Over the past two days, the Cementitious Materials International Technical and Trade Congress 2025 brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta. With a focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and market strategies, the congress proved to be a pivotal moment for the future of cementitious materials and construction. The event brought together delegates from USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Spain.
Day 1: Innovation, Sustainability & Market Growth
The discussions set the stage for transformative change. Experts explored the evolving role of coal ash, SCMs, and carbon neutrality, with Grant Quasha (Eco Material Technologies) delivering a special key note showing immense growth and business opportunities in the coming years. Paul D. Tennis (Portland Cement Association) delivered an insightful presentation on the roadmap for decarbonization. Innovation in building materials was presented by Camilo Restrepo (Biomason), Carolina Prieto (GCC), Carolina Montano – Owen (World Green Building Council), and Frank Mruk (NRMCA). Scott Dickson (Heidelberg Materials) delivered a master presentation on the group’s decarbonization verticals, followed by Ryan Morrow (Firefly) who showed the audience a one of a kind technology for preventing fires and explosions in the industry. Sofia Cintron made a showcase on Cementos Progreso advancements on SCM use in Guatemala and Marta Diez, Country Manager IBERIA and Italy at CFP Energy made a point on how the European CBAM is going to impact the regional industry bringing opportunities that American companies can benefit from.
Sustainability took center stage, with talks on accelerating the net-zero transition, circular economy principles, and groundbreaking innovations from companies like Biomason. The day wrapped up with an insightful discussion on fire safety in cement plants, market integration of calcined clays, and circularity in concrete, followed by a networking session over wine, where delegates forged new connections and exchanged ideas.
Day 2: Advancing Performance, Innovation & Policy
Today, discussions shifted toward performance improvements, financing solutions, and regulatory frameworks driving the industry forward. Brian Killingsworth (NRMCA) and Franco Zunino (UC Berkeley) shared their insights on making low-carbon cement a business priority, while speakers explored SCM limits, slag cement utilization, and emerging technologies shaping the future of concrete sustainability. Darren Wilbanks (Texas Lehigh Cement), Leo Emmenegger, (Exponent), Claudene Moorgas (IFC), Lucas Moreno Kristiansen (York Building Products), and Dennis Kearn (FLSmidth Pfister) engaged the audience in remarkable knowledge sharing and market dynamics.
The event concluded with a comprehensive status report on SCMs in the U.S., delivered by John Kline, reputed independent consultant, giving attendees a clear understanding of market challenges and opportunities ahead.
A Congress That Shapes the Future
What made this congress truly remarkable was the spirit of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and commitment to progress. Delegates didn’t just attend—they actively participated in shaping solutions for a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient industry.
As the event comes to a close, one thing is clear: the conversation doesn’t end here. The insights, connections, and momentum gained over these two days will continue to drive change across the industry.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and be part of the movement shaping the future of cement and construction!
Find out more about the future of building sustainably. Discover the latest in cement industry innovations, best practices, and decarbonization efforts at our upcoming events – join us to shape a greener world!
Dive into our calendar of events, featuring Cementitious Materials International Congress EMEA 2025, taking place on June 3-4 in Cairo, Egypt;
Sustainability and ESG International Summit 2025 taking place on June 2-3 in Cairo, Egypt,
CarbonZero Global Conference and Exhibition: Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials 2025 taking place on October 15-16 in Bucharest, Romania
Women in CemCo International Congress EMEA 2025, taking place on October 16-17 in Bucharest, Romania;
Email us at contact@industrylink.eu for program brochures and registration details.
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