ASME Announces Keynote Speakers For Turbo Expo 2012

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2011 – Three senior executives in the aero-engine and power generation industry will be the keynote speakers at ASME Turbo Expo 2012, to be held June 11-15, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Al Brockett, vice president, Engineering, for Module Centers, Pratt & Whitney; Mark Pearson, general manager, Advanced Technology & Preliminary Design, GE Aviation, and Henrik Stiesdal, chief technology officer, Wind Power Business Unit, Siemens, will be featured in the keynote session on June 11 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen. The speakers will address Reliable Gas Turbines Operating in Extreme Environments, a theme reflecting a global demand for the development of innovative solutions for ensuring reliable energy extraction from turbines in extreme environments.

The ASME International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI), organizer of ASME Turbo Expo 2012, selected the speakers based on their knowledge of economic, technological and industry trends that could impact future business growth and development. Al Brockett has more than 33 years of engineering experience at Pratt & Whitney. He was responsible for the development of the first production single-stage high-pressure turbine and was nominated for the UTC Mead Award in 1996. He also has held positions in operations, leading Cooled Turbine Airfoil through restructuring. Brockett was recognized as the ASME Engineer of the Year in 2002.

Mark Pearson has almost 30 years of experience at GE and contributed to the GE36, GE90 and NASP Programs. He also led the Marine and Industrial Engine Systems Engineering Organization from 2001 to 2004, where he had technical oversight for all aeroderivative engines, including the world's first intercooled industrial gas turbine, the LMS100. He is currently responsible for the conceptual and preliminary design of next-generation commercial and military engines.  His recent focus includes the LEAPX for commercial narrow body applications and variable cycle technology for military applications. 

Henrik Stiesdal is one of the pioneers of the modern wind industry and has worked with all aspects of wind turbine technology. In 1978 he designed one of the first commercial wind turbines, which was then licensed to Vestas. Stiesdal worked as consultant for Vestas until 1986, then joined Bonus Energy (later Siemens Wind Power), as design engineer. In 2000 he was appointed Chief Technology Officer. Recently he was awarded the Poul la Cour prize, the European wind energy sector's most prestigious award.

In addition to the keynote event, ASME Turbo Expo 2012 will include a five-day gas turbine technical program including presentations on steam and wind turbines, fans and blowers, and solar energy.  Other topics include engine design, operations and maintenance, diagnostics, and materials.

A three-day exposition will showcase the products and services of engine manufacturers, software developers, research laboratories, and other firms in the worldwide power industry.  Additional events at the conference will include continuing education workshops, a networking dinner for women, a mixer for young engineers, and facility tours.

For information on ASME Turbo Expo 2012, contact the International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI) at 404-847-0072 or visit www.turboexpo.org.

IGTI, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., supports the exchange of information focused on improving the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance, and environmental impact of gas turbines, turbo-machinery, and related equipment.

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. Additional information is available at www.asme.org