Past Conference Chair Reports
At the conclusion of each year's conference, the Conference Chair creates a Chair Report that summarizes that year's conference. This information can be helpful for potential new attendees to read information about what to expect if they attend the SSSAAP conference. The Chair Report usually includes information regarding what sector each attendee works in. This information can also be helpful to see who else will be there if you decide to attend. Click the buttons below to view the Chair Reports from the past several year's conferences. Here is an example from the 2025 conference.
Conference Chair Report for the
46th Stationary Source Sampling and Analysis for Air Pollutants Conference
Dear Attendees,
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the 46th SSSAAP Conference Chair. This conference remains the premier platform for sharing advancements in air pollutant measurement and analysis. I truly enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections, and I hope you found this year’s event just as rewarding.
Conference Participation and Representation
The popularity of our conference continues, with registrations selling out months in advance. Thanks to the hotel’s accommodations we were able to welcome approximately 225 attendees, including a 31% first-time participation rate. Our attendees represented diverse professional backgrounds—primarily testers and consultants, but also strong representation from research, government, industry, laboratories, and vendors.
This year, we were privileged to welcome international attendees from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, South America, and Central America, reinforcing the global significance of our discussions.
Engagement and Activities
From lively technical sessions to friendly competitions in sporting clays, volleyball, and golf, this year’s energy was remarkable. We enjoyed great weather, delicious food, and—most importantly—the opportunity to strengthen our professional community.
I am deeply grateful for the session chairs, presenters, and volunteers, whose dedication made this conference a success. It truly takes a team effort, and countless hours were invested to ensure a high-quality technical program. A special acknowledgment goes to our first-time presenters, whose contributions enriched our discussions.
Despite some logistical challenges, USEPA’s remote and pre-recorded presentations ensured that valuable insights were still shared. Special thanks to Kevin McGinn and Walter Linn for navigating this complex session, and we look forward to USEPA’s in-person participation at the 2026 conference.
Safety and Recognition
As always, safety remains paramount in our industry. Each session included a Safety Short presentation, with some even improvised—thank you Tommy Lotz for stepping up! These presentations remind us of the hazards we face daily and reinforce our commitment to returning home safely to our loved ones.
A huge congratulations to Craig Grunden, winner of the Safety T-Shirt Quilt Raffle, and appreciation to Angie Hansen for spearheading this fantastic initiative.
On Thursday evening, Wade Bice of Alabama Power Company was inducted into the SES Hall of Fame—a well-deserved honor! Kudos to the Hall of Fame Committee for organizing the roast, and special thanks to Bob Finken (a.k.a. Knif) for stepping up at the last moment to host. Rallying a portion of The Blue Testees back on stage was an unforgettable moment!
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
We are deeply grateful for the endorsement of our sister organization, STA (UK), along with NACAA and the US EPA. Their continued support strengthens the credibility and value of our conference.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, whose generosity made our socials, specialty events, extracurricular activities, and dinners possible, further fostering camaraderie among attendees. Our mostly volunteer conference would not be able to have some of these events without these sponsorships.
Plus, a very special thank you to some emeritus staff who were able to join us for the conference. Peter Westlin, thank you for your remembrance of Matt DeVito, encouragement to find those qualities in others, and especially for bringing Gail Westlin along with you too. Jeff Ryan, I’m so glad you were in the area and thank you for managing the volleyball event on behalf of B3 Systems. Tommy Leach, thanks for coming to be a “worker bee” with Antoinette, Robin, and Angela all week. Yves Tondeur, thank you so much for agreeing to, once again, serve as our in-event photographer/videographer. I very much appreciate the above-and-beyond efforts by all the volunteers.
Final Reflections and Looking Ahead
Feedback confirms that this year’s technical program successfully advanced new ideas in air emissions measurement and monitoring.
A special thank you to:
- Antoinette Chartier, Angela Hansen, Sean Warden, Robin Segall, and the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort staff, for their guidance and unwavering support.
- The SES Board of Directors and Conference Steering Committee, for entrusting me with this leadership role.
- My Co-Chair, Josh Childers, whose leadership will carry us forward into SSSAAP 2026—I strongly encourage you all to mark your calendars and plan to attend!
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Graham
2025 Conference Chair
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2025 Chair Report
2024 Chair Report
2023 Chair Report
2018 Chair Report
2017 Chair Report
2016 Chair Report
2015 Chair Report