Bergamo, November 2025 – The seventh edition of the IVS Valve Industry Think Tank was held in Bergamo (Italy) at the Confindustria Bergamo auditorium within the Kilometro Rosso Innovation District, bringing together leading representatives of the industrial valve supply chain. The event is promoted by IVS – Industrial Valve Summit, the leading international event for the Oil&Gas valve technologies and flow control solutions.
The event, titled “IVS 2026 Ahead: News, Knowledge and Strategic Networking” offered an exclusive preview of the scientific programme of the sixth edition of IVS, scheduled from 19 to 21 May 2026 at the Bergamo Exhibition Centre. The meeting, attended by over one hundred experts and key industry players, explored major topics related to technological innovation, industrial sustainability and the advancement of technical knowledge in the valve and component sector, reaffirming Italy’s role as an international hub capable of supporting the development of the industry. Special guests included engineers from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), who contributed a dynamic perspective on future challenges in the energy and industrial sectors, enriching the discussion with valuable insights for the technical-scientific community.
VALVEcampus, the Italian association dedicated to training within the industrial valve sector, served as the conference’s technical partner. Representing an area of excellence with 139 companies, around 10,000 employees and an annual turnover of €3.4 billion, the Italian industry accounts for over 36% of total European production. Lombardy stands as the heart of the sector, generating nearly two thirds of national output, with Bergamo as its key hub. Within a 100-km radius of the Province, more than 100 specialised companies operate, generating over 90% of the Italian industry’s turnover and employing more than 6,000 people.
The event opened with remarks by Claudia Persico, Vice President of Confindustria Bergamo for Internationalization, Europe, and Gender Equality, who outlined the role of Bergamo’s industrial ecosystem in the global context. Luca Pandolfi, IVS Project Manager, illustrated the Summit’s future trajectory, presenting its evolution into a platform that combines technical updates, vision and high-level networking among key industry players.
The conference dimension was outlined by Francesco Apuzzo, Chair of the IVS 2026 Scientific Committee and President of VALVEcampus, who highlighted the value of research and the integration of industrial and engineering expertise. The IVS 2026 technical programme will be structured around six main thematic areas: standardization and standards development; digital technologies applied to valves, actuation and control; valve design and materials for severe services; advanced sealing solutions for industrial valves; AI applied to mechanical design, procurement and manufacturing; additive manufacturing.
Valeria Tirelli, President & CEO of AIDRO and Ambassador of Women in 3D Printing, then provided an updated overview of 3D additive manufacturing, illustrating regulations and adoptions in the Oil & Gas fields. The focus then shifted to the new phase of geothermal energy development, thanks to contributions by William Palozzo (DG Impianti Industriali S.p.A.), Ernesto Petteruti (Chimec S.p.A.) and Piergiuseppe Fiore (Eni S.p.A.). Representatives of the SPE outlined a scenario in which Italy can play a leading role, characterised by significant opportunities, technical needs, new investments and potential impacts on the energy transition.
In the second part of the meeting, Marco Moiola of Bodycote addressed the issue of erosion and corrosion of metal surfaces in Oil & Gas plants, underscoring the importance of advanced surface treatments to improve resistance, extend component life and enhance safety and efficiency. Davide Lamoure of QUAM followed with an in-depth explanation of the physical and engineering principles behind choke valves, essential components for controlling pressure, flow and erosion under extreme operating conditions. Fabio Ferrari of Score then analysed the criticalities affecting control valves, which are crucial components in industrial systems, regulating the flow, pressure, temperature and other process variables.
The day concluded with remarks by Sissi Bellomo, journalist at “Il Sole 24 Ore,” who offered a broad reading of the Oil & Gas market, reflecting on its current phase and the outlook for a sector navigating a rapidly changing global landscape.
