The International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) 2023 will be host to an array of technologies from the fluid power, motion control and power transmission industries. Held once every 3 years, it provides the opportunity to see the latest innovations from these segments alongside the machines into which they can be integrated due to the co-location with CONEXPO-CON/AGG, one of the largest construction industry shows.
The 2023 show is shaping up to be the largest yet, with show organizers reporting it to be 5% larger than the last edition in 2020.
There are sure to be a lot of great technologies, equipment and educational opportunities to take advantage of at IFPE 2023. In preparation for the industry's largest event of the year, Power & Motion spoke with Marica Klein, Treasurer at Casappa Corp. and chairperson of IFPE 2023, to get a sense of what attendees can expect at the show.
*Editor's Note: Questions and responses have been edited for clarity.
Power & Motion (P&M): What are some things those attending IFPE can look forward to seeing at the 2023 event?
Marcia Klein (MK): Advanced technologies and innovation focused on improving the way we use energy. Industry leaders will be showcasing intelligent components and systems, talking about what the future holds in modern motion control.
P&M: We know there have been updates to the Las Vegas Convention Center - are there any new features or exhibits for the IFPE portion of the show?
MK: Certainly the Las Vegas Convention Center will look different with the brand new West Hall and Diamond Lot, which were under construction in 2020. IFPE will be much easier to reach in 2023 with the addition of the Vegas Loop South Hall Station.
We also want to make sure everyone knows about the Fluid Power Hour Networking Reception on Wednesday night. From 4 to 6 p.m. the IFPE floor will be filled with world class entertainers and will be a perfect opportunity for attendees and IFPE exhibitors to roam the IFPE aisles and mingle with their peers before heading out to functions on Wednesday evening.
P&M: How are educational sessions shaping up for 2023? What are some of the themes for the sessions, and how do they demonstrate what is going on in the fluid power/motion control industries?
MK: IFPE’s education program will once again be covering the latest technical topics, trends and challenges we are all facing as we drive toward automation and better use of data analytics. We all expect to see technical sessions, but there are sessions addressing things like cybersecurity and the workforce gap.
P&M: What has been most exciting to you during the planning of IFPE 2023?
MK: The momentum that builds throughout the process, the camaraderie that it affords. Meeting with friends, colleagues and peers who all share the same love of our industry. I have learned so much from everyone.
P&M: What would you say are the key themes or technology trends for the 2023 event?
MK: Sustainability, automation, digitalization. How these trends are impacting the fluid power industry, the benefits they will bring.
P&M: What are you most looking forward to seeing or attending at IFPE 2023?
MK: There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the end result, to watch it come to life. I can’t wait to walk the floor on opening day and see everyone back face to face!
Editor’s Note: Power & Motion's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) hub compiles our coverage of gender representation issues affecting the engineering field, in addition to contributions from equity seeking groups and subject matter experts within various subdisciplines.
