The process industries are evolving quickly. From digital integration and energy efficiency to safety culture and operational excellence, the challenges and opportunities facing chemical engineers continue to grow. The 2026 AIChE Spring Meeting & GCPS brings the many relevant conversations in these areas together in one place, serving as a global forum where chemical engineers share practical solutions, technical know-how, and hard-earned experience.
We recently spoke with Jeff Elam, Olefins Operations Manager at INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA and Program Chair of the 2026 AIChE Spring Meeting, about what makes this year's program especially timely. In this interview, Jeff discusses the technical sessions generating the most momentum, how the meeting supports engineers at every career stage, and why attendees consistently walk away with insights they can apply immediately.
Which parts of the 2026 Spring Meeting program do you think will resonate most with chemical engineers right now, and why?
Several parts of the 2026 Spring Meeting program will resonate strongly with chemical engineers because they address both current challenges and emerging trends in our industry. The topical sessions on heat exchangers, distillation, and Industry 4.0 are especially relevant. Engineers continue focusing on improving energy efficiency, operational reliability, and integrating digital tools that enhance decision-making and plant performance. These sessions provide practical, immediately applicable value for engineers working across all sectors of chemical processing.
The Global Congress on Process Safety will also stand out because safety remains the top priority across the industry. These sessions consistently deliver insights that help organizations strengthen safety culture and reduce operational risk, making them essential for chemical engineers at every level.
For those of us in ethylene manufacturing, the 38th Ethylene Producers' Conference is always a highlight. Its mix of new technology developments, operational learnings, environmental considerations, and safety-focused content directly addresses the issues our segment faces today. The Combustion Safety Tutorial and the business session on future forces impacting the industry will be particularly relevant as companies navigate evolving expectations around safety, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
How does this year’s program support chemical engineers at different stages of their careers, from students and early-career professionals to experienced practitioners?
This year’s program supports chemical engineers at every career stage by offering learning opportunities that range from foundational to advanced. One of the Spring Meeting’s greatest strengths is that you never leave without learning something new—regardless of your experience level. I’ve attended for the past 18 years, and every single meeting has delivered meaningful insights.
For students and early-career professionals, the program offers a fast track to building strong technical and safety fundamentals. The variety of topical sessions lets them quickly deepen their understanding of core engineering principles while gaining exposure to real-world challenges and best practices.
For mid-career and experienced practitioners, the meeting provides opportunities to refine existing expertise, stay current with evolving technologies, and broaden their skill sets. The depth of technical papers, case studies, and operational learnings ensures that even seasoned engineers walk away with new ideas and practical knowledge they can apply immediately.
For chemical engineers who are unsure whether the Spring Meeting is for them, what would you say is the biggest reason to attend in 2026?
The biggest reason to attend the 2026 Spring Meeting is the opportunity to grow as an engineer—no matter where you are in your career. The program delivers a breadth of topics and practical insights that directly benefit our industry, and everyone who attends walks away more knowledgeable and better equipped for the challenges ahead. The Spring Meeting brings together experts and practitioners from across the field who openly share their hard-earned experience. Being part of that exchange strengthens your technical foundation while connecting you to a community that’s collectively working to advance our profession.
Learn more about the 2026 Spring Meeting and 22nd GCPS.
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