scenarios, such as mismatched mounting interfaces, insufficient duty ratings, and overlooked control system compatibility.

 

Presented by: Chad Laird, Business Development Manager – Water & Power, Rotork 

2:20 pm – 3:10 pm

This presentation will offer insight on retrofit engineering as a valuable solution for customers in situations such as but not limited to:

  • Operators are dissatisfied with the valve performance but are not ready for a full replacement
  • Upgrading older valves to modern features and capabilities
  • Adapting to changes in process conditions where existing trim is no longer optimal
  • Supporting obsolete valves where no suitable replacement exists (e.g., non-standard face-to-face dimensions). 

The session will highlight retrofit engineering opportunities and capabilities along with several recent case studies. 

Presented by: Bill Morris, Global Director of Aftermarket and Technical Support, Baker Hughes & Katherine Si, Director of Retrofit Engineering, Baker Hughes

Bill Morris

I serve as the Global Director of Aftermarket & Technical Support, where I am responsible for the overall direction of service operations, including field services, channel services (ASP) enablement, warranty and technical support, the Parts Center of Excellence, and training.

 

I joined Baker 18 months ago, following nine years with ValvTechnologies, where I led the service and aftermarket division. Earlier in my career, I spent 11 years with Schlumberger in wireline operations and four years with NOV, building a strong foundation in the energy sector.

 

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to live and work internationally in the United States, Kazakhstan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Angola, and Nigeria, which has given me a broad global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse markets and teams.

 

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. 

 

Katherine Si

Katherine Si is an engineering leader who currently heads Aftermarket Engineering at Baker Hughes, guiding global teams through technical transformation, process improvement, and customer‑focused engineering support. She leads complex aftermarket programs, strengthens cross‑functional alignment, and brings clarity to engineering operations through her unique blend of technical depth and creative communication.

 

Before joining Baker Hughes, Katherine spent more than 20 years leading pressure relief valve product lines under Emerson and previously Pentair, where the Crosby and Anderson Greenwood brands originated. Across these roles, she delivered major global new product development programs — including the next‑generation API 526 valve with $80M+ annual revenue — led five global factories through design control, and executed multiple high‑impact product transfers, cost‑reduction initiatives, and product line expansions.

 

Katherine is also highly active in industry committees. She has served as API 526/527 Chair, contributed extensively to API standards development, and worked closely with Chinese Special Equipment authorities to support TS licensing and global compliance.

 

Her career spans 20+ years across the U.S. and China, with expertise in pressure relief valves, safety systems, engineered equipment, global design control, and large‑scale engineering leadership.

3:10 pm – 3:30 pm

Thank you to our 2026 Valve Repair Seminar sponsors! We’ll hear a brief overview from each of their representatives to learn how their companies can help you and your business. 

 

EFCO USA Logo                        EGC Engineered Solutions Logo                       Starflex Logo

3:40 pm – 4:10 pm

This presentation examines advanced coating technologies for extending component life and improving performance in severe service applications across petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, and mining industries. High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray coatings apply hard materials—including metallic alloys (nickel, cobalt, titanium), carbides (tungsten carbide, chromium carbide), and composite materials—onto substrates at high velocities, creating dense, wear-resistant protective layers. Ceramic coatings such as chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) offer exceptional wear and corrosion resistance for valve components, with chromium oxide providing superior performance in acidic and alkaline environments at elevated temperatures, while titanium dioxide delivers biocompatible, chemically inert protection for specialized applications. Bond coatings including tantalum and Hastelloy serve as critical intermediate layers, ensuring strong adhesion and enhanced corrosion resistance in highly aggressive chemical environments. The presentation also addresses traditional hard chrome plating methods, comparing their benefits and limitations against modern HVOF alternatives, particularly regarding environmental considerations and performance in thermal cycling conditions.

 

Components operating in severe service environments face extreme challenges including abrasive wear, erosion, corrosion, thermal degradation, and high mechanical stress. These advanced coating solutions address these challenges through exceptional wear resistance, corrosion protection, and high-temperature performance. Through repair case studies demonstrating restoration of damaged valve components, the presentation illustrates how these coating technologies extend asset life as cost-effective alternatives to replacement, minimizing downtime and operational costs while maximizing equipment reliability in challenging industrial environments.

 

Presented by: Kelly Songer, Director of Valve Services, Precision Spray & Coatings

Kelly is a 3rd generation industrial manufacturer with 20 years of experience. In 2016 she was featured in a cover story as a ‘Legacy Leader’ by the National Association of Manufacturers, and in 2017 she was honored with the ‘Service Award’ by the Valve Manufacturers Association of America.

4:15 pm – 5:00 pm

Join us for a tour of the CPET. Explore the state-of-the-art Process Technology Labs, where San Jacinto College students gain hands-on experience with real-world industrial equipment and systems used in the petrochemical industry. We will also visit our cutting-edge Valve Lab, featuring the latest technology in valve repair and maintenance, designed to meet industry standards and training requirements. This tour offers a glimpse into how San Jacinto prepares the future workforce for careers in energy, petrochemical, and technology sectors.

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

We’ll close the 2025 Valve Repair Seminar with a tour of the CPET. Explore the state-of-the-art Process Technology Labs, where San Jacinto College students gain hands-on experience with real-world industrial equipment and systems used in the petrochemical industry. You will also visit our cutting-edge Valve Lab, featuring the latest technology in valve repair and maintenance, designed to meet industry standards and training requirements. This tour offers a glimpse into how San Jacinto prepares the future workforce for careers in energy, petrochemical, and technology sectors.

7:30 am – 8:00 am

Registration Open + Networking Breakfast

8:00 am – 8:50 am

Proper valve repair has become essential to ensure reliability and longevity during its operational lifetime. In this presentation, we discuss the importance of standardizing valve reconditioning, and the day-to-day challenges when dealing with various designs. Also, a brief look into how technology and constant improvement in industry standards have re-shaped the outlook on valve repair.
 

Presented by: Jonathan Lu, Plant Operations and Engineering Manager, United Valve

Jonathan Lu is the Plant Operations and Engineering Manager at United Valve. With just over 13 years of experience, he first joined the industry as a young engineer after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M. Gaining a full hands-on experience while working with the various departments during his early career, he is now responsible for all operations within the organization and contributes to the continued development and growth of the company. He has worked closely with numerous manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users, providing in-depth knowledge on valve repair, design/modification, and special testing. He is also an active committee member at American Petroleum Institute (API) and serves on various other industry standards’ task force. Jonathan seeks aspiration through teamwork at the workplace, where he finds his own success when playing a role in the accomplishments of others.

8:50 am – 9:40 am

This presentation will discuss valve seat repair procedures and equipment in the shop vs. onsite with emphasis being onsite including the cost benefits and reduction in outage schedule duration and reduction of unscheduled outages due to valve related issues in: Globe Valves; Wye Globe Valves; Gate Valves; and No Return Valves. The typical industry standard is to simply cut out the old problematic valves and install new ones; however, this is both expensive and inefficient. With today’s budgetary constraints and required up time, we can demonstrate that these repairs can be made effectively through new automated welding equipment and techniques. These new systems and maintenance upgrades will enhance the valves performance in both service life and freedom from random failures. They also eliminate the need for expensive valve replacement where complex R stamp welding services must be used to install the valve which adds additional cost. With advanced engineering analysis, we can develop a repair plan that will address operating and maintenance concerns with a significant cost savings over valve replacement.

 

Presented by: Keith Floyd, Engineering Manager – SME/QA Manager, Continental Field Systems, Inc.

Keith FloydKeith E. Floyd received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (1987) from the Georgia Institute of Technology with emphasis on mechanical design and welding. He has over 38 years of experience in power plant equipment repair, heavy industry equipment repair, and ASME/NBIC code welding. While employed by CFS, he has served as the principal on-site machine tool design engineer, machine shop management, weld shop management, and other duties. He is currently the Engineering Manager – SME/QA Manager and serves as the principal consultant for all technical company functions.

9:40 am – 9:50 am

Networking Break

9:50 am – 10:40 am

Pressure-relief valves (PRVs) are known as the “Last Line of Defense” in the valve industry. In this session, attendees will learn how PRVs perform, the critical role they play in plant safety and key maintenance guidelines to improve reliability and performance.

Our expert speaker will tailor this presentation to the knowledge base in the room — so come ready with your questions!

 

Presented by: Gabe Salwan, Chief Commercial Officer, Quality Valve

Gabe SalwanGabe has nearly 30 years of experience in the relief valve industry, starting with Farris Engineering in project administration, valve sizing, and proposal development. Over the years, he advanced through leadership roles in regional sales, aftermarket management, North America sales, global sales, and ultimately Sr. Director of Sales. In 2025, Gabe joined Quality Valve in Mobile, AL as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, focusing on parts distribution and supporting PRV repair facilities worldwide, and is now their Chief Commercial Officer. An active member of the VMA/VRC community for many years, Gabe values the collaboration and support the organization brings to manufacturers, representatives, service centers, and end users. 

10:40 am – 11:15 am

Presented by: Chris Jones, Vice President, Midwest Valve Services; Blake Coburn, General Manager – Control Valve Services, John H. Carter Company; Jim Storing, President, Allied Valve

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Precision Spray & Coatings facility in Houston. 

2026 Session Topics

Manufacturing Icon

Presentation Topics & Speakers Include

  • Pressure Relief Valves (PRV) 101 and Recommended Repair Cycles
    • Presented by: Gabe Salwan, Quality Valve
  • Control Valve Sizing & Selection
    • Presented by: Jeremy Kelone, Setpoint Integrated Solutions
  • Control Valve Performance Diagnostics: Understanding What the Valve is Telling You
    • Presented by: Sandro Esposito, Independent Consultant
  • Advanced Coating Solutions for Severe Service Applications
    • Presented by: Kelly Songer, Precision Spray & Coatings
  • API RP621: Standardizing Industry Guidelines for Valve Repair
    • Presented by: Johnathan Lu, United Valve
  • Actuator Types and Selecting the Right Solution during Repair: What to consider—and what to watch for— in Upgrade and Retrofit Scenarios
    • Presented by: Chad Laird, Rotork 

  • Retrofit Engineering: Opportunities and Capabilities

    • Presented by: Bill Morris & Katherine Si, Baker Hughes
  • Welding In-shop vs. In-line: Risks, Considerations, and Best Practices for Cutting Out Welded Valve Seats
    • Presented by: Keith Floyd, Continental Field Systems
  • Talent Focus: Building the Workforce Your Business Will Need Next
    • Presented by: Kate Hamm, Midwest Valve Services
  • VRC Member Company Best Practices for Safety and Job Site Awareness (JSA)
    • Presented by: VRC Board of Directors

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!

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